Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios
Graduate-Level Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios is a collection produced by Lynn University students during their masters or doctoral degree programs.
All Lynn University masters and doctoral students are required to submit their approved dissertations, theses, capstones, and portfolios to the Lynn Library for inclusion in SPIRAL via email to Lea Iadarola. PDF format is preferred, but SPIRAL can accommodate a variety of file formats.
This collection also contains digitized versions of the printed volumes of Lynn student theses and dissertations, which were digitized in the Summer of 2017. Any personal and/or sensitive information such as resumes, contact information, and addresses has been redacted. The University Archives has retained a copy of the original, unedited scans.
Submissions from 2025
Breaking Barriers: Designing an Effective Early Intervention Process for Enhanced Developmental Outcomes in Private Schools, Breanne Kristen Cox, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2024
Reimagining Learning: Overcoming Barriers to Effective EdTech Tools Adoption in K-12 Schools, Nunzia Del Vento, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Influence of Oxidative Stress on Ion Homeostasis and Glycolysis Activation, with Implications for Neurological Health and Multiple Sclerosis, Xavier Hayes, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Challenges of the Fentanyl Epidemic: Understanding the Crisis, Analyzing the Analogs, and Investigating the Detection Methods, Sophia Hontzas, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Traditional Online Credit Recovery Programs Opposed to Accelerated Online Credit Recovery Programs for High School Students, Frances Maxwell-Baxter, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Analysis of Malarial Impact: Understanding Disease Transmission, Epidemiology, and Effects on Fetal Life, Josey Sumpter, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Lost In Translation: A Qualitative Narrative Study on the Lived Experiences of BIPOC Individuals with High-Functioning Autism Transitioning to College, Aiyeesha L. Hill, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Using a Collegiate Program to Increase College Retention and Completion Rates of First-Generation and Low-Income Students, Jerinae McCollum-Speed, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy: An Effective Alternative to Common Pharmacological Treatments for Low Back Pain, Nicole Shirman, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Vicarious Trauma in Special Education Teachers, Ashley Bascome and Lauren Malter, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Optimal Timing of Abscisic Acid Treatment in Arabidopsis Under Drought and Salt Stress, Khelia Gihozo, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Head Regeneration of Planaria from Cadmium Exposure, Natalie Gonzalez, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Gopher Tortoises in Protected Natural Areas: Effects of Natural Area Characteristics on Populations, Taryn Lagor, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Removing Barriers to Certification: Enhancing the Path for Caribbean Teachers in Florida's Grades K-8, Karen Satchell-Simpson, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
An EPCK Challenge: A Study of the Major Challenges that Certified, Nonveteran English Language Arts Elementary School Teachers in a Southeast State of the United States Face with Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Lindsay Medford-Fazio, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Mortality Index of Drosophila Melanogaster, Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Megan N. Ashworth, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Places and Spaces: The Onboarding and Retention of Black Students in K-12 Private Schools, Peter H. Boylan, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Retaining Resilient Teachers in Turbulent Times, Rachel N. Capitano and Allison L. Castellano, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Halfway Out: The Lived Experiences of Black Closeted Gay Male Educators in Predominately Black Schools, Gianna C. Faustin-McLeese, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2023
The Dangers of Staphylococcus aureus and Antimicrobial Resistance, Madison Pines, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Early Career Special Education Teacher Lived Experiences During COVID-19, Sydney Parks, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Prevalence of Diabetes in Juveniles, Tatyana Johnson, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science - Health Science
What's Up Doc? An Examination of the Lived Experiences Affecting ABD in the Ed.D. Student, Kimberly Carlo, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Low-Incidence Special Education Teachers Lived Experience Teaching During COVID-19, Christina Samone Hatcher, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Teacher Use of Computer Generated Feedback Through Online Programs, Sheena Wehr, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Post-secondary Preparation: Strategic Transition Planning for Employment Outcomes in Vocational Education for Students on the Autism Spectrum, Robin Jones, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Impact of Parent Training on Student Executive Functioning Skill Use, Nicole Tapia, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Assessing Paleoenvironmental Change of a Boca Raton Inlet Through Midden Shell Artifact Analysis, Maria Gabriella Saraiva de Almeida, Thesis, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
The Effects of Aluminum Ion Exposure on Planarian Photophobic Response to Different Wavelengths of Light, Anden J. Velez, Thesis, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Leer Para Triunfar: An Action Research Evaluating the Effects of Parent Involvement in Reading Proficiency of Third-grade ELLs, Susana Díaz Hernández and Dominique Roche Rendón, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Perceptions of Parents and School Educators on English Language Learner Education in Florida Targeting the Graduation 13-Year Rule, Ailyn Barrios Forte, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Project-Based Learning and Third Grade Literacy: Teacher Perceptions on Viability of Implementation for Content Area Instruction, Syndie White, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Effect of Athletic Participation on Academic Achievement for Private High School Students, Jeff Johnson, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Investigation of First-Year Wellness Programming in College to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels, Charlotte Muriel, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Bridging the Gap Between Teacher Efficacy and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the Private School World Language Classrooms, Cyrielle Maerten Anthony, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Getting Our Tutors Back on Track: An Examination of the Perceptions of Small Group Instruction and Engagement Strategies and the Professional Development Required, Kimberly Nicole Moore, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Factors Increasing Risk of ACL Injury in Females, Alex Cardona, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biological Science
Mind Mapped: Supporting Black Male Students Through Mindful Mentoring, Danielle Firmino and Orville Reynolds, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2022
A Needs Assessment Study for an Ongoing Professional Development Program Called Some Saint for Subs for Substitute Teachers in Florida Public School Districts, Natalie W. Saint Victor, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Understanding the Effects of Phthalate Exposure, Karen Orenshteyn, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biology
The Value of Promoting Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary School Students, Valerie Marie Hatcher, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
A Correlational Investigation of Black Females’ Education and Their Reproductive Health, Angela Marie Holliday, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Professional Development for Educational Continuity in Emergencies: The Response of Two Urban School Districts During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Crystal Amado Kucharski, Justin Arnone, Samantha Butler, Shannon Makowski, and Lucas Preble, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Autism to Higher Education: Tools for Parents, Amber L. Jordan and Shannon Emery, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Closing the Achievement Gap Among Foster Care Children, Ralph Cheriza, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Re-Imaging the Teacher Induction Program During a Pandemic, Veneise Harrell and LaTunya Gibbs, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Sickle Cell Anemia & Associated Neurological Complications: A Literature Review, Rodjmar Joseph, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biology
Tooth Agenesis, Thomas Labarias, Capstone, Master of Science (M.S.), Biology
Breaking the Cycle: Effects of Classroom-based Behavior Interventions on Disproportionate School Discipline, Gregory L. Murphy Jr., Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Teachers’ Perception of College and Career Education Exposure on Middle School Students, Francisco Jose Valverde and Joshua Davidow, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2021
Crowdsourcing Civics Instruction to Improve Student Civic Knowledge, Skills, and Citizen Engagement, Charles T. E. Jones, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
A Secondary Transition Planning Tool to Enhance the Needs of Students with Disabilities Beyond High School: Case Study, KaMyka Glenn, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Increasing Retention in Higher Education Institutions Through Competency-Based Education, JéVaughn J. Lancaster, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Tackling the Declining Number of Participants in Youth Tackle Football Through the Creation of an Awareness Website, Kristina M. Shahin, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Strengthening and Supporting Photography Education Using an Online Multi-Faceted Approach, Isidro Pentzke, Andrea Suhajcik, and Melissa Glynn, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Continuity and Sustainability in the Disability World, Jaimee Sabato, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Let Them Be Little: Teacher Perspectives on Developmental Play in Kindergarten Classrooms, Amy Michelle Towne, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Parental Strategies to Promote Mental Health in Digital Citizens of Grades 6-8, Maria Cavallo Benkirane and Iris K. Thompson, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Preparing Elementary School Teachers for the Multifaceted Profession, Laquandra Golf, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Narrowing the Achievement Gap Through Culturally Responsive Teaching, Natasha V. Forde, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Teacher Self-Care: A Guide for Educators, Jacqueline Leahy and Jamie Wolfe, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Improving Equity Through Master Scheduling, Allison deGregory and Craig Sommer, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2020
An Examination of Continuous Improvement in an Educational Organization, Billy Jacques Gira and Jennifer Malanga Martinez, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Beginning Teachers Induction Emphasizing Proactive Classroom Management Strategies, Vicki Gaddy, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
An Innovative Approach to Teacher Retention, Marc Dixon and Ruthe Francis, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
A National Crisis in Our Classrooms, Laura Ann Gomez-Green, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Significance of Employing a Comprehensive Transitional Program for Sixth Grade and its Effects on Student Anxiety and Performance, Yolanda E. Gregory, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
An Examination of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Antibias-Antiracist Curriculm in a Montessori Setting, Lucy Canzoneri-Golden and Juliet King, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Perceptions of Participation in a Mentored Title I Elementary String Instrumental Music Program, Manuel C. Capote, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
What Makes a Culturally Responsive and Competent Teacher: Perspectives of Millennials & Gen Z’s, Charlene Beckford, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Linking Kindness to Emotional Intelligence for Employee Satisfaction & Retention Through Professional Development Training, Constance Y. Lawrence, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Meant to Lead: Women, Equity, and Education, Elise R. Ecoff, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Power of Collective Teacher Efficacy: People, Process, and Product, Krista Hierholzer and Pamela McDonnough, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Perceptions of Adaptive Technology Usage in Secondary Math Classrooms, Ryan J. Benjamin, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Future of Career and Technical Education, Christopher L. Gilchrist, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Submissions from 2019
Multi-Touch Books in Higher Education: A Study of Educational Leadership and Policy for Schools of Education, Jason M. Cascio, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Aesthetics of Things, Aseel Dammas, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
W. Daniel Taylor's Digital Media Portfolio, William Daniel Taylor, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Christian Poetry Themes in My Life, Kayla Viaud, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Briana Randall's Digital Media Portfolio, Briana Randall, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Samuel (Ben) Fagan's Digital Media Portfolio, Samuel Fagan, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
What About Us? Vicarious Trauma in our “Systems”, Suzanne Spencer, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
A Study Investigating Behavior Economics and Parent Engagement to Impact the Transition to Kindergarten, Sarah Hough and Laura Carafiello, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Megan Rencurrell's Digital Media Portfolio, Megan Rencurrell, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Perceptions of Vocational Education Training Specialists and Employers of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marie-Cécile Heinze, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Developing Digital Citizens Using Social-Emotional Competencies, Anthony Panella and Meghan Quinn, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Individual Differences in Perceptions Impacting Teacher Retention in a Large Urban Public School District, Joshua J. Prieur, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Standards Based Social Emotional Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cortney D. Roberts and Marissa L. Kase, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
The Invisible Population: The Lived Experiences of Homeless College Students, Emmanuella Sainthilaire, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Valerie Hatcher's Digital Media Portfolio, Valerie Hatcher, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Words Through the Lens of Design, Julieth Link, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Best Practices of the State of Florida's Plan B Implementation for Potentially Gifted Students, Robin Niki Rothman, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
Duality, Ava Stapleton, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
The Revival of the Muscogee Creek Language through the Development of an Indigenous Language Interest Group, Tomasina Chupco Gilliam, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), with a Specialization in Educational Leadership
Sohail Alansari's Digital Media Portfolio, Sohail Alansari, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Rawan Almansor's Digital Media Portfolio, Rawan Almansor, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Yousef Alsheri's Digital Media Portfolio, Yousef Alsheri, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Abdulatif Alsuwaidan's Digital Media Portfolio, Abdulatif Alsuwaidan, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
Christian Allen's Digital Media Portfolio, Christian Allen, Portfolio, Master of Science (M.S.), Communication & Media - Digital Media
The Impact of a Neuroeducation-based Wellness Curriculum on Generation Z: Implementing Mind-Body Connection, Natalie M. Capiro, Alexandra L. Gleason, and Stefanie Powers, Dissertation, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
