This dissertation focuses on the development and testing of a conceptual framework for student motivation in mathematical discussion. Specifically, this document integrates Yackel and Cobb's (1996) framework with aspects of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), as described by Ryan and Deci (2000). Yackel and Cobb articulated the development of students' mathematical dispositions through discussion by facilitating student autonomy, incorporating appropriate social norms and co-constructing sociomathematical norms. SDT mirrors these factors and describes a similar process of self-regulation through fulfillment of the individual needs of autonomy, social relatedness, and competence. Given the conceptual overlap, this dissertation examines the connection of SDT with mathematical discussion with two studies. The first study examined the effect of student frequency of explaining mathematics on their perceived autonomy, competence and relatedness. Results of HLM analyses found that more frequent explanation of mathematics had a positive effect on students' perceived mathematics autonomy, mathematics competence, and relatedness. The second study used a triangulation mixed methods approach to examine high school geometry students' classroom discourse actions in combination with their perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results of the second study suggest a higher perceived sense of autonomy is indicative of more engagement in mathematical talk, but a measure of competence and relatedness are needed for such engagement to be fully indicative of mathematical discourse. Rather, students who lacked a measure of perceived competence or relatedness would cease participation in mathematical discussion when challenged by peers. While these results need further investigation, the results of the second study provide evidence that indicates the necessity of fulfilling all three SDT needs for engagement in mathematical discussion. Evidence from both the first and second studies presented in this dissertation provides support for the conceptual framework presented. / Ph. D.

With the unprecedented growth of the Computer Science field, there is an underlying assumption that undergraduate students would naturally gravitate towards Computer Science courses or acquire related skills, irrespective of their career interests. However, this research challenged that assumption, focusing on the experiences and attitudes of Non-Computer Science majors enrolled in Computer Science courses. The objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and attitudes of Non-Computer Science majors taking Computer Science courses. The research questions seek to uncover the factors influencing their engagement in Computer Science. This research employs a mixed-method study, starting with a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative one. Quantitative data is analyzed using factor analysis and inferential statistics, followed by thematic analysis on the qualitative data. The findings reveal that stereotypes associated with the Computer Science field are established as early as high school. These stereotypes, particularly affecting females, sometimes act as barriers, discouraging further pursuit of Computer Science. Addressing these stereotypes becomes crucial for fostering inclusivity in the field. To counteract these stereotypes, it is proposed that Computer Science and its applications should be promoted as early as freshmen year of high school. By introducing students to the field early, we can potentially mitigate the impact of stereotypes and encourage a diverse range of individuals to pursue Computer Science. Further exploration into the experiences of Computer Science majors is recommended to deepen our understanding and inform targeted interventions. / Master of Science / As Computer Science gains popularity, the assumption that all students, regardless of their career goals, naturally gravitate towards it is challenged. This study delves into the experiences and attitudes of Non-Computer Science majors taking Computer Science courses. This research aims to understand what influences Non-Computer Science majors' engagement in Computer Science, and the factors that shape their experiences and attitudes. Using a mixed-method approach, we first collect quantitative data through a survey, measuring various aspects. We then gather qualitative insights through interviews. Analyzing the quantitative data involves factor analysis and inferential statistics, while qualitative data is explored through thematic analysis. Our findings indicate that stereotypes about Computer Science are established as early as high school, often discouraging females from pursuing further education in the field. Addressing these stereotypes is crucial for fostering inclusivity. To counteract stereotypes, we propose promoting Computer Science from the freshman year of high school. By introducing students early, we can mitigate the impact of stereotypes and encourage a diverse range of individuals to explore Computer Science. Further exploration into the experiences of Computer Science majors is recommended to inform inclusive interventions.

Pre-existing diabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, can be a challenge to manage during pregnancy. Due to the increased fetal and obstetrical risks from hyperglycemia, women are advised to keep blood glucose as close to normal as possible. Diabetes distress is the negative emotional experience of managing diabetes, with prevalence between 20-50% in non-pregnant adults with diabetes. As diabetes distress during pregnancy has not been well studied, the purpose of this study was to use a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach to understand the extent and impact of diabetes distress. This was achieved by first conducting a cross-sectional quantitative study with 76 women pre-existing diabetes. Diabetes distress was measured with the Problem Area in Diabetes (PAID) Scale and a score of 40 or higher indicated high diabetes distress. Women with both types of diabetes and high and low PAID scores were recruited to the second strand, which was an interpretive description qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 women discuss their experiences of diabetes distress and managing diabetes in pregnancy. In the mixed methods analysis, it was observed that while diabetes distress was seen in 22.4% of women, the majority of women who took part in the qualitative interviews described themes of diabetes distress whether they had a high or low PAID distress score. Current diabetes distress tools are not validated for pregnancy, and qualitative findings indicate that diabetes distress during pregnancy is uniquely defined by worries for the baby. Development of a pregnancy-specific diabetes distress tool for integrated screening during pregnancy would be beneficial to better capture distress rates in this population. The counterpart to the qualitative findings of diabetes distress were findings of resiliency demonstrated by the participants. Further research is needed to better understand appropriate interventions to increase resiliency in pregnancy to mitigate diabetes distress. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes require intensive blood sugar control while they are pregnant in order to have a healthy pregnancy. While it is known that diabetes during pregnancy can be challenging emotionally, there is limited information about how diabetes distress affects this group. The aim of this thesis is to understand how many women report diabetes distress during pregnancy and how they perceive diabetes distress. This thesis includes a synthesis of the literature on mental health and psychosocial well-being, a study that administered surveys at one time during pregnancy, a study that used interviews to ask the same women about their experience of pregnancy with diabetes, and a study that mixed the survey and interview results. The results illuminate the extent to which diabetes distress affects women during pregnancy, informing future research that will help better screen for diabetes distress and improve clinical care during pregnancy.

While community gardens (CG) have emerged as a popular public health strategy to improve fruit and vegetable access and consumption, few studies provide evidence-based principles to inform the initiation and maintenance of CG. Grounded in Community-based Participatory Research and guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, this mixed methods case study explores the potential public health impact of CG in the DRR. Six CG completed harvest logs during the 2011 season. Following the growing season, CG leader key informant interviews (N=6) and CG participant focus groups were conducted (N=21) using a semi-structured script, guided by RE-AIM dimensions. The five RE-AIM dimensions and associated components were used to develop a coding matrix and identify emerging themes. Three researchers coded the transcribed interviews using a deductive approach, which included coding raw data into meaning units. The six CG yielded 811 pounds of produce. The majority of focus group participants (95%) stated they would continue CG participation. From qualitative analysis, themes emerged such as increased the number of residents participating in CG, increased consumption of produce, key characteristics of successful CG leaders and locations, programs associated with CG, and adequate funding and resources necessary for maintenance. This study provides important insights to promote the potential public health impacts of CG in the DRR. Findings provide best-practice opportunities to promote the successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance of CG in similar communities. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that family physicians believe their patients could benefit from marriage and family therapy-related care, the extent of their experiences of collaborating with family therapists, and their interest in future collaboration with family therapists. Limitations family physicians face when providing psychosocial care as well as roadblocks they face when making mental health referrals and collaborating with family therapists were also explored. Sixty-four percent of the 240 family physicians surveyed responded to the mailed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics are provided for the quantitative analysis, while content analysis was used to evaluate the qualitative data. Quantitative results revealed that family physicians do detect psychosocial concerns in patient encounters, even when those concerns are not the presenting complaint, but face limitations and roadblocks to adequately addressing these concerns. The most common form of collaboration that the respondents expressed interest in was referring out with collaborative communication continuing with the family therapist, but other forms were also identified. / Master of Science

Extending far beyond migration to a new home, the cultural, emotional, and mental plight of immigration plagues immigrants and refugees of all ages. Nonetheless, immigrant youth are commonly overlooked in acculturation studies. This mixed methods approach to arts-informed research examined the acculturation strategies adopted by immigrant and refugee youth attending community-based programs. Through the use of participant drawings, the think-aloud technique, and the Acculturation, Habits, and Interests Multicultural Scale for Adolescents (AHIMSA) instrument, this research also examines the ways in which immigrant and refugee participants communicate their cultural paradigms. The findings emerging from this study illustrate that immigrant and refugee youth cope with cultural transitions through varied approaches that integrate expressions of individuality and cultural behaviors. By exploring six key findings, this study contributes to literature examining acculturation in youth populations as it provides an analysis of cultural transition that expands beyond traditional examinations of cultural behaviors, and highlights the importance of expressing individuality, values, and interests, in the acculturation process of immigrant youth. / Ph. D. / Extending far beyond migration to a new home, the cultural, emotional, and mental plight of immigration plagues immigrants and refugees of all ages. Nonetheless, immigrant youth are commonly overlooked in acculturation studies. This mixed methods research study uses participant drawings, the think-aloud approach, and the Acculturation, Habits, and Interests Multicultural Scale for Adolescents (AHIMSA) instrument to examine the acculturation strategies adopted by immigrant and refugee youth attending community-based afterschool programs. The findings of this study suggest that immigrant and refugee youth cope with cultural transitions through varied approaches that integrate expressions of individuality and cultural behaviors. Exploring six key findings, this study contributes to the literature examining acculturation in youth populations as it provides analysis of cultural transitions that expands beyond traditional examinations of cultural behaviors and highlights the importance of expressing individuality, values, and interests.

The strong Black woman (SBW) schema is a racialized gender role characterized by emotional control, independence, and self-sacrifice. Little is known about how internalization of the SBW schema may influence Black women's romantic relationships. The current study explored the link between endorsement of the SBW schema and relationship flourishing through gender role conflict (the discrepancy between societally prescribed and personally enacted gender roles) and considered how these associations may vary based relationship type (queer or non-queer). One hundred eighty-eight Black women (Mage = 32.28, SD = 11.52 years) completed measures assessing SBW schema endorsement, gender role conflict (GRC), and relationship flourishing, as well as opened-ended questions about their romantic relationship. A mixed-method approach was used, and data was analyzed using a mediated moderation analysis utilizing PROCESS Macro and the thematic analysis method. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between the SBW schema and relationship flourishing. Additionally, GRC did not mediate the association between SBW schema and relationship flourishing, nor was that association moderated by relationship type. However, post-hoc analyses demonstrated that external GRC moderated the association between SBW schema and relationship flourishing. Themes revealed that participants experienced gender role conflict in their relationships both interpersonally (i.e., desire for boundaries, feeling disregarded, feeling prioritized, causing disagreements, and providing support) and intrapersonally (i.e., feeling unsupported, feeling emotionally and physically depleted, and feeling disconnected).

Age-related diseases such as sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass, strength, and function) and frailty are common in older adults with reduced physical mobility and, without mitigation, may lead to functional dependence, hospitalization, premature morbidity, and mortality. One approach to alleviate the secondary consequences associated with sarcopenia is through strengthening exercises. Unfortunately, participation rates in the prescribed amounts of exercise, let alone strengthening activities, among older populations are low. Older adults face several barriers to exercise participation, including a lack of access to facilities, transportation, supervision, poor weather concerns, and a fear of injury. Therefore, novel exercise approaches must be developed to improve older adults’ engagement in exercise. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore novel exercise approaches for community-dwelling older adults to improve their physical function and perceived health. In study 1, we investigated the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of a home-based, group, synchronous online exercise program delivered by health professionals through quantitative and qualitative methods. We found the synchronous online exercise intervention had preliminary effectiveness in improving symptoms of depression and life-space mobility and was shown to be feasible. Participants perceived physical and mental health benefits and identified that the health professionals contributed to the perceived safety of the intervention. In study 2, we deepened our understanding of community-dwelling older adults’ perceptions and experiences of exercise with our live online exercise program. Our findings suggest that older adults found that our synchronous online exercise program attenuates common barriers to exercise, including removing concerns about transportation and poor weather, and improves the ease of participation from their desired training location. In study 3, we employed an 18-week faded contact group-based resistance band functional training study for preclinically mobility-limited community-dwelling older adults. We determined that the resistance bands training program demonstrated that participants exceeded minimal clinically important differences in physical function assessed by the short-performance physical battery and the 4m walk test for the intervention group. Together, these studies contribute novel insights into different exercise approaches leveraging live videoconferencing technologies, group-based classes, transitional participant contact, and the use of health professionals to deliver feasible programs for engaging older adults in exercise programs. This work is novel and contributes new knowledge; it also lays a foundation for further larger trials of programs like the ones described in this thesis. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

With the recent release of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (NGSS Lead States, 2014b) science educators were expected to teach engineering content and practices within their curricula. However, technology and engineering (T&E) educators have been expected to teach content and practices from engineering and other disciplines since the release of the Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEA/ITEEA, 2000/2002/2007). Requisite to the preparation of globally competitive STEM literate individuals is the intentional, concurrent teaching of science, technology, and engineering concepts. Many studies have examined the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) (Shulman, 1987) of science and T&E educators, but none have examined the science PCK of T&E educators. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of the relationship between T&E educator’s science and T&E preparation experiences, and their teaching of science content and practices. This study, which employed a fully integrated mixed methods design (Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2006), was conducted to inform the pre- and in-service preparation needs for T&E educators. A random sample of 55 Foundations of Technology (FoT) teachers across 12 school systems within one state participated in an online survey, leading to eight teachers being purposefully selected for classroom observations. Data collected from the surveys and classroom observations were analyzed through Spearman’s rho tests to examine relationships between preparation factors and teaching of science content and practices. These data were corroborated with curriculum content analyses, classroom observations, and interview responses to validate the results. Analyses of the data across all three methods revealed significant correlations between many preparation factors and the teaching of science content and practices. Specifically the amount of high school and undergraduate physics courses, and T&E and science in-service delivered were found to have statistically significant, strong positive correlations. These findings suggest T&E educators with increased amounts of these preparation experiences can be expected to teach science content and practices more proficiently. The findings and conclusions drawn from the data analyses provide implications for science and T&E educators, researchers, preservice programs, and in-service professional development efforts. The discussion and implications suggest the need to conduct replication studies in different contexts. / Ph. D.

Consumers desire tender, juicy, and flavorful cuts of beef. Mechanical tenderization (MT) and enhancement methods applied to lower valued beef cuts can improve tenderness, flavor or juiciness, increasing desirability for the consumer. However, these processes can introduce pathogens that may be present on the exterior of the meat into the sterile interior. This process renders an ‘intact’ product ‘non-intact’ and requires altered cooking methods to ensure safety. The primary pathogens of concern for beef products are Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC are associated with approximately 265,000 illnesses and 3,600 hospitalizations annually. Since 2006, there have been 6 STEC outbreaks in the United States and 18 cases in Canada attributed to MT beef (MTB). The pathogen has also been implicated in 136 non-intact beef-related recalls. Due to the potential food safety hazards associated with MTB, mandatory labeling of these products was mandated in 2015 to inform consumers on how to safely handle the product. While this is a good step to inform consumers, it is unclear how familiar they are with the terms associated with these processes. Consumer’s knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, awareness, and behaviors related to MTBs is quite limited. This study uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, to assess consumer knowledge of MTB. Qualitative focus groups conducted throughout urban and rural North Carolina and Virginia found that although participants purchased MTBs, they were unaware of the process, did not prepare MTBs properly, wanted to know more about the process, and wanted applicable risk messages. A nationwide survey developed from the focus group findings found that demographic differences were associated with knowledge of; and how participants interact with MTBs. How demographics influence consumer’s beef safety knowledge, practices, and risky behaviors was further explored. Demographic characteristics were highly correlated with consumers’ behaviors surrounding beef storage, refrigerator temperature knowledge, defrosting behaviors, meat washing, and meat preparation behaviors. Collectively, the mixed methods research design provided insight into specific demographic characteristics related to consumer attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding beef safety. This data will help inform the development of well-crafted, culturally, and socially relevant risk messaging that may promote safe handling behaviors. / Ph. D. / In the United States, every year, the Center for Disease Control estimates that 48M people are sickened, 128,000 people are hospitalized, and 3,000 people die from foodborne illnesses. The most common illnesses arise from Salmonella, Norovirus, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli [E. coli], Listeria, and Clostridium perfringens; these bacteria and viruses have been on the news as being associated with flour recalls, cantaloupe, eggs, cheeses, berries, and even at restaurants like Chipotle! The bacteria of concern in this study is E. coli. Most E. coli is not pathogenic, and extremely common in the environment; living in mammalian (e.g. humans, cows, sheep, insects, etc.) gut and within the environment (e.g. in the soil). However, there are some pathogenic variants, like Shiga-toxin producing E. coli [STEC] that have been associated with 265,000 annual illnesses and deaths. The main reservoirs of many pathogenic E. coli are within the intestines of ruminant mammals, including cattle. If mishandled, feces can contaminate and cause human illness as a result of improper handling and preparation. The contamination can occur through meat, water, and fecal-oral routes; often, improperly cooking and handling beef products can lead to illness. In the U.S., there have been 27 multi-state STEC associated food outbreaks. While the U.S. beef industry is the largest in the world, five multi-state outbreaks were related to E. coli O157:H7 contamination in ground beef products. Additionally, between 2005 – 2018, 136 of 171 recalls were due to STEC-contaminated beef products. Non-intact beef products (e.g. ground beef) are the most commonly recalled types of beef products. Consumers purchase beef products on extrinsic (i.e. price, weight, cut) and intrinsic (i.e. color, fat, safety) factors with a desire for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Tenderization processes (e.g. mechanical tenderization) or other enhancement processes (e.g. marinades) can increase tenderness on lower-value cuts but may introduce pathogens from the exterior to the sterile interior. To prevent illness, it is necessary to prepare beef products to the recommended USDA-specified temperature using a thermometer to check. Up until this point, consumer knowledge of and behaviors towards mechanically tenderized beef products [MTB]s and other enhanced beef products had not been characterized. This study uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study design (qualitative study guides quantitative study) to assess consumer knowledge of MTBs, enhanced beef products, and food safety / beef safety handling behaviors. Focus groups conducted throughout urban and rural North Carolina and Virginia found that although participants purchased MTBs, they were unaware of the process, did not prepare them properly, wanted to know more about MTBs, and requested different ways of obtaining information. A nationwide survey developed from the focus group findings found that demographic differences were associated with knowledge of and interaction with MTBs and enhanced beef products. However, people were still generally unaware of MTBs, despite a recent 2016 labeling mandate for all MTBs. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used to further explore reported consumer’s food safety knowledge, practices, and risky behaviors in the kitchen. Demographic characteristics were highly correlated with consumers’ behaviors of beef storage, refrigerator temperature knowledge, defrosting behaviors, meat washing, and meat preparation behaviors. Collectively, the mixed methods research design provided insight into specific demographic characteristics related to consumer attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding beef safety. Additional research, alternative non-didactic strategies, and collaborations within health and public services is necessary to accommodate for specific demographics, cultures, and social groups. Well-crafted, culturally, and socially relevant targeted risk messaging must be developed to increase awareness and promote ease-of-access.