This study presents and describes the events which comprise the history of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus from its organizaton in 1939, through 1979, the completion of its fourth decade of service. The document provides the reader with detailed information on how the group originated, its development as a community, non-profit, educational organization, and its rise to prominence, in its first forty years, as a nationally and internationally recognized performing choir. This dissertation is based on oral history as recorded by former chorus members, directors, parents and officials of the organization as well as from historical records in the archives of the Boys Chorus. The scope of this study includes an investigation and description of the events associated with the founding of the organization with specific attention given to each of the first four decades. Also included is a discussion of the three directors, Eduardo Caso (1939-1965), Jeffrey R. Haskell (1965-1975), John Stuart Davis (1975-1979), and other aspects of the Chorus. A general historical overview of boy choirs is included to establish a framework for placing the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus in an appropriate context. The reader will find events summarized in chart form in an appendix. Other appendices detail documents associated with the organization, forms used in the research, Chorus repertoire, and a roster of assistant directors and accompanists.

A Thesis submitted to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine. / Background: One out of every three cancer diagnoses is a skin cancer, and the incidence of both melanoma and non‐melanoma type skin cancers is increasing. Skin cancers, including melanoma, are typically treatable if detected early. However, there is insufficient evidence to support recommendations to establish population based skin cancer screening programs. The specific aims of this study are 1) to evaluate characteristics of participants who attend a community skin cancer screening event and who are referred for follow up due to suspicious lesions, 2) to determine the proportion of participants with suspicious lesions identified at a community skin cancer screening event who complied with a request to visit a dermatologist or primary care physician, and 3) to evaluate attitudes toward sun protection practices, and perceived risk of developing skin cancer among participants who attend a community skin cancer screening and have a suspicious skin lesion. Methods: The Skin Cancer Institute sponsored a series of community skin cancer screening events in Tucson, Arizona from 2006 to 2013. Participants completed an American Academy of Dermatology screening form prior to a skin examination by a dermatologist. Participants with suspicious lesions identified at the examination who agreed to be contacted again received questionnaires 4 months after the initial screening to assess compliance with follow‐up recommendations, and their sun protection practices and risk perceptions. Results: 1979 community members attended the skin cancer screenings. The majority of the participants were Caucasian, females, had blue eyes and brown hair, were college educated, had no prior personal or family history of skin cancer, had health insurance but did not have a regular dermatologist, reported that they had never been to a skin cancer screening before, and stated that without this screening that they would not have their skin examined. 748 (37.8%) of community members were referred and instructed to see a dermatologist for further evaluation of a skin lesion. Of the 441 participants with a suspicious lesion who consented to participate in the follow‐up study, 120 returned a questionnaire; 90 (75%) reported that they followed up with a dermatologist or physician, and 30 (25%) did not. Of the 90 participants who followed up, 53% received a skin biopsy. The self reported diagnoses from the biopsies of the suspicious skin lesions were the following: 1% atypical or dysplastic nevus, 21% actinic keratosis, 16% basal cell carcinoma, 8% squamous cell carcinoma, 2% melanoma, and 38% did not have skin cancer. Conclusions/Impact: This study demonstrated that 38% of community skin cancer screening participants were referred for follow up due to a suspicious skin lesion being identified during a skin cancer screening event. It also appeared that 75% of those who responded to the follow‐up questionnaire complied with the request within four months, although the response rate for the follow‐up questionnaire was low. Therefore, implementing a formal reminder system following the skin cancer screenings may increase the percentage of participants who follow up with a primary care physician or dermatologist after the screening for further evaluation of their suspicious skin lesion.

Class of 2013 Abstract / Specific Aims: The objective of this study was to examine the availability of immunizations in community pharmacies and the out-of-pocket cost for those immunizations. Methods: Twelve community pharmacies in the Tucson area were examined and one pharmacist in each store was asked to complete a questionnaire. This questionnaire aimed to determine individual immunizations offered at each pharmacy and the out-of-pocket cost for those immunizations. Main Results: Differences in the availability and cost of immunizations were compiled for each category of community pharmacy. The categories included Supermarket/grocery store, chain, Mass merchant/big box, and independent pharmacy. Seven of the twelve (58%) pharmacies included in the analysis participated in pharmacist-based immunizations. Three out of the four (75%) supermarket based pharmacies, both chain pharmacies, and two of the four (50%) mass merchant pharmacies, provided immunizations. Neither of the independent pharmacies included in the analysis provided immunizations. The pharmacies that did not currently provide immunizations, none had plans in the future to provide immunizations. There were no other non-prescription immunizations provided at the pharmacies in the study. All seven pharmacies that provided immunization services stated they would accept insurance and only one of the chain pharmacies had a walk in clinic. Conclusion: Overall this study demonstrated that there are differences associated with cost and availability of immunization services offered between pharmacies. Further research is needed to determine what hinders community pharmacy from offering immunization services and how to develop a form of commonality between all immunizations offered.

Sustainable Built Environments Senior Capstone Project / This thesis attempts to analyze the prevalence of native and non-native trees used in distinct Tucson residential subdivisions, the total number of trees in each neighborhood, as well as the dominant landscape style and tree species present. The overall concept is to make comparative analyses with the collected data and identify trends within the context of historic development, landscape aesthetic ideals, and environmental resource sustainability. This analysis will serve as a tool for community discussion and ultimately allow for recommendations to be made with the goal of increasing the sustainability of residential landscapes through the benefits of native trees.

Class of 2014 Abstract / Specific Aims: Fifth and 6th grade students at two schools in Tucson, Arizona were assessed using the Rapid Estimate of Adolescent Literacy in Medicine (REALM-Teen) to increase awareness of the need of childhood health literacy. Methods: After receiving permission from the two schools, the parents and the students, assessment by the REALM-Teen determined if the children were at, above, or below grade level. Main Results: Ninety-eight students were assessed of 183 possible (53.6%). Eighty-four were at or above grade level (85.7%), 14 were below (14.3%). Fifty-seven 5th graders were assessed of 90 (63.3%); of the 46 (of 72) in public school, 40 were at or above grade level (86.9%) and 6 were below (13.1%); of the 11 (of 18) in private school,9 were at or above grade level (81.8%) and 2 were below (18.2%). Forty-one 6th graders were assessed of 93 (44.1%); of the 34 (of 84) in public school, 28 were at or above grade level (82.4%) and 6 were below (17.6%); of the 7 (of 9) in private school 7 were at or above grade level (100%). Chi-square analyses showed no statistical significance between health literacy outcomes and gender, school type or prior health knowledge. Conclusion: Most (85.7%) students assessed were at grade level or higher for health literacy, which supports standards being taught and reached. That 14 students fell below grade level at the time of assessment as well as the high percentage of students not assessed (46.4%) emphasizes need for more health education and assessment.

Aquifers in the arid alluvial basins of the southwestern U.S. are recharged predominantly by infiltration from streams within the basins and by water entering along the margins of the basins from surrounding mountains (mountain -front recharge). The Tucson Basin of Southeastern Arizona is such a basin. The Santa Catalina Mountains form the northern boundary of this basin and receive more than twice as much precipitation (about 70 cm/yr) as the basin does (about 30 cm/yr). In this study environmental isotopes were employed to investigate the migration of precipitation basinward through joints and fractures. Water samples were obtained from springs in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Stable isotopes and thermonuclear bomb-produced tritium enabled qualitative characterizations of flow paths and flow velocities. Stable isotopic measurements fail to display a direct altitude effect. Tritium values indicate that although a few springs discharge pre-bomb water, most springs discharge waters from the 1960's or later.