The National University System Repository exists to increase public access to research and other materials created by students and faculty of the affiliate institutions of National University System. Most items in the repository are open access, freely available to everyone.
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Item A Quantum Parallel Framework For Distributed Quantum Algorithm Execution, Architecture, Scheduling, And Industrial Case Studies Across Simulators and QPU Hardware(2026-03)With the arrival of robust error correcting quantum processors in the 5-year horizon, some sectors of the industry will require quantum computing knowledge and capabilities to stay competitive by integrating solutions with industrial grade closed loop applications. Current projections place mainstream quantum computing by 2030. Quantum computing technologies will be fundamental to maintaining competitive advantages in key technologies including cryptography, optimization, modeling quantum systems, molecular medicine, and image processing. This research develops a novel Quantum Parallel Framework (QPF) and builds the expertise to deploy quantum algorithms for distributed processing for industrial applications. This research addresses the need to develop mature quantum parallel algorithms executing in closed loop by using simulations and hardware for Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). The QPF hosts, schedules and synchronizes the execution of parallel quantum algorithms across simulators as well as IBM QPU hardware. The QPF framework is comprised of a Qiskit interface to manage communications to QPUs, C++ code and an OpenGL scene generation Graphical User Interface (GUI). The case study integrates the QPF manager framework with a Quantum Hadamard Edge Detector, Quantum Convolutional Neural Network, Quantum Charge Coupled Device, and Quantum Crypto Key Distribution algorithms. QPF parallelizes the execution of multiple QPU instances of the algorithm. Also, the QPF will compare to Quantum Interlin-q, a similar framework. In this research we explored alternate parallel processing methodologies that successfully and significantly yield better performance over classical computing. Although quantum technology is still maturing, the study provides an opportunity to explore complex distributed parallel quantum algorithms in preparation for mainstream quantum computing by 2030.Item More Than a Meal: Food as a Pathway to Healing, Connection, and Community(2026-03)This capstone explores the growing sense of disconnection experienced by many young people and considers how communal cooking and shared meals might serve as relational practices that support healing, empathy, and belonging within school environments. Historically, preparing and sharing food together functioned as a daily rhythm of family and community life, offering natural opportunities for conversation, cooperation, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. However, modern western social structures, including increased busyness, changing family routines, and the industrialization of food systems, have contributed to a decline in shared meal practices and relational time. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from psychology, sociology, education, and food studies, the literature review examines the importance of social connection for human well-being, the developmental benefits associated with shared meals, and the cultural significance of food within Mennonite traditions, Indigenous food sovereignty practices, and other communal food systems. Research on cooking interventions and experiential learning further suggests that cooking can support psychosocial well-being by fostering confidence, collaboration, resilience, and a sense of shared accomplishment. Within this context, schools emerge as important environments where relational experiences can be intentionally cultivated. Building on both the research and the author’s experience teaching a middle school foods program, this capstone suggests that foods classrooms can function as spaces where students learn not only practical life skills but also empathy, cooperation, and belonging through the shared preparation and enjoyment of food. Recommendations include reframing foods education to emphasize relational learning, creating opportunities for collaborative cooking and shared meals, and recognizing communal food experiences as accessible approaches to supporting youth connection and well-being within schools and communities.Item African American Owned Small Business: A Phenomenological Study Examining Success Strategies to Survive Five Years and Beyond(2025-12)Small businesses in the United States are vital to the economy's overall health, representing 99% of employer organizations. Small businesses provide critical resources to their communities by creating jobs, fostering economic stability, and building family wealth. However, only 49% survive for 5 years. African American owned small businesses (AAOSBs) experience the highest rates of failure compared to other racial groups and are four times less likely to succeed in business. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the skillsets and strategies required from the perspective of successful business owners in the Midwest region to help increase the survival rate of AAOSBs. AAOSBs are opening businesses faster than any other racial group, but struggle more when keeping their business open beyond 5 years. The problem identified was that AAOSB owners in the Midwest region often lacked the necessary skillsets and strategies, contributing to only 4% of AAOSBs surviving the first 5 years. The conceptual framework that guided this study was strategic planning and resource-based theory (RBT). Using a phenomenological qualitative design, data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews of 20 AAOSB owners. All participants were successful AAOSB owners in business for 5 years or longer, representing Midwest states: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The business industries included fashion design, event planning, grocery store, healthcare, hospitality, professional hairstyling, restaurants, retail, and the beauty industry. The analysis was guided by Colazzi’s seven-step method and NVivo 14. Trustworthiness was established through reflective journaling, member checking, and triangulation of data. The skillsets and strategies identified were people management, time management, goal orientation, problem-solving, continuous learning, business planning, business strategy, marketing strategy, and resource management. Positive implications included managing resources to reach goals and achieve business success. Negative implications included the inability to obtain needed resources and failure to achieve business success. Recommendations for future research included conducting a quantitative or mixed-methods study to identify specific skillsets and strategies that correlate to specific business success metrics. Practice recommendations included conducting business planning, developing business strategies, creating a business and marketing plan, and hiring skilled employees.Item Investigating How the Use of Social Media by Senior Leaders in the United States Army Has Made a Significant Impact on the Lives of Soldiers Within Their Formations.(2026-03)This mixed-methods study examined the impact of senior Army leaders’ social media use on Soldiers’ lives within their formations. While social media has enhanced communication, accessibility, and leader–Soldier engagement, concerns persist regarding its effects on operational security, unit cohesion, discipline, and mental well-being. The study sought to understand how leaders’ digital presence influences Soldiers’ perceptions, morale, and trust, and to identify measures to mitigate associated risks while strengthening professional communication. Data were collected through surveys administered to 120 Soldiers and focus group discussions with 5–8 participants per session, providing both quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings revealed a critical disconnect between the increasing reliance on social media in modern leadership and the Army’s existing framework for regulating its use. Participants acknowledged the benefits of improved communication and transparency but also highlighted significant risks, including security vulnerabilities, erosion of professionalism, and negative impacts on mental health and unit cohesion. The study concludes that leaders’ social media presence is no longer solely personal but a professional extension of leadership that directly influences organizational climate. Recommendations include strengthening policy enforcement, enhancing leader education on responsible social media use, and integrating digital leadership practices into professional military development. These findings contribute to improving leadership effectiveness and safeguarding Soldiers in an increasingly digital operational environment.Item Advancing Equity for Women and Girls with Disabilities: A Small Wins Approach for Inclusive and Rights-Based Education(2026)This Open Educational Resource (OER) presents original research titled Advancing Equity for Women and Girls with Disabilities: A Small Wins Approach for Inclusive and Rights-Based Education. The research provides the conceptual foundation for a five-unit curriculum designed for secondary and postsecondary learners, equipping students to examine barriers to inclusion and advance rights-based educational practices. The OER first outlines the research framework supporting the curriculum and then presents the instructional modules in the Appendix. Women and girls with disabilities remain among the most marginalized learners globally, facing intersecting barriers shaped by gender, disability, poverty, culture, and structural inequality. This OER examines these inequities through a global lens and proposes the Small Wins strategy as a practical, evidence-informed approach to advancing inclusive education. Drawing on international frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 5, and 10), the work illustrates how incremental changes in policy, pedagogy, and school culture can collectively expand access, agency, and educational opportunity. Designed for educators in disability studies, gender studies, global education, and human rights education, this resource provides classroom-ready models, discussion pathways, and instructional examples demonstrating how Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally sustaining pedagogy, and rights-based teaching can translate global commitments into everyday educational practice. Ultimately, the analysis highlights how sustained, strategic small wins can generate meaningful and lasting change within educational systems. The Small Wins Approach to Gender and Disabilities Curriculum consists of the following modules: Module 1: The Global Landscape of Women, Girls, and Disabilities in Education Module 2: Barriers and Intersectionality: Violence, Poverty, Culture, and Policy Module 3: The “Small Wins” Strategy: Theory and Application Module 4: Education as Empowerment: Rights, Development, and Practice Module 5: Implementation Pathways: From Policy to Practice
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