This calendar lists graduate thesis and dissertation events. Send all notices to the College of Graduate Studies at editor@ucf.edu
This dissertation explores how urban leaders can leverage urban innovation to address complex challenges and uncertainties, particularly in marginalized communities. Through three standalone articles, it reconceptualizes urban innovation as a platform for collective action, emphasizing community-driven approaches over technocratic and top-down perspectives. The research includes a pilot study on tactical urbanism and two systematic reviews on urban innovation governance and …
Graduate Thesis and DissertationAccurate and stable frequency references are essential for most electrical systems. While quartz oscillators are precise, they cannot be miniaturized for higher frequencies. This makes MEMS resonators an attractive alternative due to their small size and low power consumption despite their relatively large frequency drift over temperature. This research proposes a novel solution for silicon-based MEMS devices that offer low-frequency …
Graduate Thesis and DissertationVirtual humans and avatars have become integral components of immersive technologies, shaping various aspects of virtual worlds. This dissertation investigates the nuanced interactions between user demographics and virtual avatars, exploring their impact on perception, embodiment, and persuasive communication. The first study investigates the effectiveness of different speech fidelity levels in virtual humans, revealing gender-dependent perceptions of trustworthiness. Building on this, …
Graduate Thesis and DissertationThe purpose of this study was to examine English learner’s (EL) performance trends on the PSAT 8/9, a college readiness examination. A second purpose was to compare the performance of ELs to their non-EL peers and to ELs with disabilities. The study analyzed if there were differences in achievement scores in mathematics and evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) scores of …
Graduate Thesis and DissertationChildhood trauma, often referred to as America’s hidden crisis, significantly impacts the learning and behavior of students with disabilities (SWD). SWD who experience or witness trauma face challenges related to discipline, academic achievement, absenteeism, and social and emotional well-being. The National Survey on Children’s Health (2021) reported that 16.3% of children served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have …
Graduate Thesis and Dissertation