Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection

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    Vaccine Hesitancy, Trust, and Institutional Relationships: An Interpretive Description Study of Parental Experiences with the Immunization of School Pupils Act in Ontario

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Koopman, Nathan Richard, Thesis advisor (ths): Buck-McFadyen, Ellen, Degree committee member (dgc): Braithwaite, Suzanne, Degree committee member (dgc): Woodend, Kirsten, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Vaccine hesitancy continues to influence public health practice in Ontario, particularly within a system that requires parents to complete non-medical exemptions under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990. The purpose of this study was to explore how vaccine-hesitant parents understand their decisions and navigate institutional processes during the exemption pathway. Using Thorne… more

    Challenging Ageism and Supporting Age-Based Equity through an Intergenerational University Classroom: Proposing a Revised Model of Age-Consciousness

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Wells, Tabytha, Thesis advisor (ths): Russell, Elizabeth, Degree committee member (dgc): Skinner, Mark W, Degree committee member (dgc): O'Hagan, Fergal, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Ageism is pervasive and harmful, creating an urgent need to understand how ageist attitudes can be improved. Building on the novel age-conscious student concept, this thesis explored the outcomes of a pilot intergenerational classroom, aimed at reducing ageism, that integrated 13 older community participants into a university-based psychology of aging course alongside 60 younger students… more

    Multi-Task Learning for Humanitarian Demining Operations: A Comparative Analysis of Perception Algorithms

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Broderick, Waun Iree, Thesis advisor (ths): McConnell, Sabine, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into machine learning approaches forlandmine detection using thermal imagery. It addresses both classification and precise lo-
    calization challenges that are integral for humanitarian demining operations. The research
    encompasses two complementary methodological frameworks: comparative evaluation of
    traditional machine learning versus… more

    Understanding Nurses' Use of Activity-Based Interventions for People Living with Dementia in Acute Care

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Peddar, Shawna, Thesis advisor (ths): Woodend, Kirsten, Thesis advisor (ths): Cable-Williams, Beryl, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Older adults with dementia experience higher rates of hospitalization than those without dementia, yet nurses in acute care frequently feel unprepared to support patients with responsive behaviours using non-pharmacological approaches. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses' using activity-based interventions, such as colouring, word games, therapeutic dolls… more

    Bridging Behaviour and Mechanism in Relief Learning in Rats: A Combined Behavioural, Molecular, and Chemogenetic Approach

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Thivierge, Lexi, Thesis advisor (ths): Fournier, Neil M., Degree committee member (dgc): Lehmann, Hugo, Degree committee member (dgc): Melvin, Neal, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Maladaptive fear can develop when nonthreatening stimuli are misinterpreted as dangerous. While fear extinction has been extensively studied, organisms can also learn safety through relief learning, in which cues signalling the termination of an aversive event acquire positive value. Although the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is implicated in regulating responses to threat and safety… more

    Is There a Relationship Between Freezing and Executive Function In People Living with Parkinson's Disease?

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Steinke, Leah Jade, Thesis advisor (ths): Brown, Liana E, Degree committee member (dgc): Paquette, Sebastien, Degree committee member (dgc): Henriques, Denise, Degree committee member (dgc): Fournier, Neil, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Freezing is a debilitating phenomenon that reduces quality of life for people withParkinson's disease (PwPD). This study tests the hypothesis that: 1) freezing is linked to
    executive dysfunction; 2) freezing is a global motor phenomenon, not limited to gait. We
    compared 14 PwPD to 16 controls. Several aspects of executive function were measured
    using pro- and anti-saccade tasks… more

    Freezing in Parkinson's Disease: A Reaching Study

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Stevenson, Jennifer, Thesis advisor (ths): Brown, Liana E, Degree committee member (dgc): Peters, Kevin R, Degree committee member (dgc): Forman, Davis, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Freezing of gait is a debilitating symptom affecting individuals with Parkinson's disease. Emerging evidence suggests freezing may represent a global motor control deficit beyond gait. We investigated freezing episodes in the upper limbs using spatially-constrained reaching tasks known to elicit freezing of gait. Fourteen people with Parkinson's disease and 13 controls… more

    Understanding the Relationships Between Land Disturbance, Mercury and Fishing Practices in the Moose Cree Territory: A Foundation for Risk Assessment

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Miceli, Emily Jane, Thesis advisor (ths): Buell, Mary-Claire, Thesis advisor (ths): Hintelmann, Holger, Degree committee member (dgc): Furgal, Chris, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The ᐃᓕᓕᐗᔅᑭᔾ | Ililiwaskiy (Moose Cree First Nation Territory) in Ontario's James Bay region has long faced industrial impacts on its ecosystems. Community concerns about mercury in culturally important fish prompted an interdisciplinary study bringing together chemical analysis and community knowledge. Researchers partnered with Moose Cree members through workshops, training, and… more

    Surface-Initiated Polymerization Carbon Substrate: Polymer Brush Optimization and Adsorption of Naphthenic Acids in OSPW

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Carr, Teagan A, Thesis advisor (ths): Vreugdenhil, Andrew J, Degree committee member (dgc): Zenkina, Olena V, Degree committee member (dgc): Katz, Michael J, Degree committee member (dgc): Stewart, Kate, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This thesis presents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of activated carbon polyacrylamide (AC-PAM) composites for oil sands tailings remediation, integrating flocculation and adsorption functionalities. Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was employed to graft high molecular weight PAM brushes onto petroleum coke and commercial activated carbon, with SARA… more

    Belowground plant strategies for improved carbon sequestration in diversified agroecosystems

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Cassidy, Aleisha, Thesis advisor (ths): Borden, Kira, Degree committee member (dgc): Watkinson, Autumn, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Diversified agroecosystems supporting greater genetic, structural, and functional diversity improve soil health and ecosystem function. However, there is limited understanding of how multiple forms of diversification, such as mixing cover crop species and adding arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), alter belowground carbon supply to soil. In a controlled environment experiment using… more

    Moderate Temperature Synthetic Graphitization of Petroleum Coke with Magnesium and Raney Nickel Alloy

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Nethma Thejani Dissanayake, Thesis advisor (ths): Vreugdenhil, Andrew J., Degree committee member (dgc): Bradac, Carlo, Degree committee member (dgc): Easton, Brad, Degree committee member (dgc): Ouzilleau, Philippe, Degree committee member (dgc): Vreugdenhil, Andrew J., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Petroleum coke (petcoke) is a waste by-product of the upgrading process in the oil refining industry. It has limited utility in other areas of application.1 High carbon content (over 85 wt.%), low ash content, and softness make petcoke a potentially valuable precursor for graphitization, where amorphous carbon can be transformed into graphitic carbon. The synthetic production of graphite… more

    Exposure to Stress During Adolescence Alters Safety Learning and Emotional Behaviours that Persist into Adulthood

    Year: 2026, 2026
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Silver, Gillian, Thesis advisor (ths): Fournier, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Lehmann, Hugo, Degree committee member (dgc): Menard, Janet, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Stress during adolescence has profound effects on psychological, behavioral, and neurobiological outcomes in adulthood. This study investigates the impact of adolescent stress on safety learning, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, and associated neurocircuitry using a rat model. Adolescent male Long Evans rats underwent an unpredictable intermittent stress regimen, followed by… more

    The biogeochemical effects of non-industrial wood ash application on ecosystem regeneration in central Ontario

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bewsh, Victor Michael, Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun A, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric PS, Degree committee member (dgc): Watkinson, Autumn D, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Decades of sulphur and nitrogen deposition acidified forest ecosystems across northeastern North America causing declines in pH and exchangeable base cation concentrations, negatively affecting biota. To assist natural recovery, researchers are investigating using alkaline soil amendments such as wood ash. However, much remains unknown about its use. This thesis evaluated the effects of… more

    Dissolved organic matter composition as a driver of greenhouse gas emissions in lakes

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Lau, Vincent, Thesis advisor (ths): Tanentzap, Andrew, Degree committee member (dgc): Emilson, Erik, Degree committee member (dgc): Stock, Naomi, Degree committee member (dgc): Moorthy, Arun, Degree committee member (dgc): Braga, Lucas, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Climate-driven permafrost thaw releases microorganisms and dissolved organic matter (DOM) into northern lakes, where their interactions with microbial communities and seasonal processes shape greenhouse gas emissions. In a factorial experiment mixing DOM and microbes from thermokarst ponds and lakes, we found that both DOM and microbial identity strongly influenced degradation. Lake… more

    Changes in Pain Sensitivity in the Amygdala Kindling Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Xiao, Evana, Thesis advisor (ths): Fournier, Neil M, Degree committee member (dgc): Paquette, Sebastien, Degree committee member (dgc): Dotta, Blake, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Pain conditions occur at an increasing rate alongside people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and can include chronic headaches, migraines, and neuropathic pain. In order to begin to understand the concurrence, this experiment aimed to investigate the effect of long-term amygdala kindling, a model of TLE, on the affective and nociceptive components of pain in rats. Formalin-induced… more

    Method Development of Compound Specific Isotope Ratio Measurement of Methylmercury in Sediment by Multicollector - ICP - MS

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Willsie, Adelheid, Thesis advisor (ths): Hintelmann, Holger, Degree committee member (dgc): Canario, João, Degree committee member (dgc): Dang, Huy, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This work presents a new online method using gas chromatography coupled to the multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer for methylmercury (MMHg) isotope ratio measurement. An extraction method using distillation was developed that effectively extracted MMHg from up to 5 grams of sediment, imparting no isotope fractionation on MMHg during extraction. Isotope ratios from… more

    Rare earth and trace element geochemistry in Ontario agricultural soils

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Wetzl, Ruby J., Thesis advisor (ths): Thompson, Karen A., Thesis advisor (ths): Dang, Huy, Degree committee member (dgc): Watmough, Shaun, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Agriculture may result in soil disturbances, including contamination by rare earth elements (REE) and trace elements (TEs) from agricultural inputs (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides). Regulations concerning agricultural inputs currently do not consider TE background concentrations, concurrent use of inputs, and emerging contaminants. Therefore, they may not sufficiently protect against TE… more

    Naturalizing Naturalization: Accounting for Naturalization in Ecology and Ecological Management

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Weissflog, Nicholas, Thesis advisor (ths): Sager, Eric PS, Thesis advisor (ths): Whillans, Thomas H, Degree committee member (dgc): Beresford, David V, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This thesis presents a case of the aquatic plant species Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) significantly naturalizing in Kasshabog Lake in bays where it had been invasive. This significant naturalization presents major implications for invasive species management and invasion biology because the naturalization of invasive species is a phenomenon that has been largely omitted from study… more

    Factors Affecting Nest Survival and Nest Site Selection for the Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Brown, Courtland Weston, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Thesis advisor (ths): Christie, Katie, Degree committee member (dgc): Smith, Paul A., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) is a steeply declining shorebird that breeds across boreal North America. I studied nest survival in Anchorage, Alaska, USA and Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and nest site selection factors in Churchill. Nests were monitored at each site and daily nest survival rates (DSR) were calculated based on a maximum likelihood approach. Overall nest survival… more

    What caring for a child who died was like for me: My experience of pediatric patient death as a new graduate nurse

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McLean, Meghan, Thesis advisor (ths): McIntosh, Michele, Degree committee member (dgc): Poole, Jennifer, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>I utilized analytical autoethnography to analyze and interpret my own experience of what caring for a child that died was like for me within the academic and institutional culture that I was educated and trained in (Chang, 2008). Themes of lack of preparedness, relationships, loss and emotion, death denial, and lasting impacts and growth were identified. Pediatric death and dying… more

    Habitat patch size and breeding site quality drive relative abundance of Ambystoma salamander larvae

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McDonald, Jordan, Thesis advisor (ths): Hossie, Thomas J, Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis, Degree committee member (dgc): Wilson, Chris, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Amphibian biodiversity is in global decline, driven primarily by habitat loss and fragmentation arising from landcover alteration. For pond-breeding amphibians, larval abundance should be governed by aquatic breeding site quality, surrounding terrestrial habitat characteristics, and proximity to neighbouring populations. If safeguarding salamander populations is a priority, conservation… more

    The Impact of Unit Design on Family Experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kingston General Hospital

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): McGregor Hughes, Hillary Marie, Thesis advisor (ths): Gilmer, Cyndi, Degree committee member (dgc): Braithwaite, Suzanne, Degree committee member (dgc): Sims, Jaime, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The involvement of families in the care of their infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may be influenced by the unit environment (O'Brien et al., 2013). The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of the open pod NICU through the research question: What is the impact of unit design in the NICU at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) on the lived experiences of… more

    Comparative Analysis of Financial Distress Prediction Models: Evidence from African Industries

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Ackuayi, Stephen Makafui, Thesis advisor (ths): Cater, Bruce, Thesis advisor (ths): Parker, James, Degree committee member (dgc): Cater, Bruce, Degree committee member (dgc): Parker, James, Degree committee member (dgc): Pollanen, Marco, Degree committee member (dgc): Kam, Eric, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Accurately forecasting financial distress in companies is crucial in the turbulent economic conditions of our time. This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating qualitative data into financial distress prediction models. The study assessed the relative effectiveness of traditional distress prediction models against integrated models, determined which variables… more

    Modeling and Clustering of Climate Change Variables in Canada

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Adenuga, Alex, Thesis advisor (ths): Burr, Wesley, Degree committee member (dgc): Shin, Hwashin H, Degree committee member (dgc): Takahara, Glen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Climate change is a global challenge with profound environmental, health, andsocio-economic implications. Canada's diverse geography offers a unique lens to study
    localized climate trends. This thesis models and clusters climate variables, focusing
    on temperature trends, using Bayesian hierarchical models and clustering techniques
    to uncover regional patterns and health impacts.… more

    Microplastic Contamination in the Canadian Arctic, Iqaluit, Nunavut

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Evans, Kelly, Thesis advisor (ths): Aherne, Julian, Degree committee member (dgc): Jantunen, Liisa, Degree committee member (dgc): McKenna-Neuman, Cheryl, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Microplastics are intricate plastic particles (&lt;5 mm in length) with complex chemical mixtures that are pervasive globally. Nonetheless, our understanding of microplastic contamination in the Canadian Arctic is limited. Therefore, this thesis aimed to investigate the concentration and characteristics of microplastics in and surrounding the community of Iqaluit, Nunavut. Our… more

    A Novel Approach to Investigating Stress-Pain Hypersensitivity

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Johnston, Kirkland, Thesis advisor (ths): Fournier, Neil M, Degree committee member (dgc): Smith-Chant, Brenda, Degree committee member (dgc): Tobin, Stephanie W, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>It is well known that pain can heighten sensitivity to stimuli that signal threat in most species. In rodents, exposure to predator odor, such as 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), induces anxiety and alters pain sensitivity. This study explored the effect of predator odor stress on mechanical pain sensitivity in a rat model of acute inflammatory pain induced by suboptimal… more

    What's it Take to Get a Novel Metaphor Around Here? Exploring Potential Contributors to Novel Metaphor Production

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Johnston, Kiera, Thesis advisor (ths): Im-Bolter, Nancie, Degree committee member (dgc): Agostino, Alba, Degree committee member (dgc): Arsalidou, Marie, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Metaphors are a ubiquitous component of communication, which are either conventional (familiar) or novel phrases. Metaphors are useful for discussing abstract concepts such as emotions that can be difficult to discuss literally, and as such benefit social relationships (Nippold et al., 2017). Research on contributors to novel metaphor production is limited and previous methodologies have… more

    Running the Yellow Light: Consent Negotiation Strategies Amongst BDSM versus non-BDSM Practising Individuals

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Johnson, Jessica R, Thesis advisor (ths): Humphreys, Terry P, Thesis advisor (ths): O'Hagan, Fergal T, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Prevailing rates of sexual violence have necessitated research on sexual consentcommunication to remedy these issues. Research has found that individuals possess sophisticated
    knowledge of consent, and that discrepancies between people's attitudes and behaviours are
    resulting in sexual violence and compliance behaviours. The BDSM community–with its greater
    diversity and effective… more

    Electroactive Supramolecular Systems for Informed Electrochemical Sensor Development

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Quintero Arias, Carlos, Thesis advisor (ths): Martic, Sanela, Degree committee member (dgc): Keske, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>In an effort to improve upon existing analytical methods, electrochemical sensors offer portable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional lab-based techniques. Recent advances in supramolecular chemistry offer a unique alternative to achieve high selectivity while also benefitting from facile scaling for mass production. Thus, by incorporating host-guest chemistry with electrochemical… more

    Controlling the Radical Polymerization of Polyacrylamide from the Surface of Activated Carbon for Flocculation Applications

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Reyes, Kyle Matthew Dabu, Thesis advisor (ths): Vreugdenhil, Andrew J, Degree committee member (dgc): Keske, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Zenkina, Olena V, Degree committee member (dgc): Adronov, Alex, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The oil sands industry is producing large volumes of tailings waste reaching 2 billion cubic meters by 2034 In this study, the industrial standard flocculant, high molecular weight PAM, was grafted from the surface of activated carbon (AC). This material was designed to increase the flocculant's hydrophobicity and density. Different molecular weight PAM was grafted from AC with… more

    Variable Sensitivity of Growth Rate to Calcium Limitation and Sodium Chloride Toxicity Tolerance Among Populations of Daphnia pulicaria from Kawartha Highland Lakes

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Cook, Sarah Katelyn, Thesis advisor (ths): Frost, Paul C, Degree committee member (dgc): Shafer, Aaron BA, Degree committee member (dgc): Hossie, Thomas J, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Calcium (Ca) limitation and sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity tolerance are potential controllers of Daphnia populations. D. pulicaria neonates collected from 14 Kawartha Highland lakes were exposed to 6 Ca concentrations (0.5-5.0 mg Ca L-1) over 6 days. We did not find differences in maximum mass-specific growth rate or half-maximum thresholds between source lakes. Growth rates were… more

    DNA methylation and phenotypic variation in three North American large mammals

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Czajka, Natalie, Thesis advisor (ths): Shafer, Aaron B.A., Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph M., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>DNA methylation (DNAm) is a useful indicator of phenotypic expression and diversity, and can potentially inform adaptations to environmental changes. This thesis uses epigenetic techniques to investigate the mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation in white-tailed deer, black bear, and mountain goat, with a particular focus on age and body size. In the second chapter, we aimed to… more

    Connecting Entanglement Entropy Growth and Local Integrals of Motion in the Disordered Fermi-Hubbard Model

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Nokhostin Helm, Ahad, Thesis advisor (ths): Wortis, Rachel, Degree committee member (dgc): Atkinson, Bill, Degree committee member (dgc): Gaspari, Franco, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>We study a one-dimensional Fermi-Hubbard model with disorder in charge and spin degrees of freedom. We calculate the time dependence of the entanglement entropy. While previous research on disordered interacting systems has typically focused on systems with either charge or spin, our model enables us to explore the interplay between charge and spin in shaping the behavior of entanglement… more

    Optimized Large Language Model for Hate Speech Detection

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Obinwanne, Uchechukwu Emmanuel, Thesis advisor (ths): Feng, Wenying, Degree committee member (dgc): Alam, Omar, Degree committee member (dgc): Xu, Simon, Degree committee member (dgc): Parker, James, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), have provided powerful tools for Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks like sentiment analysis. However, their fine-tuning and deployment present challenges, specifically in terms of computational efficiency and high training costs. To address these challenges, this work applies optimization… more

    Performance of Time Series Interpolation Algorithms in the Presence of Noise

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Niksefat, Roxana, Thesis advisor (ths): Burr, Wesley Dr, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The spectral properties of time series data reveal underlying processes but require complete datasets, often unavailable due to missing values and irregular sampling.This thesis uses a computational simulations framework to evaluate the perfor- mance of the Hybrid Wiener Interpolator [3], a novel method designed to reconstruct nonstationary time series data, thus making said data… more

    The Localization and Functional Characterization of a DNAJC5-like Protein in Dictyostelium discoideum

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Singh, Jagjot, Thesis advisor (ths): Huber, Robert, Degree committee member (dgc): Bates, Holly, Degree committee member (dgc): Rafferty, Steven, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>DNAJC5, an HSP40 member, supports synaptic vesicle release and protein folding byactivating HSP70 ATPase activity. In humans, it localizes to presynaptic terminals and
    endomembrane compartments that are involved in protein trafficking. Mutations in DNAJC5
    cause CLN4 disease, a rare adult-onset Batten disease. Dictyostelium discoideum, a model for
    neurodegenerative research, encodes a… more

    Living with Lyme Disease Symptoms: Experiences and Adaptive Practices

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Sirohi, Naina, Thesis advisor (ths): Omar, Abeer, Thesis advisor (ths): Wahid, Rasha, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, presents major diagnostic and treatment challenges due to its diverse symptoms and often ambiguous progression. Despite growing awareness, many patients face misdiagnosis, dismissal, and inadequate care—especially in North America, where brief treatment guidelines may fail to address persistent symptoms. This qualitative study used a… more

    Development of Models for Air Pollution-Related Public Health Assessment: Application of Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network for Short-term Exposure Effect

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Han, Huawei, Thesis advisor (ths): Burr, Wesley, Degree committee member (dgc): Parker, James, Degree committee member (dgc): Shin, Hwashin, Degree committee member (dgc): Chan-Reynolds, Michael, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This thesis develops an Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network model to assess the relationship between ambient air pollutant exposure and public health risks, accommodating both linear and nonlinear associations with distributed lags.The research makes three key contributions. First, Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) methods identify the most relevant air pollutants and their… more

    Psychological Adjustment and Psychological Flexibility Following Sport-related Concussion

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Pownall, Emma, Thesis advisor (ths): Brown, Liana E, Thesis advisor (ths): O'Hagan, Fergal, Degree committee member (dgc): Brenner, Ingrid, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>An athlete's psychological response to a sports-related concussion may influence thesuccess of recovery and return to play. This exploratory study explored how athletes
    psychologically respond to concussion, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to
    examine the role of psychological flexibility in recovery and return to play. Thirty
    athletes who experienced a concussion in the past… more

    Functional Role of 97R in Host Cell Modulation during Frog Virus 3 Infection

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bansal, Lakshika, Thesis advisor (ths): Brunetti, Craig R, Degree committee member (dgc): Tobin, Stephanie, Degree committee member (dgc): Yee, Janet, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Frog virus 3 (FV3) belongs to the genus Ranavirus within the Iridoviridae family.Its 105,903 base genome encodes 98 open reading frames (ORFs), including ORF 97R, a
    putative apoptosis regulator sharing 31% structural similarity with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-
    2 family protein, myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1). 97R contains a BH1 domain,
    implicated in apoptosis regulation, and a predicted C-… more

    Tamil Canadians Caregiving Experiences Caring for Older Adults with Dementia at Home

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Parama Thayanithi, Sumathi, Thesis advisor (ths): Omar, Abeer, Degree committee member (dgc): Wahid, Rasha, Degree committee member (dgc): Cable-Williams, Beryl, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This study examines the experiences of Tamil Canadian caregivers providing home care for older adults with dementia, highlighting their unique challenges. Grounded in a social constructivist and phenomenological approach, the qualitative research explores the influence of social, cultural, and familial expectations on caregiving roles. Semi-structured interviews with ten Tamil Canadian… more

    Effects of a Topographical Gradient on Food Availability, Nest Site Selection, Nest Initiation, and Nest Success for Two Small, Low Arctic Breeding Bird Species

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bonnett, Sarah, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Thesis advisor (ths): Smith, Paul A, Degree committee member (dgc): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Smith, Paul A, Degree committee member (dgc): Brown, Glen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Climate change affects birds' reproductive ecology by altering breeding timing, distribution, and habitat suitability. Snowmelt patterns complicate these changes affecting habitat availability and suitability for birds and their arthropod prey. Snow varies as a function of both large-scale climate patterns and local-scale topography. I used elevational gradients as a proxy for local… more

    Guidance for Healthcare Professionals when Caring for People Who Use Drugs: A Perspective from Persons Who Use Drugs: A Scoping Review

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Brandsma, Julia, Thesis advisor (ths): Woodend, Kirsten, Thesis advisor (ths): Thibeault, Catherine, Degree committee member (dgc): King, Carolyn, Degree committee member (dgc): Churipuy, Donna, Degree committee member (dgc): Bedore, Christopher, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Individuals who use drugs face stigma in healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes and limited treatment access. This scoping review aims to provide healthcare professionals with key evidence needed for delivering acceptable care from the perspective of those who use drugs. A Lived Experience Advisory Panel determined what contributions represented the perspective of people who use… more

    Rethinking Assessment: Students' Experiences, Learning Approaches, and Motivations in University Exams

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bodrug, Thomas Edward, Thesis advisor (ths): Keefer, Kateryna K, Degree committee member (dgc): Peters, Kevin R, Degree committee member (dgc): Celestini, Ann M, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This thesis aimed to explore students' perspectives on university exams in two studies. Using a phenomenological approach, Study 1 recruited 10 senior undergraduate students to participate in semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis revealed key themes related to exam purpose, effectiveness, fairness, and emotional responses. These insights informed the development of a… more

    Stand at Attention! Examining Postural Effects on Attention

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Bolzon, Jenna M, Thesis advisor (ths): Chan-Reynolds, Michael G, Degree committee member (dgc): Brown, Liana E, Degree committee member (dgc): Treccani, Barbara, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Office workers consistently report greater productivity in the workplace when standing compared to sitting (Chambers et al., 2019; MacEwan et al., 2015; Mantzari et al., 2018). In contrast, laboratory studies report inconsistent evidence that posture (sitting vs. standing) affects cognitive performance, usually operationalized as selective attention (Caron et al., 2020; 2022; Rosenbaum… more

    Statistical and Machine Learning Methods for Quantum Measurements with Single Photon Emitters

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Stone, Dylan, Thesis advisor (ths): Bradac, Carlo, Degree committee member (dgc): Atkinson, Bill, Degree committee member (dgc): Agarwal, Nisha, Degree committee member (dgc): Sadaf, Sharif, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>With wide applications ranging from quantum communication and metrology to biomedicine, single photon sources in solid-state hosts have become a major area of study. Here, we focus on three applications: nanothermometry, optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), and second order autocorrelation. We present novel statistical and machine learning (ML) approaches to extract information… more

    Exploring the Impact of Acute Stress on Previously Acquired Contextual Fear Memory

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Thiyagarajah, Javishaa, Thesis advisor (ths): Fournier, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Lehmann, Hugo, Degree committee member (dgc): Marks, Wendie, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Stress can significantly affect neurobiological processes crucial for learning and memory. While repeated stress enhances fear memory, it impairs memory retrieval. In most studies, however, stress exposure typically preceded fear and extinction learning. Thus, the impact of previously acquired memories formed before exposure to stress is not well understood. The goal of this thesis is to… more

    Inorganic and Organic Carbon Dynamics of a South-Central Ontario Forest After the Application of Non-Industrial Wood Ash

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Foley, Kaylen, Thesis advisor (ths): Watmough, Shaun, Degree committee member (dgc): Power, Ian, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, acting as carbon sinks that remove and store an estimated 0.4 to 4.1 Pg of atmospheric carbon annually. However, historical acid deposition and timber harvesting have disrupted nutrient cycles, leading to nutrient-deficient soils that hinder tree growth, particularly for sugar maple (Acer saccharum), a keystone species in Ontario… more

    Differentiate and Conquer: Associations Between Self-Other Differentiation and Adaptive Capacity in Clinic-Referred and Typically Developing Adolescents

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): French, Alisa, Thesis advisor (ths): Im-Bolter, Nancie, Degree committee member (dgc): Bickle, Korri, Degree committee member (dgc): Eastabrook, Jennifer, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>This study investigates associations between self-other differentiation (the ability to distinguish and coordinate the self and other perspective during social problem-solving) and specific ego functions (reality testing, judgement, sense of reality, object relations, and synthetic-integrative function) from a cognitive perspective in two groups of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. One… more

    An in vitro characterization of the novel binding properties of the Giardia TATA-binding protein

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Freitag, Kieran, Thesis advisor (ths): Yee, Janet, Degree committee member (dgc): Brunetti, Craig, Degree committee member (dgc): Huber, Robert, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>The TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a key regulator of eukaryotic transcription initiation. The TBP homolog from Giardia intestinalis (gTBP) is highly divergent among all TBPs; notably lacking three of the four phenylalanine residues to unwind double- stranded DNA. I show that gTBP preferentially binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in two modes based on sequence and protein concentration… more

    Effect of mfsd8 deletion on the secretome and transcriptome of Dictyostelium discoideum

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Gray, Joshua, Thesis advisor (ths): Huber, Robert J, Degree committee member (dgc): Saville, Barry, Degree committee member (dgc): Martic, Sanela, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Mutations in the CLN7 (MFSD8) gene, causes CLN7 disease, a subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. MFSD8 is a lysosomal transmembrane protein that transports chloride across membranes. Experimentation regarding Dictyostelium discoideum revealed that mfsd8 deficiency altered lysosomal enzyme activity. During starvation, the aggregation of mfsd8¬¬- cells was delayed, and cells formed… more

    Effect of Polarization on the Band Structure at a Charged Domain Wall in Ferroelectric Materials

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Nasir, Maryam, Thesis advisor (ths): Atkinson, William WA, Degree committee member (dgc): Bradac, Carlo CB, Degree committee member (dgc): de Haan, Hendrick, Degree committee member (dgc): Ramachandran, Ganesh GR, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p> The interplay between electron charge, spin, and ferroelectric polarization is under-explored for conducting ferroelectric domain walls (DWs). DWs are interfaces that separate regions
    (domains) within a material that have different orientations of spontaneous polarization.
    We investigated the electronic band structure of t2g electrons, confined to 90° charged do
    main walls (CDWs) in… more

    Exploring End-User Accessible Microsatellite and Microhaplotype Nanopore Sequencing with the Oxford Nanopore's MinION Device

    Year: 2025, 2025
    Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
    Name(s): Creator (cre): Clarke, Ella, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Paul, Thesis advisor (ths): Manseau, Micheline, Degree committee member (dgc): Smith, Derek, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Abstract: <p>Microsatellites and microhaplotypes are genetic markers that, through DNA amplicon sequencing, generate genotypes to distinguish between individuals from wildlife populations. Here, these markers were sequenced in caribou (Rangifer tarandus) specimens using Oxford Nanopore's MinION DNA sequencer for the first time. Microsatellite loci previously sequenced with an Illumina MiSeq were… more