Current Issue

Volume 2: Issue 2, November 2024

Editorial: Interdisciplinary and Holistic Approaches to Human Flourishing Breanna J. Naegeli, Phd Grand Canyon University, Editor-in Chief, CJUR		This November, we enthusiastically present a new issue of the Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR). We are pleased to introduce the editorial staff that has diligently collaborated to produce this issue of the journal at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona: Scott Greenberger, EdD., Executive Editor, Breanna Naegeli, PhD., Editor-in-Chief, Marette Hahn, PhD., Associate Editor, Katalina Inzunza Herrera, M.S., Assistant Editor, and Jenny Kuban, M.S., Managing Editor. Our editorial board includes Ramesh Velupillaimani, PhD. and Neal Adam, PhD., and Sandi van Lieu, EdD. serves as Copy Editor. We are abundantly grateful for the tenacity, dedication, and collaborative efforts of this editorial staff. Editorial
The Human Element: Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Social Stigma Elena Hernandez Grand Canyon University		Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder often experience social stigma that affects their treatment adherence and their overall well-being. This interdisciplinary reflection builds on existing research about how social stigma affects treatment adherence for patients with bipolar disorder. This reflection examines the disciplines of sociology and psychology within the context of how these disciplines can be combined to improve treatment adherence and overall quality of life for these patients. Symbolic interactionism and cognitive behavioral theory are introduced to explore how social constructs influence behavior and thought processes, leading to non-adherence to traditional treatment methods. Through compiling scholarly research on current treatment adherence rates, treatment methods, relevant social factors, and cultural representations of psychiatric disorders, this reflection analyzes how these concepts affect bipolar disorder treatment. The results of this research indicate that many patients with bipolar disorder struggle to maintain their treatment due to a lack of internal motivation, which is often worsened by unsupportive environments and negative social experiences. These results demonstrate how combining disciplines can improve treatment adherence by integrating socially conscious methods like motivational interviewing and psychoeducation into current treatment. By continuing to increase awareness of the interdisciplinary approach among professionals to include both social and psychological aspects of treatment, the human element is reintroduced and allows the patient's individual story to be heard. Keywords: psychology, sociology, social stigma, bipolar disorder, treatment adherence, interdisciplinary reflection Abstract and Paper
Neuroprotective Agent Resveratrol in Managing Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease Brayden J. Lamm Grand Canyon University Jessica M. Buselmeier Grand Canyon University Lorien R. Saggio Grand Canyon University		Alzheimer's disease is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, brain mass reduction, and the presence of Amyloid β plaques. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation are all associated with this disease, and their interconnectivity in causing the development is still being investigated. The accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species from lipid peroxidation and macromolecule oxidation is thought to be responsible for oxidative stress's effects. The mitochondrial cascade hypothesis suggests that amyloid beta plaques form due to the loss of mitochondrial function. This leads to abnormal expression of machinery involved with the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and contributes to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid β accumulation harms synapses and impairs neuronal transmission, causing neuronal pathway deterioration. Recent studies indicate that resveratrol, a polyphenol compound found in several plant species and fruits, may have therapeutic potential in treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing oxidative stress and plaque pathology. Resveratrol is thought to inhibit several inflammatory and other neurotoxic pathways that serve to cause apoptosis and neuronal communication blockage in the CNS. However, additional research is necessary to fully comprehend the benefits of resveratrol and other polyphenols for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Amyloid β, Amyloid precursor protein, Oxidative stress, Neurofibrillary tangles, Resveratrol, Tau Protein Abstract and Paper
Educational Inequities: Understanding and Addressing Obstacles Confronted by Undocumented Scholars Pursuing A Graduate Education in The United States Karen Velazquez Muñoz Grand Canyon University		The following literature review explores the challenges undocumented scholars in the United States encounter as they pursue graduate education. By focusing on the legal constraints, economic hardships, lack of opportunities and resources, lack of familial support as first-generation students, and institutional responses, the review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles this unique population faces. Specific attention is placed on the impact of legal constraints, economic standing, and institutional practices. This literature review reveals that undocumented scholars pursuing a graduate education face a myriad of challenges stemming from their immigration status, which is followed by legal restrictions and financial hardships. The findings suggest that undocumented individuals encounter difficulties accessing financial aid at both state and federal levels. Undocumented individuals also face challenges as they seek internships, licensure, and employment within their field of study. These challenges impact academic achievement, long-term career prospects, and overall well-being. The literature reveals the need for future research to explore underrepresented demographics and to shift focus to individuals who are not DACA-eligible. This shift is necessary to create inclusive policies and institutional initiatives that support the specific needs of undocumented graduate students. Keywords: undocumented, DACA, DACA-eligible, graduate student, lawful presence, lawful immigration status Abstract and paper
Uncovering the Relationships Between Derealization/Depersonalization Disorder and Childhood Sexual Assault in Literature Allison Rogers Grand Canyon University		The effects of childhood sexual trauma (CSA) can show up in various ways in an individual's lifetime. This could include dissociative symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD), and derealization/depersonalization disorder (DDD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). These symptoms can affect an individual's quality of life and contribution to society (Kapoor, 2023). This review explores existing literature on how PTSD, DDD, and CSA intersect in their impacts on an individual's well-being in pursuit of implementing more research to find the underlying cause of DDD. The overlaps, parallels, and consistencies within behaviors, effects, and societal impacts regarding DDD, CSA, and PTSD are explored to further understand the root cause of DDD. Moreover, it will observe CSA's impact through understanding concepts such as the law of parsimony and the biopsychosocial model. Keywords: childhood sexual trauma, derealization/depersonalization, PTSD, biopsychosocial effects, law of parsimony Abstract and Paper
“ENTIÉNDEME”: A Reflection on The Interdisciplinary Problems Surrounding Educational Models and English Language Acquisition Karla Daniela Salazar Chavira Grand Canyon University		The word “entiéndeme,” Spanish for "understand me," here invites compassionate inquiry, urging empathy. For over twenty years, emergent bilingual students in Arizona have struggled under the state's English-only policy. Despite the lack of research supporting its effectiveness in promoting English acquisition, this educational model continues to be enforced in Arizona classrooms. This reflections explores whether Arizona's Proposition 203 was ever designed considering the "best interest" of Arizona's emergent bilingual population or if its foundation was built under a false premise of "helping" to perpetuate specific ideals. Through this reflective piece, I bridge disciplinary boundaries by integrating theoretical frameworks across the disciplines of history, education, and psychology to examine the efficacy of Proposition 203 in addressing the complexities of language acquisition and the academic success of English Language Learners (ELLs). By drawing comparisons to other instructional methods employed in other unique student populations, this reflection provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective and a multifaceted approach that can help educators and policymakers address the current practices and existing programs impacting ELL students in Arizona. Keywords: Structured English Immersion (SEI), Proposition 203, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), English Language Learners (ELLs), Arizona, English-only Abstract and Paper

Online Publication Date: November 30, 2024

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