Current Issues
Editorial: Interdisciplinary and Holistic Approaches to Human Flourishing
Breanna J. Naegeli, PhdGrand 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…
The Human Element: Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Social Stigma
Elena HernandezGrand 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…
Neuroprotective Agent Resveratrol in Managing Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease
Brayden J. LammGrand Canyon UniversityJessica M. BuselmeierGrand Canyon UniversityLorien R. SaggioGrand 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…
Educational Inequities: Understanding and Addressing Obstacles Confronted by Undocumented Scholars Pursuing A Graduate Education in the United States
Karen Velazquez MuñozGrand 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…
Boulevard of Broken Realities: Uncovering the Relationships Between Derealization/Depersonalization Disorder and Childhood Sexual Assault in Literature
Allison RogersGrand 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…
“Entiéndeme”: A Reflection on The Interdisciplinary Problems Surrounding Educational Models and English Language Acquisition
Karla Daniela Salazar ChaviraGrand 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…
Past Issues
Editorial: Experiential Learning: The Learner-Centric Pedagogy
Breanna J. Naegeli, PhD Grand Canyon University, Editor-in-Chief This summer, we eagerly present the inaugural issue of the highly anticipated, Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR). We are pleased to introduce the editorial staff that has diligently collaborated to produce the launch of this novel journal at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona: Scott Greenberger, EdD,…
Literature Review: The Effects of Mindfulness in Faith-Based Education
Vanessa J. Alba, Grand Canyon University Alexa R. Cherne-Evans, Grand Canyon UniversityDominick A. Deintinis, Grand Canyon UniversityMiranda Granados, Grand Canyon UniversityJordyn C. Peterson, Grand Canyon UniversityKaitlyn G. Plaster, Grand Canyon University The practice of mindfulness has proven to be a beneficial cognitive and socioemotional tool for various populations and types of settings. Benefits include reduction of stress, anxiety, and other…
Challenges of D1 College Student Athletes and the Development of Transition Programs
Natalie Osborne, Grand Canyon University As the transition from high school to college athletics brings academic, social, psychological, and physical challenges, athletes must be prepared by their institution’s athletic program to promote success. There are many factors in producing a successful transition program, but understanding barriers faced by student-athletes is the first step. These barriers…
For the Least of These: A Literature Review of Arizona State Child Maltreatment Laws and Policies
Lena-May J. Haught, Grand Canyon University Within the criminal justice system here in Maricopa County, two sets of written sources determine how crimes are addressed. The first is Arizona law, and the second is Maricopa County Protocol. Currently, no comprehensive comparative analysis exists on how different varieties of Family Violence are addressed within Maricopa County…
Person, Not a Profit: The Intersection Between Commercialized Sexual Experiences and the Loss of Personhood
Lauren Baker, Grand Canyon University Commercialized sex work is a multi-billion-dollar industry, consumable by platforms in person and online. Regardless of the easy accessibility, the impacts of this industry have been debated for decades on whether the industry supports its workers or creates profits from exploitation and non-consensual activities. This literature review will analyze the…
Supporting Our Most Vulnerable First-Gen Students: The Role of Immigration Status in the Pursuit of Higher Education
Karla Daniela Salazar Chavira, Grand Canyon University First-generation students have received a great deal of attention from post-secondary institutions. Despite the attempt to help address the barriers faced by this student population, the generalization of the term “first-gen” limits the capacity to grasp how specific identities, such as those pertaining to immigration status, may impact…
Social Capital and Socioeconomic Status: A Rurality-Focused Comparative Review of Higher Educational Attainment in the United States and Colombia
Hannah Beggs, Grand Canyon University Cross-cultural examinations in the academic sector are important for developing a comprehensive understanding of the functionality of higher education (HE) and promoting an open-minded, student focused approach to pedagogy. The purpose of this literature review is to compare HE landscapes in the United States (US) and Colombia, emphasizing socioeconomic status…
The Importance of Classical Literature in Secondary Education: A Literature Review
Emily Grant, Grand Canyon University The inclusion and representation of Classical Literature in secondary education have been a highly debated topic. Teachers and students struggle to find the value and importance of classical texts and authors in the curriculum. This literature review explores the value of English language arts, how literature fits into that, and…
The Relationship Between Felines, Toxoplasmosis, and Humans: A Literature Review
Elisabeth J. Drewlo, Grand Canyon University Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that causes the disease known as Toxoplasmosis (Ajioka & Morrissette, 2009). This parasite has been studied extensively since its discovery in 1908. Though it was discovered in the early 1900s and has been studied since it was first observed, its impact on behavior, personality,…
A Student’s Dynamic Reflection on Intensive Undergraduate Research Experiences
Brian C. Durbin, Grand Canyon University Reflection is a valuable practice that causes the participating individual to analyze the rational and emotional aspects of an unexpected situation. This practice can be incredibly beneficial in a professional setting as well as an academic setting. To demonstrate this, I will reflect on an intensive, eight-weeksummer internship that…
Editorial: Promoting Human Flourishing Through Undergraduate Research: Insights From Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research
Breanna J. Naegeli, PhDGrand Canyon University, Editor-in-Chief CJUR This June, we eagerly present a new issue of the vastly growing Canyon Journal of Undergraduate Research (CJUR). We are pleased to introduce the editorial staff that has diligently collabo- rated to produce this issue of the journal at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona: Scott Greenberger,…
The Impact of Weighing Frequency on Weight Cycling in Post-COVID College Students
Julia TangelGrand Canyon UniversityMakenna CobbGrand Canyon UniversityMegan OttoGrand Canyon UniversityAlyssa MoralesGrand Canyon UniversityZachary ZeiglerGrand Canyon University The COVID-19 pandemic led to lifestyle changes and weight gain for many, including college students. Regular self-weighing can aid weight management but may also contribute to weight cycling (repeated weight loss and regain), which has negative health impacts. This…
Pinay and Proud: An Interdisciplinary Reflection on Colonization’s Detrimental Influence on Establishing Eurocentric Beauty Standards and Personal Ethnic Identity Within my Filipina Experience
Lauren BakerGrand Canyon University Across the Filipino/a/x diaspora, members of the community have struggled with the recurrence of colonial mentality and intergenerational trauma. Within the history of the archipelago, the Philippines has experienced generations of colonial presence, violence, and the loss of cultural identity. As a result, members of the Filipino community in the status…
Mindfulness and Stress: Understanding How Awareness Impacts Stress Reduction
Jeremy VarnadoreGrand Canyon UniversityColin J. O’ReillyGrand Canyon UniversityKobe LageGrand Canyon UniversityAliya KuesterGrand Canyon UniversityAshley LarsonGrand Canyon UniversityAnisa BarbosaGrand Canyon UniversitySean K. CuddyerGrand Canyon UniversityDillan McGuckinGrand Canyon UniversityLogan DemeterGrand Canyon UniversityElizabeth MooreGrand Canyon University This literature review discusses research on the relationship between mindfulness and stress. It explores the history of mindfulness and theories of mindfulness,…
Sheltering Survivors: A Literature Review of Safe Houses for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Allison LimleyGrand Canyon University Sex trafficking is a prevalent issue in the United States. Even with the scale of this issue, services for survivors have struggled to effectively meet the needs of survivors. Service providers for housing pro- grams have to be able to meet basic needs as well as assist with complex needs necessary…
Novel Phytochemicals in Treating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A General Review
Foxx WalzGrand Canyon University Within the last century, medicinal practices have introduced antibiotic medications to treat bacterial infections in humans. It has been assumed that the excessive prescription of antibiotic medicines has produced antibacterial-resistant pathogenic bacterial populations. The growing concern about antibiotic- resistant bacteria has focused research efforts on naturally occurring phytochemicals. In addition to…
The Mindful Student: Investigating Relationships Between Mindfulness, Locus of Control, and Stress
Jeremy VarnadoreGrand Canyon UniversityAshley LarsonGrand Canyon UniversitySean K. CuddyerGrand Canyon UniversityAnisa BarbosaGrand Canyon UniversityElizabeth MooreGrand Canyon UniversityRogelio GarciaGrand Canyon UniversityJanean MikutisGrand Canyon University This study explores the relationship between mindfulness, locus of control, and stress in college students. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment with open-heartedness and non-judgmental awareness. Existing literature suggests that mindfulness…
Early Life Adversity and Resilience
Sean K. CuddyerGrand Canyon University Aliya KuesterGrand Canyon University This literature review examines the theoretical foundations and current empirical research on early life adversity (ELA) and resilience. The authors aim to elucidate the complex effects of ELA and child- hood trauma on an individual’s psychological and physical health outcomes. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative studies,…
A Literature Review: Promoting Healing and Social Justice Through Trauma-Informed Transformations in K-12 Education
Lauren WilliamsGrand Canyon University The recognition of trauma-informed practices is increasingly gaining traction as current research highlights the negative impacts trauma has on an individual’s holistic well-being and life outcomes. Additionally, studies have proven the lasting effects individuals may experience after enduring traumatic events in childhood. These effects may range anywhere from deviancy in childhood…
A Review of the Dark Triad, Leadership, and Leadership Styles: The Relationship Between The Dark Triad and Leadership
Colin O’ReillyGrand Canyon UniversityAshley LarsonGrand Canyon UniversityZachary SingletonGrand Canyon UniversityAnisa BarbosaGrand Canyon UniversityKobe LageGrand Canyon UniversityKaito CuddyerGrand Canyon UniversityAliya KuesterGrand Canyon UniversityBrennah MolsberryGrand Canyon UniversityDillon McGuckinGrand Canyon UniversityJaelyn CrebbinGrand Canyon UniversityJanean MikutisGrand Canyon UniversityJacob RomeroGrand Canyon UniversityJeremy VarnadoreGrand Canyon UniversityJoseph YepezGrand Canyon University This article examines the literature on leadership, the Dark Triad (DT), and…