RSS 1.0Student Projects for Graduate Degrees
Recent Submissions
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Applied Project management Methodologies to Create a Volunteer Engagement Guide for New Hope Nonprofit Organization's Volunteer ProgramNonprofit organizations (NPOs) rely on volunteers to sustain operations and fulfill their missions, yet many realize persistent challenges in recruiting, training, and keeping them. New Hope Compassionate Ministries (NHCM), a nonprofit organization in Alaska, has struggled to attract and keep volunteers for inventory and restock days—limitations that directly impact its ability to combat food insecurity. This project applies structured project management methodologies to find and address NHCM’s volunteer engagement gap. Through mixed-methods research, including surveys and interviews, the project analyzes current volunteer recruitment and retention practices to uncover underlying barriers. Findings inform the development of a Volunteer Engagement Guide designed to improve recruitment strategies, streamline coordination, and strengthen volunteer commitment. Using project management tools and techniques, NHCM will establish a sustainable volunteer training and feedback system that fosters ownership, transforms volunteers into active stakeholders, and enhances the organization's capacity to serve the community effectively. This initiative shows how project management principles can be adapted to nonprofit contexts to drive lasting operational impact.
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Application of a Nonprofit Project Management Methodology to Solid Rock Bible Camp Infrastructure PlanningOver the last decade, several costly infrastructure issues have been presented to Solid Rock Bible Camp (SRBC) due to deferred maintenance, poor record-keeping, and short-term, donation-based funding. This has cost the organization substantial time and money and has risked its ability to obtain insurance for its infrastructure. The application of project management principles to SRBC’s unique nonprofit structure and values identified SRBC's current infrastructure needs, pursued future infrastructure solutions, and prioritized future project recommendations. This project documented the campus’s current state and compared its inventory to industry standards and the needs of its stakeholders to find deficiencies. These deficiencies were prioritized by stakeholders based on their impact on SRBC’s mission statement and then ranked using a cost-benefit analysis. The products of this project delivered to SRBC included: Current Infrastructure Inventory, Photographs of Each Structure, Estimated Rebuild Costs, Infrastructure Report Card, Summary of Deficiencies Identified, Summary of Solutions and Costs, Prioritization of Project Solutions, and Site-Specific Best Practices.
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Creating a Virtual Event WebsiteThis Best of 10 Virtual Race project involved creating a virtual athletic event website designed to motivate participants to engage in multiple types of physical activity while providing a fair and engaging leaderboard system. Traditional virtual events often favor participants who specialize in a single activity, such as cycling or running long distances, making it difficult for multi-sport athletes to compete. This project addressed that gap by implementing a scoring system across multiple categories such as cardio, ball sports, racket sports, weight training, outdoor activities, etc. where lower cumulative scores indicate better overall performance. This approach encourages participants to improve in weaker areas and explore activities they may not normally try. The platform was built using RunSignUp, which allows secure registration, payment processing, activity logging, and leaderboard management. The project included updates and refinements to ensure usability, scoring accuracy, and a user-friendly experience for a broad audience of active individuals. A trial event is planned to be held to validate the platform, demonstrating that it meets project goals and supports a fullscale launch. The final deliverable is a fully functional, scalable, and intuitive website capable of hosting virtual fitness events that are inclusive, competitive, and engaging, providing a new way for participants to challenge themselves across multiple activity types.
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Assessing Readiness for Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Implemenatation in a NeoNatal Intensive Care UnitPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an emerging diagnostic tool in neonatal care, yet widespread use in NICUs remains limited by provider training, confidence and organizational readiness. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to evaluate whether a brief POCUS educational intervention improved NICU provider readiness for adoption. Using a pre/post design, NICU providers at a regional tertiary NICU in Alaska completed the POCUS Readiness and Adoption Survey (PRAS) immediately before and after a structured 45-minute POCUS orientation presentation. The PRAS measured six domains: knowledge, attitudes, change efficacy, organizational support, intent to adopt, and perceived barriers. Twelve providers completed both surveys. Paired t-test analysis demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge (p < .001), attitudes (p = .022), change efficacy (p = .011), organizational support (p = .001), and intent to adopt POCUS (p = .006). Qualitative responses emphasized enthusiasm for POCUS integration and identified needs for structured training, clear credentialing pathways, and increased equipment access. Guided by the Iowa Model and Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations, this project established foundational readiness and identified system-level barriers to adoption. Findings indicate that when provided with an appraisal of evidence, there is support for moving forward with comprehensive POCUS training, competency development, and interdisciplinary implementation planning to enhance diagnostic safety and neonatal care outcomes.
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Nourishing Motherhood: A Self-Paced Online Nutrition Curriculum For Women to Support Mental Well-Being and Optimize health During Pregnancy and Post BirthPostpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health burden, affecting approximately one in seven women and contributing to numerous adverse outcomes that include poor maternal-infant bonds, failure of breastfeeding, negative parenting practices, and marital discord. Nutrition has been increasingly recognized as a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of depressive symptoms, yet nutrition education remains underutilized in perinatal care. This project aimed to develop an accessible, evidence-based online nutrition curriculum designed for women from preconception through the postpartum period. The curriculum comprises five evidence-based modules rooted in Social Cognitive Theory to promote learner engagement, self-efficacy, and sustained behavior change. A targeted needs assessment conducted as part of a previous graduate project via social media identified a high demand for accessible, trustworthy, and practical nutrition guidance, particularly in the areas of postpartum recovery, breastfeeding support, and self-care. Designed to overcome barriers such as geographic location, time constraints, and limited access to providers, this curriculum offers an accessible and relevant resource that empowers women with the knowledge and tools to support their physical and mental well-being. By addressing the nutritional dimensions of maternal health, it is the hope that this project will contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of PPD throughout Alaska and across the country.
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Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Food Security in Ketchikan AlaskaKetchikan, Alaska is Alaska's First City and is famously known as the Salmon Capital of the world. Ketchikan is Lingít Aaní, the ancestral land of the Taantʼá Ḵwáan and Saanya Ḵwáan people of Revillagigedo Island.1 Ketchikan Gateway Borough is home to 13,754 residents.2 Being located on an island presents unique challenges to the residents regarding food security. Food that is not harvested or grown locally is shipped via barge from Seattle, WA. Limited published research exists regarding food security in Alaska, and primary research on food security in Ketchikan is nonexistent. The goal of this study is to analyze food insecurity and related variables in Ketchikan, AK. The study’s objectives are to measure food insecurity using results from an online survey, identify the most prevalent perceived barriers and facilitators to food security, and determine potential associations between food security status and barriers/facilitators to food security in Ketchikan, AK. This study utilized a retrospective (the past 12 months) cross-sectional study design to ascertain perceived barriers and facilitators to food security in Ketchikan, Alaska. A one-time, electronic survey was made available on Qualtrics and advertised via flyers, social media, and tables at a grocery store. Chi-square analyses were used to determine significant (p < 0.05) associations between food security status and perceived barriers and facilitators. The total sample analyzed was 108 Ketchikan residents. A significant relationship was found between food security status and access to transportation, sufficient money, the availability of meat, avoiding the grocery store: not due to COVID-19, receiving food from food bank, etc. and expense of food.
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Positive behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Data SystemsThe Anchorage Schools District (ASD), a large and diverse educational system, currently operates without standardized systems, tools and training for effectively capturing and analyzing student data. This limitation, coupled with reliance on outdated disciplinary practices, has resulted in a predominantly reactive organizational approach. Through the successful implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to PreK- 12+ students at all Anchorage School District (ASD) school sites, this project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an optimized documentation process within the district. This evidence-based, tiered framework supports students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health, which has been proven to improve social-emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves the health and well-being of teachers and school-based staff. The Anchorage School District (ASD) is using a cohort-based approach to implement district-wide updates across all existing systems. The primary focus of the project is to implement the updates and analyze their outcomes. The proposed changes to the existing data systems target the reliability and efficiency of behavior data. This, in turn, facilitates thorough analysis and informed decision-making to proactively enhance to the overall learning environment.
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Valor: Villains, Creatures and Foes - A Tabletop Roleplaying Game Expansion and a Methodology for Planning and Managing Tabletop Roleplaying Game ProjectsValorous Games, an independent developer and producer of Tabletop Roleplaying Games (or TTRPGs), has successfully executed three book development projects over the past seven years (the third project being a reprint and update of their first book), in addition to smaller ancillary projects. In 2023, it was determined that rescoping and restarting their third book, Valor: Villains, Creatures and Foes, would better align with future goals for the company and its proprietor. Initial research showed that little to no academic material exists for study of Project Management (or PM) in the context of the Tabletop Role-Playing Game hobby; thus, it was determined that the project scope would be extended to include building of genericized Project Management resources to aid organization of similar projects, as a start point for academic material around management of TTRPG development projects. The project phases covered by this thesis focused on development of the book’s manuscript alongside PM materials for the project, then genericization of the PM materials for use as a reference for similar projects as a start point for PM skill development for TTRPG writers – or TTRPG development for PM practitoners.
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Application of Project Management to Develop a Multifunctional Wheelchair Mount in the Non-Profit SectorThere are currently few commercially available multi-function accessory mounts for electric wheelchairs that are practical for high-level quadriplegics. Consequently, an individual user must design and create one for themselves, an undertaking that requires significant resources in the form of expertise, time, and money. Wes Price, a quadriplegic, has developed a concept mount for operating a hunting rifle. This project optimized the proof-of-concept by building a prototype and completing a design that can be offered to the public. The primary tasks and deliverables of this project include: 1) Research and develop improvements to the proof-of-concept and prototype 2) Fabricate prototypes 3) Field test and analyze results This project used Project Management methodology to effectively plan, organize, and execute. It was completed with volunteers, thus introducing novel project management issues and concepts. A project management guide was produced to be used on similar future projects executed in a volunteer framework.
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Uses of Project management Practices in Development of a Recreational Facility Business PlanThe objective of this endeavor is to demonstrate the intended application of project management's best practices, in the submission of a conventional business plan as administrated by the University of Anchorage Alaska capstone, the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PM BoK), and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Preparations and outcomes encountered within this effort will both initiate and actively assert an economy in discovery or concept use, which coincide with technical simulations capable of breaching and sustaining confidence within continued practice or future findings. The determination within this dynamic effort was inspired by a self-passion for entrepreneurship, within equitable achievements prior to capstone. Although I may have moonlighted as an entrepreneur absent of a business plan in past pursuits, depicting use of project practices was not a requirement before as it must be throughout this undertaking, and given any conscious or unconscious bias for the applied craft(s). In contrast, the critically acclaimed "Pong Now Project Business Plan" seeks to change history using project management's best practices during idea startup and ideal execution. This endeavor would extract from a variety of inter-industrial domains processes, interests, influences, and procedures. Project vision-tiering and strategic-product goals set throughout development phases will milestone or landmark past, general, specific, and future accomplishments to illustrate growth or maturity. Thereafter, project-plan design drafts and details will fuse formatting of all required deliverables from point of conception through pre-completion. A theoretical launch of this business should appear forthcoming and if pursued, materialization of outcomes will reflect the highest probability of success. This project business plan is two-fold; to functionally merge the constitution of project practices and business planning development together. To accomplish this, a system, or systems of designations and dispositions, must encompass the ability to equip resource capabilities or competencies to withstand dormancy and regress in project or product loads and demands. Insurance or assurance of merits relative to the legacy from this study, must exhibit an alumni level of proficiency all-throughout the application and advancement of 10-knowledge areas, and 5-process groups, correlative to foreseen or unforeseen outcomes, given any regularity or irregularities with resourcing relationships, performance levels, estimated or actual predictions, itemized activities, and scrummed technologies or techniques applied. The synchronized framework and standardization devised throughout this multifaceted undertaking intuitively prepares an executable, project-practiced and project-managed business plan upon coalition of efforts.
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Cultivating and Sustaining Community Engagement at the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research ReserveThe Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) was established in Homer, Alaska in 1999 with an overarching purpose of conducting community relevant place-based research, education, training, and outreach within our region. The need to have the Reserve reflective of community needs was also captured within KBNERR’s 2021-2026 Management Plan. As of 2024, the process for engaging the community both to share information and to inform focus areas at the Reserve is not being implemented in a unified approach. Since 2021, three-quarters of the positions at KBNERR have experienced staffing turnovers. A need to re-establish the role the community plays into the shaping of the Reserve is essential to follow the current Management Plan. This project developed recommendations for a Community Engagement Program at KBNERR to help solve these issues. A Needs Assessment was conducted engaging the Reserve’s Community Council, which is made up of local elected members and agency partners, to determine what is appropriate and needed for engagement within the community. This assessment was then used to inform a Community Engagement Program Description and the development of a position description within the University of Alaska Anchorage system.
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State of Alaska Department of Transportation Professional Services Agreement: Chapter 7 and 8 Update and EnhancementThis project aimed to improve the price estimate preparation process for resurface and rehabilitation highway projects for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities by updating the Professional Service Agreement Manual Chapters 7 and 8, which offer price estimates and figures that engineers need for calculations prior to negotiation for highway projects. This project was initiated due to the ongoing rapid market variation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaccuracy of cost estimates in the post-pandemic era has impacted Alaska highway projects, contributing to longer negotiations and higher project costs. To address these challenges, the revised Manual chapters provide detailed guidelines and updated templates for price estimates, incorporating industry standard methodologies and best practices for negotiation, technical issues, and cost price analysis. Insights from the procurement agency, lessons from previous projects, project manager evaluations, and feedback from the highway design team and consultants were incorporated into the Manual revisions. Four pillars of effective project management also guided the revisions: critical success factors, key performance indicators, communications management, and quality management. The project required a thorough assessment of the existing challenges within the Manual, identification of areas for improvement, and the development of new exhibits for the Highway Design Section. This update to the Manual should streamline the price estimate preparation process and establish a consistent framework for the Statement of Services during the negotiation phase. These enhancements aim to improve project budgeting and resource allocation, as well as facilitate the successful delivery of high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. Docusign Envelope ID: C1F10F3E-9FB7-4672-9737-74041A7E0673
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The Experiences of Caregivers in Implementing Medical Nutrition Therapy When raising Children With Type 1 DiabetesType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex, chronic endocrine disorder that accounts for roughly 5-10% of the diabetic population globally. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the foundation of diabetes self-management. Since MNT is fundamental for managing and caring for T1DM, medical providers must understand the challenges of implementing recommendations at home. This study sought to identify what experiences caregivers face regarding implementing MNT recommendations when raising children with T1DM. A mixed-methods design collected data through focus groups and a demographic survey. The focus group took place via Zoom. Inclusion criteria were adults over the age of 18 who had a child between the ages of 10 and 18 years old who had had T1DM for over two years and who were English-speaking. A total of three caregivers participated in the focus group. This study found that caregivers typically do not follow carbohydrate counting as recommended by medical providers. Instead, carbohydrate counting is modified based on caregivers' experiences with how their child’s blood glucose responds to foods. Additionally, there is a lack of support within the school system. Caregivers often had to find outside support from medical providers or school programs to ensure adequate care and medical safety while their child attended school. The findings from this study corresponded with prior research and suggest that medical providers frequently review family MNT practices to ensure alignment with the medical team and caregivers.
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The Anchorage School District (ASD) Project Management Curriculum ProjectThe growing need for project management (PM) skills in post-secondary careers presents a significant opportunity for early career preparation. Industry projections indicate that millions of professionals will be needed in project management-oriented roles in the coming years. As the workforce becomes increasingly project-based, the demand for well-trained early career project managers continues to rise. Ensuring that students gain PM skills before graduation provides them with a competitive advantage in the job market. Recognizing this opportunity, the Anchorage School District (ASD) sought to incorporate PM education into its newly implemented Academies of Anchorage, aiming to prepare students for college, career, and life. This initiative created a need for a PM curriculum framework tailored to high school students. This project researched, developed, and secured approval for a PM curriculum framework that aligns with ASD’s goals, equipping students with essential project management skills for future success.
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Providence Alaska Medical Center Research Support Services Roles and WorkflowsThis project addresses a critical gap in an oncology research department at a large Alaska healthcare provider by developing a comprehensive guide that documents the roles, responsibilities, and workflows of key positions. The department includes three research nurses, a pediatric Clinical Research Associate (CRA), an adult CRA, a regulatory coordinator, and a manager. Currently, no formal documentation exists to outline the foundational operational workflows of each role, resulting in isolated knowledge and the risk of operational disruptions if staff turnover occurs. This project aims to safeguard against these risks by thoroughly documenting the core functions, processes, and interdependencies of each position. The resulting guides will serve as an essential resource for onboarding new staff, ensuring the continuity of institutional knowledge, and fostering cross-functional collaboration among team members. Additionally, the guides will enhance the department’s ability to standardize operations, improve efficiency, accountability, and organizational maturity. Beyond acting as a knowledge base, this resource will provide a structured framework to support departmental growth, enabling it to justify budgetary needs, scale operations effectively, and adapt to future changes. Ultimately, this project will ensure the department’s resilience and sustainability by preserving critical knowledge and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.
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Standardizing Wind Energy Project Bid ProcessThe SWEPP initiative addressed critical inefficiencies in STG Inc.'s wind energy project bidding. Previously, fragmented practices led to unpredictable outcomes and ineffective knowledge utilization. The project developed two key deliverables through stakeholder analysis: a Comprehensive Bidding Guide and a Lessons-Learned Integration System. The Bidding Guide establishes standardized templates and processes while maintaining flexibility for customization. The Lessons Learned System captures and applies insights from past projects, transforming individual experience into organizational knowledge. Despite initial resistance from experienced professionals, an inclusive approach incorporating their expertise helped overcome implementation challenges—the modular design balanced standardization with flexibility to address diverse requirements. Early results show significant time savings, improved team coordination, enhanced quality control, and more effective risk management. Long-term benefits are expected to include better bid success rates, improved alignment between commitments and execution, and the development of a distinctive competitive advantage. By standardizing bidding processes and systematically incorporating lessons learned, STG Inc. has established a foundation for continuous improvement and positioned itself for sustained success in the wind energy sector.
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The (N)ice Cream Shop Business Plan Project: Applying Project Management Tools and Principles to a Business PlanThe (N)ice Cream Shop Business Plan Project explores the feasibility of launching a nitrogen-infused ice cream shop in Eagle River, Alaska. With no direct competition, this venture offers a unique opportunity, though it must address financial feasibility, regulatory requirements, and market competition. The project follows a structured two-phase approach: 1. Research and Planning: Conducting market analysis, financial forecasting, and risk assessment to determine demand, pricing strategy, and potential challenges. 2. Business Plan Development: Using findings to create an investor-ready business plan, including operations, funding, and a project management framework for implementation. A key component involves assessing consumer interest. Among respondents who were unfamiliar with nitrogen ice cream, 46.5% expressed a willingness to try it after learning about its benefits. Additionally, 49.6% were drawn to its freshness, 38.8% appreciated its smooth texture, and 43.2% were intrigued by the fog effect it produces. These findings indicate a demand for premium, customized desserts. Project management principles such as risk, scope, and change management are integrated to guide implementation. Next steps include refining financial projections, securing investment, and finalizing operations. With an innovative offering and structured execution, The (N)ice Cream Shop aims to deliver a novel dessert experience blending quality, entertainment, and customization.
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Risk Management Planning for Arctic Infrastructure Construction ProjectsArctic construction projects face unique challenges such as ice-rich aggregates, severe weather, and limited resources. This project creates an Arctic-specific risk management system for Alaska Arctic Constructors (AAC), featuring a tailored Risk Register, Lessons Learned Archives, Past Performance Register with historical costs and production rates, and ongoing management of these tools. These scalable tools mitigate risk and enhance planning capabilities. Estimating and management teams gain sharper awareness of threats and opportunities for optimization. Leveraging expertise from knowledgeable key stakeholders via surveys and interviews (designers, government professionals, contractors) plays a critical role in developing these tools while addressing threats inherent to Arctic construction projects (e.g. weather, logistics, resources limitations) and will create the early stages of a risk program. This system boosts AAC’s effectiveness and profitability in this competitive market and challenging environment by enabling precise evaluation of exposure, vulnerabilities, and impacts on cost, schedule, and quality. Successfully planning and executing large construction projects in this region requires calibrated risk management planning tools, and integrating stakeholder knowledge with methodology from Hillson, Barkley, and Lam provides the toolbox.
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University Employee Recognition Event GuideThis project developed a comprehensive and scalable event planning template for university employee recognition. Universities tend to struggle with employee engagement and retention, in part due to inconsistent or underdeveloped recognition events. The template was designed to celebrate employee milestones and contributions while simultaneously promoting morale, engagement, and a sense of belonging throughout the institution. As many universities encounter challenges related to employee retention and engagement, this plan offers a practical approach to recognizing employee achievements. Recognizing the longevity milestones and contributions of employees throughout the institution proved critical for improving job satisfaction and overall employee engagement retention. Key components of such an event typically feature a longevity and award ceremony, a keynote speaker session, catered meals, and professional development activities. The plan will also include guidelines for effectively engaging remote employees, emphasizing inclusiveness and support across various university settings. The project ran for 8 months (September 23, 2024 – May 1, 2025). As the plan focuses on developing a planning tool rather than executing an event, no budget was required. Ultimately, the final deliverable provides universities with a practical and adaptable resource to implement a meaningful and consistent employee recognition program.
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Comparative Research of rural Drinking Water Supply in Mongolia and AlaskaThis comparative research project on rural drinking water supply in Mongolia and Alaska aimed to understand the challenges, dynamics, and best practices surrounding water access and utilities in rural communities within these regions. Through meticulous planning and execution, three cities in Mongolia and three cities in Alaska were selected as primary areas of study to capture the nuances and variations inherent in water supply dynamics across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts. The objectives included investigating rural water supply systems, developing evidence-based recommendations, and fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. A comprehensive literature review provided insights into existing scholarly works relevant to the study, establishing a foundation for the research. The research findings highlighted common challenges faced by remote communities in both Mongolia and Alaska, including limited access to clean and reliable drinking water, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities. Despite these challenges, successful strategies and initiatives were identified, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and context-specific solutions. Interviews with key stakeholders provided invaluable insights into the complexities of rural water supply systems, challenges faced, successful strategies employed, community engagement initiatives, regulatory frameworks, sustainability practices, and lessons learned. The qualitative and quantitative analysis facilitated a comprehensive understanding of rural water supply dynamics, informing evidence-based recommendations and best practices. The study concluded that addressing water access and utilities in rural communities requires concerted efforts, including investment in innovative technologies, fostering community engagement, enhancing policy support, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. By translating research findings into actionable recommendations, stakeholders can work towards improving the quality of life for rural residents in Mongolia, Alaska, and beyond.
