The Honors College

As a graphic design major and lifetime comic book fan, I have long been fascinated with graphic novels and have always wanted to create my own. This reflection explores the inspiration, research, process, and completion of a graphic novel as my University Honors Thesis, focusing on the conception and execution of the project. First, I will explore the inspiration, influences, back story, and research that went into the creation of this graphic novel. Second, I will reflect on the process of writing the script, developing the characters, and drawing the novel.

Research on the effects of value fit, a component of person-environment fit, has been 2 conducted in various organizational contexts, including person-person, person-organization, and person-supervisor. This study expands research on the effects of person-person value fit to the academic setting. Researchers hypothesized that a statistically significant proportion of the variance in final course grade would be accounted for by regressing students' final grades on objective student-instructor value fit.

All developed countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development provide maternity leave, time away from work with the birth or adoption of a new child, to their citizens (Ray, 2008). However, there is wide variation in the amount of leave provided to individuals, and the United States (US) has one of the shortest policies. This thesis investigates the possible impacts that the length of maternity leave has on the social/emotional, cognitive, and health development of young children.

The marine brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria undergoes a photoperiod-mediated morphological transition from a basal system microthallus in the long days of summer to the addition of reproductive macrothalli in the short days of winter, but little is known concerning the gene regulation of this metamorphosis. This research focuses on using molecular techniques to identify those specific genes that are differentially expressed in S. lomentaria during short-day and long-day photoperiods and induce the alga's growth of macrothalli in the winter.

Chronic generalized seizures can cause widespread brain damage, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdala, resulting in learning or memory problems, as well as anxiety or other emotional disturbances. Current drug therapies do not work for all individuals with generalized convulsive or grand mal seizures, and there is some indication that anticonvulsant drugs cause cognitive problems compounding common consequences ofchronic epilepsy. ~ Environmental enrichment (EE) is one therapy that can mitigate brain injury and resultant cognitive and behavioral deficits.

The rich history and character of South African people can be personified through music. Traditional South African music consists of recurrent themes of hard work, valuing family, praise, and sometimes lament. Then, with the apartheid era from 1948 to 1994, songs for freedom and change were brought to the forefront. These songs provided comfort and a symbol of resistance for people under brutal discrimination. Exploring the features and meanings of South African music allows for the opportunity to seek a new perspective and better understanding of diverse people in a united movement.

Visualization in mathematics is an important skill for understanding mathematical concepts. In addition, since many mathematical ideas build on one another, visualization skills may help students make connections between concepts. This can be key to students' success in their mathematics classes. Some teachers incorporate technology into their lessons to enhance student exploration and development ofvisualization skills. Also, these tools may help teachers to reach all types of learners.

According to the Center for Disease Control every year over 40,000 women die of breast cancer. Breast self-examinations are the easiest and least expensive way for women to become familiar with their normal breast tissue so that they will be able to identify any potentially dangerous changes as they age. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their twenties start performing breast self-examinations as part of their monthly routine.

This research was conducted in order to explore the psychographic and demographic similarities and differences among new and repeat visitors and their travel parties to North Carolina wineries. Insight into visitor satisfaction with various aspects ofwineries was gained and information was collected to assist managers when making decisions regarding their marketing mix. Information was also collected about the positive economic impact that wineries have on North Carolina's economy.

Several events since the turn of the twenty-first century have motivated the United .. States to pursue fundamental change in the nature of its accounting standards. These events have included the Enron scandal and the ongoing convergence initiative between the standard setting body in the United States, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).