Maryland Shared Open Access Repository

MD-SOAR is a shared digital repository platform for twelve colleges and universities in Maryland. It is currently funded by the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) Library Consortium (usmai.org) and other participating partner institutions. MD-SOAR is jointly governed by all participating libraries, who have agreed to share policies and practices that are necessary and appropriate for the shared platform. Within this broad framework, each library provides customized repository services and collections that meet local institutional needs. Please follow the links below to learn more about each library's repository services and collections.

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Recent Submissions

Pancorneal Symmetry Analysis of Fellow Eyes: A Machine Learning Proof of Concept Study
(2021) Mehravaran, Shiva; Rahman, Mahmudur; Computer Science; Computer Science and Bioinformatics Program
The goal of this proof of concept project was to test the feasibility of a data mining and machine learning approach to use pancorneal symmetry data in diagnostic algorithms which are commonly used in topographic examinations for distinguishing normal corneas from disease conditions. The data files used in this experiment were derived from a population-based sample of 5190 middle-aged adults who had undergone anterior segment imaging with the Pentacam computerized corneal topographer. Python packages such as Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn as well as various modules and codes were used to process the raw elevation data of the entire anterior corneal surface, compute elevation difference matrices, and create colormaps. The steps included data extraction, matching fellow-eye files, rotating the left eye matrix 180° around its Y axis, subtracting data on corresponding corneal point to create elevation differences matrices, exploratory analysis, data visualization, masking the matrix to access data points in five concentric central circles between 2.0 mm and 6.0 mm in diameter, and engineering features for clustering-based unsupervised machine learning. In data visualization, some of the common discernible patterns of interocular difference colormaps were “flat”, “tilt”, “cone”, and “4-leaf”. Clustering was performed with the Simple k Means algorithm in WEKA (Waikato Environment for knowledge analysis) using data from 4613 cases with bilateral data. The number of datapoints in the 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 mm circles were 317, 709, 1257, 1961, and 2821, respectively. Mean elevation difference in the 6.0 mm data of the entire sample was 0.20 ±15.6 µm, and 99% of the data points were in the ±40 µm range. In 99% of individuals, the elevation differences in the central 3.0 mm were in the ±40 µm range. For each individual, the difference data in each circle was summarized into various statistics descriptive of central tendency and variability. The attributes using for clustering comprised of the central 95% range of the 6.0 mm circle data as well as the absolute mean, the standard deviation of the mean, and the volume difference attributes derived from the central 3.0 mm circle. Three clusters were generated: 3839 (83.2%) in Cluster 1 as the normal group, 618 (13.4%) in Cluster 2 as the intermediate group, and 156 (3.4%) in Cluster 3 as the abnormal group. Mean interocular differences for measures of corneal thickness and keratometry in these clusters were in agreement with their corresponding groups reported in the literature. Adding features derived from posterior elevation and thickness symmetry and previously developed diagnostic indices along with a larger (or automated) number of clusters could help improve the accuracy of the model and facilitate grouping interocular symmetry patterns.
Examining Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety of Saudi International Students Attending Colleges in the United States of America
(2021) Alkhaldi, Shahinaz; Welsh, Benjamin; Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policies
The purpose of this correlational study was to investigate the relationship between academic performance self-reported GPA, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety FLCA, and The International English Language Testing System IELTS scores among Saudi international students attending college in the United States, and to discover how this relationship would be varied by a host of demographic factors. The demographic variables included gender, age, college major, college classification, length of study in the US, type of high school, funding type, and marital status. The study utilized correlational methods, Pearson product-moment coefficient, and regression analysis, as analytical statistical tools to explore the newly collected data from Saudi international students in the United States (U.S.). A total of 551saudi international students, undergraduate, and graduate attending colleges in the U.S., participated in this study, which was conducted in October 2020 using an online survey. Students' anxiety levels were measured by the FLCAS. Students were also asked to complete a demographic information sheet. The findings indicated that there was no relationship between foreign language classroom anxiety and academic performance. The findings indicated that the FLCAS and the IELTS improved the prediction of academic performance over and above significant demographics variables; moreover, the results revealed that three significant variables primarily predicted academic performance. The results indicated that the academic performance increases for Saudi international students who earned their master's degree from English-speaking countries, and those whose majors are human studies and who have a low level of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. The result concluded that Saudi international students’ academic performance is dependent on various demographic and educational factors like academic major and college preparation such as language preparation. So, recognizing these factors can play an important and effective role in improving students’ academic achievement. The current study recommended to use effective educational practice; for instance, the staff and personnel could coordinate with Saudi international students clubs to raise awareness about the potential gains in taking an active part in university or course activities in different fields in order to moderate students’ foreign language anxiety and therefore improve their academic performance.
An Examination of the Leadership Frames of African American Graduates of the Thomas Lakin Institute Who Aspire to Become Community College Presidents
(2021) Pearl, Tenyo; Baylor, Rhonda; Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policies; Community College Leadership Program
The purpose of this research was to examine the perceived leadership frames of Thomas Lakin Institute graduates. This study sought to determine if the independent variables, demographic characteristics (gender and age) and academic experiences (academic discipline and years of administrative experience) relate to the perceived leadership frames (dependent variables) of the Thomas Lakin graduates as measured by the Bolman and Deal (1990) Leadership Orientation Instrument (LOI, Self). Bolman and Deal’s (2008, 2013) Four Frames Leadership Theory undergirded this study and addressed the complex nature of academic institutions. This study utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design that was considered the best approach for assessing the perceived dominant leadership frame of the graduates at Thomas Lakin Institute. Quantitative procedures (descriptive and inferential) analyzed the data. Descriptive statistics summarized the demographic characteristics and academic experiences of the Thomas Lakin graduates. Descriptive statistics, using means, standard deviation, and graphs described and provided a visual of the participants’ dominant leadership frame by respondent groups (aggregate responses, gender, age, academic discipline, and years of administrative experience). Descriptive statistics utilizing frequencies determined the leadership style (no frame, single frame, paired-frame, and multi-frame). Two-way ANOVA assessed whether any relationships existed in the perceived dominant leadership frame of the Thomas Lakin graduates based on their demographic characteristics and academic experiences. There were several major findings in this study. The Thomas Lakin graduates perceived themselves as exhibiting characteristics of the Human Resource frame. In terms of gender, both male and female graduates perceived themselves as exhibiting characteristics of the Human Resource frame. Overall, eighty-one percent of the graduates in this study were identified with a multi-frame leadership style. This study has contributed to the body of literature regarding the leadership frames of African American senior level administrators interested in becoming college presidents. Finally, the other major findings in this study along with the recommendations for further research and professional practices are provided.
Chasing Johnny
(n/a, 2026-01-12) O'Neill, Ann; Rubinkowski, Leslie; MFA in Creative Nonfiction
Chasing Johnny examines the nation’s coldest case tried to conviction, the 1957 abduction and murder of seven-year-old Maria Ridulph in Sycamore, Illinois. The crime remained unsolved for more than half a century; a tip rekindles the investigation, leading to the arrest and conviction of a retired police officer who lived for years under a different identity. Unlike other cold cases, forensic science played no role; instead, stories told by members of two dysfunctional families created a compelling but false narrative. What happens when an emotionally powerful story outruns the evidence meant to support it? Through close reading of trial transcripts, police files, and witness accounts, this thesis challenges the trial’s version of events and suggests this prosecution was shaped by human failings—confirmation bias, groupthink, and noble cause corruption. It illustrates how well-intentioned people can embrace a flawed narrative without malice. The lens then widens to revisit the long-marginalized abuse allegations by McCullough’s sister and asks what justice means when one victim’s story eclipses another’s. Readers first become convinced of a man’s guilt, grow uncomfortably uncertain, and finally are convinced he couldn’t have done it. This manuscript reflects a slice of the work I completed in Goucher’s MFA program and sets up the stakes. When completed, the project will first make, and then unmake a murderer, asking what justice means when the demand for accountability eclipses the pursuit of truth. The accused insisted we “look in the box” of records for the truth and, indeed, it was there all along. As for the whole truth, his were crimes of sex, not murder, and the women and girls her victimized were denied justice when nobody heeded their cries.
Idle Space, Missed Opportunity: Evaluating the Vacant Buildings on Frostburg’s Campus
(2025-12-10) Hall, Niles; Department of English; English 330
This paper is a detailed analysis of all of the vacant buildings on Frostburg State University's campus. As you read, follow me through the many insightful interviews about the history of Frostburg and the future plans for its revitalization. In this essay, you will learn why these buildings are closed, what they plan to do with the extra space, and what faculty and staff think and are doing to save these buildings.