UBalt Public Scholarship Projects

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/11603/38143

The UBalt Public Scholarship Projects collection accepts projects from students in UBalt’s Doctor of Public Administration program. Projects may include video, podcasts, websites, etc. as well as a written component (lit review, abstract, research) which highlight new knowledge created with/for a public audience for an impact.

To submit your work, register as a KnowledgeWorks@UBalt member. After registration, a KnowledgeWorks team member will contact you with instructions on how to upload files into the UBalt Public Scholarship Projects Collection.

If you are already a registered member and have been contacted by the KnowledgeWorks team, you can proceed to upload your files.

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Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Highly Educated African Immigrants in the United States: A Case Study of Nigerians Living in Maryland.
(2025-05-28) Adeleye, Adekunle; Edlins, Mariglynn; Muzata, Sombo; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
This study explores the underemployment of highly educated Nigerian immigrants in the United States, with a specific focus on those residing in Maryland. Despite possessing advanced academic qualifications and professional expertise, many Nigerian immigrants face systemic barriers that hinder the full utilization of their skills. The study adopts a qualitative research design in which inquiry draws on semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected participants and utilizes narrative analysis to interpret lived experiences. The study investigates the push and pull factors driving immigration, the professional challenges encountered in the host country, and the strategies employed to navigate cultural assimilation and social integration. Findings indicate that credential non-recognition, institutional discrimination, and restrictive immigration frameworks are critical obstacles to career advancement. Participants' narratives also reveal resilience and adaptation in the face of cultural dissonance, economic pressures, and identity negotiation. The research offers a nuanced understanding of how highly educated Nigerian immigrants reconstruct their professional identities while striving for economic and social mobility. Policy recommendations include reforms in foreign credential evaluation, inclusive labor market policies, and culturally responsive support systems to enhance immigrant career integration and fulfillment in the United States.
From Arrival to Integration: Understanding the Challenges and Experiences of Afghan Immigrants in the United States
(2025-04) Farhan, Ahmad Hasib; Edlins, Mariglynn; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
Abstract I conducted this research study to fulfill the requirements for my Doctorate in Public Administration. I explored the resettlement experience and challenges of Afghan immigrants in the United States, specifically those who arrived via the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and resettled in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) area. By conducting 12 qualitative interviews with the Afghan SIVs, I studied essential integration aspects of Afghan immigrants, including employment, language barriers, economic integration, and social and cultural integration. The research findings reveal that, while the initial support from resettlement agencies is essential (including housing), many Afghan immigrants encounter considerable long-term challenges. These include economic instability, unemployment, inadequate employment services, and English language barriers. The study emphasizes that Afghan community support is essential to helping Afghan immigrants adjust to their new environment. The research reveals weaknesses in resettlement programs, specifically long-term housing support, cultural orientation, and customized employment assistance. Through public scholarship contributions, I presented practical policy suggestions to improve resettlement outcomes by advocating for comprehensive pre-arrival orientation initiatives, prolonged housing aid, job skills training programs, and English language instruction. The study demonstrates that Afghan immigrants need a comprehensive resettlement framework to ensure long-term socioeconomic stability and successful integration into U.S. society. I seek to guide policymakers, resettlement agencies, and public administrators in enhancing the existing support mechanisms for immigrant populations while adding to the wider discussions about immigration policy and public administration.
Understanding what information is available to pregnant women through HHS agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA) and how has it changed over time
(2025-05-09) Rajeev, Sabreet Kang; Edlins, Mariglynn; College of Public Affairs; Doctorate of Public Administration in Health & Human Services.
Does the government provide accurate, intergraded pregnancy health information to its citizens? My research showed that the federal government does provide accurate public health information on different HHS agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA) over time. Historical data shows that the agencies could improve their communication strategy and make it easier for the consumer to access their information. The biggest challenge is the findability of that information. Agencies should work to incorporate their communication strategy to the public and make the information available, easily accessible to the consumer.
Teachers Lived Experiences and Perceptions of School Violence and Retention
(2025-05-16) White, Shakeemah; Edlins, Mariglynn; Dalziel, Murray; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
This research explores the potential relationship between rising school violence and the ongoing mass teacher exodus in the United States from 2000 to 2023. Despite increasing rates of both teacher attrition and school violence, existing research seldom identifies violence as a primary cause of teachers leaving the profession. Drawing on a wide range of academic, government, and historical sources, this study examines the prevalence, forms, and effects of school violence including verbal, physical, and psychological aggression and its perceived impact on educators' job satisfaction and ultimately, retention. The findings indicate that while school violence is a major concern for teachers and contributes to workplace stress and dissatisfaction, more commonly cited drivers of attrition include low salaries, high workloads, political interference, and inadequate support. The research identifies a significant gap in literature regarding the direct role of school violence in teacher attrition, inducing the central research question: To what extent have experiences and perceptions of school violence influenced teacher retention decisions over the past two decades?
Consent and Trust: Concepts, History, Issues, and Research
(2025-04-24) Grothe, Kirk; Edlins, Mariglynn; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
Webinar that outlines the foundational consent concepts and historical context of trust and consent. The presentation also discusses contemporary challenges in consent and the trust dynamics involved. The author presents Key findings from a cross-sectional analysis of consent-related documentation—including patterns, performance gaps, and areas of opportunity.
The Hidden Crisis in Baltimore's Public Safety Pension System: The Impact of Declining Active Membership on Baltimore's Public Safety Pension System and the City Budget
(2025-05) Baskerville, Amy E.; Edlins, Mariglynn; Holley, Robert Q.; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
This study examines the critical and often overlooked issue of declining active membership in the Baltimore City Fire and Police Employees’ Retirement System (BCFPERS, F&P) and its far-reaching implications for the system's long-term sustainability and the city budget. Guided by the central research question: How does declining active membership impact the long-term sustainability of BCFPERS and the resulting budgetary implications for city government?—the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis. By analyzing demographic shifts, financial data, and stakeholder perspectives, this study identifies structural vulnerabilities threatening the system’s financial stability. To increase public understanding and accessibility, the project includes an audio component: Silent Alarm: Public Safety Pensions, a podcast series featuring candid discussions with BCFPERS leadership, investment consultants, and actuaries on pension challenges and actionable solutions. A companion website provides access to podcast episodes along with visual data tools (charts and graphs) that illustrate funding ratios, membership trends, and budgetary impacts. These resources simplify complex financial concepts, summarize findings, and foster transparency. Ultimately, this study provides targeted recommendations to strengthen the long-term sustainability of BCFPERS and contributes to the broader discourse on public sector pensions, fiscal responsibility, and urban fiscal resilience.
The Impacts of U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Civic Assistance Projects on Host Nation Community Resilience.
(2025-04) Terrio, Thomas; Edlins, Mariglynn; Wood, Jeffrey; University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs; University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration
The US Department of Defense's Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) projects are an important tool that enhances community resilience in partner nations. My research on the impacts of HCA projects on resilience in Togo and Tunisia shows that proximity to HCA projects correlates with better access to medical care, suggesting a positive impact on community resilience. The DOD’s shift away from humanitarian assistance activities resulted in reduced funding for HCA projects. However, HCA continues to be an important assistance tool. HCA project impacts on community resilience can be improved by additional funding, improved planning, and closer attention to the local context.

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