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OPUS: Open Ulethbridge Scholarship

Open ULeth Scholarship (OPUS) is the University of Lethbridge's open access research repository. It contains a collection of materials related to research and teaching produced by the academic community.

Self-archiving your research in OPUS is one way to meet Open Access policies of granting agencies. It is important to retain your final, post-peer-reviewed drafts for submission to OPUS, as this is often the only version publishers will allow to be archived. Click here for information on the U of L Open Access Policy.

Check here for more information about OPUS.

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Recent Submissions

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    Engagement in adolescent extracurriculars and young adult mental health
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2026) Allenby, Taylor Kathleen; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Wood, Kevin
    Extensive research has linked adolescent participation in extracurricular activities to positive academic, social, and psychological outcomes. However, inconsistent findings suggest that factors such as meaningful engagement may influence developmental outcomes. This mixed-methods study examined young adults’ retrospective reports of meaningful engagement in adolescent extracurricular activities and current psychological adjustment. An online survey assessed self-esteem, anxiety and depression symptoms, and meaningful engagement. Three hierarchical linear regressions were conducted using data from 209 respondents to examine psychological adjustment outcomes. Quantitative data were triangulated with qualitative responses regarding experiences of extracurricular involvement during adolescence. Quantitative analyses indicated that meaningful engagement was not uniquely associated with depression, anxiety, or self-esteem after accounting for mental health history. In contrast, thematic analysis suggested that extracurricular participation fostered connection and belonging, competence-building, structure, and dependable support from others.
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    The first coherent census of optical variability in X-ray binaries with Gemini
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, 2026) Elomina, Efren James; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Tetarenko, Alexandra
    X-ray binary systems (XRBs) consist of a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, that accretes matter from its companion star, ejecting a portion of the accreted matter into relativistic jets. It has been shown that time-domain observations, measuring how observed emission changes over time, can be used to address key open questions in compact object research. In particular, pairing time-domain methods with multi-wavelength observations probing different regions within an XRB, can provide further insight into the accretion and jet launching mechanisms of these systems. To this end, the Gemini Optical FAST timing of X-Ray Binaries (GOFAST–XRB) project is a Gemini Large and Long Program that aims to track matter as it propagates from inflow (probed by X-ray light) to outflow (probed by optical light), and characterize how this depends on the nature of different compact objects. This program uses observations in the optical and X-ray wavelengths from Gemini's `Alopeke and Zorro instruments and several X-ray telescopes, such as the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), and Einstein Probe (EP). In this thesis, I develop the foundational optical data processing pipeline for the GOFAST–XRB program. This pipeline extracts the intensity of the sampled XRBs on rapid sub-second timescales (known as lightcurves) from the raw Gemini telescope data, and quantifies how these measurements vary over different timescales. My work represents a novel use for the Gemini `Alopeke and Zorro instruments, directly enabling a new observation and data analysis mode; rapid time-series observations. In the future, my pipeline can be incorporated in the Gemini observatory software packages and made available for use by the broader astronomical community.
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    Diet analysis of adult Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata) and Plains Spadefoot Toads (Spea bombifrons) during the breeding season
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences, 2026) Vos, Jordan K.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Johnson, Dan L.
    Amphibians play roles in Canadian prairie ecosystems, contributing to food web dynamics. Despite their ecological importance, the dietary interactions of prairie amphibians remain understudied, creating a knowledge gap. Prairie amphibians face a unique suite of threats, including habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and climate change. Knowledge of their basic ecology is outdated, limiting effective conservation in agricultural landscapes. This thesis provides an update on the dietary ecology and morphology of the Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata) and the Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) in southern Alberta. Stomach contents from breeding adults (n = 50) were analyzed using the Index of Relative Importance (IRI), volumetric estimation, and inferential models. Results characterize Boreal Chorus Frogs as a resilient terrestrial generalist; while Coleoptera and Diptera were the numerically dominant, Lepidoptera contributed the majority (62.1%) of dietary volume. Diet composition was significantly influenced by local habitat and constrained by predator morphology; gape width limited maximum prey size, and gravid females consumed significantly fewer prey items than non-gravid females, indicating a reproductive trade-off. Breeding male S. bombifrons exhibited a complete fasting during calling, consistent with an “explosive” breeding strategy. These findings support holistic wetland and upland management by demonstrating that P. maculata relies on terrestrial prey for 73% of its energy. This dependence underscores the need for protected upland buffers. The consumption of crop pests also identifies a potential “ecological trap,” where terrestrial foraging may increase exposure to agrochemicals. This research establishes a modern baseline for amphibian conservation in Alberta.
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    Using the Schwartz values framework in couples therapy: a practitioner's counselling protocol
    (Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2026) Sept, Myla; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Lee, Bonnie K.
    This project examines the role of personal values in couple conflict and proposes a counselling protocol for integrating values exploration into couple therapy. While established approaches to couple therapy emphasize attachment, emotional regulation, communication patterns, cognition, and behavioural interactions, values are often addressed only indirectly through discussions of meaning, expectations, relational roles, and therapeutic goals. Consequently, the influence of differing or competing value systems on relationship distress remains underexplored. Drawing on Shalom H. Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Human Values, this project conceptualizes values as guiding principles that influence attitudes, decisions, and behaviour. Schwartz’s framework identifies ten basic values organized within a motivational structure, highlighting both compatibility and conflict between value priorities. The project explores how differences in value hierarchies may contribute to couple conflict and relational distress. A structured counselling protocol is proposed to help clinicians assess and address value-related tensions within counselling by integrating values more explicitly.
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    From spreadsheets to scalability: databases as a next step for non-profits
    (Canadian Evaluation Society, 2024) Shapiro, Sidney; Oystrick, Vivian; Liu, Alison; Vadlamudi, Naveen K.
    This article discusses the evolution of data management strategies for non-profit organizations, transitioning from spreadsheets to more scalable database systems. As non-profits grow and their data becomes more complex, the need for robust database solutions becomes apparent. The article examines the types of databases suitable for program evaluation, highlighting the benefits and limitations of each. It also explores the challenges non-profits face in implementing these systems, such as infrastructure limitations, lack of full-time IT support, and the need for staff training. Through case studies, successful database implementations are analyzed to derive best practices. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored database solutions, ongoing staff training, and collaborations with IT experts for non-profits to maximize the benefits of database systems in their program evaluations.