Vallo Vault

Welcome to Vallo Vault, UM's Digital Archives and Scholarship Hub.

This open and searchable site contains scholarly works of UM faculty and students. It also features archival collections related to the history of the university and the city of Montevallo. To learn more about Vallo Vault, including policies and submission instructions, visit this guide.

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    Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access ,
    Front Matter
    (McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2025)
    The front matter for Volume 13 (2025) of the McNair Research Journal contains the following sections: Welcome by Dr. Tomeiko Scott, History of the University, Acknowledgements, and Table of Contents. It also contains information about TRIO, Ronald E. McNair, and the McNair Scholars Program.
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    Item type: Publication , Access status: Open Access ,
    Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
    (McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2025) Allen, Amber; Tinsley, Heather
    Hyaluronic acid is a crucial part of the extracellular matrix and is involved in the development of cancer. Although HA is well known for its role in tissue hydration and cell proliferation, its effects on breast cancer cells are still being studied. With the focus of this study being on invasion, migration, apoptosis, and proliferation, this study examines how HA affects the behavior of breast cancer cells. Apoptotic marker expression, wound healing assays, and cell viability assays were used to examine the responses of breast cancer cells treated with different doses of HA using in vitro experiments. The study points to a dose dependent interaction, showing that HA inhibits cell growth at higher doses while promoting it at lower ones. Also, HA affected the pathways leading to cell migration and apoptosis, highlighting its dual function in tumor development. These results advance our knowledge of HA's potential as a therapeutic target or risk factor for the treatment of breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms behind these effects and their potential clinical outcome require more investigation.
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    Item type: Publication , Access status: Open Access ,
    Beyond Graduation: Exploring the Lives of Alternative Education Alumni
    (McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2025) Arreola Gomez, Miguel Angel; Day, James
    Alternative Education is a small subset of Education where students are enrolled in modified programs and curricula to meet their needs when they fall behind or are at risk of not graduating. Within credit recovery and remedial Alternative Education programs, these schools serve students who are failing or falling behind for a range of academic, social, or personal reasons. The focus is often on helping students meet minimum graduation requirements, with little attention given to their long-term development or outcomes. There is limited understanding of who these students become after they leave school. This study presents findings using a qualitative interview approach with alums of an alternative education program, exploring their educational backgrounds, economic circumstances, social and emotional experiences, and reflections on their time in school. Rather than making broad claims, this research aims to present alumni perspectives as a foundation for further research into the long-term significance of alternative Education. The study focuses on former students to create space for current students, who are overlooked in educational research.
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    Item type: Publication , Access status: Open Access ,
    Nature is Healing: People's Connection to Nature and their Perceptions of how it Benefits their Physical and Mental Health
    (McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2025) Barganier, Taylar; Beal, Brendan
    Nature has long been essential to human existence, but its benefits extend far beyond mere survival, offering powerful healing for both the mind and body. This study explores how individuals experience the mental and physical effects of nature, particularly in therapeutic contexts. Rooted in the growing field of ecotherapy and broader nature-based interventions, the research highlights how time spent in natural environments can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and encourage emotional processing. From serene walks and nature-based mindfulness practices to creative or sensory engagement with natural elements, the findings support a holistic model of wellness that honors the interconnectedness of body, mind, and environment. A survey was conducted with n=361 participants recruited through convenience sampling online. Respondents completed a Google Form assessing their experiences with nature, both physical and emotional. Results show that many participants report feeling mentally relaxed and physically calmer when spending time outdoors. Others noted that even virtual nature, such as videos or soundscapes, provided moments of relief. Importantly, qualitative responses suggest that nature facilitates emotional reflection and processing, reinforcing its potential as a complementary mental health support. In a time of rising stress and disconnection, nature-based strategies provide a cost-effective and accessible route to personal and societal well-being. This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the integration of nature into healthcare practices and everyday life. By emphasizing both scientific insight and lived experience, it encourages a deeper appreciation for nature’s role in fostering resilience, clarity, and emotional strength.
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    Item type: Publication , Access status: Open Access ,
    How Technology Aids Human Trafficking
    (McNair Research Journal, University of Montevallo, 2025) Barlow, Ravyn; Beal, Brendan
    Human trafficking is one of the most difficult crimes to investigate and prosecute due to the lack of clear evidence, victims fear of coming forward, and the use of hard to trace technologies such as the dark web. This paper presents a systematic literature review on how technology plays a major role in both aiding and combating human trafficking. Traffickers increasingly use every day apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp to recruit and control victims, while also relying on encrypted platforms and online payment methods to hide their tracks. Complications in addressing human trafficking include legal loopholes, inconsistent definitions across jurisdictions, and outdated law enforcement tools that struggle to keep up with rapidly evolving digital platforms. However, technology also provides important tools for identifying traffickers, locating victims, and spreading awareness. This paper explores the definition of human trafficking, the psychological methods used by traffickers such as love bombing or the lover-boy method as well as the types of people most likely to be targeted. It also discusses the portrayal of trafficking in popular culture through high profile celebrity cases and media coverage, showing how these representations influence public awareness and understanding. By examining these factors, the paper aims to highlight the need for stronger digital policies, more awareness in online spaces, and broader educational efforts to combat trafficking at all levels. Ultimately, understanding the connection between technology and trafficking is key to disrupting this widespread and deeply rooted crime.