UA Theses and Dissertations
ABOUT THE COLLECTIONS
More than 40,000 theses and dissertations produced at the University of Arizona are included in the UA Theses and Dissertations collections. These items are publicly available and full-text searchable. A small percentage of items are under embargo (restricted).
We have digitized the entire backfile of UA master's theses and
doctoral dissertations that were held in the University
of Arizona Libraries.
- Submitting master's theses to the UA Libraries was optional for many decades; as a result, we do not have all master's theses that were written at the University of Arizona.
- A small number of historical theses containing culturally sensitive material are not available online.
You can also refer to the Theses & Dissertations - frequently asked questions guide to find materials that are not available online.
Collections in this community
Recent Submissions
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IDENTIFICATION OF AN ERG-BOUND ENDOTHELIAL CELL RESTRICTED ENHANCER FOR IL1Α AND IL1ΒThe progression of atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque formation within the arterial walls that could manifest into coronary artery disease (CAD) leading to myocardial infarction or stroke. Our objective in this study is to identify regulatory elements in human aortic endothelial cells that are responsible for controlling the inflammatory environment. To do so we evaluated ERG’s binding landscape, an important transcription factor that suppresses inflammation, and among the topmost ERG-bound enhancer-like elements was a putative enhancer located between IL1α/β, genes. After deleting this candidate with CRISPR we found a reduction in the magnitude of the IL1α/β RNA upon TNFa treatment (p<0.05). We, therefore, concluded that this region functions as an enhancer for the transcription of the IL1-α and IL1-β genes. Deleting this genomic region also reduced leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells demonstrating the inflammatory functional consequence of the enhancer. Next, we evaluated ERG’s function at the IL1αβ enhancer by knocking down and overexpressing ERG with siRNA transfections and lentiviral transduction, respectively. Findings suggested that ERG’s inflammatory function in regulating IL1-α and IL1-β is in combination with the enhancer element and that greater transcriptional regulation of the genes comes from the enhancer versus ERG alone. Within this region, we also identified an ERG motif and NFkB motif as being the source of the majority of regulation surrounding enhancer activity. By identifying the role performed by this IL1αβ enhancer and its regulatory network, new advanced strategies can be formulated to better target CAD such as those with therapeutic and preventative measures.
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THE EFFECTS OF UNITED STATES INTERVENTION IN HONDURAS: WHAT CAN THE U.S. LEARN FROM THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2009 COUP?This thesis analyzes the long-term consequences of United States intervention in Honduras, arguing that U.S. foreign policy contributed to widespread political and economic instability that led to the 2009 coup d'etat. Drawing from historical context dating back to the late 19th century, this research highlights the evolution of U.S. influence through capitalist interests, militarization of domestic institutions, and neoliberal policy. The analysis explores how the United States continuously prioritized geopolitical and economic interests over human rights, often supporting corrupt regimes in Honduras. Key patterns are identified through scholarly sources, historical parallels, and media analysis. The thesis highlights the ways in which silence and a lack of true media representation perpetuated harm. It offers recommendations for future foreign policy that surround accountability and transparency. Understanding the history of U.S. intervention in Honduras is necessary in order to avoid the repetition of it, and to form a path forward that protects human rights across Latin America.
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SPEECH, SPENDING, AND THE STATE: REFORMING CAMPAIGN FINANCE IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACYThe influence of money in American politics, particularly through campaign contributions, has steadily increased over the past decade, even as official contribution limits have remained largely unchanged. For decades, the Supreme Court has wrestled with campaign finance cases, continually seeking to balance First Amendment protections with the government's interest in preventing corruption. Today, limits are placed on direct contributions to candidates from individuals, political parties, and political action committees (PACs). However, super PACs stand apart from these rules by being permitted to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, so long as they do not coordinate directly with candidates or campaigns. While lawmakers and justices have accepted this distinction as a legal foundation for campaign finance, the regulations governing super PACs have created a significant legal exception that allows an effectively unlimited flow of money to influence elections. This situation raises serious concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the disproportionate influence of wealthy donors. Although political donations are an important form of free expression, a better framework must be developed to protect both democratic integrity and constitutional rights. A revised approach would continue to allow citizens to express political preferences through financial support, but would impose meaningful limits on super PAC contributions. Such reform would strike a more appropriate balance between free speech and the need to limit corruption, ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy interests.
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INITIAL PERCEPTIONS OF CLOTHING STYLES AND THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIAAs someone who has no set style of clothing, I wanted to explore if people thought differently or made assumptions about me when I wore one style of clothing vs. another. I also wanted to explore whether social media had a major impact on how people perceive certain clothing styles. So to do that, I conducted research through a survey and on TikTok using eight different styles of clothing, using clothing I already had in my own closet. The styles were determined through my background in fashion, and with the help of the internet. It took me 7+ hours of filming and hours of planning and editing the result. Because this thesis was so heavily based on videos and visuals, I determined that the best format to submit my thesis would be a video essay posted on YouTube. I made a script that served as my plan for my video essay. The video itself was a battle with CapCut Pro and is now viewable to the public. Please enjoy this topic, which I feel very passionately about and have spent countless hours and sleepless nights making it into something I am proud of and could show to potential employers.
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THE EFFECTS OF FREE AGENCY ON WAGE EFFICIENCY AND TALENT DISTRIBUTION IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLThe strikedown of the Reserve Clause in Major League Baseball, also referred to as the institution of free agency, has reconfigured the baseball player labor market. Player wages have since skyrocketed, indicating changes in wage efficiency and talent distribution. This paper attempts to locate and understand any such changes as a direct result of free agents entering the Major League Baseball labor market. Wage efficiency is discussed by group (non-free agents and free agents) and is studied both before and after the implementation of free agency. It is determined by comparing actual wages to marginal revenue products of labor using team win percentage as the firm output. Non-free agents are found to be underpaid relative to their value, and free agents are generally found to be overpaid. These results imply a complex bilateral monopoly labor market where team monopsony power is strongest against non-free agents and monopolistic free agents successfully push wages upwards. Changes in talent distribution are studied by comparing trades under the Reserve Clause to free agent migration trends. Free agents tend to relocate to large market teams; however, acquiring free agents does not greatly increase team winning percentage. This indicates that League competitiveness is not significantly harmed by free agency. Research suggests a restructuring of free agency eligibility criteria such that players become free agents sooner in their careers would mitigate inefficient outcomes by increasing labor supply and reducing player monopoly power.
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HYDROGEN-SOLAR RESIDENTIAL MICROGRIDThe need for renewable energy sources is growing as demand rises and the grid ages. Microgrid technologies increase energy resilience and utilize renewable sources for self-sustained systems. Current microgrid systems rely on battery storage, which degrades quickly and require expensive materials for production. By utilizing hydrogen technologies for energy storage, a 19-home residential microgrid located in Tucson, Arizona can rely on solar and hydrogen for complete energy needs. The system includes major unit operations of photovoltaic cells, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and a PEM fuel cell. Minor unit operations include inverters, heat exchangers, compressors, batteries, and pumps. Mathematical modeling in MATLAB and Python using real solar irradiance and energy demand (load) data offers optimization quantifications and system feasibility. The comprehensive design includes environmental, economic, and hazard analysis while exploring the social and cultural implications of system application. All design considerations are modular and scalable, meaning simple alterations for applications of other renewable such as wind and hydroelectric for alternate microgrid applications such as data centers and electric vehicle charging. The system is optimized to minimize water use, minimize footprint, and maximize community resilience to weather events and natural disasters.
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DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOCOMPATIBLE AND BIODEGRADABLE CHITOSAN-GELATIN SCAFFOLD CROSSLINKED TO ENHANCE WOUND HEALING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITYTraditional bandages and gauze are widely used in medical applications but suffer from significant limitations, including poor biocompatibility and the absence of properties that would aid in wound healing. This study proposes the development of a chitosan-gelatin scaffold crosslinked with genipin to address these shortcomings. The resulting scaffold is designed to be biodegradable and biocompatible while offering antibacterial, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, all of which are critical for enhancing wound healing and promoting tissue regeneration. Although no experimental data have been collected, this proposal is based on an extensive review of studies involving chitosan, gelatin, crosslinking agents, and related scaffolds, culminating in a detailed procedural framework for future research and development.
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CONSUMER EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO TARGETED ADVERTISING: IMPLICATIONS FOR PURCHASE INTENTION AND TRUSTAs advertising technologies evolve, companies have gained increasingly sophisticated tools to target consumers. This study explores how consumers emotionally respond to different types of digital advertising: targeted, personalized, and general. It also examines how different emotions influence purchase intention. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined a consumer survey (N = 96) with open-ended qualitative responses and interviews with advertising professionals, the research found that targeted ads generated the highest purchase intentions, largely due to positive emotions such as curiosity and intrigue. Personalized ads, however, triggered the strongest feelings of discomfort and invasiveness, producing a polarized emotional response that weakened their effectiveness. General ads, while less emotionally provocative, were often perceived as irrelevant and failed to generate engagement. Results also revealed that concerns about data privacy and distrust in advertisers significantly shaped emotional reactions, with most participants expressing concern about how their data is used and supporting stricter regulations. While some consumers may be growing desensitized to targeted ads, highly personalized strategies continue to cross a line for many. These findings highlight a paradox in digital advertising: precise targeting can increase relevance, but excessive personalization may backfire. Advertisers must navigate this balance by prioritizing transparency, ethical data practices, and consumer comfort.
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NAVIGATING THE TUCSON COMMUNITYNavigating the Tucson Community: A Digital Archive of Community Engagement Around Tucson, AZ is a public-facing honors thesis research project rooted in over four years of relationship-building, volunteering, and experiential learning across Tucson. This digital archive documents my diverse community engagement experiences throughout my senior year at the University of Arizona. As part of my research on health and wellness resources in Tucson, I have collaborated with local organizations, explored community initiatives, and examined the structural challenges impacting access. Through this work, I have identified recurring themes in my community engagement, such as the role of food and movement. This archive not only serves as a record of my experiences but also as a resource for other University of Arizona students seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Whether you're a student, educator, organizer, or visitor, this project models how to listen closely, show up consistently, and build trust over time. By highlighting best practices and key takeaways, I hope to inspire future engagement that is thoughtful, inclusive, and responsive to local needs. Through sound scavenging, interactive maps, and photo collages, I've created a layered archive of engagement that is felt and seen. Ultimately, this project highlights the value of public and applied humanities approaches by centering participation and creative documentation in fostering community and well-being.
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ACCELERATING KINEMATIC LENSING INFERENCE WITH NEURAL NETWORKSCosmological surveys in the next decade will provide us with an unprecedented amount of data for Kinematic Lensing (KL) studies. KL infers the cosmic shear signal by jointly forward modeling the observed photometric image and velocity field of a disk galaxy, allowing for shear measurements with greatly reduced statistical noise. We show that there are good prospects for a future KL survey using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), and that a pilot measurement can already be made using data from the DESI Peculiar Velocity (DESI-PV) survey. However, the process of KL inference for cosmic shear using MCMC will be time-consuming, and will become unfeasible with a large number of galaxies. In this work, we explore ways to accelerate KL inference using neural networks, in preparation for the DESI-KL pilot measurement and future KL endeavors using large survey data. Specifically, we created an algorithm to mass-generate galaxy images and spectra, which can then be used for neural network training and validation. We also develop a neural network schematic for emulating image and spectra generation, which we plan to implement and test in a future work.
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MODULATIONS OF SALIVARY CORTISOL LEVELS, BLOOD PRESSURE, AND HEART RATE AFTER HUMAN-DOG INTERACTIONS IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONAUndergraduate student stress has increased over the last few decades. With it becoming progressively more competitive to matriculate into graduate/professional schools, or find a job post-grad, college students are experiencing heightened stress primarily due to worries about future plans, academic rigor, and busy workloads. Stress is a natural physiological response to a stimulus that the body perceives as dangerous. While thought of as negative, a proper stress response is vital to human life. When encountering threatening stimuli, the body releases hormones including cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine as signalers to react. When this response is controlled, the body adapts to stressful encounters and reacts accordingly. When this response undergoes hyperactivity, the body is negatively affected and conditions including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can arise. To mitigate this, students report methods such as physical activity and interacting with supporting family/friends. Interestingly, students also report that interacting with animals have helped mitigate stress. Studies have shown that interactions with therapy dogs reduced participant stress in military veterans, nursing students, and college students. This study will investigate whether these interactions have modulations on physiological stress variables including salivary cortisol concentrations, heart rates, and blood pressures to determine their potential to mitigate stress.
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DELINQUENCY RISK FACTORS AND THEIR INTERVENTION METHODSThe troubled teen industry often suggests dramatic and extreme interventions for managing problem behavior in adolescents. In reality, juvenile delinquency arises from a complex interplay of individual, family, and environmental risk factors. This paper reviews existing research on risk factors in delinquency and critically examines evidence-based interventions. Individual factors are typically targeted alongside family dysfunction and environmental contributors, while also buttressing protective factors that exist across domains. Three major intervention models are covered, including Multisystemic Therapy (MST), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC), and each are analyzed in terms of their structure, empirical support, and effectiveness. Although the interventions demonstrate significant promise in reducing recidivism and promoting positive youth outcomes, limitations related to cultural generalizability, therapist adherence, and long-term sustainability remain. Recommendations related to research, theory, and practice are made at the end.
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INVESTIGATING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ENGAGEMENT QUALITY AND SYMPTOM IMPROVEMENT IN TRAUMA-FOCUSED DIGITAL THERAPIESPosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains undertreated despite the efficacy of evidence-based therapies like Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET), largely due to access barriers and high attrition rates. This study introduces a novel engagement quality rating scale and presents preliminary data from a digital trauma-focused intervention (RainFrog) delivered to 47 college students with elevated PTSD symptoms. A piecewise multilevel model revealed greater symptom reductions in participants who engaged in imaginal exposure (IE) modules compared to participants who dropped out early. Exploratory analyses suggested a positive correlation between engagement quality, as assessed via the novel scale, and symptom improvement. Findings highlight the importance of measuring engagement quality to optimize outcomes in digital PTSD treatments.
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EXERCISE-MOBILIZED NK CELLS IMPROVE THE EFFICACY OF CYTOKINE-INDUCED MEMORY-LIKE NK CELLSNatural Killer (NK) cells are a promising immunotherapy to treat leukemia relapse due to their innate cytotoxicity and low treatment-related toxicity. However, persistence and sustained cytotoxicity in vivo remain a challenge. Overnight activation with interleukin (IL) 12, IL-15, and IL-18 generates cytokine-induced memory-like NK (CIML NK) cells. These cells show enhanced cytotoxicity and improved persistence in vivo. Ongoing clinical trials have shown promise with CIML NK cells with high-risk leukemia patients, however, prolonged anti-tumor activity still remains an issue. Acute bouts of exercise have demonstrated a five-fold increase of NK cells in peripheral circulation with highly enriched gene-sets to promote cytotoxicity. Here we investigated whether exercise mobilized NK cells (NKx) enhance production and function of CIML NK cells (CIML NKx). Four healthy donors performed a 20 minute bout of graded exercise on a cycle ergometer with blood samples taken at rest and during the last two-minutes of exercise. NK cells were then isolated from rest (NK) and exercise (NKx) time points, which were each stimulated with the IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 combination overnight to produce resting CIML NK cells and CIML NKx cells. These were then injected into leukemic-bearing xenogeneic mice to assess in vivo persistence and graft vs leukemia (GvL) effects. Therapeutic treatment with CIML NKx cells exhibited enhanced engraftment, delayed and reduced tumor burden (via bioluminescence imaging (BLI)), increased tumor-free survival and improved overall survival when compared to treatment with CIML NK. These findings suggest improved function and survival with therapeutic use of cytokine stimulated NK cells generated from exercise.
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THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN ENHANCING INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM PRACTICESThis study employed a qualitative case study approach to explore the professional practices and experiences of one occupational therapist and general education preschool teacher in a real-world setting. In this study, the researcher aimed to reflect on previous literature and combine observation and interview data on the practitioners' instructional methods, decision-making processes, and lived experiences in relation to inclusion. The goal was to gain a nuanced understanding of how an occupational therapist and general education preschool teacher operate in their professional environment, both from their perspectives and through direct observation.
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EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, NEURAL ACTIVITY IN RESPONSE TO SOCIAL FEEDBACK, AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORTBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are related to a variety of negative social and mental health outcomes in adulthood, many of which are explained by difficulties in social-emotional information processing and evaluation. This project aims to investigate the relationship between ACEs, neural activation in response to social acceptance and rejection, and how perceived social support (PSS) may play a role. Methods: 146 adults in romantic relationships underwent functional MRI scans during which they viewed positive, negative, and neutral social feedback about themselves or their partners. Participants also completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. Results: ACEs were significantly negatively related to general PSS, PSS from family, and PSS from friends, but not PSS from a significant-other. ACEs were significantly negatively related to neural activation of the bilateral amygdala and the DLPFC during social rejection, but not significantly related to neural activation of the NAcc during social acceptance. PSS was not a significant moderator in these relationships. Conclusion: In this sample, which may be defined as adaptive in participants' abilities to develop and maintain close relationships in adulthood, those with greater ACE scores showed reduced activation of the amygdala during social rejection, demonstrating adaptative social-emotional responses not found in other investigations of ACEs. These results, along with our findings of reduced DLPFC activation, may suggest that a moderate level of early life adversity can be associated with a reduced need for emotional regulation due to lower emotional processing activity.
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COMMON TREATMENTS FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: AN EVIDENCE-INFORMED APPROACHThe purpose of this thesis is to explore the effects and outcomes of catheter ablations compared to routine medical therapy for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The goal is to explore the scientific literature related to patients' overall cardiac function, composite of death, stroke rate, and cardiac arrest after a catheter ablation versus when receiving pharmacologic treatment alone. Nearly half a million hospitalizations are attributed to atrial fibrillation each year, and the death rate for the condition has been continually rising for the past two decades (CDC, 2020). The Journal of The American College of Cardiology has determined practice guidelines for the treatment of care for patients experiencing atrial fibrillation. Through extensive research, the organization has laid out specific recommendations for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with various concurrent diseases and conditions. Overall, the organization states that for atrial fibrillation patients in which antiarrhythmic drugs are not effective, a catheter ablation is beneficial for improving symptoms (Joglar et al., 2023). A catheter ablation should be used as the first-line therapy to improve symptoms and reduce the progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with either few comorbidities or many comorbidities. In addition, the organization recommends that patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation after a catheter ablation are to be treated with a repeat catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic therapy. Following a cardiac ablation, the guidelines also suggest that patients are prescribed an oral anticoagulation agent for at least three months or longer, depending on their risk for a stroke (Joglar et al., 2023). Given the rising incidence of atrial fibrillation, it is essential that nurses receive proper education on the condition and its treatment options, including cardiac ablations and medications. To address this need, the development of an educational training program is recommended for all nurses to complete.
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UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONAThis study explored structural and perceived barriers to mental health care among undergraduate students at the University of Arizona. Using a mixed-methods survey (n = 66), the research examined how logistical challenges, internal beliefs, and social factors influence students' decisions to seek or avoid mental health services. While structural barriers such as scheduling difficulties and insurance limitations were common, perceived barriers"”including internalized stigma, self-reliance, doubts about treatment effectiveness, and beliefs that concerns were not "serious enough" – proved more influential in determining help-seeking behavior. Although 70% of students affirmed the importance of mental health care, only 7.5% reported using the university's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), with most turning to informal support systems instead. Statistically significant associations were found between beliefs, disability status, race/ethnicity, and counseling use. The study recommends integrating mental health literacy into first-year courses to help students recognize struggles earlier and understand that mental health services are not only for crisis care. Additional strategies include improving informational clarity, promoting culturally responsive services, and expanding flexible service delivery. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both perceived and structural barriers to increase mental health service utilization and support student well-being.
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THE DEVOUT DIVIDE: ANALYZING THE GENDER GAP IN RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND PRACTICEIn the field of religious studies, it is a near universally accepted fact that, on average, women are more religious than men. This acceptance is based on numerous studies and surveys that repeatedly reinforce this knowledge. Despite the general acceptance of this fact, there is no clear consensus on why women are more religious than men. Numerous potential factors have been explored to explain the gap, including differences in socialization, risk aversion preferences, and hormonal influences; however, no single factor stands out as a universally significant element. This research adds to the conversation by exploring how the gender gap in religion is affected by the sociocultural factors of more significant concerns regarding personal safety and the need for community support in traditionally patriarchal societies. A survey was used to collect data from University of Arizona students regarding their views on religion, religious belief, and religious community. The results suggest the concept that personal safety concerns and a need for community support influence religiosity in women because women look for and gain a unique sense of safety from religious belief and participation compared to their male peers. This study introduces a new aspect contributing to the religious gender gap that merits further examination.
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CLOSURE: THE DEATH PENALTY, RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, AND ARIZONA VICTIM SERVICESOne of the biggest justifications for the continued use of capital punishment in the United States is that the practice brings closure to co-victims, the family members of the murdered victim. However, this argument does not resonate with all co-victims due to various factors, including religious beliefs, moral convictions, and the emotional toll of the post-conviction appeals process. This thesis begins by evaluating victim services in Arizona, a death penalty state that prides itself in being victim-centered. Interviews from victim advocates, individuals in victim services, and a research review will offer insight into where victim services can be improved, and-what victims need in capital cases in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal County. Second, the thesis will offer interviews and analysis with victims impacted by capital and non-capital offenses, their experiences with closure and thoughts about capital punishment. Third, the thesis will then explore the idea of restorative justice practices, such as victim offender dialogue, and their relationship to closure while also discussing the issue of the word closure for co-victims. Fourth, the thesis will highlight the hidden victims of the death penalty through discussion/analysis of an interview of a family member of a death row defendant and interviews of innocent people who spent time on Arizona and Florida's death row. Finally, the thesis will argue that the death penalty does not bring closure and healing to victims, but instead creates new victims, and that a more restorative approach to justice would better serve victims everywhere, including those in Arizona.