Eosinophilic Esophagitis, EoE, is a newer autoimmune chronic esophageal inflammatory illness that results from food allergen triggers (Lucendo, 2017). EoE has created a wide range of diagnostic challenges for physicians because of the similarities that it has compared to gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD. Current research indicates that EoE predominately impacts males at higher rates compared to females, while White males are most affected by and at risk for developing EoE compared to people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds (Sperry, 2012). Despite these findings, there continues to be an absence of research on social factors and identities like gender, race, ethnicity, income, sexuality and more, that are neglected in understanding how these features interact with EoE. Thus, the purpose of this thesis was to provide more evidence on identity and social aspects in relation to EoE that remain ignored and explain why there might be difficulties in investigating these topics. Moreover, a survey was also developed in order to better understand the current EoE population between the ages of 18 to 26, in which the transition from pediatric to adult care occurs. Language has been shown to affect patient’s care and treatment regarding their health because of discriminations that patients have been subjected to in the past. Therefore, it is important to discuss the role played by language and political correctness, especially within surveys. This thesis will explore the depth of study that has been completed within neglected areas of research surrounding marginalized communities, while providing new insights and questions for future possible research regarding EoE. This will be accomplished by discussing the existing problems within each topic and draw conclusions as to why EoE research may have been hindered within these neglected subjects. This project will provide a literature review, survey development, and language strategies for conducting inclusive and diverse populations and research topics centered around EoE.
In accordance with the practices of Digital Culture, Chrononaut Canyon is an interactive art experience that demonstrates how digital design practices can influence change, and innovative solutions to global problems. Digital Culture is defined as the arts, tools, customs, and values of the digital world and how they interact and overlap with the physical world. As computerization and technological innovations rapidly increase and permeate into everyday life and the physical world, the need to understand the role of digital tools becomes imperative in designing solutions to global problems. This includes using digital technology and design as communication tools to aid in the awareness of global problems, such as climate change and environmental degradation, in order to create sustainable solutions whilst embracing the twenty-first century’s digital culture.