Digital Commons Network^™

Legislative Chamber Characteristics Affect The Introduction Of Hot-Button Issue Legislation, Sophie Christensen

Research on Capitol Hill

With increased polarization in the US, state legislatures have become a venue where hot-button social issues are pursued. Legislation directed at the LGBTQ+ community has been introduced at dramatically increasing rates over the past five years.

Pavlovian Cues Promote Self-Control Choices In Rats And Kindergarteners, Emily Kuehnl

Research on Capitol Hill

Impulsive choices occur when we prefer a small reward now over a larger reward later and is predictive of substance-use disorders, pathological gambling, and other behaviors that negatively impact health.

Crops Grown Below Ground Can Be 20-40°F Warmer Than Above-Ground Outdoor Crops, Jessie Miller

Research on Capitol Hill

At USU, 33% of students are considered food insecure. The walipini, a pit-style greenhouse, shows food can be grown year-round for a low cost.

Nanoparticles May Improve How Antiviral Compounds Are Delivered For Herpes Virus 1, Emilia Huff

Research on Capitol Hill

HSV-1, a strain of herpes, infects the majority of adults in the US and has been linked to neurological damage.

Could Gene Editing Increase Chicken Resistance To Avian Influenza?, Alta Crane

Research on Capitol Hill

Avian Influenza is a viral infection that causes outbreaks of "bird flu," greatly affecting avian health. Influenza A virus (IAV) relies on various host factors for efficient replication. Previous studies in human cells have identified four genes as critical host factors required for IAV infection. To investigate whether similar host– virus interactions exist in avian species, we utilized gene editing systems to generate knockout fibroblast cell lines targeting those four genes and then applied these techniques to germ cells.

Aspen Graffiti Are Close To Trails And On Large-Diameter Trees, James A. Lutz, Soren Struckman, Joseph D. Birch

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Key results

1. Close to the trail

75% of all graffiti was within 60 feet of the trail.

2. On the largest trees

Graffiti was concentrated on the largest diameter aspen (larger than 8 in diameter).

3. Higher growth in marked aspen

Aspen with graffiti had 24% higher radial growth, relative to unmarked aspen. This is likely because people carve the healthiest aspen.

Pest Management For Utah Cut Flower Production: Insects And Their Relatives, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

Pest management is important in cut flower production, marketability, and farm profitability. This fact sheet focuses on animal pests (insects, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates), not diseases or weeds, and has two parts. Part 1 applies Integrated Pest Management (IPM): using preventive techniques, pest thresholds, and best management practices with pests in cut flower crop production. Part 2 highlights the top 10 common pests of cut flowers in Utah and their management.

Creating An Identity: Analyzing The Journal Of Western Archives, J. Gordon Daines Iii, Ryan K. Lee, Cory L. Nimer

Journal of Western Archives

The Journal of Western Archives was created as a "manifestation of a Western regional identity for archivists" and to "foster the continuing development of a unique regional identity for archivists working and living in the American West by promoting an improved discourse about archival work and providing another venue for the socialization of new archivists." The journal was founded with the explicit purpose to "provide a venue where archivists working in the West can highlight their unique contributions to the archival profession." The Journal of Western Archives is now fifteen years old and has established itself as an important voice …

Civic Center Curriculum Committee Agenda February 25, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• New Business
• Assessing Durable Skills
• Program Learning Outcomes
• Adjourn: 10:30 am

Factors Associated With Substance Use Treatment Seeking During Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study Applying The Gelberg–Andersen Model For Vulnerable Populations, Dorothy Wallis

Social Work Faculty Publications

Treatment seeking among individuals who misuse substances can be a complex process, with many factors contributing to treatment seeking. Guided by Gelberg–Andersen’s Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, this research seeks to establish predisposing, enabling, and need factors contributing to treatment seeking during COVID-19. A total of 201 individuals participated in the study. Contrary to existing literature, no predisposing factors were associated with treatment seeking during COVID-19. However, variations were seen in enabling and need factors. Perceiving a need for treatment and having reliable transportation to treatment were associated with treatment seeking during COVID-19, underlying the importance of addressing both physical …

Biological Opinion Monitoring Of Riparian Habitat And Forest Stand Resources, Peter D. Howe

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Automated, High-Resolution, Three-Dimensional Pest Scouting In Orchards Using Aerial And Ground Vehicles, Sierra N. Young

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Electric Pressure Cookers: What You Need To Know, Callahan Adams, Emily Smith

All Current Publications

Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer convenience, versatility, and efficiency in everyday cooking. EPCs offer multiple cooking functions beyond pressure cooking, including sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, cooking rice, and preparing yogurt. They are not suitable for pressure canning, as confirmed by multiple Extension research studies and national guidelines. When used properly, EPCs provide a safe and effective way to prepare meals quickly while saving counter and storage space.

Decolonizing Postpartum Depression: A Review Of Postpartum Depression In Adolescent American Indian Mothers, Brandi A. Richardson, Christopher J. Cutter, Mark Beitel

Journal of Indigenous Research

Postpartum depression (PPD), defined as at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities accompanied by symptoms such as altered eating habits, suicidal or infanticidal thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, and low energy, is a significant public health problem in the United States. Poor infant and maternal health increase risk for PPD. In addition, adolescent mothers are at higher risk of prenatal depression, birth complications, and PPD. Current research fails to address adolescent American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) mothers experiencing PPD. This review seeks to integrate what has been discovered about PPD within Native communities …

Preparando Para Su Edad Y Su Futuro: Latina Mothers’ Perspectives Of Navigating Postsecondary Transition For Autistic Youth, Kristina Rios Dr., Katherine R. Brendli Brown, Genna Kieper, Cynthia Velasquez, Amber Brown Ruiz

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Families play a critical role in the education and service provision of Autistic students. However, much of the existing research on family involvement and expectations has centered on families of younger Autistic children and has disproportionately reflected the experiences of White families, even though Latinx families may include individuals of any racial background. Furthermore, while there is growing transition literature focused on families of color, Latinx families—particularly those with Spanish-speaking caregivers—remain underrepresented in studies examining the postsecondary transition. There is a critical need for research that captures Latinx caregivers’ perspectives on navigating the transition process and identifies how educators can …

Clinician Tele-Mental Health Attitudes In North American Indigenous Communities, Elleh A. Driscoll, Justin Douglas Mcdonald

Journal of Indigenous Research

This study examined mental health clinicians (n=104) serving North American Indigenous clients and how tele-mental health (TMH) factors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted future willingness to continue TMH. Results indicated predictors of future TMH usage were not statistically significant due to the high baseline of willingness to utilize TMH, regardless of factors. The goal of this study was to investigate awareness of clinician attitudes of TMH and promote continued research and training for tele-mental health care with Indigenous populations.

Vines In The Landscape: Goldflame Honeysuckle, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

All Current Publications

Goldflame honeysuckle is a moderately growing vine with a mature height of 10–15 feet and can spread around 3–6 feet in a single growing season. It grows well on fences, arbors, and trellises; however, canopy coverage is usually sparse and may not be suitable as a privacy screen. The vine grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the blooming season. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Unlike Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), Goldflame honeysuckle is non-invasive and does not aggressively spread by runners.

Academic Standards Subcommittee Minutes February 19, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of January 15, 2026 minutes
• Discussion Topics:
• Graduate Certificate Policy proposal
• Next Meeting: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Academic Standards Subcommittee Agenda February 19, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of January 15, 2026 minutes
• Discussion Topics:
• Graduate Certificate Policy proposal
• Next Meeting: Thursday, March 19, 2026

The Status Of Women In Utah Politics: A 2026 Update, Corinne Clarkson, Jamie Faux, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

Given the beauty of Utah’s mountains and deserts, its strong economy, thriving arts community, and range of urban and rural living environments, the state has much to offer Utahns. In terms of overall quality of life, WalletHub’s most recent rankings place Utah eighth among the states—second in education and health, and sixth in affordability.¹ The state’s WalletHub ranking peaked at 4th in 2024,² but Utah hovers among the top 10 best states to live.

Utah's Value-Added Food Processing Options, Karin E. Allen, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of the benefits of producing and marketing value-added foods and outlines key considerations for new ventures. It also details the two primary programs available to smaller-scale processing in Utah—the Cottage Food Program and the Homemade Food Act—assisting producers in evaluating their products, markets, and resources to choose the best path forward.

Children And Youth With Special Health Care Needs (Cyshcn) Regional Support Centers (Rsc): A Framework For Effectively Engaging Stakeholders, Jenna Lequia, Susan Burlazzi, Abby Beer, Miriam Franco, Kathleen Mcgrath, Angel Morales, Joanne Siegel, Susan Hetherington, Tricia Patrick

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The three University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) in New York served as Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Regional Support Centers (RSC). The RSCs aimed to increase the capacity of local CYSHCN programs to connect with and support CYSHCN and their families in their community. RSCs conducted activities in the areas of family engagement, training and educational materials development, and technical assistance. RSCs engaged in ongoing dialogue with CYSHCN and their families to learn about experiences to inform systemic improvements through focus groups, interviews, and surveys. This article describes a statewide framework to serve …

From Strain To Strength: A Narrative Review Of Wellness Dimensions In Caregiving, Valerie Perkoski

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This narrative review investigates the positive aspects of being a family caregiver for individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs) using the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness (Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, and Social). While much research has traditionally focused on “caregiver burden,” this review highlights the often-overlooked beneficial outcomes of caregiving. Emotional wellness is enhanced through gratitude and resilience. Physical wellness is discussed through interventions like physical activity, which can reduce caregiver distress. Intellectual wellness emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, helping caregivers find fulfillment in their roles. Occupational wellness shows that employment and community engagement can reduce anxiety among …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Minutes February 17, 2026, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Call to Order
• Provost Search
• University Business
• Faculty Senate Business
• Reports
• Faculty Development and Educational Leadership
• Parking and Transportation
• Information
• Old Business
• New Business
• Adjourn: 4:50 PM

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda February 17, 2026, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes January 20, 2026
• 3:05 Provost Search
• 3:20 University Business
• 3:35 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:50 Report
• Faculty Development and Educational Leadership
• Parking and Transportation
• 4:00 Information
• EPC Report - February 5, 2026
• 4:10 Old Business
• 4:15 New Business
• Special Faculty Forum
• Adjourn: 4:30 pm

Menopause 101, Stephanie Carlson, Emma Parkhurst, Ashley Yaugher, Cris Meier

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides women with basic information about perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, along with helpful tips and resources to better prepare for or manage these phases of life.

Improving Ground Cover Crop Fractional Vegetation Mapping Via Causality-Based Deep Representation Learning, Atif Latif, Masoumeh Hashemi, Matt Yost, Somayeh Esmaeili, Xiaojun Qi

Computer Science Student Research

Semantic segmentation and deep learning methods have rarely been applied to fractional vegetation cover (FVC) segmentation tasks due to the lack of publicly available datasets for training deep learning models. FVC is a key indicator for assessing vegetation distribution, crop density, and crop responses to water availability and fertilizer application, yet conventional field-based measurement methods are time consuming, costly, labor intensive, and may lack the accuracy required for critical applications such as drought stress evaluation and water productivity. In this paper, we introduced causality-based deep learning techniques for FVC segmentation on a publicly available RGB dataset that consists of four …

Psychological Correlates Of Audiological And Self-Report Indicators Of Hyperacusis In Adults With Misophonia, Mercedes G. Woolley, Karen F. Muñoz, Guadalupe G. San Miguel, Anderson Clements, Julie M. Petersen, Michael P. Twohig

Psychology Student Research

Purpose:

Misophonia and hyperacusis are distinct sound sensitivity conditions that can co-occur and are linked to heightened emotional distress and impaired functioning. This study investigated the convergence between audiometric-based and self-reported indicators of hyperacusis and examined how each related to misophonia severity and psychological outcomes in adults with misophonia.

Method:

Participants (N = 60) completed self-report measures and underwent loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing.

Results:

Analyses revealed discrepancies between self-reported and LDL-defined hyperacusis, with no significant associations between LDL-based classifications and psychological or misophonia-related outcomes. In contrast, hyperacusis identified via a standardized self-report measure was significantly …

Civic Center Curriculum Committee Agenda February 9, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• New Business
• Assessable Language and Rubrics
• Quantitative Literacy
• CL/BHU Integrated Humanities
• Charette Preparation
• Adjourn: 10:30 am

Vines In The Landscape: Virginia Creeper, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

All Current Publications

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous and aggressive deciduous vine in the grape family (Vitaceae), known for its rapid growth, dense foliage, and striking fall color. Some landscapers consider this plant a nuisance because of its aggressive growth, potential damage to weak structures, and difficulty in removing, but others love it for its potential for erosion control, rapid coverage, fall color, and as a bird and pollinator habitat.