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Sinkhole Microcosms: Understanding Persistence Of Place Through Variable Cultivation Strategies In Northeastern Yucatán, Mexico, Maia Dedrick, Patricia A. Mcanany, Adolfo Iván Batún Alpuche, Elizabeth A. Webb, Isaac A. Hart

Faculty Publications

Sinkholes contributed to persistent human inhabitation of the northern Yucatán peninsula of Mexico for more than two millennia. Building on previous work on the use of sinkholes central to the town of Tahcabo and elsewhere in the Maya area, this study presents pollen, soil carbon isotope, radiocarbon, and artifactual evidence from four geomorphic features. They include the perennially wet cenote situated in the town center and three dry sinkholes (rejolladas) located in the commonly held lands (ejido) of the town. These features demonstrate striking variability in multispecies engagements with and within sinkholes, especially over the past …

Microgrid Black Start Challenges: The Role Of Grid-Forming Inverters, Gab-Su Seo, Wenzong Wang, Behrooz Mirafzal

Faculty Publications

Grid-forming (GFM) inverters are becoming increasingly important for future power systems, particularly in establishing and restarting microgrids after blackouts. The use of GFM inverters enables microgrids to operate independently of utility power and provide key advantages over synchronous generators in black start scenarios, including rapid startup and stable voltage and frequency support for critical loads. However, inverter-driven black start introduces unique challenges and operational considerations. This article examines key challenges and solutions, emphasizing inverter design, control strategies, and microgrid system requirements. Drawing on analysis, simulation, and experimental results, this article highlights the central role of GFM inverters in ensuring reliable …

Fundamental Care In Times Of Crisis: The Lived Experience Of Chief Nursing Officers, Devin S. Carr

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Fundamental nursing care refers to the essential and practical elements of care that involve the integration of physical and psychosocial aspects of care required for every person in any care setting. The Covid-19 pandemic created unique challenges for nurses, which inhibited their ability to consistently provide fundamental nursing care. This study explored the lived experiencs of Chief Nursing Officers and delivery of fundamental nursing care during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study employed an exploratory phenomenological approach to gain an understanding of how Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) promoted fundamental nursing care during times of crisis. Specifically, this study explored perceptions of …

Unlocking Leadership: Mentoring Globally, Connecting Deeply, Transforming Personally, Wedad Ashkar, Krista A. White

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Mentoring is a key process in which experienced individuals provide guidance to help others transform personally and professionally. Sigma’s Global Leadership Mentoring Community (GLMC) is a platform that matches dyads across the globe to develop transformational nurse leaders. Mentorship fosters leadership skills, academic productivity, and job satisfaction, thus, empowering clinicians to drive healthcare innovation that strive to improve health outcomes.

Aims: (1) Describes the reciprocal benefits of the relationship of an experienced academician in the United States and an early career Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in Israel; (2) Shares leader attributes being developed through our journey; and (3) Examines …

The Prevalence Of Healthcare Inequity In The Treatment Of Women With Opioid Use Disorder, Bridget R. Scott-Fletcher, Mary Annapoorna, Dana El Hajj

Biennial Convention (CONV)

In trying to achieve gender equity in society there continues to be a shortfall with the burden of childcare, household duties, generational caregiving, working, and other duties still being unequally placed on women. The article by Cerrato & Cifre (2018) highlighted this in that women spend an average of 38 hours per week caring for children as opposed to men who were noted to spend an average of 23. This is irrespective of the fact that women continue to strengthen in numbers in the workforce these hours remain unchanged. A man, in contrast, will neither see nor realize any change …

The Importance Of Educating Patients On Side Effects Of Weight Loss Medications, Hannah Ledger, Teresa Teasley, Michelle Dykes

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Obesity has become more of a problem in the world that is leading to further health issues. Research shows that worldwide obesity has contributed to over a million deaths every year. Obesity leads to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and many others. Medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are now available for weight management in an injectable and oral form. There are risks and benefits to both the injectable and oral forms that patients may not be aware of when deciding the best option for them.

With the craze surrounding the use of these weight loss medications, …

Autism In Higher Education: A Systematic Review, Katie Webber

Honors Theses - Providence Campus

As students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasingly represented in higher education, these students need to have their needs met, and many institutions lack the resources to do so. This systematic review synthesizes research on the experiences of students with autism in college, focusing on barriers, support services, and institutional interventions. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2025 identified 17 relevant articles. Findings reveal that students often experience difficulties with social integration, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, and mental health, all of which can affect academic performance and retention. Evidence suggests that individualized supports, mentoring, structured …

Spartan Daily, November 19, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 165, Issue 37

Butte Medical Monitoring Working Group Meeting, Mike Mcanulty, Eric Hassler

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

November 19, 2025, Faculty, Illinois Wesleyan University

2025-2026

No abstract provided.

Lindenwood Digest, November 12, 2025, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

The Lindenwood Digest has been a digital employee newsletter since 2009.

Interpreting Extension Professionals' Viewpoints On Agricultural Climate Change Programming, Aaron B. Wilson, Alli Wenman, Samuel Pratsch, Kenneth Genskow, Patrick Robinson, Dennis Todey, Laurie Nowatzke, Namah Chiamo Taku-Forchu, Moses Wanyakha

Journal of Extension

We evaluated Extension professionals' attitudes and beliefs from Midwestern "1862" land-grant universities around three themes: prioritizing climate programming, farmers' perceptions, and the role of Extension leadership in building capacity to integrate climate change into programs. Using key informant interviews and a two-hour virtual workshop, we developed 'coordinate planes' to illustrate the tensions and contradictions among the three themes, with participants expressing highly diverse viewpoints across the region. Results identify the need for Extension leadership to support multi-state programs and shared resources that provide consistent guidance and expectations around climate change programming while recognizing the intrinsic state context and values.

The Land-Grant University’S Role In Lifelong Workforce Development In Food, Agriculture, And Natural Resources: Leveraging The Relationship Between Academic And Extension Programs, T. Grady Roberts, Debra M. Barry, J.C. Bunch, Suzanna Browning, Jason C. Dossett, R. G. (Tre) Easterly Iii, Cassandra Goff, Carla Jagger, Juan Montealegre, Brian E. Myers, Heather Nesbitt, Jason Steward, Jessica Switzer

Journal of Extension

Today’s food, agriculture, and natural resources (FANR) workforce is constantly evolving. Lifelong learning is no longer a lofty goal but is now a necessity. Colleges of agriculture at land-grant universities have the potential to meet the lifelong learning needs of the FANR workforce. In this article, we present a model where the academic and Extension components of colleges of agriculture at land-grant universities can link together to provide seamless lifelong workforce development. Our model is built on workforce development theory and is based on the traditions of the land-grant universities evolving to meet the needs of the people. Our model …

Expanding Community Engagement By Combining Extension, Service Learning, And Classroom Instruction, Chester L. Arnold, Juliana Barrett, Todd Campbell Dr., Marisa Chrysochoou, David Dickson, Michael Dietz, Randi Mendes

Journal of Extension

The Environment Corps program at the [university] approaches community engagement by combining teaching, service learning, and extension work. This model of engagement harnesses the power of trained undergraduates in conducting meaningful and actionable projects for communities, building on the topical knowledge, outreach experience, and community contacts of seasoned Extension professionals, and in turn expanding the reach of their programs. Over 175 projects have been completed in partnership with 96 municipalities, nonprofits, or other entities. The program has documented benefits to both students and partner communities. The program team is interested in assisting others to adapt the model.

Extension Interest Assessment: An Evaluation Of Hispanics Residents Of Florida, John M. Diaz, Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo, Miguel A. Acevedo, Juan M. Campos Krauer, Elise S. Gornish, Alvaro Romero, Armando J. Ubeda, E. Hance Ellington

Journal of Extension

Our study examined the interests and preferences of Hispanic residents in Florida regarding extension services. We surveyed 481 adults, focusing on their interest in various topics, preferred information frequency, engagement modalities, and resource types. We found high interest in finance, health, food safety, and wildlife conservation, with a strong preference for online and hybrid resources. However, 66% were unaware of Cooperative Extension, highlighting potential for increased engagement. Our study emphasizes the need for expanded Spanish extension offerings and culturally tailored programs. Further research is recommended to generalize findings across states and better serve the Hispanic community nationwide.

Nebraska Extension Tractor And Equipment Safety Certification Course – Measuring Long-Term Impact And Implementing Improvements, Rebecca Bonacci, Ellen Duysen, Bri Parr, Susan Harris, Aaron Yoder

Journal of Extension

Many jobs in agriculture have been deemed too hazardous for children younger than 16 years. A waiver allowing 14- and 15- year-old youth to work on farms requires safety course certification. [Redacted] Extension has partnered with a NIOSH funded Agricultural Safety Center to provide an annual tractor and equipment safety course across [Redacted]. To gauge impact, a survey addressed questions regarding the program's long-term impact, perceived value, injuries, close calls, recommendations for improvement and adoption and implementation of safety practices. The results have led to improved programming. The findings provide a roadmap to establish effective tractor and equipment certification programs.

Agricultural Extension Agents’ Current Usage Of Social Media In Extension Work And Challenges They Face, Howard M. Wallace Ii, K. S. U. Jayaratne, Wendy Warner, J. Dara Bloom, Julia Mckeown

Journal of Extension

The purpose of this descriptive survey research study was to determine Agricultural Extension Agents’ (AEA) current usage and challenges faced when using social media in their work. AEAs primarily utilized social media to distribute announcements about upcoming events and programs, market extension programs, and share information with clients. They did not use social media to communicate with extension advisory groups, evaluate extension educational program impacts, or conduct needs assessments. This study identifies the major challenges AEAs face such as lack of organizational support when they use social media and makes recommendations to face those challenges proactively.

Public Support For New Agricultural Best Management Practices To Protect Florida Water Quality, Sadie Hundemer, Madison A. Dyment, Matthew Gold

Journal of Extension

Recent research finds that changes to land management practices in geographically vulnerable areas of Florida could substantially reduce groundwater contamination; however, water quality improvement comes with tradeoffs. A change in land use or the adoption of new agricultural best management practices (BMPs) would have economic and cultural implications for farmers, rural communities, taxpayers, and the state as a whole. In two studies, we examined Florida residents’ support for alternative land management policy options, the considerations contributing to their policy preferences, and how preferences and considerations vary across demographic characteristics.

Bringing Lived Experience Into Curriculum Review: A Proposed Participatory Model, Monica M. Lobenstein, Stepha Velednitsky, Joanna Skluzacek Phd, Briley Rossiter

Journal of Extension

Processes for curriculum review and selection vary across Extension but often rest with educators, specialists, and leadership. For many topics, their educational leadership is appropriate. For topics relating to social, cultural, and/or political aspects of people’s lives, Extension professionals may be limited in essential perspectives to select suitable curricula. Curriculum Jams is a five-step process that engages community youth and adults in identifying relevant criteria, which are used to review existing curricula for use in Extension programs and beyond. While challenges exist, multiple process pilot tests illustrated the process's strengths with encouraging results, including responsive criteria and improved relevance in …

Is There An Extension Discount For Agricultural Economics Faculty?, Siun Lee, Jeffrey Hyde, Yangxuan Liu, Rodolfo M. Nayga Jr, Wendong Zhang

Journal of Extension

Salary is an important aspect of one’s decision to pursue a particular career. This work compares the salaries of Agricultural Economics faculty members with and without Extension responsibilities across 19 departments in the US. We find that mean salaries for those with Extension appointments are significantly less than those without Extension appointments, ranging from a difference of $5,065 for assistant professors to $14,532 for full professors. We encourage administrators to acknowledge this “Extension Discount” and, if desired, make intentional decisions to reduce it. Doing so would serve to address recruiting challenges for Agricultural Economics Extension positions.

Midweek Memo, Georgia Southern University

Midweek Memo

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Perception Map As A Tool For Program Evaluation, Marlene K. Rebori

Journal of Extension

Perception maps can be powerful tools for visually sharing and conveying program information with the general public and decision makers. A perception map is a common visual data tool used in the marketing and economics discipline, but not commonly used in Extension. A framework for developing a perception map and a step-by-step process for setting up evaluation metrics to create a perception map is provided using an example from a community leadership development program.

Editorial: Healthcare Technologies And Space: Therapeutic Built Environment As A Health Technology And Technologies For Improved Healthcare Settings, Evangelia Chrysikou, Fernando Loizides, Marianna Obrist, James Barlow, Paul Barach

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Ecoviz: Experience The Future Of Environmental Insight Through Motion And Visuals, Ronger Xu

Theses

The project titled ‘ECOVIZ’ investigates the potential of motion-based visualization to transform the way environmental data is understood and emotionally experienced. Through an interactive visual system that merges 3D motion design with environmental datasets, the project explores how abstract ecological information can be translated into intuitive and immersive experiences. ECOVIZ examines the ways in which data visualization, when paired with motion, depth, and spatial interaction, can foster a deeper and more meaningful engagement with climate-related information, bridging the gap between scientific data and public comprehension. ‘ECOVIZ’ transforms environmental statistics into dynamic, visually expressive forms that mirror the rhythms, fluctuations, and …

Gotta Have Somebody: Renal Health And Caregiving Experiences In Rural Florida, Danae Ayra-Barboza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This thesis examines the dynamics of care in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) using the care circle model to highlight common experiences and themes during chronic kidney disease (CKD) management. Combining the theoretical frameworks of structural violence, social suffering, and care allowed the analysis of caregiving dynamics in the EAA, a community distressed by a history of structural violence that manifests today as poverty, environmental pollution, inadequate education, and poor health outcomes. Thematic analysis synthesizing the experiences of the care circles identified four themes: Geographical, logical, and economic constraints to healthcare; Cultural, linguistic, and educational barriers; Informal and formal support …

Urban/Suburban Extension: Challenges & Solutions For Program Design, Delivery, And Evaluation, Sharmistha Basak, Anil Kumar Chaudhary

Journal of Extension

The Cooperative Extension System, historically focused on rural communities, faces a growing need to serve expanding urban and suburban populations. To address this, Extension professionals require a strong foundation in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs tailored to these new audiences. This Delphi study explored the challenges and solution-oriented strategies for program design, delivery, and evaluation within urban and suburban contexts. The findings reveal limitations in current Extension programming efforts targeted toward these populations. This research offers a broader set of recommendations for developing impactful Extension programs specifically tailored to the needs of urban and suburban audiences.

Farm Tour Evaluation Tool For Agricultural Awareness, Hannah Eason, Jessica Ryals, Yvette Goodiel, Lauren Butler, John Diaz, Marilyn Swisher

Journal of Extension

Educational farm tours offer learning opportunities that cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting. Developing a consistent farm tour evaluation tool is paramount to quantifying individual Extension farm tours while also providing a common platform to measure outcomes and impacts nationally and over time. An IRB-approved farm tour evaluation tool was developed to capture agricultural awareness and used to evaluate the 2022 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting/Professional Improvement Conference (NACAA AM/PIC) tours. The evaluation tool attempts to quantify farm tour outcomes and impacts and demonstrate the value of agriculture to decision makers, consumers, and community members.

Managed Online Panel Discussions As A Participatory Education Approach, Melissa M. Kreye, Kathryn Brooks, Eric Burkhart, Jesse Kreye, Allyson Muth, Calvin Norman, Sanford Smith, Scott Weikert

Journal of Extension

We assessed the social learning benefits provided by online panel discussions, where topics and questions on forestry issues were collected from the audience, but the discussions were limited to the people on the panel. We also examined the influence of different panelists including experts, extension professionals and peers. Findings indicate that the panels advanced understanding of issues, but also generated a variety of social benefits (e.g., validation, self-awareness, empathy, passion) that supported views about sustainable forestry and stewardship. Panels that involve peers and extension professionals were slightly better at generating a productive social learning environment, compared to panels containing experts.

Understanding Perceptions About And The Practice Of Integrated Pest Management And Biological Control Of The Filth-Breeding Flies By Individuals Involved In The Equine Industry In The United States, Virgillia Adele Beyer-Junfin, Theresa Pesl Murphrey, David Lawver, Barry Boyd, Amy Boren-Alpizar, Rilee Hall, Audra W. Richburg

Journal of Extension

Filth-breeding flies pose significant health risks and costs in the equine industry. Although an arsenal of management strategies exists, integrated pest management (IPM) utilizing biological control (BC) offers cost and labor efficient pest control for equine facilities. Yet, little data exists on IPM adoption across the equine industry in the United States. This quantitative study examines the knowledge, perceptions, and adoption of IPM of those involved in the equine industry. Findings reveal knowledge barriers and time constraints as major preventatives. Preferred communication channels for IPM information are also identified. Recommendations are made for further research and practice in IPM and …

What Covid-19 Taught Extension: Experiences Of Extension County Engagement Specialists Promoting Vaccinations In Meat Processing Plants In Rural Missouri., Wilson Majee, Ifeolu David, Lynelle Phillips, Rachel Buenemann, Kassandra Maturino

Journal of Extension

Extension played a significant role, in collaboration with other key community organizations, by disseminating information that debunked COVID-19 myths, and promoting vaccinations at the community level. In this article we present insights from the experiences of Extension faculty at the University of Missouri who were engaged in promoting COVID-19 vaccinations for meat processing plant workers. Findings from this quality improvement project highlight opportunities for leveraging Extension field faculty, and challenges to consider in future public health promotion efforts.