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Educational Policies Committee Minutes February 5, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - January 8, 2026
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Center for Civic Excellence
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:47 pm

Ecologic Factors Contributing To West Nile Virus Hyperendemicity In Central South Carolina: An Integrated Vector–Human–Environmental Study, Elba S. Fridriksson, Ahayla Muraleedharan, Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller, Madeleine M. Meyer, Kia Zellars, Hiuxuan Li, Melissa S. Nolan Ph.D., Mph

Faculty Publications

West Nile virus (WNV) is an endemic arboviral infection in the United States that has undergone phyloge-netic evolution since its introduction 25 years ago. An integrated vector–human–pathogen study was conducted in the summer of 2023 to unearth contemporary Culex quinquefasciatus habitat patterns and human transmission spillover foci in South Carolina, a state with historically little WNV data. A serosurvey revealed WNV seroprevalence 10 times the national average (22% versus 2%, respectively), with unusual epidemiologic risk factors. Female Culex quinquefas-ciatus WNV positivity was low (2.7%), with viral phylogenetics 100% homologous to the WN02 clade. Mosquito vectors clustered in affluent urban neighborhoods …

Exploring The Landscape Of Ai In English Language Teaching: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis, Zuliati Rohmah, Aura Bunga Tauhid

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in English Language Teaching (AI-ELT), focusing on global research trends, influential authors, and emerging themes from 1986 to 2024. The findings reveal a significant surge in AI-ELT publications since 2019, driven by technological advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing integration of adaptive learning systems, natural language processing tools, and AI-driven chatbots. Notably, China leads in research output and citation impact, followed by contributions from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United States, underscoring regional disparities and opportunities for global collaboration. Key trends highlight the dominance of keywords like …

Staff Education Project Staff Education To Improve Tobacco-Use Screening And Referral For Patients Without A Primary Care Provide, Candra Rich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This project is a quality improvement initiative conducted in a rural clinic in South Carolina, focused on staff education and implementation of practices to improve tobacco use screening and referral for patients without a primary care provider. The practice problem is inconsistent screening for tobacco use and identification of patients without a primary care provider, resulting in missed opportunities for prevention and continuity of care. Addressing this issue is vital, as nurses play a key role in health promotion and connecting patients to smoking cessation resources. The practice-focused question of the DNP project asks whether empowering clinic nurses and advanced …

Transient Protein Structure Guides Surface Diffusion Pathways For Electron Transport In Membrane Supercomplexes, Chun Kit Chan, Jonathan Nguyen, Corey F Hryc, Chitrak Gupta, Kevin Redding, William Dowhan, Matthew L Baker, Alberto Perez, Eugenia Mileykovskaya, Abhishek Singharoy

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The exact biological role of mitochondrial supercomplexes remains debated, particularly their role in guiding redox proteins across membranes during energy conversion. We integrate multiscale modeling and single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to examine electron transfer in mitochondrial supercomplexes composed of complexes III and IV (CIII and CIV). Using bioinformatic and entropy-based methods, we generated structural ensembles capturing conformations of CIII's disordered QCR6 hinge within the yeast CIII2CIV2 supercomplex. Molecular and Brownian Dynamics simulations reveal that these negatively charged hinge states electrostatically couple with redox proteins, promoting their binding and directional diffusion across the membrane on millisecond timescales. Rather than hindering …

The Setd2 L1609p Mutation Found In Leukemia Disrupts Methyltransferase Activity And Reduces Histone H3k36 Trimethylation, Christina Michail, Jérémy Berthelet, Ariel E Mechaly, Linh-Chi Bui, Haopeng Yang, Duo Cai, Amira Al Mahi, Aowei Xie, Valeria Bisio, Valentina Sirri, Jean-Marie Dupret, Fabien Guidez, Ximing Xu, Nicolas Joly, Leslie Regad, Mireille Viguier, Frédérique Deshayes, Nicolas Dulphy, Michael R Green, Ahmed Haouz, Fernando Rodrigues Lima

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

SETD2 is the primary methyltransferase responsible for generating H3K36me3, an epigenetic mark that is essential for transcriptional regulation and chromatin integrity. SETD2 mutations are frequently observed in various cancers and tend to cluster within its catalytic SET domain. Despite the clinical relevance of SETD2 missense mutations in cancer, their biochemical and structural consequences remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we present the enzymatic and structural characterization of the SETD2 L1609P mutant enzyme identified in leukemia. The L1609 residue is located in the SET domain within a conserved hydrophobic pocket that is involved in substrate H3K36 recognition. Interestingly, site-directed mutagenesis of residues within …

Zingiber Officinale-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Maureen Bakor Tabe, Ovgu Isbilen, Jennifer N Walker, Ender Cinar

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The fight against infectious diseases has transformed over the past century with the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, where pathogens that exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotic classes leading to significant challenges to modern medicine. Zingiber officinale is well-documented to exhibit diverse biological activities, including strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized cost-effectively and are widely utilized in biomedical applications, including their use as anticancer agents and drug-delivery systems, as well as for their intrinsic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we aimed to take a combinatorial approach to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Z. …

Comparative Analysis Of Ctdna Monitoring Strategies In Advanced Nsclc With Met Exon 14 Skipping Mutations Treated With Ensartinib, Mo Zhou, Yin Zhu, Xuqi Sun, Ying Han, Rui Jin, Panwen Tian, Jun Zhao, Yang Jin, Zhiyuan Guo, Yongchang Zhang, Yiran Meng, Fei Liu, Wen Li, Xiuning Le, Haifeng Shen, Yang Xia

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mesenchymal-epithelial transition exon 14 skipping mutations (METex14) define a targetable molecular subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but optimal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) biomarkers to guide MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy remain undefined. Within the EMBRACE trial of ensartinib, we conducted a prospective biomarker analysis with plasma collected at baseline (V0) and 4 weeks after treatment initiation (V1). ctDNA was profiled using a hybrid-capture next-generation sequencing panel covering 229 cancer-related genes, and mutations were classified into three monitoring paradigms: MET-specific alterations, canonical alterations (tier I/II), and pan-alterations (any variant in any gene on the panel). Baseline ctDNA positivity rates …

Recommendations From The Blue Ribbon Panel On Fluoroscopy Safety, Dustin A Gress, M Mahesh, Kevin W Dickey, John F Angle, D Duane Baldwin, Stephen Balter, Wayne Batchelor, Lisa Bruedigan, Christopher Davis, Deirdre Elder, R Paul Guillerman, Maged N Guirguis, David Hardwick, Carrie M Hayes, Jeremy J Heit, A Kyle Jones, Melissa Kirkwood, Andrew Kuhls-Gilcrist, Bonnie Martin-Harris, William W Mayo-Smith, Sarah E Mckenney, Richard Miguel, Donald L Miller, Eric Monroe, Kristi Moore, Thomas L Morgan, Kari J Nelson, Kathryn Petrovic, Shellie Pike, Carlos A Pino, Travis Prowant, Jonathan W Revels, Vinil Shah, Andrew Y Wang, David B Weiss, Darcy J Wolfman, Kevin A Wunderle, Jessica Zarzour, Michael E Zychowicz, Alan H Matsumoto

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

There are many challenges associated with the safe use of fluoroscopy. These challenges include but are not limited to highly variable regulatory requirements, scope of practice concerns, inconsistent education and training, and lack of staff empowerment. Challenges are further compounded by the increasing use of fluoroscopy across a wide range of medical specialties. To facilitate consensus on how to address the issues, the ACR convened the multidisciplinary Blue Ribbon Panel on Fluoroscopy Safety (BRP-FS), with 32 organizations represented. The goal of the BRP-FS is to establish multi- and interspecialty consensus standards for the safe use of fluoroscopy in health care, …

Identification Of A Cytokine Biomarker For Prognostic Modeling Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Alison J Wu, Neil Lin, Jie Su, Cherie Lin, Madison-Shira Hossack, Wei Shi, Farnoosh Abbas-Aghababazadeh, Wei Xu, Benjamin Haibe-Kains, Simona F Shaitelman, Melissa B Aldrich, Fei-Fei Liu, Jennifer Y Y Kwan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lymphedema is a chronic complication of breast cancer treatment, and early intervention is crucial to reduce morbidity. This study evaluated the role of blood-based cytokine biomarkers in the prognostication of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) to improve risk prediction. A secondary analysis of inflammatory biomarkers for BCRL was performed using a previously published cohort of 147 breast cancer patients who had undergone serum cytokine profiling during their treatment at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from 2010-2014. Prognostic cytokine variables for lymphedema were selected by regression analysis and independence from known clinical risk factors. Regression-based modeling was employed to integrate prognostic variables …

Endothelial Oncogenic Kras Mutation Drives The Dynamics Of Microglia And Macrophages In Brain Arteriovenous Malformation, Hyejin Park, Jung-Eun Park, Bridger H Freeman, Bosco Seong Kyu Yang, Shun-Ming Ting, Alexander K Suh, Jude Pj Savarraj, Shuning Huang, Jakob Körbelin, Huimahn Alex Choi, Sean P Marrelli, Jaroslaw Aronowski, Peng Roc Chen, Eunhee Kim, Eun S Park

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mutation of KRAS in endothelial cells (KRAS-EC) leads to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM), resulting in severe disabilities or even death. However, it is unclear what causes this hemorrhagic conversion of bAVM. Here, using a locally established, clinically-relevant sporadic bAVM mouse model, created by overexpressing mutant KRAS (KRASG12V) in the brain EC, we demonstrate that KRAS-EC act as trigger for microglia (MG) activation and infiltration of macrophages (Mϕ). Using three-dimensional immunostaining approach with cleared human and mouse bAVM tissues, we demonstrate an abundance of MG/Mϕ around the bAVM nidus. The presence of MG/Mϕ are correlated to the …

Syllabus: Ece 302: Communities, Schools, Families & Children, Marilyn Stotts

Open Educational Resources

Syllabus for the ECE 302 Course on Communities, Schools, Families & Children held at Lehman College in the Fall 2026 Semester. The course uses open educational resources and materials available through the Lehman College library, all available at no cost to students, in place of a textbook.

Women's Safety & Security 2025: Utahn's Awareness, Understanding, And Attitudes, Susan R. Madsen, April Townsend

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

During the fall of 2023, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline for public perceptions related to the awareness, understanding, and attitudes about challenges that Utah women and girls face. In early 2024, we published 20 short research summaries¹ that shared the results of this comprehensive study (see Nos. 9–28). Next, in the fall of 2024, we administered this survey, with slight changes, around the state of Utah for the second time. Six comprehensive research white papers were then published on the results (see Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and …

Kenyon Collegian - February 5, 2026

The Kenyon Collegian

No abstract provided.

The Representation Of Law Enforcement Authorities’ Performance In Nbc News Coverage Of The Debanhi Escobar Case: A Dialectical Relational Approach, Rachim Satria Wicaksana, Nurhayati Nurhayati, Istiqamah Idrus Sere

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

NBC News, as an international media outlet, plays a significant role in shaping public perception and moral evaluation of social issues. Its coverage of the Debanhi Escobar case in Mexico has attracted widespread international attention, particularly in relation to the handling of feminicide by Law Enforcement Authorities. Within this context, the present study investigates how NBC News represents Law Enforcement Authorities in reporting the Debanhi Escobar case and how such representations construct moral and institutional evaluations. This study applies Fairclough’s Dialectical Relational Approach (DRA) to examine the relationship between textual strategies, social practices, and power relations embedded in media discourse. …

Finding Meaning In A Historical Fiction Of Cold War: A Case Study Of Pamuntjak’S Question Of Red, Margihon Bayu Putra Kaumpungan

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

The Cold War and its legacy in Southeast Asia, has been considered as one of the darkest parts of the region’s history including in Indonesia. Efforts to capture the painful memory of the Cold War had been established through various means including fictional storytelling. Among many literature discussing the dark history of the era, Laksmi Pamuntjak “Question on Red” had its distinctive presence since it was written in English. The utilization of English as a medium opens the door for English speaking readers to be able to dwell into a literature work that is considerably unfamiliar to their cultural context. …

Environmental Graphic Design Of The Great Mosque Ornaments For Strengthening Demak City Branding As The City Of Wali, Agus Setiawan, Ahmad Akrom, Khamadi Khamadi, Khairul Mustaqin, Auria Farantika Yogananti

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This study explores the role of Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) derived from the ornamental heritage of the Great Mosque of Demak in strengthening Demak’s city branding as the “City of Wali” (Kota Wali). Motivated by the need for culturally grounded urban identity amid rapid modernization, the research examines how religious and historical visual elements can be translated into contemporary environmental design. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach informed by place branding and visual communication theory. Data were collected through field observations, visual documentation, interviews, and a literature review, followed by an analytical process that involved identifying local wisdom, interpreting …

Naturalness Of The Translation Of The Quranic Imperative Verses: A Comparative Study, Mohamad Zaka Al Farisi, Tatang Tatang, Mia Nurmala, Shofa Mushtofa Khalid

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

The aspects of translation acceptability are not related only to the accuracy and clarity of the translation. They also cover the naturalness of translation. This study aims to reveal the degree of translation naturalness of the Quranic imperative verses. This evaluative study compares the translations of the verses by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (MORA) and the one made by Muhammad Thalib (MT). The study used embedded case study research. The findings of the study show that in general, the translations of the verses in the two versions have an acceptable degree of naturalness. However, …

Evidence-Based Team Intervention To Reduce Diagnostic Errors In Anaemia And Ckd Diagnoses In Primary Care: Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Rct, Zhanna Novikov, Nikhilesh Mehra, Xiao Li, Rebecca Wells, Madelene Ottosen, Kevin Hwang, Elenir B C Avritscher, Charles Green, Kyung Hyun Lee, Xochitl Oguin, Mariesa Janecka, Mary Espinoza, Bolanle Adebowale, Alejandro Araya, Amer Wahed, Eric Thomas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Diagnostic errors in primary care are common, particularly in the interpretation and follow-up of abnormal haemoglobin (Hgb) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) results. These errors frequently result in missed or delayed diagnoses of serious conditions such as anaemia and chronic kidney disease. This protocol describes a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate a novel, evidence-based, team-based intervention aimed at improving diagnostic safety and efficiency.

Methods and analysis: The study will be conducted across 12 University of Texas Physicians (UTPs) primary care clinics in Houston, Texas, USA. Adult patients (≥18 years) with newly identified abnormal Hgb or …

Probing Proximal Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Interactions On A Norbornane Scaffold, Carly A. Rock, Dakota B. Green, Martin J. Flores, Jeremy M. Carr, Thufail M. Ismail, Gregory S. Tschumper

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A systematic computational study was conducted on 12 unique 2,6-disubstituted norbornane derivatives to assess the ability of various acceptor groups (A = F, Cl, Br, OH, OCH3, SH, SCH3, NHCH3, N(CH3)2, PH2, PHCH3, and P(CH3)2) to engage in intramolecular hydrogen bonding with a proximal OH donor. 32 unique minima have been characterized with M06-2X and df-MP2 geometry optimizations as well as PNO-LCCSD(T)-F12 single point energy computations. Conformations with the OH donor oriented toward the acceptor to form an OH···A contact (+HB) consistently had lower electronic energies (by approximately 2 to 8 kcal mol^–1) than their counterparts with the …

Bi-Allelic Variants In Neuronal Adhesion Molecule Astrotactin 1 Gene Astn1 Cause Diverse Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Jesse M Levine, Daniel G Calame, Riccardo Sangermano, Haowei Du, Ahmed Saad, Jasmin Lisfeld, Tatjana Bierhals, Jonas Denecke, Eyyup Uctepe, Merve Yoldas Celik, Ahmet Yesilyurt, Hilal Yildiz Er, Elif Yilmaz Gulec, Aziza Mushiba, Naif Almontashiri, Pawel Gawlinski, Wojciech Wiszniewski, Ender Karaca, Lama Alabdi, Davut Pehlivan, Dana Marafi, Maha S Zaki, Fowzan S Alkuraya, Joseph G Gleeson, Shalini N Jhangiani, Richard A Gibbs, Jennifer E Posey, Kinga M Bujakowska, James R Lupski

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

ASTN1 encodes astrotactin 1, a neuronal-glial ligand in the developing brain that promotes neuronal migration along radial glia in brain structures with laminar organization, such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In mouse models, disruption of Astn1 results in neuronal migration deficits, a mild reduction in cerebellar volume, and balance and coordination deficits. In humans, bi-allelic ASTN1 variants have been identified in nine individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with or without brain malformations. ASTN1 additionally interacts with astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) to implement neuronal migration; ASTN2 deletions associate with NDDs with reduced penetrance. Here, we describe eighteen individuals with NDDs …

College Student Perceptions Of Ai Teaching Assistants: Bridging Technology And Human Connection For Effective Learning Support, Sarah Steimel

International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

This study examines college students’ perceptions of AI Teaching Assistants (AITAs) in higher education, focusing on their communication experiences and expectations. Using qualitative data from (n=89) open-ended survey responses, six key themes emerged, spanning differences in information processing, social interaction, and task efficiency. Students appreciated AITAs for their speed, availability, and potential to provide unbiased feedback, yet expressed concerns about accuracy and trustworthiness. While AITAs were seen as approachable for simple or low-stakes inquiries, students emphasized the importance of human instructors for complex, nuanced, or emotional support. The findings highlight a preference for maintaining human connections in education while leveraging …

From Text To Test: Pre-Lecture Reading Boosts Medical Students’ Comprehension And Retention, Hamad A. Alfahaad, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Emad M. Masuadi, Mohi Eldin M. Magzoub, Henk G. Schmidt

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Medical students frequently attend lectures without prior review of the related literature when preparing for examinations. It raises the question of whether studying the material in advance could enhance their learning outcomes during lectures.

Methods: A total of 102 medical students from a Saudi Arabian university took part in this research. Participants were assigned to one of 2 cohorts: one read a 4-page passage before a 15-minute lecture, while the other attended the lecture before reading the passage. Knowledge acquisition was measured using a test that assessed their ability to recall concepts administered 3 times—prior to the session, post …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns.

Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Registry At King Abdullah Specialized Children’S Hospital (Jiar-Kasch) In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jubran T. Alqanatish, Abdullah I. Almojali, Wejdan M. Algbaiwi, Abdullah S. Alqahtani, Abdulrahman A. Alrasheed, Lubna A. Alnasser, Wafaa M. Alsuwairi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To establish and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date registry of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cases, and to outline the methodology used in creating it.

Methods: Retrospective and prospective data collection commenced in August 2021, using the Hospital Information System to identify electronic medical records of JIA patients. All individuals diagnosed with JIA and receiving follow-up care at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh were included. A broad range of variables covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results, imaging findings, and therapeutic medications were recorded in the REDCap platform. Data collection update occurs every 6 months.

Results: By December …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients With Amphetamine Associated Emergency Department Visits At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mohammed K. Alsharef, Mahdi Almutairi, Nouf Ababtain, Mohammed Alajmi, Abdulrahman Alrajhi, Faisal Alhusain, Mohammad Al Deeb

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the demographic and clinical profiles of patients presenting with amphetamine-related emergencies at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Amphetamine use is an escalating public health issue linked to a rise in emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods: This retrospective study encompasses 14 years and focuses on individuals diagnosed with amphetamine-related toxicity.

Results: Among the 659 cases studied, a predominant 96% were male, with over half (52%) aged between 19 and 30 years. Most patients (91%) were Saudi nationals. The leading cause of presentation was trauma, accounting for 24% of cases. This was followed by altered mental status …

Gender Differences In Sociodemographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Methamphetamine Use In Saudi Arabia, Halima M. Adam, Mohamed Abouzed, Ahmed H. Aljadani, Benayan B. Alrasheedy, Muath A. Alarfaj, Salwa R. Alshammari, Mohamed S. Almuqahwi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore gender-related variations in sociodemographic factors, clinical presentations, and psychosocial characteristics among methamphetamine users in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic health records of 1,181 patients (91% male, 9% female) treated at multiple Erada Mental and Addiction Centers across Saudi Arabia (2020–2024). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, methamphetamine use patterns, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial functioning were collected and analyzed using validated tools, including the Addiction Severity Index, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, and Quality of Life Scale.

Results: Female participants were younger than males (mean age 25.3 vs 28.5 years; p < 0.001) and initiated methamphetamine at a later age (21.4 vs 19.2 years; p < 0.001). Females had greater proportion of daily use (65.4% vs. 60%, p …