Annual Report: Nebraska Extension In Lancaster County, January 1, 2025 Through December 31, 2025

Lancaster County, Nebraska Extension: Reports

Lancaster County Extension information from 2025. Contents include:

1) About Extension - mission statement, leadership and program area overview;

2) Staff and Programs - staff directory, 2025 program highlights and impact reports;

3) Financials - summaries of 2024-2025 expenditures and current fiscal year 2025-2026 budget; and

4) Media - website and social media information, samples of the Nebline newsletter and local newspaper articles.

German Cockroach Allergen Mitigation, Olivia Katz

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

German cockroaches (Blatella germanica L.) remain one of the most challenging indoor pests to manage, due in large part to their cryptic nature, rapid reproduction, and resistance to insecticides. Because of their close proximity to humans, they also pose several serious health threats, including the production and dissemination of several potent allergens linked to asthma development and exacerbation. Given the risks associated with cockroach allergens, we examined the longevity of two distinct cockroach allergens (Bla g 1 and Bla g 5) in the home environment and the efficacy of cleaners at removing these allergens. Our findings show that Bla …

The Impact Of Parenting Behaviors On The Development Of Hope In Young Children Experiencing Homelessness, Gracie Munnie

Psychology Theses

Research in resilience science has revealed a “short-list” of protective factors that support positive development in contexts of risk and adversity (Masten, 2014). One such factor is hope, which includes agency thinking (i.e., the belief in one’s ability to accomplish their goals) and pathway thinking (i.e., the ability to produce attainable routes to those goals; Sparks, 2021; Synder, 1997). In families, parents with high levels of hope set intentional parenting goals and encourage their children to create goals as well; these parents also report better psychological functioning and increased ability to cope with parenting stressors (Cole & Molloy, 2023). Although …

Countering Workplace Wellness Bias Through Wellness-Legal Partnerships, Barbara Zabawa

Faculty Works

In the current United States economy, wellness is predominantly marketed to society’s privileged individuals, catering to a mostly white and high-income clientele. When marginalized communities encounter wellness services, such as in the workplace, they are faced with an Implicitly biased industry. These biases include an emphasis on individual behavior change without considering social determinants of health (SDOH), cultural appropriation of wellness activities for capitalistic gain, use of biased health measures like Body-Mass Index (BMI) and constant images of and expectations of achieving a stereotypical healthy body. The legal community must wake up to these biases and advocate for more equitable …

Know More Falling: Community-Based Fall Prevention, Edward R. Mcwithey

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The aging population is expected to grow to 2 billion worldwide by 2050 (Rosado et al., 2021). Aging is classified as a determinant risk factor for falls and fall-related injuries (Rosado et al., 2021). This capstone project aimed to promote understanding and address fall prevention in the older adult population with multiple stakeholders throughout the Dallas, Pennsylvania community. Project goals included developing community partnerships, providing education and addressing wellness and health equity among community-dwelling older adults through multifaceted interventions. The literature search yielded a synthesis and analysis of current evidence focused on community-based fall programming, adding to the body of …

Preventing Diabetes In At-Risk Youth, Abrielle Milling

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

A unique diabetes prevention program was developed by an OT doctoral candidate to run in a non-traditional format in a school-based setting. The implementation of this program aimed to enhance students' understanding of diabetes through occupation-based interventions and health education. The program was conducted with 8th-grade students and focused on developmental skills suitable for this age level. The program utilized hands-on activities to enhance participation and promote carryover. Diabetes prevention has become an increasing area of health promotion as the condition continues to pose challenges within the adolescent population, becoming an emerging health problem. This incurable chronic disease has many …

Occupational Therapy In Caregiver Education And Dementia Care, Sophie Winter

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2025

The doctoral capstone project addresses education on optimal care for individuals with dementia to increase occupational performance and limit excess disability through training sessions with caregivers. The community program created took place at a community memory care adult day program. The bulk of the project focuses on education for caregivers of those with dementia through creating educational handouts, practicing through trainings, and creating personally tailored activities for cognition maintenance and participation. Caregiver manuals were made to address caregiver burnout, education, and competency. The other major part of this capstone was program development assessing the needs of the population and creating …

The Contributions Of Patient Education And Home Visits To Reduce Post-Cesarean Hypertension Readmissions, Stephanie Armstead

Dissertations

Cesarean births in the United States (U.S.) have increased steadily over the last decade. Researchers have identified maternal hypertension/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) as a comorbidity associated with the increase of cesarean births. Mothers who are diagnosed with HDP and undergo a cesarean birth have a dual diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy, and due to worsening conditions, are readmitted to the hospital more frequently than mothers who experience a vaginal birth. This study aimed to determine whether a patient discharge education intervention provided by a transition of care (ToC) team or interdisciplinary care team (IDT), combined with early follow-up care from …

Csu Operating Fund: Cost Allocation Plan Fiscal Year 2025-26, Csusb Budget Office

University Budget Office records

No abstract provided.

Budget Oversight Policy 1st Quarter Budget Review Fy 2025-26, Csusb Budget Office

University Budget Office records

No abstract provided.

Budget Oversight Policy 2nd Quarter Budget Review Fy 2025-26, Csusb Budget Office

University Budget Office records

No abstract provided.

Unveiling The Bacterial Communities Of Aphaenogaster: Taxonomic Composition, Developmental And Species Influences, And The Impact Of Climate Change, Lily Kelleher

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Ants are vital keystone species in many ecosystems because they provide ecosystem services such as: seed dispersal, soil bioturbation, and pest control. However, ant bacterial symbioses remain largely unstudied, but these interactions are crucial because microbes play a vital role in the ants’ overall health. Today, global climate change is impacting our biodiversity, and we can use information about how changing temperatures impact the symbiotic bacterial communities associated with ants to predict future impact. Aphaenogaster rudis and A. fulva remain understudied in terms of their bacterial community and are important North American species. For this study, ants from several colonies …

Pathogenesis And Pathophysiology Of Celiac Disease, Kendall N. Reece

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Celiac Disease is an allergic response to foods that contain the protein gluten. Celiac Disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which specifically deteriorates the villi of the jejunal segment of the small intestine. Specific topics analyzed within this thesis include some physical attributes of Celiac Disease such as weight loss, diarrhea, dermatitis herpetiformis, etc. The basis of classification is discussed and the negative effects Celiac Disease has on the body, such as malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and damage to the villi. Diagnostics such as biopsy and blood tests, treatments both experimental and adhering to a gluten-free diet are discussed. Origination …

Neurological, Metabolic And Inflammatory Phenotypes In A Mouse Model Of Echs1 Deficiency., Meghan M Eller, Aamir Zuberi, Xiaorong Fu, Alina P Montalbano, Felix Nitschke, Shawn C Burgess, Cathleen Lutz, Rachel M Bailey

Faculty Research 2025

ECHS1 deficiency (ECHS1D) is a rare and devastating neurometabolic disease that currently has no defined treatments. This disorder results from missense loss-of-function mutations in the ECHS1 gene that results in severe developmental delays, encephalopathy, hypotonia and early death. ECHS1 enzymatic activity is necessary for the beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of branched-chain amino acids within the inner mitochondrial matrix. The pathogenesis of disease remains poorly understood. To expand our knowledge on disease mechanisms, we generated a novel mouse model of ECHS1D that possesses a disease-associated variant knocked-in (KI) the Echs1 allele and a knock-out (KO) of the other …

Harnessing The Human Gut Microbiota: An Emerging Frontier In Combatting Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria., Wenwen Ding, Yiwen Cheng, Xia Liu, Zhangcheng Zhu, Lingbin Wu, Jie Gao, Wenhui Lei, Yating Li, Xin Zhou, Jian Wu, Yongtao Gao, Zongxin Ling, Ruilai Jiang

Faculty Research 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major and escalating global health threat, undermining the effectiveness of current antibiotic and antimicrobial therapies. The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to increasingly difficult-to-treat infections, resulting in higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Tackling this crisis requires the development of novel antimicrobial agents, optimization of current therapeutic strategies, and global initiatives in infection surveillance and control. Recent studies highlight the crucial role of the human gut microbiota in defending against AMR pathogens. A balanced microbiota protects the body through mechanisms such as colonization resistance, positioning it as a key ally in the fight …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

The Power Of Plate & Knowledge: Nutrition’S Role In Pcos Management For Asian American Women, Cassandra Curameng Diego Curameng

Nursing | Senior Theses

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic endocrine condition with symptoms that severely impair women's physical and reproductive health. However, individuals with PCOS, especially Asian American women, lack sufficient understanding of non-pharmacological symptom management options, such as dietary and lifestyle modifications. This research proposal explores whether culturally appropriate nutrition education can help manage PCOS symptoms and lessen the need for medical management. The literature critique focuses on addressing the knowledge gap regarding treatment management among women diagnosed with PCOS, health risks related to PCOS, ethnic differences, and nutrition. This proposal investigates the impact of a dietary education program tailored …

Awareness Of The Physiological Changes Occurring In Older Adults Can Reduce Dehydration And Electrolyte Imbalances, Lisa Isley

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Individuals over 65 years are at an increased risk of dehydration. The physiological changes that occur with age and medication consumption can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances that can physically and mentally impair individuals over 65 years old. Objective: By providing education to individuals 65 years and older regarding the significance of drinking water and consuming electrolytes daily, older adults can reduce their dehydration symptoms and improve their quality of life. Method: The proposed research is a quasi experimental study geared towards individuals 65 years and older. The quasi-experimental study will include two pre-surveys and then two post-surveys. The …

The Self-Control Of Eating, T. Mann, Andrew Ward

Psychology Faculty Works

Many individuals struggle to regulate their own consumption of food. Beginning with general theories of self-control, we review psychological factors that have been shown to influence the regulation of eating, including those related to particular personality variables, such as external eating, restrained eating, and reward sensitivity, as well as situational constraints, including normative influences, emotions, and calorie deprivation. Strategies for the self-control of eating, including reappraisal, effortful inhibition, and various automatic strategies are also reviewed, along with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of historical and contemporary psychological studies investigating food consumption. Whereas extensive examinations of food preferences and …

Exploring News Consumption Habits Of Female Audiences And Impact On Media Sustainability., Anne Njeri Kanina

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study sought to advance research in understanding audiences by exploring the news consumption and avoidance habits of male and female audiences and their impact on media sustainability in Kenya. The study used a mixed-method approach for data collection. The study collected primary data from 81 employees working at the University of Nairobi-Main Campus in the teaching, non-teaching, and support departments who completed an online survey questionnaire through the Google Docs platform. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program and Microsoft Excel were used in the data analysis. The study also conducted in-depth interviews at the Nation …

Morning Fuel: How Breakfast Timing And Composition Influence Cognitive Performance And Critical Thinking In College Students, Tyler Ruys

IdeaFest 2025

This project explores how the timing and nutritional content of breakfast impacts cognitive performance in college students, with a focus on critical thinking and memory. Findings suggest that eating a balanced, protein-rich breakfast within 1–2 hours of waking significantly enhances mental clarity and task performance.

The Impact Of A Geriatric Trauma Unit On Patient Outcomes, Shannon E. Johnson

DNP Projects

Abstract

Background: Traumatic injuries in the geriatric (> 65) patient population can have devastating effects. Only a small percentage of these patients return to independent ambulation and living. As the population continues to age and life expectancy continues to increase, the incidence of traumatic injuries in geriatric patients will continue to increase. Geriatric friendly hospital wards in several disciplines have been shown to reduce length of stay and improve patient outcomes. However, there has been no research surrounding geriatric trauma wards specifically.

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of admitting geriatric trauma patients …

Derivation Of The Maintenance Energy Requirements In Growing Jersey Heifers: Supplementary Table S1, Addison L. Carroll, Michael J. Vandehaar, Paul J. Kononoff

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Supplemental table for Addison L. Carroll, Michael J. VandeHaar, and Paul J. Kononoff. Derivation of the maintenance energy requirements in growing Jersey heifers. Journal of Dairy Science (2025).

Book Of Abstracts, Iaccp

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Dietary Meat Reduction In Gen Z College Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Using The Com-B Model, Deanne Moosman

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Overconsumption of meat negatively impacts human and environmental health, and these challenges are expected to worsen due to global population growth and increasing meat consumption. Many consumers appear unwilling to reduce their meat intake, and this resistance to dietary change is more common among adult men than women. However, data about meat-eating attitudes and behaviors are lacking for younger generational cohorts. Generation Z (i.e., those born between 1995 and 2010; Gen Z) is a growing consumer group whose dietary decisions will have environmental and human health consequences. Little is known about Gen Z's meat consumption habits and behaviors and whether …

The Association Of Vitamin D Supplement Intake On Cardiovascular Health Outcomes Among U.S. Adults, Using Nhanes Data., Lamisa Tanzim Ruhin

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient essential for bone health and calcium homeostasis, has also been implicated in cardiovascular health outcomes. Despite extensive observational studies suggesting an inverse association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Objective: This study investigated the association between reported vitamin D supplement intake and cardiovascular health biomarkers, specifically focusing on non-HDL cholesterol, among U.S. adults using NHANES 2021-2023 data.

Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative analysis was conducted utilizing secondary data from NHANES. Participants aged 18 and …

Complete High Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Causes Bowel Dysfunction In Mice, Olivia Wireman, Ellie L. Sams, Lynnet E. Richey, Gabrielle V. Hammers, Andrew N. Stewart, William M. Bailey, Samir P. Patel, John C. Gensel

Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center Faculty Publications

Bowel dysfunction, is a prevalent and life-impacting comorbidity of spinal cord injury (SCI) with no long-term treatment available. SCI-induced colon changes including motility and fibrosis are understudied as are strategies to address SCI bowel dysfunction. This need remains partly due to the lack of a mouse model that recapitulates the human condition. We hypothesized that a high thoracic spinal transection in mice would trigger bowel dysfunction with coincident colon pathology similar to humans and rats after SCI. We observed bowel dysfunction as increased fecal pellet numbers within the colon, smaller pellet size, and decreased motility. Fecal pellets numbers in the …

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog, Sacred Heart University

Graduate & Undergraduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Usu Extension Sustainability Permaculture Initiative: 2025 Impact Report, Natalia Bustos, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Jake Powell

Extension Research

• Permaculture Statistics
• Harvest Donations (Organic)
• Participant Response
• 2025 Monthly Educational Events
• Publications
• USU Extension Workshops & Events

Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene (Wash) Services Among Households, Healthcare Facilities And Schools In Rural Ghana, Samantha Gillis

Public Health Theses

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections affect more than 1 billion people globally, particularly in low-income areas with poor sanitation. While mass drug administration is a common control strategy, long-term elimination requires a broader, integrated approach with an emphasis on sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices, community-led initiatives, and economic development. Currently, there are critical gaps in understanding the impacts of WASH infrastructure in households, healthcare facilities, and schools on hookworm prevalence, specifically in rural Ghana. Methods: Using qualitative surveys, we characterized the current WASH landscape among households, healthcare facilities and schools in the Bono East region of Ghana. Hookworm …