Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Cooperative Extension Programs On Late Life Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Naomi R. Meinertz, Kate Perepezko, Jeong Eun Lee, Mary E. Dozier Phd

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Rural-dwelling older adults have greater mental health disparities with higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their urban counterparts; however, reaching these communities to understand and address the specific psychological needs of rural-dwelling older adults remains a barrier for gerontologists. Due to the extensive reach of the Cooperative Extension System, university Extension systems are primed to facilitate connections between researchers and rural communities to improve mental health outcomes for older adults. Despite the potential benefits of such partnerships, Extension is largely unknown and underutilized by gerontological researchers, leaving many older adults disconnected from resources available through land-grant universities that …

A Comprehensive Nutrition Education Program Promotes Behavior Change And Perception Of Food Access Across The Older Adult Age Span, Sarah Misyak, Camille Mcguire, Victor Olayemi, Maria Denunzio, Paige Harrigan, Elena Serrano

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Strategies to promote healthy behaviors among older adults are needed to mitigate vulnerabilities to negative health outcomes, especially for those with low income. Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age (HESA), a nine-lesson educational series for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible older adults, was created to promote health among aging audiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior change of older adults following participation in HESA, which covers food resource management, nutrition, food safety, and physical activity behaviors, as well as perceived food affordability and accessibility, and to determine if HESA is appropriate across the age span …

Creating Intergenerational Connections: A Multilevel Approach For Enriching Lives And Addressing Vital Community Issues, Matthew S. Kaplan, Nancy Z. Henkin

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This article presents an overview of intergenerational programs and practices as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry and practice that fosters open communication, support, and civic engagement across generations. Numerous examples of how intergenerational programs and practices harness age diversity to improve the human condition are presented. This includes initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce social isolation and loneliness, strengthen families, enrich education and lifelong learning, enhance community quality of life, and transmit cherished cultural traditions and values. This article highlights Extension’s longstanding contributions to intergenerational programming, showcasing notable examples across program areas and exploring opportunities for deeper engagement, co-leadership, and …

Intergenerational Creative Movement Program: A Social Connection Intervention To Foster Health And Well-Being, Claire M. Reardon, Mohammad Khalilian, Amy F. Kostelic, Susan Thiel, Anthony R. Bardo

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

A sense of connection and belonging is widely recognized to be essential for mental health. Yet, since the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness, social isolation, and mental health problems have remained elevated across America. Transitions into young adulthood and older age, while distinct, similarly challenge social connectedness, especially among women. Our multi-lesson education program connected first-generation female college students with college-educated forty-plus women to foster belonging and improve mental health. The program integrated dance as a creative physical activity, promoted intergenerational engagement through a humanistic focus on generativity, and used a social network approach to gauge the development of connections among participants …

Volunteerism After Retirement: An Evaluation Of The Give 5 Civic Matchmaking Program, Amber J. Majeske, Claire M. Growney, Tara O. Johnson, Cora Scott, Greg Burris

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Communities are increasingly focused on leveraging the skills and resources of older adults entering retirement to benefit the community and ensure these individuals remain integrated and valued within society. Launched in 2017, the Give 5 “Civic Matchmaking” Program is an award-winning volunteer recruitment program for near-retirees and retirees that matches participants’ skills and interests with meaningful volunteer opportunities. This study examined participants’ mindsets and perceptions of loneliness before the program, as well as their motivations for volunteering and sense of belonging afterward. Overall, participants in Give 5 improved in empathic concern and in recognizing the need to equip those they …

Empowering Public Employees For Retirement Security: Evidence From A Pre-Retirement Financial Education Program, Suzanne Bartholomae, Mengya Wang

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The United States is facing a retirement crisis, with eight in ten older adult households experiencing or at risk of financial insecurity (Tavares et al., 2024). National data shows 60% of Americans regularly contribute to retirement accounts, and just 40% have estimated their retirement savings needs (Lin et al., 2022). With approximately 5,900 Baby Boomers retiring daily (Fry, 2019), there is considerable interest in identifying effective strategies and policies to address retirement preparedness. This paper presents evaluation findings from a retirement planning financial education program delivered to 750 public employees by Iowa’s public employee retirement system and Cooperative Extension educators. …

You’Re Only Old Once: And Other Truths About The Extension Work We Do In Aging, James S. Bates, Erin L. Martinez

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

When The Student Becomes The Teacher: Learning-By-Teaching As A Tool For Conservation Career Development, Ana Dixon

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Dixon, A. (2025). When the Student Becomes the Teacher: Learning-by-Teaching as a Tool for Conservation Career Development

This study explored the research question: How do teaching-centered conservation career development programs influence participants’ science identity and self-efficacy? The literature review includes context on STEM and conservation careers, social cognitive career theory, science identity and self-efficacy, and learning-by-teaching. Participants in the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s High School Assistant (HSA) volunteer and conservation education internship programs were given the option to complete pre- and post-surveys surrounding their participation in their respective summer program. These surveys measured individuals’ science identity, science and environmental self-efficacy, …

Exhibitions And Events, Fall 2025, University Galleries

Exhibition and Event Schedules - University Galleries

Listing of exhibitions, events, and lectures held at the University Galleries at Illinois State University.

Coarse Salary-Setting And Behavioral Teams, Chengyuan Hua

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

Among National Hockey League (NHL) player contracts signed in 2011-24, over 38% are divisible by $100,000. This paper shows that the bunching of NHL contracts at round numbers is partly driven by team coarse wage-setting. I first show that teams with more coarse contracts have worse team performance. Then, my empirical results validate two model predictions derived from a wage-setting model in which optimization costs lead to the adoption of rounded wages. With a novel measure of management quality, I document a negative relationship between management quality and coarse salary-setting. Next, I find that coarse salary-setting is associated with higher …

[Fall] Halloween Government Resources, Raquel Estrada

Library Display Posters

Posters showcasing halloween-themed resources from the United States government.

Open Access Week 2025, William Flores, Richard Quiroz

Library Display Posters

No abstract provided.

Artist / Athlete, Ryan Scott, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

ராமாயணம் (Ramayana), Pallavi Mallik, Special Collections, Fleet Library

12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2026

Entry for the 12th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, 1st Floor Main Reading Room. Juror: Gabrielle Reed.

Women Leaders, Personality Traits, Leadership Self-Efficacy, And Leader Role Occupancy, Lisa M. Bragg

PhD in Organizational Leadership

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationships among personality traits (extraversion), leadership self-efficacy (LSE), and leader role occupancy (LRO). Grounded in trait theory and social-cognitive perspectives, the study examined whether (a) LSE related to LRO, (b) personality traits (extraversion) related to LRO, (c) personality traits (extraversion) related to LSE, and (d) LSE moderated the personality trait–LRO relationship. Participants completed the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991) and the Multidimensional Leadership Self-Efficacy Scale (Bobbio & Manganelli, 2009). The correlational methodology involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, chi-square test of independence, one-way analysis of variance, and Hayes’ …

Overland With Ernst Heinen: A Newly Discovered 1864 Bridger Trail Diary, Caroline L. Gilson

Library Faculty publications

In 1864, Joseph Ernst Johann Heinen, age 27, travelled from Illinois to California for a work opportunity. His route and travel experiences were recorded in a diary, which has been transcribed, with footnotes. Research and work was conducted by Gilson, along with DePauw University students. This article includes the full transcription of the 1864 diary, a biography of Ernst Heinen and notes on sources consulted.

Assessing Cultural Competence Before And After Online Teaching Modules On Social Determinants Of Health, Charlie Wright Pharmd, Bcps, Barrett Carter Pharmd, Bcps, Ellen Jones Pharmd, Bcacp

Faculty Research ​and Publications

Introduction:

Cultural competence is essential to provide care to diverse populations and is required in pharmacy curriculum (ACPE Standard 2.1). As pharmacists increasingly serve diverse patient populations, understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) becomes critical in clinical decision-making. Given the emphasis on competency-based education, there is a need to evaluate innovative teaching methods ensuring pharmacy students are prepared to deliver culturally-sensitive care.

Research Question or Hypothesis:

What is the effectiveness of interactive online modules focused on SDOH in improving knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of first-year pharmacy students?

Study Design:

A quantitative pre/post-survey design was used to assess changes in cultural …

Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Michelle Ferreyra, Raneem Majzoub, Rea Alcaraz, Aleena Sajee, Roshiel Molina

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Pressure injuries remain one of the major patient safety concerns in healthcare, resulting in pain, infection, and longer hospital stays. This project addresses the significance of pressure ulcers by emphasizing risk factors, stages of the injury, and practice recommendations. Findings demonstrate the proactive nursing interventions and teamwork that are essential to preventing pressure ulcers and promoting patient safety.

Fall Prevention #8, Ariel Berumen, Stephanie Hernandez, Karina Ortiz

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Fall prevention is key to maximizing positive patient outcomes in-hospital.  Fall prevention at home also plays a large role in a person's overall health. Preventing falls reduces complications related to overall recovery, impaired mobility, impaired cognition, infection, reduced psychological well-being , and cargiver fatigue.  Fall prevention also prevents higher healthcare costs to the patient and the health care system.

Pediatric Line Infiltration Prevention, Elijah Constant, Jenna Feil, Katie Lacosse, Dominika Rudzka, Amy Slennett

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Peripheral intravenous catheters (IVs) are essential for administering fluids and medications. They are often viewed as commonplace and safe, but serious harm can come from their use, especially in the pediatric population. One such harm is infiltration, when IV fluids and medications leak into the surrounding tissues.  In children, infiltration is estimated to occur around 3%-36% of the time, with even higher rates in newborns. Factors that contribute include small, fragile veins and reduced peripheral circulation. Infiltration can lead to further complications, such as pain and swelling at the site, cold skin, ischemia, and even tissue necrosis.

Its occurrence often …

Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Yailena Dominguez, Tatum Flynn, Emily Madrid, Atlantis Williams

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) increase complications, length of stay and healthcare cost, making prevention a priority in nursing. This literature review aims to identify and analyze evidence-based practices regarding CAUTIs in acute care settings.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) Infection Prevention, Kayla Andrees, Kaitlyn Angell, Ana Biondo, Susana Duran, Brianne Greco, Victoria Noerr

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Hospital-onset Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) remains a major concern in healthcare settings. These preventable infections are linked to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and increased patient risk. In the U.S., over 10,000 hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infections occur annually, costing billions. This literature review explores evidence-based strategies to prevent MRSA, using research from peer-reviewed journals and clinical guidelines. Key methods include hand hygiene, contact precautions, environmental cleaning, patient screening, and decolonization. Findings show that combining these approaches, particularly when led by nursing teams, can significantly reduce infection rates. Ongoing staff education, strong leadership, and consistent infection control are essential for success.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Lisa Milczarek, Samantha Ocampo, Jennifer Risk, Sarah Rose

NURSI 2330 Role of the Nurse II

Pressure Ulcers(PUs) - Also referred to as pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers, bedsores, or pressure sores are largely preventable yet remain a significant clinical challenge across all care settings—particularly among immobile, critically ill, or older adult patients. Early recognition and timely interventions are critical to improving patient outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the financial and human costs associated with PUs. This poster underscores the urgency of reinforcing best practices among

Policy Library- 550 University Retirement, Indiana State University, General Counsel

Policy Library

Policy 550 University Retirement

Cobm Adjunct Faculty Newsletter: Fall Ii, Ellen Ramsey

College of Business and Management Adjunct Faculty Newsletter

College of Business and Management Adjunct Faculty Newsletter: Fall II, Block C & D

Fall 2025, Augustana College, Rock Island Illinois

Tackle Box

No abstract provided.

October 2025 Cafe Newsletter, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

CAFE Faculty Newsletters

Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) newsletter Oct. 2025.

Mhc Gene Analysis And Immune Variation In Lepidodactylus Lugubris (The Mourning Gecko), Helen T. Vu

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in vertebrate immune defense by enabling pathogen recognition and initiating adaptive immune responses. While MHC diversity has been extensively studied in sexually reproducing species, comparatively little is known about its evolution in asexual lineages. The parthenogenetic gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris provides a unique opportunity to investigate how clonality and hybrid origins influence immune gene diversity. By leveraging whole-genome data, this study overcomes the limitations of previous transcriptome-based analyses and provides a more comprehensive view of MHC diversity in a clonal vertebrate. As the first step towards understanding MHC evolution in parthenogenetic lizards, …

Unraveling Equity: The Consequences Of Dismantling Dei Initiatives In Education., James D. Upshaw

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Recent political and institutional shifts have led to the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across schools and universities, raising concerns about how these changes affect both students and the future workforce. This research investigates how the removal of DEI programs influences student belonging, academic access, and long-term workforce diversity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with professors and students and quantitative analysis of enrollment, retention, and diversity data from universities affected by DEI policy changes. Preliminary findings suggest that dismantling DEI initiatives leads to decreased student support, reduced faculty morale, and declining representation among …

Advancing Mobileclip Through Hybrid Quantization: A Cpu-Focused Approach, Atiqur Rahman

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

MobileCLIP is a compact model that connects images and text, enabling it to perform tasks like image identification and question answering without needing to be retrained for each new task. Although it’s designed to be lightweight, it still runs slowly on regular computers without a powerful graphics card (GPU). This research focuses on making MobileCLIP run faster and smaller by using post-training quantization, which reduces the model’s precision after training without hurting performance. We combined several strategies: analyzing which parts of the model are more sensitive to changes, applying targeted adjustments to its structure, and running everything using CPU-only tools. …