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March 2026 Cafe Newsletter, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

CAFE Faculty Newsletters

Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) newsletter March 2026

Road Salt Alters The Ecological Effects Of Atrazine-Cypermethrin Mixtures In Freshwater Microalgae Mixtures In Freshwater Microalgae, Arif Ahmed, Matthew S Schuler

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Pesticides and road deicing salts are widespread contaminants in freshwater systems and frequently co-occur due to runoff and direct application. Atrazine, a triazine herbicide, and sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly used for road deicing, can independently alter water chemistry and affect aquatic primary producers. Atrazine can affect the freshwater algae, either inhibiting or stimulating their growth. The prolonged persistence of dissolved salts, ranging from decades to centuries, can lead to complex environmental scenarios characterized by multiple interacting stressors. Although many studies have examined each pollutant separately, their interactive effects have only recently gained scientific attention. This study investigated the individual and …

The Impact Of Employee Equity Incentives On Enterprise Innovation Efficiency: From The Perspective Of Granting Restricted Stocks To Employees, Zongjie Ji

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Against the dual backdrop of the in-depth implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and the continuous deepening of SOE reforms, restricted equity has emerged a mainstream instrument for medium- and long-term employee incentives in Chinese SOEs. However, the underlying mechanisms, effect characteristics, and boundary conditions through which employee restricted equity incentives influence innovation efficiency in SOEs remain to be systematically examined. Drawing on panel data of 4,880 firm-year observation from Chinese A-share SOMEs over the period of 2015-2024, this study develops a direct effect model of “Equity Incentives-Innovation Efficiency” from the perspective of employee restricted equity grants. It further introduces …

“It’S A Lot More To It Than Just Research”: Integrating Critical Data Literacy And Reasoning With Data Into A Stem Summer Camp, Marc T. Sager, Saki L. Milton, Candace Walkington

Publications

Purpose: This study explores how middle-grade girls from predominantly underrepresented and underserved racially and ethnically minoritized (UUREM) backgrounds developed critical data literacy (CDL) through participation in a week-long residential STEM camp. Given the increasing importance of data science education in a data-driven world, this research examines how informal learning environments can support CDL development among youth from historically marginalized groups.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study draws on qualitative interview data from eleven participants, and their group-produced artifacts to investigate how the camp experience supported engagement with data and the development of CDL. Interviews explored participants' experiences with data collection, organization, analysis, and …

Staying Strong In Practice: Reducing Musculoskeletal Risks In Dentistry, Leslie Hovda Dpt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dentistry’s physical demands and static postures put providers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. This article Dr. Leslie Hovda, outlines practical ways to reduce strain through proper equipment use, posture optimization and preventive self-care. Applying the “MEDS” approach: mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep, can extend career longevity for dental professionals.

The Next Step In Oral Systemic Health: Educating The Public, Gary Pickard

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Oral inflammation contributes to eight of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S., highlighting the need to integrate oral health into overall healthcare. Despite strong evidence linking gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, public awareness remains low. This article urges dental professionals to promote preventive care through patient education, saliva and blood pressure screenings and partnerships with medical providers. Initiatives by MDDS and RMDC show how integrated care can improve early detection and overall health outcomes.

Articulator Volume 32, Issue 1

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 1st Quarter 2026 issue features articles highlighting insights from the 2026 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) and perspectives on the evolving dental profession. Articles include:

• A reflection from Dr. Byran Savage on this year’s RMDC, celebrating education, innovation and professional connection.
  
  
• Practical strategies from physical therapist, Dr. Leslie Hovda, for reducing musculoskeletal strain and improving ergonomic health for dental professionals.
  
  
• An article from Mr. Gary Pickard of PDS Health exploring the critical link between oral and systemic health and how integrated care can improve chronic disease prevention.
  
  
• Guidance from Ms. Katherine Eitel Belt on having courageous, constructive conversations to …

Take Flight With Languages

Dimensions

SCOLT Dimensions Volume 61

(Si16-04) Some Fixed Point Theorems On Chatterjea Type Contractions, Irom Shashikanta Singh, Y. Mahendra Singh

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper establishes the existence of fixed points related to strict Chatterjee contractive mappings by relaxing the compactness of the underlying spaces and the continuity of the mapping involved, using altering distance functions and comparison functions in the general setting of metric spaces. Several non-trivial and illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate, support, and validate the obtained theoretical results. In addition, a theorem that can characterize the completeness of metric spaces through the existence of fixed points is rigorously proven and discussed. Furthermore, a theorem on strict Chatterjea-type modulus contractive mappings without continuity assumptions and with relaxed compactness conditions is …

(Si16-06) Equations Of Geodesics In Two-Dimensional Finsler Manifold With A Special Cubic (Α, Β)-Metric, Sejal Prajapati, Brijesh Kumar Tripathi, V. K. Chaubey

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Geodesics represent the shortest path between two points in curved spacetime and are vital in the study of Finsler manifolds. Matsumoto and Park first derived the geodesic equation as a secondorder differential equation in a two-dimensional Finsler manifold with Randers, Kropina, and Matsumoto metrics. Building on this foundation, our paper presents the geodesic differential equation for a two-dimensional Finsler manifold using a special cubic power metric. In this two-dimensional setting, this work also looks at certain well-known geometric curves and analyzes their variants as solutions to the geodesic differential equation. Additionally, this work examines the geometric applications of the geodesic’s …

(Si16-07) Computing The Kirchhoff Index And The Wiener Index Of Spiro Para Hexagonal Cylinder Chain, Md Selim Reja, Sk. Md. Abu Nayeem

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In graph theory, the Kirchhoff index serves as a metric to evaluate the complexity of a graph. It is determined by adding up the resistance distances between every pair of vertices in the graph. In a network created from the given graph by substituting each edge by a unit resistor, the resistance distance between a pair of specified vertices is equivalent to the electrical resistance between them in the constructed network. Basically, it measures the convenience with which data or flow can move between various locations in a network that the graph represents. In terms of graph matrices, the Kirchhoff …

(Si16-11) Seasonal And Temporal Optimization Of Solar Energy Harvesting In Smart Iot Lighting Infrastructure, Abhijit Paul, Rishabh Pipalwa, Sabyasachi Mondal North - Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This study investigates the seasonal and temporal optimization of solar energy harvesting in a smart IoT-enabled streetlighting infrastructure by focusing on the theoretical determination of optimal solar panel tilt angles. The proposed system incorporates auto-adjusted solar panels integrated with an IoT network comprising sensors, microcontrollers, and streetlights. A key innovation lies in the implementation of a modified MQTT communication protocol, which enables efficient, localized decision-making and data exchange among components. Simulation results indicate that the modified MQTT protocol significantly reduces communication delay and power consumption compared to the conventional MQTT approach, thereby enhancing the overall system performance. Detailed analysis of …

(Si16-21) Dynamical Study Of A Hassell-Varley Model With Nonlinear Harvesting And Fear Effect In Prey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Anindita Bhattacharyya

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this article, a one predator-one prey model incorporating Richards’ type growth in prey population, Hassell-Varley type functional response and Michaelis-Menten type prey harvesting is proposed and analyzed. Richards’ type growth with fear factor is incorporated in the proposed model to generalize the reduction effect of predator-induced fear on the rate of growth of the prey population. Positivity and boundedness of the system’s solutions are first established to ensure biological feasibility of the model. Existence and stability conditions of various types of equilibrium points associated with the model such as trivial equilibrium, axial (predator–free) equilibrium and coexistence equilibrium are obtained …

(Nuevo) Charla Pre-Bautismo, Elián Pérez

Bautismo

Charla pre-Bautismo

Circuit And Synaptic Mechanisms Of Methamphetamine Induced Cognitive Deficits During Abstinence: Roles Of The Perirhinal-Prefrontal Pathway And The Nucleus Reuniens, Sarah Goldsmith

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive deficits during abstinence are a hallmark of methamphetamine (meth) use and indicative of negative treatment outcomes. In rats, both long access meth self-administration and meth binge produce recognition memory deficits due to drug-induced plasticity within the perirhinal cortex (PRH). PRH projections are numerous and include the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the Nucleus Reuniens (NRe). In the first study, the role of the PRH-mPFC reciprocal circuit in novel object recognition memory was investigated by infusing an rgAAV encoding GFP-tagged Cre recombinase into the PRH or the mPFC. Following surgery, rats explored objects. During exploration, PRH neurons receiving input from …

Foothill Boulevard Corridor Plan, Alexander Tassos

City and Regional Planning

This plan evaluates existing conditions, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for bicycle mobility, accessibility, safety, and comfort along the Foothill Boulevard corridor in San Luis Obispo. The plan builds on the City of San Luis Obispo’s Complete Streets and Active Transportation policies, as well as the regional priorities outlined in the SLOCOG Active Transportation Plan. Findings from this plan will inform future Foothill Boulevard Corridor improvements, guide coordination with the City’s Vision Zero initiatives, and support updates to the City’s Active Transportation planning framework. In addition, the plan presents conceptual alternatives for corridor improvements with a focus on creating a safer …

Species Sorting And Spatial Effects In Hyporheic Invertebrate Functional Groups, Benjamin T. Hutchins, Zoey B. Chanin, Kathryn E. Perez, Peter H. Diaz, Benjamin F. Schwartz

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Invertebrate communities in the hyporheic zone are structured by metacommunity processes including environmental filtering and spatial effects (e.g., dispersal). We investigated how these processes differentially influence two functional groups: groundwater-obligate invertebrates (stygobionts) and benthic insects. We predicted that environmental filtering would dominate for insects, while spatial effects would prevail for stygobionts. We collected 76 samples from 28 hyporheic sites along 109 km of the Rio Grande, Texas, USA, enumerating 54,508 individuals across 80 taxa. Concordance analysis and RDA revealed two communities: one dominated by insects, and another by crustaceans and soft-bodied organisms, including all stygobionts. In linear models, insect richness …

The History Of Philanthropic Wealth In Maine, Jillian Foley Mppm, Timothy Atkinson Mppm, Emma Schwartz

Justice Policy

This report (March 2026) was developed in collaboration with the Maine Philanthropy Center to invite readers to engage in an honest exploration of how wealth was accumulated in Maine and how our history continues to shape our communities today. Grounded in research and interviews with historians and philanthropic leaders, the report examines the connections between extractive histories and modern-day philanthropic structures. The authors aim to guide readers to explore the historical context, reflect on their own histories, and consider more equitable, restorative approaches to community-centered giving. While this report was designed with funders and nonprofit leaders in mind, the authors …

The Impact Of Human Myoblasts On Macrophage Polarization In A Coculture Model, Elisabeth Ann Stodola

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the lower extremities that occludes blood flow, and affects over 200 million people worldwide. Without effective treatment, PAD can lead to claudication, ischemia, ulcers, and gangrene. PAD causes more amputations in the United States than any other condition, and for severe cases that require revascularization, procedures benefit fewer than 50% of patients. This demonstrates a clear need for alternative therapies. Potential therapies for PAD target expansion of collateral blood vessels around the area of occlusion – a process called arteriogenesis to compensate for loss of blood flow …

Move Fast And Don’T Break Things: Collaborative Privacy Governance In Higher Education, Tyler Schroder, Chad Fenner

Research & Publications

Student-developed applications increasingly replicate or replace official university platforms, often prioritizing speed over security and privacy. This “shadow IT” ecosystem emerges from gaps in institutional tools and is amplified by AI-assisted development, which can introduce insecure defaults. These informal systems risk exposing FERPA‑protected or sensitive institutional data, as seen in student‑built directory and club‑information apps that redistributed restricted information more permissively than intended. While most universities lack clear governance mechanisms for student developers, Yale’s structured, student‑specific data‑use policy offers a notable model. This paper examines these risks and proposes a collaborative, API‑first framework that supports innovation while enforcing privacy, security, …

When A Man Is Stressed, It Replicates In The House”: Kenyan Women’S Perspectives On The Influence Of Male Partners On Perinatal Mental Health Among Women Affected By Hiv, Hellen Moraa, Joan Mutahi, Winnie Atieno, Grace John-Stewart, John Kinuthia, Manasi Kumar, Mary Marwa, Ben Odhiambo, Felix Abuna, Jillian Pintye

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Mental health conditions are a major public health concern in the African region, where women experience a high prevalence of maternal mental health conditions and limited access to adequate care. This issue is particularly severe among women living with HIV (WLHIV), who face a heightened risk of depression and anxiety. Despite the well-documented association between male partner-related factors and maternal/child health outcomes, their impact on perinatal mental health from the perspective of women is not well understood. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women affected by HIV. Thematic analysis revealed common sources of mental distress they experienced. …

Stemflow Dynamics In The Jamari National Forest (Brazilian Amazon): Ii. Solute Concentrations And Flux Dynamics, Jeferson Alberto De Lima, John T. Van Stan Ii, Karolina Lewińska, Agnieszka Dradrach, Jakub Ceglarek, Kelly Cristina Tonello

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Trees can redirect large volumes of rainwater to the base of their stems. This stemflow not only redistributes water but also channels canopy-derived solutes to the forest floor. Building on research showing canopy geometry and bark properties govern stemflow volumes, we examined how those same traits modulate the biogeochemical side of this flux. Over a 12-month period in Jamari National Forest (Brazil), we quantified stemflow volume and solute chemistry for 19 trees grouped by diameter at breast height (D: < 10, 10-20 and > 20 cm), crown area (CA: < 30, 30-60 and > 60 m(2)) and bark texture (smooth, fissured and rough). Small-stemmed, smooth-barked trees produced the greatest stemflow …

Feasibility Of Using Recycled Waste Plastic In Concrete Pavements In Nebraska, Amasi Hajahja, Jamilla Teixeira, George Morcous

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Waste plastic (WP) is a growing environmental concern due to its non-biodegradable nature, large-scale production, and harmful impact on natural resources. With nearly 75% of WP in the U.S. ending up in landfills, effective recycling strategies are urgently needed. In parallel, the limited availability of natural aggregates highlights the need for alternative materials in concrete construction. This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled waste plastic (RWP) in concrete mixtures, both as aggregates and fibers for rigid pavement applications in Nebraska. Concrete mixtures were prepared by partially replacing natural fine aggregates with recycled plastic aggregates (RPA) at replacement levels of …

The Use Of Video Modeling To Teach Algebraic Equations To Secondary Students With And At-Risk For Disabilities, Maria Mcgrath, Emily Hornung, Shannon Gormley Budin

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Identifying mathematics interventions that are efficient, effective, and increase independence are vital for students with or at-risk for mathematics disabilities. Interventions used in general education or instructional support settings must also be feasible and allow teachers to meet both individual as well as whole-class needs. Digital technologies such as video modeling can embody several high-leverage instructional practices at once to facilitate the learning of fundamental mathematics concepts, such as algebra. A multiple baseline across participant design with an additional nonconcurrent replication in an applied setting was used to evaluate the effectiveness of video modeling on student ability to solve two-step …

Experience And Response To Disability Stigma In South Asian Communities, Sudha Krishnan

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This qualitative study explored the experiences of stigma and responses to stigmatization among 13 South Asian parents of children with extensive support needs (ESN). Existing research indicates that students with intellectual disabilities often experience negative emotions such as shame, powerlessness, and frustration due to their disability status. Cultural beliefs significantly influence the experiences of disabled children and their families, with stigma perceived and felt differently across cultural groups. Participants were interviewed about their family and cultural beliefs, perceptions of disability, and experiences with school collaborations and social stigma. Thematic analysis revealed that South Asian families with children with ESN faced …

Transition Teacher Perspectives Of Community-Based Vocational Education Programs For Students With Disabilities, Vincent Spevack, Janna L. Brendle, Robin H. Lock

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

The transition from school to work can be an especially challenging time for adolescents and young adults with disabilities, and their families, as they navigate the complex postsecondary transition process. Community-based vocational education (CBVE) is a coordinated transition service that provides students with opportunities for the acquisition of career and life skills in real-world environments. The goal of CBVE is to best prepare individuals with disabilities for employment and subsequentially important life skills necessary for the transition to a more independent life. The study was designed to explore special education transition educators’ perceptions of the barriers to implementing CBVE programs …

Coaching Parents To Use Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, Lin Zhu, Kerry Kisinger

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

This practitioner article examines the use of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) to enhance communication skills through the vignette of a 4-year-old with speech delays. Through brief coaching sessions, the child’s parents learned techniques like imitation and prompting, integrating them into daily routines to improve vocal communication. The intervention highlighted the effectiveness of engaging caregivers as active participants and tailoring strategies to family contexts, leading to positive outcomes for both the child and family. This article outlines the procedures for practitioners to coach parents to implement evidence-based practices that can promote academic and behavioral growth in a naturalistic setting.

The Fourth Amendment's Right To Be Secure, Thomas K. Clancy

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

Beginning with a 1998 article and through the editions of my treatise, I have argued that the right to be “secure” must be properly understood. The right to be secure is the powerful ability to exclude the government, and it protects against physical and technological intrusions. As will be discussed, my interpretation has had some influence among courts and scholars. Several academics have taken time to discuss it, and it has been noticed in the Supreme Court. This Essay seeks to dispel some of those characterizations and clarify the meaning of the right to be secure.

The Amendment in its …

Ymca Changes Lives: Social Media Campaign, Savannah Nicole Rivera

Communication Studies

This project examines how the YMCA of San Luis Obispo constructs its organizational identity through digital messaging by applying framing theory (Entman, 1993). Drawing from scholarship on framing, nonprofit organizational identity, dual-identity tensions, and nonprofit storytelling, I conduct an applied framing analysis of the YMCA’s website and Instagram content. Specifically, I analyze how the organization defines community problems, attributes causes to them, assigns moral values to them, and proposes solutions in its messaging. I argue that while the YMCA references its mission, its current digital communication often makes utilitarian identity elements, such as services, memberships, and facilities, more salient than …

A Framework For Biological Weapons Deterrence, Center For The Study Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Research and Case Studies

The United States faces a growing range of biological threats, including the potential use of increasingly sophisticated biological weapons. As advances in science and technology expand the scope of these risks, deterring biological attacks has become an urgent national security challenge. This study examines the U.S. Government's current approach to biological weapons deterrence, assesses existing tools and capabilities, and identifies key challenges to developing a more effective strategy. Drawing on research, expert interviews, and roundtable discussions, the paper argues that deterring biological threats requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach that integrates the capabilities and expertise of multiple federal agencies. This NDU …