Education Commons^™

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, January 19, 2024, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

2024 Women in Aquaculture Series. We're eager to spotlight the 2024 Women's Workshop Series for aquaculture, an opportunity brought to you by the Maine Aquaculture Hub in collaboration with Aquaculture in Shared Waters. Tailored for women and nonbinary aquaculturists, this series isn't just a learning journey—it's a chance to forge your path in Maine's aquaculture scene. Dive into a curriculum brimming with expertise in seamanship, business acumen, and safety protocols. Beyond the skills, it's a community waiting to unfold.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, August 21, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

AquEOUS Fellowship. The inaugural summer of this new USDA fellowship program welcomed six undergraduate students to Orono from UMaine and four other U.S. colleges and universities. Over the course of 10 weeks, they approached aquaculture projects with "two-eyed seeing," incorporating local indigenous perspectives. The program took them to some of Maine’s most beautiful field settings, including the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, the Darling Marine Center, and the Hurricane Island Center for Science and planning the program for next summer’s larger cohort! Learn about two of our fellows’ experiences

Equine Nutrition: Pasture Planning In Nebraska, Emma Vazquez

Honors Theses

This paper describes the rationale behind four infographics on equine nutrition and pasture planning. These infographics are intended to provide Nebraskan horse owners with general advice on setting up and maintaining their pastures. The first three infographics cover pasture basics when building, pasture care, and ideal grass types. These grass types are further broken down between Western and Eastern Nebraska. Additionally, the fourth infographic gives some insight into why forage is a staple in the equine diet based on the digestive system.

All four infographics have been posted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Horse Program social media pages in an …

Students’ Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Dairy Production: A Survey Methodology Report, Heather Akin, Babatope Akinyemi, Julia Mcquillan, Tami Brown-Brandl

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

This report presents findings from a pilot survey conducted among undergraduate and graduate students (N = 410) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln about students’ perspectives on technology usage, consumption, and sustainability in dairy production systems. An interdisciplinary research team developed the survey instrument and report. The main purpose of this pilot study was to create and administer survey items to support further research on experiential education and outreach opportunities related to robotics in small-scale dairy production and rural economic development. Descriptive findings indicated that most students had some familiarity with dairy production and the nutritional aspects of dairy products …

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, June 22, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

The Aquaculture Research Institute is buzzing with activity, as summer descends on the coast of Maine. From our undergraduate externs exploring the aquaculture workforce to our new fellows working to integrate Indigenous and Western Science through applied aquaculture research, the institute is a hub of education and discovery. We look forward to a busy and exciting summer at ARI with this group of passionate and curious students.

Cats Of Unl: An Investigation Into The Human-Feral Cat Relationships On A University Campus In Nebraska, Jacey Skoda

Honors Theses

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), there exists a population of feral cats that is monitored and cared for by a group known as Husker Cats. As the cats wander the sidewalks and gardens of the university, they may appear non-threatening and pleasant to have around. However, a feral cat presence could have detrimental impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, property, and community. The first component of this project, a survey of individuals on UNL campus, ultimately seeks to understand what those in the UNL community know about the feral cats, how they feel about the feral cats, and how they …

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, April 14, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

As the days grow longer and warmer weather approaches, spring has officially sprung in Maine. The sound of peepers heralds the changing season with their distinct croaks, while ctenophores comb through the waters of the Damariscotta. At the DMC, we’re eagerly anticipating a lively summer ahead! We’re thrilled to announce a few exciting opportunities for anyone interested in different aspects of aquaculture.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, March 8, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Fellowship. This new USDA Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) at the University of Maine's Wabanaki Center and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and in collaboration with Wabanaki Youth in Science offers undergraduate students from around the nation an opportunity to combine traditional ecological knowledge from indigenous science with STEM concepts from western science to solve real-world problems in aquaculture at the University of Maine’s world-class aquaculture facilities.

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, January 24, 2023, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

ARI now has a Podcast! "Salty Talks - Conversations on Sustainable Aquaculture in Maine." In discussion-style episodes, we speak with people across multiple disciplines to highlight some of the most exciting innovations happening in Maine aquaculture!

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, December 2, 2022, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Eight Projects through The University of Maine and partners receive federal funding from NOAA Grant Awards. NOAA has allocated over 2.9 million dollars to UMaine and other partners for the Fiscal Year 2022 from three different NOAA grant programs: Sea Grant, Saltonstall-Kennedy, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Recipients include the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), University of Maine Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), Maine Sea Grant, and Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center (MAIC) based at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center. ARI staff have received funding from all 3 grants. These projects will advance the environmental and economic …

The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level Program’S Role In Positive Youth Development Using The Five Cs Model: An Exploratory Study, Eunhye Mccarthy

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Positive youth development (PYD) focuses on developing the strengths of youth through positive activities and behaviors rather than reducing negative tendencies. A well-researched model of PYD is the five C’s model that is popularly used in youth development organizations such as 4-H. The Nebraska 4-H Equine Advancement Level program was intended to serve as a guidebook for instruction and assessment of youth as they learn more about horses and horsemanship skills. Each of the four levels has an emphasis in developing a 4-H member’s responsibility, self-discipline, self-reliance, patience, and pride of accomplishments. The program was started approximately 30 years ago …

Students' Perceptions Of Online Equine Courses And Their Impacts On Learning Outcomes, Blaire (Gibbens) Speck

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Post-secondary education is always changing and evolving. Over the last few years, significant changes in education have resulted in an increased number of online courses. Approximately 28% of students seeking higher education participate in at least one online course and 14% are enrolled exclusively in distance or online programs (Allen & Seaman, 2016). However, courses that are typically hands-on, like equine science, may be more challenging online. The hands-on experiences in equine science classes help prepare students for future careers. Due to an increase in students choosing to take courses online, a review of online teaching methods was conducted to …

Aquaculture Research Institute Newsletter, November 15, 2022, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

UMaine researchers to develop enhanced fishvaccines with nanocellulose. In an effort to support Maine and the nation’s growing finfish aquaculture industry, University of Maine scientists seek to develop more effective, safe, sustainable and affordable fish vaccines using nanocellulose produced from Maine’s renewable woodpulp industry.

The Impact Of The Inclusion Of Grains In A Canine Diet On The Animal's Overall Health, Rachel Bruner

Honors Theses

The objective of this senior project was to examine the impacts that grains in a canine diet have on the overall health of the animal. Specifically, there was a focus on the nutritional attributes of grains, potential concerns regarding their inclusion in foods, misconceptions from consumers about grains in pet food, and alternatives to grains used in some diet formulations. The method of research for this project was a literature review. Scholarly articles focused on the various subtopics which helped to answer the research question were reviewed and included throughout the following discussion. Ultimately, the review of various literature resulted …

Targeting Inflammation In Heat-Stressed Wethers Improves Growth And Efficiency And Alters Body Composition; A Brief Exploration And Application Of Extension Principles, Micah Most

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of our first study was to determine how administering anti-inflammatory dexamethasone and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich fish oil affects growth efficiency and body composition in heat-stressed finishing lambs. Commercial wethers were randomly assigned to be fed under heat stress (35°-40℃) or thermoneutral (19℃, n = 10) conditions for 30 d, and controls were pair-fed to eliminate differential feed intake. Heat-stressed wethers were randomly assigned to receive clinical-dose dexamethasone IM injections every 72 h, twice daily fish oil capsule oral boluses, or placebos. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) growth and efficiency, but dexamethasone and fish oil supplementation recovered these performance measures. Heat stress also decreased (P < 0.05) predictive body composition metrics that were at least partially improved by administration of dexamethasone and fish oil. Proximate analyses of muscles showed that heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) percentage of protein and increased (P < 0.05) percentage of intramuscular fat, neither of which was improved by dexamethasone or fish oil. Immunohistochemistry revealed that heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) myoblast differentiation and muscle fiber size, but anti-inflammatory supplementation recovered differentiation only. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations were not different among groups throughout the study. These findings demonstrate how heat stress-induced inflammation contributes to impaired growth, efficiency, and body composition observed in heat-stressed feeder lambs. However, targeting inflammation with dexamethasone or fish oil recovers many of these deficits.

The Cooperative Extension Service, …

Comparison Of Transcervical Insemination Versus Surgical Insemination Methods In Dogs At A Veterinary Clinic In Lincoln, Nebraska, Lauren Ahlers

Honors Theses

Artificial insemination paved the way for many advancements in reproductive technology. Two common artificial insemination methods recommended for use with frozen semen are transcervical insemination and surgical insemination. To better understand the conception rates of dogs for each method, data was collected from Hillcrest Animal Clinic. The data suggested that neither transcervical insemination nor surgical insemination was significantly better than the other. 50% of the dogs conceived when inseminated using the transcervical method, and 54.5% of the dogs conceived when inseminated using the surgical method. Based on the results, more data needs to be collected on both insemination procedures to …

Maine Epscor, Vol. 1, Issue 1, Maine Epscor, University Of Maine, Kody Varahramyan, Shane Moeykens, Laurie Bragg, Daniel Timmermann, Jami Downing, Stefania Irene Marthakis, Christian Spindler, Bhavana Scalia-Bruce, Marcella Silver, Jennifer Smith-Mayo, Attis Bielecki, Grayson Huston, Markus Fredrich, Kristina Cammen

General University of Maine Publications

The University of Maine recently gained Carnegie R1 status, a level of recognition that speaks to the quality and scale of research happening at Maine’s land grant, sea grant, and space grant institution, and across the state as a whole. Research institutes, centers and labs established because of NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 grants have created a significant and lasting impact in Maine. These entities include the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technologies, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute, and Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, which have generated over 500 million dollars in new R&D funding for …

Law Library Blog (December 2021): Legal Beagle's Blog Archive, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Law Library Newsletters/Blog

No abstract provided.

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In Human-Animal Interaction, Nira Grynheim

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

No abstract provided.

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In Human-Animal Interaction, Nira N. Grynheim, Clare E. Jensen, Marguerite L. O'Haire

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) is a growing field investigating the complex relationships humans have with animals. Human diversity in HAI, or lack thereof, may have a direct influence on the way HAI data is interpreted and presented. Previous research has studied how apparent disability, racial, sexual or other diversifying identities might affect how humans interact with the world and their pets. However, thus far, there has been little research published on how inequitable barriers towards underrepresented minorities (URM) might play a role in how HAI is studied, interpreted and presented. The present study investigated human diversity among leaders in the HAI …

Maine Scallop Research Collaborative Newsletter, October 15, 2021, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Evaluating Biological Responses of Scallops to Environmental Variability. Phoebe Jekielek and Tom Kiffney, both PhD students at the University of Maine, will talk about their monitoring projects in cultured and wild populations of sea scallops along the coast of Maine. They will share data from their projects monitoring spawning and growth rates, discuss environmental variability and site selection tools, and share directions for their future PhD work.

James Davidson Fawcett (1933–2020): Imbibing With The Kiwi., Louis A. Somma

Papers in Herpetology

An obituary and summary of the life of James D. Fawcett (1933-2020), herpetologist and instructor and professor of Biology at University of Nebraska at Omaha 1972-2015. Includes bibliography of his works, list of master's theses chaired, and recollections of former students.

Tree-Mendous Fun With Nature Club, Ashley Mcrae

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

Tree-Mendous Fun with Nature was a kids club run for kids ages 6-10. We enjoyed this club and the curriculum we created so here we offer our lesson plans so others can duplicate our club. Each lesson revolves around a different topic of nature. By the end of the club, students will be able to understand nature on a much more intimate level.

The Effect Of Agkistrodon Contortrix And Crotalus Horridus Venom Toxicity On Strike Locations With Live Prey., Chase Giese

Honors Theses

This paper aims to uncover if there is a significant difference in the strike location of snake species that have different values of LD50% venom. It is thought that most snakes strike their prey in the anterior (head) area in order for their venom to work quicker in killing them. Venom toxicity is measured by its LD50% value, which is the amount of venom, in mg/kg, to kill 50% of a test population. The Copperhead has an LD50% value of 10.9 mg/kg, and the Timber Rattlesnake has an LD50% value of 1.64 mg/kg. The hypothesis was that if venom toxicity …

Using Citizen Science To Determine The Age Of Alewife Fish, Rodchill-Paul Jules

Honors Scholar Theses

Aging scales of economically important fish like the Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a critical task in the fisheries industry, which can benefit from the help that citizen science offers. In order for those benefits to take effect, common people should be comfortable and fairly knowledgeable about what is expected of them in the study. Then, results can be generated in a way that gives all types of citizens a good opportunity to participate and produces reliable data that can be used for scientific purposes. This experiment studied the effects of simple word instructions versus diagramed instructions on the …

What’S The Buzz?, Christine L. Moskalik

Teacher Resources

Read more: Moskalik, C. (2021). What’s the Buzz? A hands-on, interdisciplinary, & FUN way to learn about circuits, energy, engineering, bee communication and pollination. Science and Children. National Science Teaching Association. Volume 58 (Issue 5). May/June 2021.

Maine Scallop Research Collaborative Newsletter, March 29, 2021, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Our kickoff webinar will feature Amber Lisi from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Amber Lisi is the lead scallop biologist for the Maine Department of Marine Resources and is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and participation in Maine’s sea scallop resource surveys, analysis, and assessment program. She participates in research and management for sea scallops at the local, state and federal levels, and serves as a member of the New England Fisheries Management Council’s Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT). She will be joining us for a webinar on March 29th to review results from recent and past surveys, discuss …

Maine Scallop Research Collaborative Newsletter, March 25, 2021, Aquaculture Research Institute

General University of Maine Publications

Welcome to the first Scallop Research Collaborative (SRC) Newsletter. At the kick off meeting on January 22,you identified e-news as your preferred method of communication. We will use this format to update you on the SRC’s webinar series, upcoming field trips, collaborative research meetings as well as upcoming scallop events at other organizations around the state. We will also update the SRC web page with relevant information andnews. Please feel free to submit any information you would like to share and we look forward to more events and opportunities as the year progresses.

Spatiotemporal Interactions Between Deer And Cattle, Sydney Brewer

Honors Theses

Mule deer, white-tailed deer, and cattle are sympatric on the landscape throughout many portions of Nebraska and encounter each other in time and space. By considering variation in daily activity patterns and non-random patterns in the timing of passage through specific locations, we can better understand whether animals may be avoiding each other temporally when sharing space. I investigated temporal activity patterns and avoidance/attraction ratios to investigate if deer altered their activity patterns in the presence of cattle and if they exhibited avoidance at a study site near McCook, Nebraska, USA. We collected data from 19 game cameras that were …

S3e10: How Are Lobsters Doing?, Ron Lisnet, Rick Wahle

The Maine Question

Lobsters are synonymous with Maine, defining it alongside lighthouses, forests, rocky coasts, blueberries and potatoes. Beyond its reputation as a delicious meal, this iconic crustacean propels a major industry, draws tourists from around the world and serves as a bellwether for climate change and environmental health.

Few people know this creature from all angles better than Rick Wahle. The research professor and director of the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine has made it his life’s work to study this renowned shellfish. In this episode of “The Maine Question” he takes us to the bottom of the ocean where …