Science and Technology Studies Commons^™

Ethos: A Computational Framework For Material Culture Research, Chelsea L. Grafe

Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Museum catalog records make large collections searchable, but they do not always preserve the reasoning behind the claims they contain. A record may present a quilt's identity as settled while leaving the reasoning behind that claim invisible, making it difficult for later researchers to check, question, or reuse. This project asks whether museum catalog data can be analyzed in a way that keeps each analytical claim connected to the evidence that supports it. To test this question, the project applies a material-first computational framework named Ethos. Ethos formalizes an object-centered inquiry sequence in which material dependencies establish where analysis begins …

The Big Bang Theory’S Blurred (Tele)Vision Of Scientific Ethics: Some Thoughts For Educators Who Want To Change The Channel, Lee-Anne Broadhead, Sean J. Howard

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

This article investigates the way the popular American television program The Big Bang Theory represents the pursuit of scientific knowledge and reflects on the cultural and educational implications of the show’s contradictory problematization and valorization of the reductionist method at the core of modern Eurocentric science. Drawing on story-lines relating to military research, animal experimentation, and pharmaceutical drug trials, we consider the show’s precarious balance of implicit critique (the consistent exposé of systematically violent, often unethical research) and overt celebration (the presentation of science as “cool,” and its practitioners as flawed but endearing). This tension, we argue, enhances the show’s …

The Effect Of Participation In A Place-Based Engineering Learning Experience On Engineering Career Aspiration Of Nebraska’S Rural Students: A Mixed Method Study, Samereh Soleimani Babadi

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

This study investigates the influence of a place-based, hands-on engineering learning experience on rural middle school students' engineering career aspirations, using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we explored how these localized learning experiences shape students' career goals through socio-cognitive factors such as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goals, and interest. Quantitative analysis of pre- and post-activity surveys revealed significant increases in career aspiration scores, particularly among students from farming backgrounds and female students with initially lower expectations. Path analyses indicated that self-efficacy and interest were the strongest mediators between Place-based learning and engineering career aspirations. …

Virtual Fencing In Livestock Management: Effects On Beef Cattle Stress And Enhancing Wildlife Conservation, Kaitlyn E. Dozler

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

I examined the effects of virtual fencing on beef cattle stress and how implementing the technology can aid wildlife habitat conservation at the University of Nebraska Gudmundsen Sandhills laboratory (GSL) near Whitman, NE. First, I examined how virtual fencing influences acute heart rate changes in beef cattle fitted with the virtual fencing collars. No significant difference in the average heart rate of a cow (P > 0.05) was observed between the 30 min control and virtual fenced periods for both trial dates. Second, I examined the influence of topography on wildlife species richness and presence at GSL using wildlife camera …

Longhand Versus Laptop Note Taking And Lecture Rate Influence, Junrong Lu

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Most college students take lecture notes to prepare for tests. With technology development, more students are recording notes on laptops rather than writing them longhand. Previous studies comparing laptop and longhand note taking mediums yielded mixed results, highlighting the need to identify influencing factors. The present study investigated a potential factor, lecture rate, through two experiments. Experiment 1 examined whether lecture rate differentially influences longhand and laptop note taking without note review. Experiment 2 investigated lecture rate effects before and after note review. Dependent measures pertained to various note-taking indices (e.g., verbatim overlap with lecture transcripts and numbers of words, …

Executive Order On The Safe, Secure, And Trustworthy Development And Use Of Artificial Intelligence, Joseph R. Biden

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

Section 1. Purpose. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds extraordinary potential for both promise and peril. Responsible AI use has the potential to help solve urgent challenges while making our world more prosperous, productive, innovative, and secure. At the same time, irresponsible use could exacerbate societal harms such as fraud, discrimination, bias, and disinformation; displace and disempower workers; stifle competition; and pose risks to national security. Harnessing AI for good and realizing its myriad benefits requires mitigating its substantial risks. This endeavor demands a society-wide effort that includes government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

My Administration places the highest urgency …

Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Native American Science Teachers Of The Great Plains: A Narrative Inquiry, Uma Ganesan

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

The complicated history of the education of Native American children through U.S. government-sponsored practices has led to the elimination of the Native children’s sense of Indian identity, culture, and language (Noel, 2002). In addition, increased emphasis on standardization and high-stakes accountability under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has resulted in less culturally responsive educational efforts and more Indigenous students left behind in school systems (Castagno & Brayboy, 2008). This has led to Indigenous students being underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields where they account for only 3% of STEM workers (Fry, Kennedy, & Funk, …

Considerations For Science Communications In A Changing Media Landscape, Emily Stine

Doctor of Plant Health Program: Dissertations and Student Research

Technology development has radically shaped science communication techniques. Science communicators should be prepared to face these changes as they provide valuable new methods for increased engagement. Currently, communicators rely on deficit models (top-down transmission) and dialogic models (bottom-up transmission) to present information. The decision on which model to use is reliant upon the communicator’s skill level and impression of the relationship between scientists and the general public. Developing effective communication relies on communicators determining goals (long-term aspirations) and objectives (short-term aspirations) while maintaining a clear view of the public’s attitudes and evaluation frames. The tools available to science communicators and …

Ecological Risk Assessment Of Managed Relocation As A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Aviv Karasov-Olson, Mark W. Schwartz, Julian D. Olden, Sarah Skikne, Jessica J. Hellmann, Sarah Allen, Christy Brigham, Danielle Buttke, David J. Lawrence, Abraham J. Miller-Rushing, Jeffrey T. Morisette, Gregor W. Schuurman, Melissa Trammell, Cat Hawkins Hoffman

United States National Park Service: Publications

Executive Summary

Changing climate and introduced species are placing an increasing number of species at risk of extinction. Increasing extinction risk is increasing calls to protect species by relocating, or translocating, them to locations with more favorable biotic or climatic conditions. Managed relocation, or assisted migration, of species entails risks to both the conservation target organisms being moved as well as the recipient ecosystems into which they are moved.

Recognizing this risk, calls have been made for practitioners interested in considering a managed relocation project to engage in a serious risk assessment prior to advancing a project. We engaged a …

Exploration Of Lived Experiences Of Science Teachers Of English Language Learners: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Uma Maheshwari Ganesan

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

English language learners (ELLs) are a talented pool of culturally and linguistically diverse students who are persistently increasing both in absolute size and percentage in the U.S. school population; however, they are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in college as well as in the workforce (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Although educational leaders, policy makers, and researchers have emphasized the importance of STEM for the country’s continued prosperity, both education and scientific communities have found it challenging to improve students’ participation in STEM fields (Martinez et al., 2011). Exploring science teachers’ experiences could …

Public Opinions Of Unmanned Aerial Technologies In 2014 To 2019: A Technical And Descriptive Report, Lisa M. Pytlikzillig, Janell C. Walther, Carrick Detweiler, Sebastian Elbaum, Adam Houston

Lisa PytlikZillig Publications

The primary purpose of this report is to provide a descriptive and technical summary of the results from similar surveys administered in fall 2014 (n = 576), 2015 (n = 301), 2016 (ns = 1946 and 2089), and 2018 (n = 1050) and summer 2019 (n = 1300). In order to explore a variety of factors that may impact public perceptions of unmanned aerial technologies (UATs), we conducted survey experiments over time. These experiments randomly varied the terminology (drone, aerial robot, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned aerial system (UAS)) used to describe the technology, the purposes of the technology (for …

Algorithms Of Oppression [Uno Pa Theory Proseminar Presentation], Sue Ann Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Presentations

Slides of two classes taught in the Theory Proseminar in the School of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha by Sue Ann Gardner on February 11 and 18, 2020.

Connects information theory to applicable knowledge frameworks in public administration. Includes an in-depth discussion of the concepts addressed in Samiya Umoja Noble's book Algorithms of Oppression (published by New York University Press, New York, New York, United States, 2018) in the context of public administration and public academic libraries.

Who R U? Identity Theft And Unl Students, Marcia L. Dority Baker, Cheryl O'Dell

Information Technology Services: Publications

How can academic institutions help educate their students about the risks of identity theft? Or teach students to better understand how one’s online presence can hold so much joy and angst? For one campus, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the opportunity came from a middle school teacher engaging his students in a future problem-solving activity. UNL had the opportunity to create a 45-minute presentation on identity theft for local public school students who would be spending the day on campus researching this topic.

While preparing the presentation, we realized a top 10 list on identity theft for UNL students would be …

Blue The Bee Learns To Be Happy, Connie Reimers-Hild, Deborah J. Weitzenkamp, Connie Reimers-Hild, Kim Wellsandt

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Faculty and Staff Publications

Do you sometimes feel sad or blue and don't know what to do? If so, this book was written just for you!

Join Blue the Bee as she travels through Happy Orchard meeting her friends (Flutter, Buzz, Bonita and Ernie) to learn the 7 Happiness Habits. When happiness is a habit, it comes without thinking. You can choose how to spend your day and use your time. You choose how to live your life and what is on your mind.

Each page was designed to enjoy at any age. People can become pollinators of happiness in any life stage!

This …

Bridging The Gap: Joint Fire Science Program Outcomes, Stephen W. Barrett

Joint Fire Science Program Digests

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) has funded an impressive number of research projects over the years. However, the number of projects does not necessarily provide an accurate picture of the program’s effectiveness. Over the last decade, researchers have collected data and conducted several studies to determine whether the results of JFSP-funded projects are reaching potential users and informing management decisions and actions. Those studies have helped identify issues and influence changes within the program. Early studies pointed out the need for a boundary-spanning organization to improve delivery of science information, which resulted in the establishment of the Fire Science …

Simple Techniques For Behavior Change, Lisa Pennisi

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Myths: •People just need to know the facts •People just need to be aware of the issues & consequences •People just need to see the $$ •Attitudes lead to behavior

Does knowledge lead to behavior?
•Knowledge correlates with behavior True
•Education increases knowledge True
•Increasing knowledge leads to behavior change False

What motivates behavior?

•Awareness campaigns can produce the opposite of goal –they use norms describing undesired behavior •boomerang effects –can cause the opposite effect as some conform with perceived social norms

The problem is WE are the evaluator of potential success based on what works for us. But we …

Help Me Help You: Working With Public Information Officers, Scott Schrage

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Why work with public information officers? Should I reach out to a PIO? Tips for working with a PIO. Multimedia. Draw in lay readers. Illustrate concepts. The interview. When the PIO sends you the first draft… Be prepared to speak with external media.

Networking With Researchers And Farmers To Tackle Herbicide-Resistant Weeds, Melinda K. Yerka

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Outline •Crop breeding technology •Regulation of crop technologies •Issues related to crop-to-weed gene flow •Need for landscape-level studies

GMO •Genetically Modified Organism •Most commercial traits facilitate crop production –Insect resistance (Btcorn) –Herbicide resistance (Roundup) •General scientific consensus that they are safe •Public concerns persist

GM…..Oh? •GMOs are regulated substances by USDA-APHIS –$80 to $150 million per genotype to get to market •USDA-APHIS: Which biotech traits do we regulate? •Commodity groups: Will we be regulated???

The special case of sorghum: Massive international development as a biofuel •Better drought tolerance than corn •Needs herbicide resistance to compete
Evolution of herbicide resistance in …

Why We Need To Help Youth Develop A Stem Identity, Saundra Frerichs

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Favorite Toys

Developing Identity

Click 2 Science http://click2sciencepd.org

click2sciencepd.org

[email protected]

@Click2Science

Training Undergraduates To Sell It: #Scicomm In An Ecology Course, Teresa Bilinski

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Stop. Being. Boring.

Science: Soft Skill? No.

Essential Transferable Skill: “Students would be better served by an education that is integrated with the job market they will encounter post-graduation, and one that provides not only technical skills but also the soft skills that are most in demand by employers such as communication…”

#SciCommin a senior Ecology course: Course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). Ecosystem services at the wildland-urban interface: involving undergraduates in ecological investigations

Pre- assignment “Summarize the Results of an ecological research project related to the effects of urbanization on ecosystems. The research summaries will be presented orally to the …

The Engineering Ambassadors Network: Engaging Undergraduate Engineers In P-12 Outreach, Sally Wei

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

In the next few minutes I want to focus your attention on the T and E of STEM. Take a few seconds and think about what in this room is either not engineering and tech itself or does not have any interface with engineering and tech.

So engineering is ubiquitous, how do we teach this across society particularly P12 and how do we create the pipeline?

The Engineering Ambassadors Network is a nationwide network of colleges and universities designed to change the conversation on engineering.

EAN’s mission is two‐fold: to develop engineering leaders as well as impact P‐12 engineering education. …

How To Be A Biologist?, Fernando Mateos-González

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

http://bioblogia.net

http://www.bioblogia.net/p/consejosjovenesbiologos.html

Tips for young biologists-- •How and why study Biology •How to get experience, contacts, and jobs as a biologist •My own troubles/experiences

What do they ask about?

My own goals for SciComm2016…

Science Communication Strategies In The K-12 Classroom, Andrew Ising

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

@ItsIsing

andrewising@gmail

KABT.org #SciComm2016

bit.ly/isingnsc

Why is science literacy important to you? Why is science literacy important to me?

Situation #1: Peer Review -- Scientists talking to other Scientists; Making Science Research More Accessible: Poster Sessions [KABT Miniposters]

Situation #2: Informal Science -- Scientists telling science stories Common sources: Blogs, science magazines, newspapers, etc. Documentaries Social Media Why students like this: Narrative… Drama… Fewer long latin words

Situation #3: Community Outreach -- Scientists talking as experts to an audience “A scientist seen is a scientist trusted” Be/Become someone’s “BROADER IMPACTS”! Citizen Science Projects (Scistarter, YourWildLife, IMP, Great KS Tardigrade Hunt, …

Eight-Legged Encounters: Using Organismal Biology To Bring Science Education To Families & Communities, Eileen A. Hebets

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Path of the Predators: A Journey Through the Living Arachnids. Illustrations by Pawl Tisdale

WHAT IS AN ARTHROPOD?

CREATE A CHELICERATE

ASSEMBLE AN ARACHNID

TISSUE PAPER FLOWER

MICROSCOPE MADNESS

Eight-Legged Encounters Impact

Change in interest in learning about scientific discoveries among adult respondents (n = 63).

Youth’s interest in science activities (n = 42). Respondents were 50% female, 50% male and ranged in age from 4 – 14 with a mean of 7.7.

The Role Of Design Thinking In Scientific Research & Communication, Colleen Syron

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Design thnking: Research: • Interviews with designers • Observations and case studies • Experimental studies • Simulation • Reflection and theorizing

Designing is not a search for the optimum solution to the given problem, but that it is an exploratory process. The creative designer interprets the design brief not as a specification for a solution, but as a starting point for a journey of exploration,…

“Deduction proves that something must be; Induction shows that something actually is operative; Abduction suggests that something may be.” Charles Pierce

The main point of difference is that of timing. Both artists and scientists operate …

Public Perceptions Of Drones Used For Weather-Related Purposes, Lisa M. Pytlikzillig, Janell C. Walther, Carrick Detweiler, Adam L. Houston

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

The CLOUDMAP Team -- Collaboration Leading Operational UAS Development for Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics. An EPSCOR grant funded by NSF

Responsible Innovation & Trust

Public Perception Studies to Date

Some Major Findings • You can call a drone whatever you want without changing people’s support • Purpose matters • Trust matters…

And More Findings • Sensemaking through pop culture, lack of knowledge, questioning, and purpose. • Hopes for societal benefits such as research technology and improved public safety (reduced risk, better forecasting). • Concerns for privacy, public & airspace safety, and pollution. • Recommendations for collaborative regulation creation for safety …

You Kan: A Graduate Student Perspective On K-12 Outreach In Ks, Nicole Green

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Science gets interesting at interfaces.

K-12 Outreach in Kansas:
NSF GK-12 EIDROP Fellow (2014-2015) #0841414 Partnership with USD 475 ‘Resident Scientist’, AP Biology
EXCITE! Summer Workshop Series (2015, 2016) KAWSE Office ‘Drosophi-what? Using Fruit Flies as a Biological Model Organism’, 9th-12th grades
4-H SPecial INterest (SPIN) Fall 2015-Spring 2016 After school programming with USD 383, 2nd-5thgrades
Camp R.O.A.R. (Real Observation ARoundUs), Lincoln Elementary School, K-5th grades, funded by ASCB COMPASS Outreach grant

Engaging in outreach is a unique graduate training experience. Successful outreach programs meet students where they are.

If you walk into the classroom with good intentions and a …

Raising Nebraska: Engaging The Public In Ways That They Value, Chuck Hibberd

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Raising Nebraska A partnership: •Nebraska State Fair •Nebraska Extension •Nebraska Department of Agriculture With a purpose: •Demonstrate the science and art of Nebraska agriculture •Learn from consumers

Prescribing irrigation –conserving water

Walkable Nebraska map -elevation change, waterways, precipitation and crops/livestock

Trusted Voice Videos –Top 5 & Bottom 5

Interactive Dinner Table -- Dinner Table –Entrée, Drink, & Side Selection

Exit Poll -How many things did you learn today?

Conclusions •Participants are telling us what they want to learn more about •Participant responses provide insight on content offerings •Interactive, digitally-based learning venues are effective

Tell Me A Science Story: Transforming Engagement With Science Using Creative Nonfiction, Janell C. Walther

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

“I definitely felt more engaged with the first one [creative nonfiction]and less tuned out because I had somebody interpreting their response for me. So when he was like “Oh, I was surprised” then I think “Oh, so was I, I was also surprised by the piece of information.” So I was more engaged with it personally even if I didn't retain all the numbers... “

“[The story] seemed more relatable I guess, as a normal, average, everyday person than a whole bunch of scientists talking about facts. Where the facts were still in here, the way that it was written …

Science Not Communicated Is Science Not Done: Present Your Science Powerfully, Melissa Marshall

SciComm 2016 - Lincoln, Nebraska, September 23-24, 2016

Great communication ignites a chain reaction. Discussion: Identify the best presenter of science that you have seen. What made that speaker so effective?

To excel in your presentations, you will need content , passion, and a sharp sense of the audience.

Science not communicated is science not done. Presenting your science powerfully requires mastery of three skills: Be Audience Centered, Filter and focus, Show your science

Becoming an audience focused speaker is one of the most powerful skills you can adopt. Returning to points of common ground satisfies audiences of different technical backgrounds.

Successful technical presentations require you to filter …