50107 research outputs found
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Gold Hands and Green Thumbs: Conspicuous Production, Food Activism & Gendered Labor in Postsocialist Czechia
No full textThis dissertation explores how feminized, socially reproductive labor is channeled into and molded by non-governmental food activism in Czechia. This patchwork ethnography of three Czech food projects—Prazelenina, Kokoza, and Jako Doma—traces the gender politics of non-governmental organizations in postsocialist Central Europe as well as the ways in which ostalgia, social entrepreneurship, and nativist populism have structured women’s participation in the labor market and the public sphere. In doing so, it illustrates how the subjects within these food-focused NGOs understand themselves vis-à-vis each other, the state, and the socialist past and how these institutions utilize the labor of different categories of women to diverging, sometimes contradictory ends. I argue that these organizations rely on the flexible labor of under-employed mothers, migrants, and/or formerly unhoused women to sustain themselves in an increasingly neoliberal political landscape. Concurrently, the resurgence of Czech nationalism, anti-migrant populism, and the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed these social enterprises to channel the labor of variably-marginalized women into under-compensated carework evoking traditionally feminized forms of domestic labor—including cooking, gardening, and early childhood education.
In all cases, I argue these NGOs strategically deploy women’s labor in different modes of what I term ‘conspicuous production’. That is: these organizations manage and valorize women’s nonprofit participation in thrifty, traditional, and/or domestic foodways circumventing strictly capitalist modes of consumption in an attempt to garner cultural and political capital. In doing so, these NGO's leverage the perceived social and cultural value of women's self-regulating, not-for-profit carework to legitimize their enterprises to various stakeholders and to contest industrial food systems deemed unsustainable, exploitative, or politically suspect. However, while some organizations frame this socially beneficial labor as an entrepreneurial means of integrating marginalized groups into Czech society and providing them a foothold in the market economy, others frame this employment as a way to raise awareness about the intrinsic inequality of capitalism itself. This divergence points to the ambiguous legacies of postsocialist transformation in Czechia and ongoing contestations regarding the normative reproduction of the nation and the broader purpose of civil society in a moment of acute austerity, precarity, and reinvigorated nativism.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Evaluation of a Behavioral Parent Training Intervention Implementation Process in an Elementary School Setting
No full textChallenging behavior in young children is a common concern. When it becomes persistent or pervasive in nature, intervention may be required to reduce its impact on the child’s development. Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is an evidence-based method for addressing challenging behavior by training caregivers to serve as behavioral intervention providers. BPTs have been evaluated extensively in university and clinical settings; however, there remains a significant lag in diffusion of BPT to the real-world settings where these services can be more readily accessed by caregivers. Schools are an ideal setting for delivering BPT due to increased accessibility and reduced barriers, yet implementation challenges may be getting in the way of widespread use. The field of implementation science, which aims to bridge the research-to-practice gap, allows for systematic, empirical evaluation and documentation of implementation efforts. As part of the 2017-2021 Family Engagement Project, our research team partnered with two school districts in Western Massachusetts to deliver a BPT program called Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children’s Skills (HOT DOCS) to families raising children with challenging behavior. The current study is a retrospective evaluation of the implementation process of the HOT DOCS program in a school setting. Mixed method approach was employed, with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs under the Implementation Process domain serving as the foundation for data analyses. Key findings highlight the importance of team collaboration, tailoring of strategies to meet the specific needs of facilitators and caregivers, and the critical role of contextual factors such as logistical support and participant engagement. In addition, successful implementation of a school-based BPT program requires careful planning and ongoing assessment of needs. Recommendations for future research include expanding the scope of data collection and enhancing the implementation documentation procedures. Practice-related recommendations emphasize the importance of leveraging the school setting, prioritizing recruitment and retention of participants, and streamlining facilitation procedures to maximize efficiency, fidelity, and engagement.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
NOVEL STRUCTURING AND LAYERING ADDITIVE 2D MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR WHOLE CUT FISH ANALOGS
No full textThe consumption and demand for plant-based foods, especially plant-based meat alternatives, has increased rapidly. This rapid increase has come from many reasons, such as lifestyle choices, environmental concerns, and animal welfare. While extensive research and testing has been done to replicate whole cut plant based meats such as chicken, beef, and pork, plant-based whole cut fish lacks nutritious and texturally appealing options. With this gap in the market, finding a method that both matches the nutrition of fish and replicates the unique protein structure is necessary. Current scalable processing methods fail to mimic the micro and macro structure of fish protein. While conventional 3d printing based additive manufacturing processes have the potential of creating plant based whole cut fish analog with texturally similar products while also maintaining nutrition profiles (mainly protein content), the processes however are limited by the potential towards scalability. Considering the laminated nature of the whole cut fish meat, extrusion based coating based processes may provide a novel and promising solution for the make of whole cut fish analog with potential scalability. In addition, the unique and controllable hydrodynamics of the free surface coating flow may also allow for the desirable microstructure protein alignment that mimic the fish muscle texture. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to evaluate the feasibility of a novel slot coating-based 2D additive manufacturing for the making of plant protein-based fish analog with a focus on printability, buildability as well as internal structure formation ability. To achieve these objectives, a multistage approach was utilized, involving the construction of a novel slot-coating-based 2D additive manufacturing system, system characterization, and the development of plant-protein-based bioinks. Initial system characterization employed a simple solution of gelatinized potato starch as a model bioink. Comprehensive parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of key processing parameters, such as bioink extrusion rate and printing rate, on the printability of the model bioink. A suitable processing window was identified based on the macroscopic structural integrity of the printed layer, and a phase diagram was constructed. With the system fully characterized, plant-protein-based bioinks containing additives like polysaccharides and insoluble fibers were further examined. It became evident that printability, buildability, and operational parameters were highly dependent on the rheological properties of the bioinks. To gain deeper insight into the internal structure formation using this novel 2D manufacturing approach, stacked bioink layers were fabricated, cooked, and then observed under confocal microscopy to analyze the internal structure. Texture profile analysis was also conducted to compare the bioinks' texture with that of real fish meat. Confocal microscopy results revealed that this manufacturing approach enables fiber alignment within the protein structure, closely mimicking the fibrous structure of fish meat. Additionally, texture profile analysis showed that bioinks with specific protein concentrations and additives successfully replicated the textures of fish meat. This thesis demonstrates that combining this innovative production method with optimized protein bioinks offers a promising pathway for producing improved plant-based fish analogs.USDA NIFA 2022-67018-37101Master of Science (M.S.)2026-02-0
Impact of Vehicle Automation on Young Drivers’ Distraction and Strategies for Mitigating Risks
No full textAutomated Driving Systems (ADS) are vehicle technologies designed to reduce human error and enhance drivers' safety and comfort. ADS can temporarily (SAE Level 3) or permanently (SAE Level 4 – 5) take over part of the driving task. At Level 3, drivers can rely on the system to handle all driving tasks, but may need to take control in certain situations. However, the use of these technologies can introduce new challenges related to human factors. Previous research indicates that drivers tend to engage in non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs) even when lower levels of automation are engaged. This behavior can lead to issues such as delayed reaction times and reduced situation awareness. This is especially risky for teenage or young drivers, who are less experienced and more likely to use NDRTs while driving. Therefore, it is important to understand how young drivers interact with NDRTs when using higher levels of automation. To address this, an observational study was conducted with 12 young drivers. The study used eye movement observations to gain insights into how young drivers interact with NDRTs and automation. Additionally, the drivers' reactions provided details on how these interactions affect their awareness of the system. These observations imply that if uninterrupted, young drivers will continue to engage in NDRTs and that drivers look to the instrument panel for better communication. The findings from this observational study were then used to design and develop two new human-machine-interaction (HMI) systems that would help mitigate distraction behaviors and improve takeover behaviors. A second simulator study was conducted involving 24 teenage drivers with the aim of thoroughly evaluating the effectiveness of two methods. In this study, participants' focus, as well as their attention on driving-related areas and the secondary tasks, were evaluated. The findings indicate that drivers who received DSM alerts were better at responding to TOR and maintained stable driving performance during manual driving. Participants given the CHMI did show an improvement in takeover response and better driving performance compared to the control group, though this was not significantly different. Providing alerts to redirect drivers' attention toward driving-related areas while approaching takeover situations may be sufficient to help them take control safely and quickly. The findings provide valuable insights into the interaction of distraction behaviors of teenagers and higher levels of automation, while also providing a deeper understanding of distraction mitigation in the context of automation.H. Clay Gabler Scholar’s Program Award by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM)Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Domestic Counterattack: The Interplay of Handicraft, Art, and Governance
No full textDomestic Counterattack: The Interplay of Handicraft, Art, and Governance is an interdisciplinary project that combines immersive 3D projection mapping, animation, painting, and sculpture to explore the intersections of gender, labor, and resistance. The installation occupies the entirety of Herter Gallery’s 1600 sq. ft space, presenting an artistic investigation into the lived experiences of women business owners in Saravan, a small town in the Iranian border province of Sistan and Baluchestan. These women sustain their livelihoods through Soozan Doozi (سوزن دوزی), a traditional form of needlework that functions as both a cultural art form and an essential source of income. In recent years, their survival has become increasingly tied to the Internet, as they depend on online platforms to market and sell their creations.
The installation is divided into two galleries, each offering a distinct yet interconnected perspective. The East Gallery features an installation that examines the complexities of domestic spaces and the narratives of gendered labor, utilizing architectural elements, small sculptures, and intricate details to immerse the viewer in a fragmented yet evocative environment. Meanwhile, the West Gallery employs large-scale 3D animation and sculptural displays to emphasize themes of instability, resilience, and the shared struggles of individuals living under systemic oppression.
Together, these galleries create a dialogue between public and private spaces, challenging the boundaries of traditional gender roles and reimagining domestic environments as sites of creativity, agency, and quiet resistance.Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)2030-02-0
DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID MEAT ANALOG COMPOSITES: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WHEY-MUSHROOM AND PLANT-BASED PROTEINS WITH POTATO PROTEIN-MYCOPROTEIN BLENDS
No full textIn response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional animal-based food production, there has been a significant shift towards the development
of hybrid foods made from sustainable alternative proteins. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water scarcity, and other
environmental issues, prompting a demand for more sustainable food solutions. Hybrid foods, particularly those combining plant proteins with fungi-based ingredients like
mushrooms or mycelium, offer a promising alternative, as they typically require fewer resources and have a lower carbon footprint. These foods also provide numerous health benefits, such as being lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, and high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Hybrid foods therefore have the possibility of combining the
benefits from different alternative protein sources, thereby creating products that are more desirable to consumers.
This study explores two approaches: (i) blending whey protein isolate (WPI) with shiitake (SM) or oyster mushroom (OM) powders and (ii) combining potato protein (PP) with mycoprotein (MCP). SM and OM, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers, enhanced the nutritional profile of WPI, but their incorporation into whey protein gels reduced their hardness, elasticity, and lightness, and increased their brownness. OM also increased the thermal stability of WPI. In the PP-MCP system, MCP fibers reinforced the PP matrix, forming stable, elastic gels with improved strength, chewiness, and thermal resilience, addressing MCP's limited gelling properties. A range of analytical techniques, including confocal microscopy, particle electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic shear rheology, texture profile analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to assess the microstructural, physicochemical, and rheological properties of the hybrids. The findings of this study highlight the potential of combining fungal, plant-based, and dairy proteins to develop more sustainable, desirable, and nutritious meat alternatives.Master of Science (M.S.)2025-08-0
Stability of bright solitary waves in intensity-dependent and discrete optical systems
No full textThe overall aim of this dissertation is to address the existence and stability problems for bright solitary waves (solitons) arising in nonstandard types of nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equations. In our view, this work offers two fundamental contributions to the field. The first is the development of a general procedure for constructing and analyzing solitary waves with singular spatial profiles. A priori the waves are only formal solutions to the NLS equation, but they can be realized as weak solutions in the typical sense for the type of singularity we consider here. We show how to produce highly accurate numerical approximations for these waves, and also address their stability properties. This leads naturally to the second main thrust of this work which is the development of novel variational characterizations for solitary waves, particularly in systems exhibiting multi-stability. When multiple solitary waves are supported at the same mass, minimization of energy subject to the fixed mass produces only the lowest energy stable state, while the higher energy ones are missed regardless of their stability properties. We show how to reshuffle the optimized functionals to obtain new minimization problems which can produce the full range of solitary wave solutions, while also yielding the relevant stability information.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Measurement of Wellbeing
No full textMeasurement of Wellbeing is an installation consisting of sculptural elements, performances and paintings. The project is an inquiry into the historical and social conditions that have maintained and enforced traditional roles for women in China, despite the fact that they are waged laborers. The source of the exhibition title is Irene van Staveren’s economic feminist paper, “Measurement of Well-Being." in 2021. Staveren’s work on the different economic metrics of women's well-being has inspired me to ask what “the good life” might mean to those at the bottom of a capitalist, patriarchal society. Patriarchy is deeply embedded in China's society. Growing up observing my mother and other women workers, I not only witnessed their hardships, but also the incredible reserves of wisdom they drew from to manage their homes, wealth, time, and mitigate their disadvantages to seek better opportunities.
My artistic practice is inspired by the place where I was born, Shiyan—formerly a booming, factory town during China’s socialist era. The major industry in the town produced car parts, employing a large percentage of the population. My mother was one of its employees. Growing up in a working-class family, I have, quite unexpectedly, become an artist and scholar living in North America. My social class and positionality as a woman are perceived quite differently in the USA than in Shiyan. What I have come to understand is that although women in China have gained earning power through employment, their gendered role as domestic laborers is unchanged. Women are solely responsible for social reproduction; cooking, cleaning, shopping, caring for children and elders and, in general, the emotional wellbeing of the whole family.
Measurement of Wellbeing includes a series of paintings, depicting daily scenes of working women’s households: specifically these works explore the physical and emotional labor women perform. The art installations that contain sculptural elements represent the tedious labor of maintaining a home when resources are scarce. The sculptural elements consist of domestic cleaning products: rubber gloves, buckets, detergents, brooms, and Chinese food ingredients. The smell of the ingredients evokes cooking scenes at home.Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)2026-02-0
Uneasy on the Eyes: Manipulating the Appeal of Androgynous Faces Through Categorization
No full textHow does the subjective experience of categorization interact with the perception of gender? When observers perform a binary categorization task on stimuli manipulated along a continuous dimension, stimuli that can unambiguously fit into either category elicit more positive appraisals than those that cannot. A potential mechanism for this phenomenon is that the relative processing fluency of the categorization adds a positive valence to the associated stimuli (Winkielman et al., 2003). This extends to social categories: when observers sort human cross-gender facial blends according to conventional binary gender (”male” vs ”female”), androgynous faces are subsequently rated as as less attractive (Owen et al., 2016). We expand this paradigm by adding label conditions designed to increase the fluency of the androgynous faces rather than the gender-conforming ones. While the alternate categorical labels reliably changed RT and attractiveness ratings given to the stimuli, overall response patterns did not straightforwardly fit a task-based fluency account alone. Through modeling, we explore multiple ways to best characterize the observed trends.Master of Science (M.S.
AI and the Philosophy of Education: A Rupture in the Making
No full textIn this perspective article, I explore the profound philosophical shifts brought about by AI in education. The integration of AI is not merely a technological advancement—it represents a rupture in the foundational principles of teaching and learning. As an educator and researcher, I have witnessed firsthand how AI disrupts our conventional understanding of learning, teaching, and knowledge construction. This field is unpredictable, evolving at a pace that forces us to reconsider fundamental philosophical assumptions about education