58 research outputs found
The impact of visualizations in promoting informed natural resource decisions
No full textThe research in this dissertation was conducted in order to understand the ways in which scientific visualizations can influence the decision process of non-scientists. A wide variety of classical and novel methods were used in order to capture and analyze the decision process. Data were collected from non-scientists through role-play interviews on an interactive whiteboard, as well as a desktop eye-tracking device. These interviews were analyzed through qualitative content analysis, cognitive mapping decision analysis, and computerized network analysis. In the natural resource scenario given to these participants, these numerous techniques show that map style images promote the most complex, informed, and efficient decision strategies when compared to other visualizations or plain text.Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Geological Sciences, 2013Includes bibliographical references (pages 136-143
USING OUTREACH, PARTNERSHIPS AND RETAILER INQUIRY TO REDUCE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES INTRODUCTIONS FROM THE AQUARIUM AND WATER GARDEN TRADE
No full textReduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) is a research-driven organisms-in-trade outreach program. Since launching in May 2016, over 100,000 people have been exposed to RIPPLE\u2019s message of proper aquatic animal and plant handling and disposal, reducing potentially invasive aquarium and ornamental pond species from being introduced into the wild. RIPPLE is an industry-supported program based on partnerships I developed with businesses and regulatory agencies while creating program messaging and outreach materials. Prior to RIPPLE, Michigan had no widely accepted organisms-in-trade program and independent businesses did not have tools to communicate invasive species prevention with their customers. I created partnerships with retailers, hobbyists, environmental groups and K-12 teachers through targeted outreach and communication efforts, including articles in relevant magazines, educational presentations, exhibits at popular events and educational in-store visits.To better understand the knowledge, perceptions and behaviors of those who sell aquatic organisms and supplies regarding invasive species, I surveyed independently-owned pet stores and garden centers in Michigan. Results indicate that sellers generally understand that non-native aquatic organisms in trade pose an environmental risk, but do not feel a high level of responsibility for taking action to prevent organism release. While awareness of RIPPLE was low at the time of the survey, businesses did report sharing many RIPPLE recommended practices including discouraging customers from releasing of live organisms. This indicates that program messaging is relevant and appropriate. The survey also revealed opinion and behavior differences between business types (e.g., pet stores, garden centers). Findings from this survey will support development of more effective invasive species prevention programs aligned with industry knowledge and attitudes.Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Fisheries and Wildlife - Master of Science, 2019Includes bibliographical reference
REIMAGINING DIVERSITY IN STEM : USING AN ASSETS-BASED CAPITAL FRAMEWORK MODEL TO EXPLORE THE CAREER TRAJECTORY OF SCIENTISTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS
No full textAn emerging approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives within the sciences is to consider the assets and resources (in the form of capitals) held by individuals from underrepresented groups. In Chapter 1 of this dissertation, we performed a systematic literature review to explore the secondary types of capital that exist within the STEM education literature, in relation to the five primary forms of capital: cultural, economic, human, social, and symbolic. We identified 184 scholarly documents using systematic literature review procedures. To qualify, documents needed to pertain to STEM, careers and education, and capital and explicitly define capital. We extracted the capital types that were found in the retained documents and recorded their definitions. Thirty-six forms of capital emerged from these studies, and 27 were retained in our final model. Five of these capitals were primary capital categories (cultural, economic, human, social, and symbolic); twenty-one were secondary capitals. Using a deductive thematic coding approach, we sorted the secondary capitals into the five primary capital categories based on their definitions. Three secondary capitals that did not align with any of the primary capitals were sorted into a \u201cother\u201d category. These three capitals were then analyzed inductively and were sorted into a newly developed intrinsic capital primary category. The final Capital Framework Model CFM) was developed. To test the CFM, we performed an exploratory study in Chapter 2 looking at how the CFM could be used to explain the educational and career persistence of scientists from underrepresented groups and determine which capitals were most useful to scientists from underrepresented groups for their educational and career persistence. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with scientists who identified as a racial/ethnic minority or disabled or queer. Interview transcripts were coded through a deductive thematic analysis, using the CFM model as a codebook. Findings illustrate that participants from underrepresented groups accessed social capital, cultural capital, economic capital, and intrinsic capital to persist in STEM careers. Scientists of color engaged with capitals differently than white scientists. A new intrinsic capital type- critical consciousness capital- was added to the CFM model. The third chapter of this dissertation builds off the work of Yosso (2005) and Chapters 1 and 2, to explore how the CFM, with the inclusion of critical consciousness capital, explains the career trajectories of Latinx scientists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Latinx scientists and were coded deductively using the updated CFM as a codebook. Findings reveal that while traditional initiatives that provide social and cultural capital in order to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM are effective, it is the strengths and resources - in the form of capital- derived from their communities, that empower and enable Latinx scientists to persist in scientific careers. Most importantly, we found that Latinx scientists are drawn to the social justice implications of a scientific career and strive towards helping their communities combat the oppressive systems that hold them back. Efforts to broaden participation in STEM could be improved by embedding the cultural and intrinsic strengths found among Latinx communities into their programming with a focus on applying scientific principles into social justice work.Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Geological Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy, 2021Includes bibliographical reference
Factors influencing interdisciplinary research collaborations
No full textResearch collaborations are an effective and necessary way to marshal resources and address complex, specialized problems. The U.S. federal government spends billions annually to fund research, much of which is directed toward research centers or teams (National Institutes of Health, 2012; National Science Foundation [NSF], 2014a). That level of investment, both by researchers and funders, demonstrates significant confidence that collaborations will be successful yet research suggests many collaborations can be frustrating with many groups underachieving or failing altogether (Kezar, 2005; Rhoten, 2004). This study used a qualitative, multiple case study approach to examine factors influencing combined STEM/social science interdisciplinary research collaborations. Fifteen members of three different research groups participated in two rounds of interviews at Bridgetown State University - a large, Midwestern research institution. Findings suggest there are institutional/external, group, and individual level inputs/antecedents to, and potential outcomes from, interdisciplinary collaborations. Emerging from this study is the Model of Factors Influencing Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations (MFIIRC). The study has theoretical and practical implications and has highlighted a number of areas for further investigation. Limitations of this research include a dearth of female principal investigators willing/available to participate in the study and a lack of racial/ethnic diversity among participants.Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, 2014Includes bibliographical reference
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