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Category: Grant Related

Project broadens horizons for preservice teachers, middle school students alike

Jillian Harpster, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, chats with students during their May 2024 visit to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s city campus. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network. View photo gallery.

As student populations grow and change throughout American schools, teachers face new challenges in meeting students’ needs and preparing them for long-term success.

For educators, both practicing and in training, experience is key.

Jillian Harpster, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, recently led a project to help preservice middle school teachers broaden their practical experiences, and to provide seventh and eighth graders with the opportunity to engage in the college experience. Full Article

Researchers building science confidence, capacity among rural early childhood educators

The project’s research team includes, front row, from left: Lisa Poppe, Sarah Paulos, Deepika Menon and Christine Wittich. Back row, from left: Marianna Burks, Maddie Pieper, HyeonJin Yoon, Soo-Young Hong, LaDonna Werth and Doug Golick. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Research shows children starting kindergarten often know less about science compared to reading and math. Despite this, science activities typically make up the smallest proportion of the preschool day.

The science opportunity gap is even more pronounced in rural communities, where limited educational resources and lower emphasis on science education widen the divide. Full Article

Researchers aim to empower future K-12 teachers with computer science knowledge

Leen-Kiat Soh, professor in the College of Engineering’s School of Computing, is leading a project to ensure the next generation of K-12 educators includes plenty of teachers who can teach computing skills. Lean more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

As computers become more and more ubiquitous in nearly every aspect of daily life, the demand for teachers who can prepare the next generation of tech leaders is more pressing than ever.

Leen-Kiat Soh, professor of computing, is leading a project to ensure future generations of K-12 teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to bring the cutting-edge computer science into the classroom. Full Article

Study explores effects of intergenerational family dynamics on child well-being

Weiman Xu, MAP Academy graduate research assistant, is exploring the association between intergenerational coparenting and child social-emotional development. Lean more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Family dynamics among caregivers tend to be complicated. They can become even more complex when grandparents take on coparenting roles.

Weiman Xu, graduate research assistant at the Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics (MAP Academy) and a doctoral student in the Global Family Health and Well-being program within the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, is exploring the association between intergenerational coparenting and children’s social-emotional development. Full Article

Research aims to reduce rural child obesity with responsive feeding practices

Dipti Dev, associate professor of child, youth and family studies and Nebraska Extension specialist, is spearheading a five-year project to help rural child care programs foster healthy eating habits among young children. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

In early childhood, healthy eating habits lay the foundation for lifelong wellness, helping prevent many chronic health issues.

Promoting these habits is particularly important for children in rural communities, where resources are sometimes limited. Research shows that rural children are 26% more likely to experience obesity than their urban peers. Full Article

Researchers using brain-connected technology to enhance life for children with speech and physical impairments

Kevin Pitt, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders, is leading a five-year project that uses brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to facilitate better communication for children with severe speech and physical impairments. Learn more about this study in the CYFS Research Network.

Approximately 97 million people worldwide have disabilities that require alternative communication (AAC) devices for communication support. However, many disabled children do not possess the motor abilities and spelling skills needed to use such devices, leaving them marginalized and unable to benefit from this technology. Full Article

Research supports vulnerable youth in the journey from expulsion and juvenile detention to graduation

Project researchers include, front row from left: Loukia Sarroub, Alex Mason and Sarah Staples-Farmer. Back row from left: Randy Farmer, Natalie Koziol, Debbie Minter and Eric Buhs. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

The journey from detention to diploma is a challenging one for students transitioning from expulsion or the juvenile justice system to the classroom.

More than 25,000 youth reside in detention facilities on any given day in the United States. About two-thirds of those youth do not successfully re-engage with school upon their release, due to the lack of effective transition supports. Full Article

Study targets effects of substance misuse on hearing, balance

Michelle Hughes, professor of special education and communication disorders, is leading the University of Nebraska’s portion of a large-scale, multi-site project examining the implications of illicit drug use on both hearing and balance. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

A few years ago, Michelle Hughes, an audiologist and professor of special education and communication disorders, came across a journal article about an individual who experienced a drug overdose and ended up with sudden hearing loss.

Then she found more articles featuring similar stories. She was fascinated. Full Article