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Category: Grant Related

Researchers aim to evaluate, streamline breastmilk sharing program

From left, Malone Maternal Wellness’ Jillian Boldt and Jordan Hardesty, and Nebraska researchers Patty Kuo and Alex Mason, check out the Malone Milk Mobile. Learn more in the CYFS Research Network.

Children who are breastfed as infants are less likely to develop obesity. However, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 25% of infants in the U.S. are exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

As many as 70% of mothers experience problems with breastfeeding, contributing to lower rates — particularly among Black Americans (17.2%) and rural residents (18%). Research suggests these low breastfeeding rates may compound potential nutrition-related health disparities from the start of life. Full Article

Data coordination center being developed to support early childhood workforce

From left, Amanda Prokasky, MAP Academy senior research specialist, and Lorey Wheeler, MAP Academy director, are collaborating with five other universities to develop a data coordination center to provide methodological and analytic support to multiple universities. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Because university researchers often use different methods and measures, it can be difficult to compare results across studies.

Amanda Prokasky, MAP Academy senior research specialist, and Lorey Wheeler, MAP Academy director, are collaborating with five other universities to develop a data coordination center to support cross-site analyses and help share findings more effectively. Full Article

Project searches for solutions to bullying in U.S., South Korea

Jared Noetzel, doctoral candidate in the school psychology program, is leading a dissertation study to explore ways to help reduce bullying in schools through evidence-based, culturally responsive teacher training. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

Because bullying often begins and ends at school, teachers are the front line of defense against such behavior.

However, teachers in one country may respond differently than their international counterparts.

Jared Noetzel, doctoral candidate in the school psychology program, is leading a dissertation study on culturally responsive teacher training to prevent bullying in schools. Full Article

Researchers examine parents’ role in aiding children with autism

HyeonJin Yoon, CYFS research assistant professor, is leading the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s role in a cross-campus study exploring how parents’ mental health affects how they communicate with their autistic children. Learn more about this project in the CYFS Research Network.

For families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder, everyday moments of connection can be difficult. The disorder affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and often hinders social communication skills essential for personal, professional and academic growth. Full Article

CHIME expands its reach to Ghana

Holly Hatton, associate professor of child, youth and family studies, shares information on the research behind social emotional well-being for teachers and young children during her January 2025 trip to Ghana. View photo gallery.

A transformative program designed to help educators use mindfulness and reflection in their daily work is expanding its global reach.

Holly Hatton, associate professor of child, youth and family studies, is collaborating with researchers in Ghana to adapt CHIME — Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators — an interactive compassion- and mindfulness-based program developed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The program will support caregivers, young children and college students in the small west African country. Full Article

National data reveal breastfeeding barriers for new moms at work

From left, Kailey Snyder, assistant professor in the School of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, answers a question at the Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition’s quarterly meeting last November, along with Nebraska Extension’s Audra Losey. (Courtesy photo)

For new mothers, returning to work often means deciding whether to continue breastfeeding. But systemic barriers often make it difficult to do so.

To explore the relationship between breastfeeding and returning to work, Kailey Snyder, assistant professor in the School of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, partnered with the Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics (MAP Academy) to examine a decade’s worth of national lactation data. Full Article

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