CYFS has released its annual report for the 2017 fiscal year, which ran from July 2017 to June 2018.
The report highlights various research focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics — STEM. Included are projects designed to help middle-school students better understand algebra, enhance opportunities for college students pursuing STEM-related bachelor’s degrees and find ways to ensure all Nebraska residents have access to the latest technology.
Name: Kailee Groshans
Hometown: Doniphan, Nebraska
Program: School Psychology
Year: First year
Project: Training Program for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
What kind of work have you been doing with the project?
As a trainee on this project, I’ll be traveling to the Autism Care for Toddlers Clinic in Omaha to attend seminars and observe toddlers during treatment. I’m reading literature on toddlers with autism spectrum disorder and am excited to get more involved in the clinic. I also work with my mentor, Dr. Edward Daly, and his research team, as well as help out with a math intervention project in the Department of Special Education.
Nancy Gonzales, foundation professor of psychology and dean of natural sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University, led the Fall 2018 CYFS Signature Event presentation Sept. 11 at the Nebraska Union.
Video is now available of her presentation, “Culture, Context and Positive Adaptation of U.S. Latinx Youth.”
Focused on building and expanding early childhood research across the University of Nebraska system and beyond, the Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research recently co-hosted a networking event with Nebraska Extension to share examples of their collaborative efforts.
Name: Rae Bullinger
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Program: School Psychology
Year: First year
Project: Specialization in Toddlers with ASD Program
What kind of work have you been doing with the project?
I’m just starting on the project, but I am excited to learn more about diagnosing ASD and how to implement treatments in the coming semesters.
Name: Emily Camp
Hometown: St. Louis
Program: Counseling Psychology
Year: First-year doctoral student
Project: Coaching Science Inquiry
How did you become interested in your field?
I became interested in the field of psychology, generally, after being a Jumpstart tutor through AmeriCorps my freshman year of college. I worked with a student who faced several barriers to education, some of which were related to his experiences in foster care. I became curious about how the cultural, social and familial contexts of learners impact their academic experiences and well-being in the long-term. This experience led me to pursue jobs within schools, group homes and other care facilities, both nationally and internationally, as I developed an interest in the effect of trauma on individuals.
The Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research has developed a new online resource for faculty and students involved in early childhood research across the University of Nebraska system.
The Student Research Opportunities website enables NU faculty to advertise opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students seeking work experience in early childhood research. Students can browse available positions and filter them by campus location, academic level (i.e., graduate or undergraduate), position type (e.g., assistantship, paid, volunteer) and the age group being researched.
Gregory is having a bad day. A school field trip has been canceled, and he is angry.
He is joined by a teacher and a kindergartner, who together discuss ways Gregory might cope with his emotions and keep his behavior under control.
“These are some things he might want to do,” the teacher says. “But there are other things he could do instead.”