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September Faculty and Staff Grants

Threat Interpretation Bias as Cognitive Marker and Treatment Target in Pediatric Anxiety

• Michelle Rozenman, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
• Funder: National Institutes of Health
• Abstract: The current proposal addresses a need for novel experimental therapeutic approaches to directly targeting cognitive mechanisms underlying anxiety in children and adolescents. Building on our prior work and existing literature that identifies interpretation bias as a marker of youth anxiety, we propose a personalized cognitive bias modification intervention to target threat interpretation bias (CBM-I). In a two-phased study, we test CBM-I as an experimental intervention that may significantly reduce interpretation bias, and subsequently reduce anxiety symptoms, in clinically anxious youth.

Curriculum Research Framework 2.0: A Model for the Iterative Development and Practice-Based Evaluation of Educational Interventions

• Doug Clements, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: National Science Foundation
• Abstract: There is a lack of theoretically and empirically grounded frameworks directly addressing a core enterprise for improving education: developing and evaluating scientifically based practices, pedagogies, programs, and policies. This Research on Translation or Diffusion project will update and enhance the Curriculum Research Framework (CRF), one of education’s most successful translation initiatives, to address misinterpretations and limitations. This project will significantly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in three areas: cognition and learning (the relationships between specific mathematics and executive function actions—both physical and mental), curriculum, and teaching.

REU Site: Summer Engineering Research Experiences in Power and Energy Systems for Smart Cities

• Rui Fan, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
• Funder: National Science Foundation
• Abstract: The objective of this REU proposal is to promote undergraduate research in response to ongoing challenges in development of Smart Cities and smart power and energy systems. Seven project topics are identified under three pillars of a Smart City, namely livability, workability, and sustainability. Five DU faculty members and one national laboratory researcher will mentor ten undergraduate students on these interrelated projects.

EQIP Conservation Program

• Matt Jensen, Kennedy Mountain Campus
• Funder: USDA-NRCS
• Abstract: Install the conservation practices, enhancements, and activities according to the implementation requirements, designs, construction plans, or other documents that facilitate meeting the applicable NRCS technical criteria.

FICW 360s & Coaching

• Shauna Rienks, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Florida State University
• Abstract: As part of the Alliance for Workforce Enhancement (AWE) Initiative, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) is offering a Leadership Academy to build the leadership competencies of child welfare directors, supervisors, and managers in selected organizations. The Butler Institute at the Â鶹Çø is proposing to support the FICW by conducting 360° assessments and providing individualized feedback reports that participants can use to enhance their leadership skills as they participate in the Leadership Academy.

Effects of Immunocal, Ultra, and Casein on Tissue Glutathione in Aged Male Mice

• Daniel Linseman; Daniel Paredes, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Immunotec Inc.
• Abstract: Glutathione is a key endogenous antioxidant that combats oxidative stress by scavenging free radical species. During aging and degenerative disorders associated with aging, such as neurodegeneration, glutathione levels are depleted leaving the body unable to handle the increased load of free radicals associated with these conditions. The goal of this study is to directly compare the glutathione precursor capacity of two products to determine if they are equipotent at increasing tissue glutathione.

Understanding the role of pet deposit assistance in increasing tenants perceived housing security and preventing pet relinquishment

• Kevin Morris, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation
• Abstract: The overall objective is to better understand the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of pet deposit assistance programs, with and without laws regulating pet deposit and/or other up-front pet related fees, on housing security and pet relinquishment due to housing insecurity. The research has three specific objectives aimed at exploring the relationships between pet deposit assistance programs, tenant experiences, animal shelter resources, and public policy.

CGS – Supporting Inclusive Research Environments

• Corinne Lengsfeld; Robin Leake, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Council of Graduate Schools
• Abstract: The Â鶹Çø will support CGS in testing strategies to help students succeed in doctoral programs in STEM fields. DU will implement a comprehensive, data-driven initiative to enhance inclusive graduate research environments in STEM by engaging stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data, facilitating focus groups, and contributing findings to the Council of Graduate Schools.

Rapid Response Grant for CAREER: IGLI

• Marie Berry, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Spencer Foundation
• Abstract: In 2021, Marie Berry received a NSF CAREER grant to continue building and growing the Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative (IGLI) at the Â鶹Çø, a program dedicated towards equipping students and grassroots activists with evidence-based tools for building movements to defend democracy, our planet, and the most marginalized around the world. This funding will allow this work to continue and carry it over a critical threshold. Within this project, we will have the proof of concept to be able to apply for additional support to continue and expand these research and education programs going forward.

Evaluation of Changes to New York's Victim Compensation Program

• Kaitlyn Sims, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Restricted
• Abstract: Restricted

Northwest Early Learning Hub – BB4B

• Alissa Rausch; Kelly Wilson, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: Northwest Regional Educational Service District
• Abstract: This project will support a keynote speech, breakout session and Pyramid Model Training support for NW Regional CCRR.

Exploring Barriers to Maternal Health and Mental Health Services Among Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Women in the Wake of Restrictive U.S. Immigration Policies

• Galena Rhoades, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
• Funder: Family Process Institute
• Abstract: The proposed study is a qualitative study on Spanish speaking immigrant women’s experiences in maternal health and mental health care systems. It is significant to the field of family science and public health because it investigates the intersection of immigration, maternal health, and mental health—a triad critical to both individual and intergenerational outcomes. The findings will inform future research, community programming, and systems-level responses to reduce maternal health disparities exacerbated by immigration enforcement and policy environments.

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