SENR Seminar Series welcomes Second year MS Lightning Talks

The spring SENR Seminar Series welcomes Second year Masters Students in SENR, who will present Lightning Talks starting at 4:00 p.m. in room 103 Kottman Hall or via Zoom. 

January 21 Lightning Talks

PRESENTERS:

Meg Edwards
Fields and Forests: Understanding agroforestry practitioners' motivations, support networks, and pathways to agriculture
Abstract: Agroforestry practices, which integrate trees and agricultural production, can provide multiple ecosystem services as well as make working lands more financially, socially, and ecologically resilient. This research uses qualitative analysis of interviews to describe the population of agroforestry practitioners in the eastern United States, identify systemic and logistical obstacles to agroforestry adoption, motivations for adoption, and the formal and informal networks practitioners rely on for support and information about agroforestry. It also aims to determine the effect of agroforestry adoption on farmers' subjective perceptions of farm viability. Building on prior research on farmer decision-making, persistence, and peer-to-peer knowledge networks, this study will shed light on a very small and poorly understood population of farmers taking on land management practices which are not yet widespread in the northern hemisphere. 

Beth Tull
Influence of Species Composition, Basal Area and Growth Rate on Forest Carbon Stocks in Eastern Deciduous Forests
Abstract: Forests are the largest terrestrial carbon sink, storing tons of carbon annually in trees, deadwood, roots, leaf litter and soils. Quantification of forest carbon sequestration is a way to monitor forest resources as they respond to a changing climate. Furthermore, determination of factors that influence carbon stocks within a forest (species composition, density, growth rate) can assist forest managers to make informed decisions toward carbon sequestration goals.

Emma Hanners
Best communication practices regarding city electrification policies and programs
Abstract: Communicating to the public has been a challenge for scientists and experts – particularly when it comes to topics related to climate change. This thesis aims to identify the best practices for communicating information regarding city policies and programming surrounding the electrification of energy. Around 80 semi-structured interviews were conducted in a multitude of communities in Columbus – specifically focusing on refugee, immigrant, and minority communities – to uncover these best communication practices.

Rachel Henry
The Hazard Acceptance Model: Predicting Human Tolerance for Carnivores
Abstract: Tolerance for wildlife is an important aspect of successful conservation and reintroduction programs; likewise, a lack of tolerance contributes to conflict between wildlife and people. This conflict is driven by a variety of factors (e.g., control over hazard, agency trust, emotions, and perception of risks and benefits), and for carnivores, these factors have been summarized by the hazard acceptance model. The current project seeks to examine the factors influencing tolerance for several carnivore species by testing the consistency and accuracy of the hazard acceptance model and investigating the role of social identity as a moderator of tolerance. We will leverage previously collected survey data targeting the factors of the hazard acceptance model, as well as self-assessed social identity among a variety of publics. The surveys focus on five species of carnivores of interest: cougars, coyotes, dingoes, gray wolves, and red wolves. It is expected that the model will accurately and consistently predict tolerance across species of carnivores, while social identity will moderate the relationships between the factors of the model. This project has several implications for carnivore conservation and management, as a better understanding of the generalizability of factors that influence tolerance for these species may increase the success rates of conservation and reintroduction programs.

Cael Jones
Climate Change Messaging in 280 Characters: Decoding Congressional Rhetoric on X
Abstract: My research analyzes how elected officials in Congress discuss climate change on X (formerly Twitter), focusing on the factors influencing the meaning and tone of their messaging. Using a database of 38,055 posts from 568 congresspersons (2017–2023) and incorporating machine learning, social network analysis, and statistical tools, I examine connections between discourse, financial backing, political activity, and misinformation. Future findings will provide critical insights into how political and financial factors shape public communication on climate change within the polarized U.S. policymaking landscape.

Kaleb Lee
Deeper than Roots: Exploring Youth Perspectives on Urban Ecology and Food Justice through Creative Expression 
Abstract: This talk highlights my master research using qualitative and generative design research methods to incorporate creative expression (spoken word, poetry, lyrics, and art) in environmental education learning outcomes. These methods were used to engage and uplift the stories of young people, particularly those from marginalized communities. By showcasing youth perspectives, inquiries, and insights, this work highlights the solutions that emerge when the youth connect social-ecological justice with the arts.

Tatiana Slesnick
Unseen and Unheard: Understanding the environmental injustices faced by Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Abstract: This study examines the environmental injustices faced by unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) aged 14-24. Youths’ exposure to environmental risks such as extreme weather, poor air and water quality, and inadequate access to sanitation facilities were queried, as well as polices that support their protection. Interviews were conducted with YEH (N = 15) recruited from a local drop-in center, and with local policymakers and stakeholders involved in homeless services and mitigation (N = 4). Using qualitative thematic coding and grounded theory, themes associated with environmental challenges faced by YEH were identified, as well as policy implications. This study contributes recommendations for better environmental protections for YEH.