UWEC CERCA 2025

This study investigates how financial security shapes the cognitive dimensions of well-being in China, India, and the United States. Utilizing data from the World Values Survey Wave 7, we find that different saving behaviors influence well-being—measured by happiness and life satisfaction—differently across countries. We examine the implications of these findings and propose policy measures to enhance financial literacy.

Anthropogenic changes are expected to influence behavior, stress physiology, and ultimately, lifetime fitness of animals. For social animals, external stressors imposed by human activities may interact with the social environment to either exacerbate or buffer stressors. In the context of human-induced rapid environmental change, long-term data on individually recognized social mammals has the potential to offer novel insights into the extent to which organisms can cope with social and ecological stressors. In this research, we established a new project focused on the behavioral ecology of North American beavers (Castor canadensis), a native ecosystem engineer, through monitoring using camera traps. We surveyed various public lands and identified several active family groups of beavers in West-Central Wisconsin. Our camera trap data indicate that the behavioral patterns and their interactions with other local fauna vary temporally within days and across seasons. Future research will focus on their social behaviors, including their monogamous lifestyles, dominance structures, communication systems, and movement ecology. The plethora of wildlife we monitored on our camera traps illustrates how beavers play a key role in shaping diverse and healthy wetland ecosystems. This research therefore has important implications for the management of wetlands and conservation of beaver populations in the region.

How well does the general public understand the current recycling process in the United States? Does Eau Claire County recycle a significant amount of waste? Where does it go? This study hopes to answer these questions and more by surveying Eau Claire County residents on their recycling habits, as well as interviewing employees at the top recycling
companies operating in Eau Claire county to determine the level of public disconnect from the material reality of recycling and waste management.Many people assume the recycling system functions well and serves to reintroduce waste back into production of new consumer products and packaging, but in reality only a small amount of material is recovered. The
rest takes up space in landfills or becomes incinerated to produce electrical energy. Recycling materials comes with several costs: Time, money, and energy. Often, the costs of recycling outweigh the benefits, and without the profit incentive there are no companies willing to recycle materials.
Previously, the United States shipped most of its recyclable waste overseas to China, but following a 2017 Chinese decision to halt waste imports, American companies were forced to find alternate methods for waste disposal and material recovery. This research focuses specifically on
waste management and material recovery in Eau Claire County, but it has broader implications for the rest of the United States.

The design of skateparks plays an important role in promoting positive mental health benefits within communities. Public Spaces like skateparks are created to be used for physical recreation and provides a place for social interaction and community. Skateparks have been shown to reduce stress and yield as an outlet for self-expression. Because of this, skateparks not only create a place for community and physical activity, but also can be a space for individuals to feel a sense of individuality and belonging. This paper explores the connection between skatepark designs and mental health and how that plays a significant role in city space planning with the intent of harboring community cohesion and individual wellbeing.

Food insecurity is a significant issue facing many American households. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides increased access to food for families in need. Additionally, fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption has been shown to improve health and reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases. However, poor nutrition among children and adults, including low FV intake have contributed to rising rates of obesity in America. It is particularly challenging for low-income households to purchase/eat the recommended amount of FV. Farmers’ markets offer a wide variety of fresh, local and healthy foods, especially FV, but data show that low-income households are much less likely to shop at farmers’ markets. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers’ Market (ECDFM) sponsors a Market Match Program (MMP) incentivizing This presentation uses 2023 and 2024 survey data to highlight the many benefits of the MMP, while also exploring a variety of barriers to using the MMP mapped to corresponding changes that might reduce these barriers. Our results show most SNAP shoppers do not regularly shop at the market with the most reported barriers being limited market hours/locations, limited SNAP benefits running out and not remembering. We also provide demographic characteristics for all survey respondents.

Food insecurity is a significant issue facing many American households. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides increased access to food for families in need. Additionally, fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption has been shown to improve health and reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases. However, poor nutrition among children and adults, including low FV intake have contributed to rising rates of obesity in America. It is particularly challenging for low-income households to purchase/eat the recommended amount of FV. Farmers’ markets (FM) offer a wide variety of fresh, local and healthy foods, especially FV, but data show that low-income households are much less likely to shop at FM. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers’ Market (ECDFM) sponsors a Market Match Program (MMP) incentivizing SNAP households to shop at the market. This presentation uses administrative data to tell the story and describe trends in both utilization and spending by SNAP shoppers at the market from 2018 – 2024 which importantly spans before, through and after COVID. Our results show more SNAP shoppers/SNAP spending at the ECDFM in the first two years of the pandemic, while both measures (utilization and spending) subsequently declined in the next two years coming out of the pandemic.

As climate change continues to escalate, it is evident that some countries are making substantial efforts, while others fall behind. Through participation in a Faculty-Led Intercultural Immersion program, we observed that Costa Rica has emerged as is a pioneer in developing a green economy, prioritizing sustainability, and implementing environmental protections. This project investigates Costa Rica’s existing policies and future initiatives aimed at improving planetary health, with the goal of identifying strategies that may inspire global efforts. Additionally, we seek to raise awareness of the urgent effects of climate change and emphasize the importance of international collaboration, particularly the role of the United States, in promoting a healthier and more sustainable planet.

Cattle that eat the same feed and come from the same environment can emit methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, at vastly different levels. An estimated 32% of anthropogenic CH4 can be traced to ‘enteric fermentation’ in livestock production. During enteric fermentation, specialized microorganisms will digest complex plant fiber to create compounds like acetate and hydrogen (H2). Some of these organisms, called methanogens, will consume and use these products to produce CH4. Emerging data suggests natural inter-animal variation in CH4 emissions could derive from host genetics or differences in rumen microbial digestion. Here, we will analyze 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from rumen microbiomes to look for differences in the structure and composition of microbial communities from the rumen of twenty beef cattle of varying CH4 emission levels. There is no significant difference in microbial community diversity by CH4 emission level. We will analyze microbial community structure and composition to identify microbial taxa associated with high and low CH4 emissions. The findings of our work will begin to explain why some cattle emit higher methane levels compared to others, and may aid in finding solutions to reduce methane emissions in cattle while keeping their feeding efficiency and meat production high.

Grazing steers partner with their rumen microbiomes to efficiently convert plant-derived carbohydrates into meat. Considering the socioeconomic importance of the beef industry, it is critical to develop strategies that maintain quality while lessening negative environmental impacts. Diet supplementation and hormonal implants have been shown to variably impact methane emissions and animal performance. The response of the rumen microbiome to such treatments remains unknown. Here, we will analyze 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the rumen microbiome from grazing steers across four treatment groups: diet supplemented, hormonal implanted, combined diet and implant, and no intervention. The diet, implant, and combined treatment showed no significant impact on methane emission or N excretion over the 90-day grazing trial. Given this lack of difference, we hypothesize the rumen microbial communities will not be different across treatments. However, we hypothesize the 90 days of grazing will significantly alter the rumen microbiome. Results from this study will provide insight into rumen microbiome dynamics during the life cycle of a grazing steer, further informing management strategies.

Extradiol dioxygenases are known to oxidatively cleave aromatic pollutants, such as catechol. DfdB is an extradiol dioxygenase whose activity on substituted catechols has not been studied. Catechols and other aromatic hydrocarbons are a by-product of coal conversion, coal tar chemical production and other coal industries and are found in the air and wastewater surrounding these facilities. As catechol substrates are possible human carcinogens, their potential breakdown by DfdB is a significant area of interest. Ultimately, this research aims to define the conditions under which DfdB breaks down catechol substrates most efficiently and characterize the products of this bioremediation pathway. To accomplish this goal, the enzyme kinetics of DfdB were measured with varying concentrations of catechol substrates using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-vis) Spectroscopy, and initial rates of reaction were calculated. Upon analysis, the data suggests that DfdB experiences concentration-dependent substrate inhibition, which has been noted for other extradiol dioxygenases. By measuring kinetic profiles for a variety of substituted catechols, we have better defined the characteristics of DfdB as a potential bioremediation catalyst. This information will be leveraged to improve the utility of this catalyst broadly for synthesis and bioremediation.

Economic insecurity is a critical but often overlooked determinant of public health. This study investigates how financial instability contributes to poor health outcomes. Financial instability is characterized by unpredictability of income, employment insecurity, and limited access to basic
needs like food, clothing, housing and access to healthcare, all which affect physical and mental health outcomes. By analyzing the intersectionality of economic insecurity, healthcare access, and the role of social systems including healthcare policies and safety nets, this research aims to
identify key factors that negatively impact health and wellbeing and exacerbate these effects. This research primarily relies on quantitative data from closed ended survey questions, supplemented by qualitative data from the addition of three open ended survey questions. The survey explores an individual’s economic position, experience with healthcare accessibility and the perceptions of the effectiveness of social programs. The objective of the research is to discover in what ways economics affect health and to highlight systemic shortcomings in addressing these issues. The findings from this research can provide insight to those dedicated to
developing more effective interventions that would mitigate negative health consequences and improve healthcare accessibility.

This study explores the impact of various factors, particularly information sources, on the cognitive dimensions of well-being in Japan and the United States. Drawing on data from the World Values Survey Wave 7, we find that different sources of information influence well-being, measured by happiness and life satisfaction, in distinct ways across countries. We analyze the implications of these findings and offer policy recommendations in the context of the ongoing debate on information censorship.

Food insecurity is a significant issue facing many American households. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides increased access to food for families in need. Additionally, fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption has been shown to improve health and reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases. However, poor nutrition among children and adults, including low FV intake have contributed to rising rates of obesity in America. It is particularly challenging for low-income households to purchase/eat the recommended amount of FV. Farmers’ markets offer a wide variety of fresh, local and healthy foods, especially FV, but data show that low-income households are much less likely to shop at farmers’ markets. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers’ Market (ECDFM) sponsors a Market Match Program (MMP) incentivizing SNAP households to shop at the market. This presentation connects our work to the literature on offering incentives to SNAP shoppers at farmers’ markets. Our results show that the ECDFM MMP faces many similar challenges to other FM incentive programs. Additionally, we reference our participation in a statewide coalition to develop and expand these types of programs across the state. We conclude with policy recommendations in the context of the history of SNAP.

We aimed to increase awareness of the local flora and fauna that many people may not be aware of that live in the Chippewa River. We decided to create glass mosaics to adorn the windows of the bus stop in front of Haas Fine Arts Center as it is an accessible location for many people passing through Water Street. We used glass for its translucent properties, durability, and longevity to ensure that no harm would be brought to the local environment through use of toxic materials and to make sure it will last for years to come with little need for maintenance. The various colors of the glass pieces and the location result in the appearance changing throughout the day and seasons as the available light differs, keeping it intriguing for and visible for both visitors and the bus drivers they are waiting for. Our project resulted in a beautiful piece of art that succeeds in showcasing many local endangered fish and demonstrating the talents of graduates from the art program. The location nearby the river may also tempt curious minds to see if they can spot any of the creatures themselves.

Plastic pollutants are a significant environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics are a large area of research because if plastics are accidentally released into the environment, biodegradable plastics will break down into harmless byproducts. A blister pack is a type of packaging that consists of plastic pockets that hold individual pills. Current blister packs on the market are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental harm. The goal for this research project is to find an eco-friendly material to replace current blister packs that can also handle chemical reagents (such as medical reagents). Initial testing focused on developing a film from cassava starch that was adapted from the literature. The standard ASTM D543 was used to evaluate the resistance of the material to chemical reagents. The samples were placed under strain using a 3D printed strain jig, the chemical reagent was applied, and the samples were held at fixed temperature for varied amounts of time. After chemical exposure, the samples were tested to determine changes in mechanical properties. These results will be used to determine if cassava starch can replace traditional plastic blister packs to open the door to many environmentally friendly swaps in the medical field.

Architectural coatings are categorized as either solvent-based or water-based, with the latter gaining popularity due to their lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content and simplified manufacturing process. However, their performance can be limited compared to oil-based alternatives. To address these challenges, dispersants are incorporated to enhance stability and prevent titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particle aggregation, the primary pigment in the majority of architectural coatings. Our research investigates the structure-property relations of stimuli responsive polyethylene glycol:poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) [PEG:PDMAEMA] block copolymers and specifically their application as an eco-friendly TiO₂ dispersant in water-based coatings. These block copolymers were synthesized via ARGET ATRP (Activators ReGenerated by Electron Transfer - Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization), a process which allows for precise control of block length with minimal catalyst use. Various block length ratios were synthesized and characterized, with stress-dependent flow properties analyzed using rheometry and interfacial activity assessed via pendant drop tensiometry. Paint formulation performance was compared to a market standard through Leneta chart and water droplet testing, evaluating opacity, gloss, and resistance to leeching. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating PEG:PDMAEMA polymer dispersants into architectural coatings as a viable alternative to solvent-based coatings while maintaining essential performance properties.

Once roughly five times the size of the Lake Superior in the United States, Megalake Chad was a vast inland lake that has drastically receded over the past 5,000 years, leaving behind geomorphic features and drainage patterns indicative of its former expanse. This study investigates the geomorphic features and hydrology of this ancient lake using topographic data. Specifically, we utilized the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 30-meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for analyses, generating slope maps to enhance our understanding of surface drainage patterns. To identify drainage features potentially overlooked by slope analyses, radar remote sensing data was used. Because much of Megalake Chad's northern basin is in the Sahara Desert radar sensors like PALSAR and RADARSAT are valuable for their ability to reveal subsurface features under the sand. Integrated topographic surface analysis and subsurface mapping offers a promising approach to uncovering buried channels and alluvial fans/deltas. Our findings not only reinforce evidence of a large ancient lake, but also reveal previously underexplored drainage patterns with potential valuable water resources and arable land.

This study examines the impact of goal orientations (results-oriented vs. process-oriented) on team dynamics and performance evaluations within global virtual teams, challenging traditional assumptions about team efficiency. Drawing on Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory (1959), Locke's Goal-setting Theory (1967), and intrinsic motivation frameworks, we analyzed data from the X-Culture Project, encompassing 3,660 undergraduate business students in 925 global virtual teams during Fall 2020. Our research specifically investigates how different approaches to incentive mechanisms and goal orientations influence team member perceptions and evaluations. Through multivariate regression analysis, we found that while both results-oriented (focused on monetary rewards and certificates) and process-oriented (valuing collaborative experiences and relationships) team members reported similar levels of subjective satisfaction, their peer evaluations differed significantly. Results-oriented members received lower peer evaluations, being perceived as less creative, less effortful, and less task-compliant. Conversely, process-oriented members were evaluated more positively, demonstrating stronger leadership qualities, active thinking, and perceived work ethic. This favorable evaluation of process-oriented members may be attributed to their stronger focus on team relationships, communication, and collaborative learning, which are particularly crucial in virtual environments where building trust and maintaining engagement require extra effort. Their emphasis on the journey rather than just the destination likely leads to more consistent participation, better communication patterns, and stronger relationship building – all qualities highly valued by peers in virtual collaborative settings. These findings challenge conventional wisdom about incentive structures in global virtual teams and suggest that process orientation may offer a competitive advantage in virtual collaborative environments. The study contributes to our understanding of team dynamics and has important implications for designing effective incentive mechanisms and managing diverse goal orientations in virtual team settings.

This research proposal investigates the communication tool preferences of native English speakers (NES) and English as a second language (ESL) learners within global virtual teams, focusing on the interplay between communication frequency (CF), communication tools (CT), team conflict (TC), and identification (ID). The study posits three hypotheses: (H1) communication frequency is negatively correlated with team conflict, suggesting that increased CF reduces TC; (H2) higher communication frequency positively influences the use of information-dense communication tools, such as Zoom, over less dense tools like text messaging; and (H3) communication tool preferences differ based on identification—NES members shift from low-density tools (e.g., texts) in low-frequency settings to high-density tools (e.g., Zoom) in high-frequency settings to minimize conflict, while ESL members consistently prefer text-based tools across all frequencies to mitigate interaction tension and reduce conflict. Based on the data collected from 153 global virtual student teams which participated in the X-Culture project, we found that higher communication frequency will reduce team conflict across both groups, with NES members not showing any preferences on communication tools, while ESL members exhibit a persistent reliance on text-based tools to address linguistic and social challenges. These findings aim to deepen insights into effective communication strategies in linguistically diverse virtual teams, providing actionable guidance for enhancing collaboration in globalized educational and professional settings.