Clark Honors College

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Open Access
AN ETHICAL EVALUATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL NONPROFIT AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF FOREIGN AID
(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Dhamdhere, Aarushi; Weaver, Lesley Jo; Fitzpatrick, Ellen;
This thesis will aim to address ethical challenges that foreign aid poses to aid-receiving countries and investigate the frameworks of international non-governmental organizations (INGO). To do so, I worked closely with an INGO, that I will refer to as GlobalMed, and assessed their duties and obligations as international actors. I accompanied GlobalMed on a week-long service-learning trip (SLT) in Cusco, Peru where I conducted an ethnographic study through participant-observation. My research took place in mobile clinics, patient follow-up care programs, and development projects. The goal, by the end of this project, was to develop insights to the framework of GlobalMed, determine whether my experience aligned with the tenets of medical ethics, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential implications of foreign aid.
Open Access
Assessing Infant Speech Discrimination Using Pupillary Dilation Response
(University of Oregon, 2024-08) Heilenbach, Sam; Baldwin, Dare; Bala, Avinash
Perceptual narrowing is central to the ability of infants in acquiring language competency. The broad sensitivity seen in younger infants to even the smallest units of speech – phonemes – becomes fine-tuned toward the end of their first year of life to the specific phonemes of their native language(s), enabling them to partition continuous speech into discrete words, essential for acquiring language proficiency. Perceptual narrowing refers to the gradual reduction in sensitivity to phonetic contrasts that are not relevant in the native language, along with an enhanced ability to recognize and distinguish phonetic contrasts that are meaningful in the native language. Understanding the timing and mechanisms of this process is key to understanding speech and language development more broadly. Current methods for studying perceptual narrowing rely on behavioral methods that require lengthy training periods, which result in high rates of attrition and may resultingly limit the generalizability of these findings. This study investigated the potential of sound-induced pupil response (SIPR) to measure infant speech-sound discrimination. We hypothesized that SIPR will accurately index auditory discrimination changes as perceptual narrowing unfolds. Using a mixed factorial-design, infants aged 10-12 months were exposed to native and non-native phonetic contrasts while their pupil responses were measured. Our sample of pilot data provides clear evidence validating SIPR as a sensitive measure of infant response to language. However, the sample is as yet too small to offer conclusive findings regarding perceptual narrowing. In any case, the SIPR holds great promise as a new, highly sensitive tool for investigating language development in early infancy. Thus, the significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of developmental change in early auditory discrimination abilities.
Embargo
AN ARCHAEOBOTANICAL GUIDE TO THE NORTHERN GREAT BASIN
(University of Oregon, 2024-09) Di Fiore, Sofia; Kennedy, Jaime; Gallagher, Daphne
Archaeobotany—the study of plants recovered from archaeological sites—is a discipline that offers one the opportunity to peer into the past and look at what the lives of humans looked like in times we will never experience. Archaeobotanical investigations are particularly important to the understanding of how human populations adapt to changing environments, as changes in botanical resources due to climactic shifts necessitate changes in traditional lifeways, shaping human cultures. This thesis reviews the archaeobotanical research history of the Northern Great Basin, a unique and isolated part of the intermountain west with an extensive history of human occupation that makes it an important locus of archaeological study, providing the opportunity for researchers to gain a deep time view of how humans interact with their environment. This project details ten of likely hundreds of plant species represented in the area’s archaeological record, drawing inspiration from traditional plant guides to create a proof-of concept look into the human-environmental connection in this region.
Open Access
REDESIGNING CAMPUS DINING TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
(University of Oregon, 2024-09) Merrill, Maya; Selek, Hale; McWhorter, Brian
Universities across the United States, including the University of Oregon, have shifted to promote sustainable thinking and living. However, these large institutions also produce an incredible amount of food and packaging waste every day—two of the largest categories contributing to municipal solid waste in the United States. As universities shape future generations of leaders, it is important that they implement systems and products which uphold sustainable living practices and reduce their environmental impact. My research and design aims to provide strategies, system and product redesigns that will reduce the significant amount of food and packaging waste produced by thousands of consumers at UO Dining halls every day. I provide a multi-pronged approach which includes reusable and biodegradable products, educational campaigns, peer support, food waste diversion strategies and additional key steps, informed by research, observations and case studies. In addition to a dining system redesign plan, I propose three food container design solutions: a reusable lid for existing dining hall receptacles, an organic and biodegradable single use container and a complete reusable container design.
Open Access
TO DESTROY A PEOPLE: CONCEPTUALIZING MASS SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A PRINCIPAL MODALITY OF GENOCIDE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
(University of Oregon, 2024-06) Howard, Emma Marie; Saavedra, Yvette; Raisanen, Elizabeth; Herrera, Andrea
Throughout the twentieth century, mass sexual violence has been integral to genocidal campaigns, indicating that mass sexual violence is both a hallmark and weapon/means of genocide. This paper engages with eleven case studies from the twentieth century using both primary documentation of the occurrence and impact of mass sexual violence and secondary sources that analyze and discuss how gender and sexuality operate within war and genocide more broadly. Whereas previous scholarship and international law have included modalities of genocide that could, by interpretation, include mass sexual violence, this paper argues that weaponized mass sexual violence is an effective means of destroying identity both individually (at the micro level) but also collectively (at the meso and macro levels) and therefore must be included as a principal modality of genocide by definition in order to more accurately and effectively articulate genocide.
Open Access
THE RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS THAT COMPLETED THE VASCULAR REHABILITATION PROGRAM FROM 2020-2023
(University of Oregon, 2024-07) Wriglesworth, Calvin J.; Halliwill, John; Hansen, Tobin; Harding, Aaron
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive cardiovascular condition that is characterized as occlusion or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the extremities, particularly the legs. A substantial amount of evidence supports exercise as a leading intervention of treating PAD. The search for the most ideal conditions of exercise to have the most significant reduction of PAD has long been explored. Purpose: The study aims to retrospectively review the outcomes of the vascular rehabilitation program at PeaceHealth RiverBend. Methods: The study conducted included a retrospective review of a preexisting protocol that consisted of multiple parts. The study is designed around many years of research that surround cardiac rehabilitation, however there are many unique aspects to the protocol being described. The protocol being analyzed involves 31 subjects, all of which are enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation through PeaceHealth hospital from 2020-2023. All said patients are known to suffer from PAD. The protocol begins with a warmup on a treadmill at a slow increase in intensity. Once the patient has reached the threshold of which is considered their normal exercise pace, the patient enters the main phase of the protocol. This phase consists of the patients maintaining an exercise pace of which causes a moderate increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Results: There was no effect of time(p=0.5561) on systolic blood pressure, or time(p=0.1931) on diastolic blood pressure at PRE vs. POST vs. CHANGE. There was a significant difference on time(p<0.05) on Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) at PRE vs. POST vs. CHANGE. Conclusion: The data suggests that the protocol being reviewed had no significant difference on blood pressure but showed significance in increased functional capacity.
Open Access
GRASS ROOTS: A CASE STUDY OF JOHN SAYLES’ LONE STAR AND UTILIZING RURALITY IN CINEMA AS A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
(University of Oregon, 2024-09) DiStasio, Anthony; Purnama, Ari; Rovak, Angela
This thesis investigates the portrayals of American rural life in film, examining the historical context, commonly found themes and qualities, and cultural implications involved with them. Ultimately, the argument made is that films set in rural environments can influence social change by reshaping the image of American history and identity, pieces of the national fabric in which the image of rurality plays a large role. To argue this, the thesis will first track the relationship between rurality, film, and the United States through time, pointing out important shifts in each subject and the development of the genre and thematic associations now related to rurality in film. Next, the general image of the rural United States will be crafted through compiling the common themes and features found among rural-set films. From there, a case study of John Sayles’ 1996 film Lone Star will demonstrate how a film can utilize those features to provide commentary and reflect on the national image through a rural lens. Overall, the thesis aims to show rurality in film as more than a backdrop, but a lens through which films can address the cultural foundations of the United States in order to serve as a catalyst for redefining the way history, national identity, and rural traditional life is perceived.
Open Access
DATA AND DIALOGUE: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES IN CLIMATE ACTION
(University of Oregon, 2024-08) Coskey, Andrew; Mital, Steve; Mauro, Robert
This thesis seeks to establish the best practices for environmental communication, data visualization, and stakeholder engagement. The first subject investigated is the theoretical foundation and practical applications of engagement strategies that involve a wide range of university stakeholders: students, teachers, and support staff. This section explores transparency, inclusiveness, and ongoing dialogues as some strategies to build support for sustainable development. The importance of data visualization is also discussed, showing a need for clear, accurate, and accessible visual tools that can simplify complicated information into actionable insights. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted on the effectiveness of analogies as a tool for explaining technical concepts to broad audiences. These techniques are then applied to the University of Oregon thermal system transition, wherein the university investigated options to update its current central heating plant into one that will use more sustainable technologies. The proposed options are dissected and evaluated based on the effectiveness of the task forces’ communication and engagement efforts. Then, a conceptual interactive dashboard that addresses critiques of the task force’s presentation strategy is introduced. The findings demonstrate how well-designed, comprehensive communication strategies can help build informed, supportive communities around sustainability initiatives. The conclusion is composed of recommendations for future enhancements to these strategies. It proposes improved methods of implementing sustainable practices in higher education institutions by combining interactive tools, continuous stakeholder engagement, and clear communication. This case study provides valuable insights into guiding other universities facing similar challenges in their sustainability efforts.
Open Access
AN INTERNAL ANALYSIS ON ADVOCATING FOR LATINO/A ACHIEVEMENT IN SCHOOL (ALAS)
(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Miki, Isabella; Doty, Jen; Mauro, Robert
Advocating for Latino Achievement in Schools (ALAS) is an afterschool program designed for Latino/a immigrant English Language Learners at Springfield High School. This program aims to prevent dropout, promote academic success, and promote college/career readiness through providing academic support and enhancing critical consciousness. After analyzing ALAS student survey responses and interviews with ALAS team members, I explore themes that are important to consider in the continuation of the ALAS program: language barriers, transportation barriers, community building, and commitments of higher priority. I suggest future goals for the ALAS program: continuing teacher coordination, and implementing formal critical consciousness lessons.
Embargo
SYSTEMIC IMMUNOMODULATION OF MYELOID-DERIVED SUPPRESSOR CELLS IN A MODEL OF MUSCULOSKELETAL TRAUMA USING ALL-TRANS RETINOIC ACID
(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Gill, Dylan; Guldberg, Bob; Guyer, Tyler; Munger, Lisa
Musculoskeletal trauma remains a significant challenge clinically, often leading to complications such as bone nonunion, infection, prolonged hospitalization, high treatment costs, and potential disabilities. The current standard treatment, autologous bone grafting, has limitations including donor site morbidity and limited bone availability, necessitating exploration of alternative approaches. Immune responses play a critical role in musculoskeletal healing, with distinct phases of inflammation and regenerative/anti-inflammatory processes. The transition from M1 to M2 macrophages is crucial for soft and hard callus formation during bone healing. However, dysregulated immune responses, characterized by prolonged elevation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, can hinder healing and tissue repair. Recent research has focused on systemic immune responses following trauma, highlighting the balance between circulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers to prevent tissue damage and promote healing. Immune suppressor cells like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in immune dysregulation post-trauma and may be a factor in poor healing. Targeting MDSCs presents a complex challenge due partly to their heterogeneity, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we tested several treatment methods for MDSC depletion previously developed for use in cancer models to examine their effects on MDSCs in vitro in blood sourced from a trauma model. All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) in particular showed promise in modulating MDSCs initially in vitro and in subsequent in vivo experiments. ATRA is also known to have effects on bone growth and may alter osteoclastogenesis, giving it further potential as a novel therapeutic intervention in musculoskeletal trauma. Further research into the intricate interplay of immune responses following trauma and particularly therapeutic modulation of aberrant cells such as MDSCs is essential for advancing treatment strategies and improving outcomes in musculoskeletal trauma patients.
Open Access
Expanding the Synthetic Accessibility of Thiocarbamate (TCM) and Dithiocarbamate (DTCM) Donors for Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Carbon Disulfide (CS2) Delivery
(University of Oregon, 2024) Lutz, Rachel E.; Pluth, Michael D.
The goal of this thesis is to bridge the gap in the literature by developing a suite of thiocarbamate and dithiocarbamate donor synthesis with azide and tert-butyl ester triggers. Based on previous work with esterase-triggered TCM H2S donors, we have developed a library H2S donors both with and without the nitrogen of the payload methylated, and have installed various EWGs and EDGs on the payload. Furthermore, we have developed a new method for modular TCM synthesis that supports diversification of the alkyl group of the aniline. This method allows us to block an unproductive deprotonation-based side pathway to more clearly study the effect of changing the payload electron density on the self-immolation of this donor motif. Blocking deprotonation of the payload expands the synthetic utility of these donors, which make them less reactive under basic conditions and allowing for more harsh synthetic conditions. Due to the ease of synthetic variation of the TCM donors, it is natural to consider broadening their application beyond H2S release to another biologically relevant molecule, CS2. Our TCM donor motif can yield this small molecule by designing the compound to contain a dithiocarbamate. Rather than releasing COS upon self-immolation, the donor should release CS2. Thus, I synthesized N-methylated CS2 DTCM donors using the same synthetic scheme as with methylated S-alkyl TCM donors.
Embargo
IMPACT OF INCREASED WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SKELETOGENESIS OF THE ANTARCTIC BULLHEAD NOTOTHEN NOTOTHENIA CORIICEPS
(University of Oregon, 2024-03-05) Dixon, Griffin May; Desvignes, Thomas; Casimir, Ulrick; Postlethwait, John
The ocean surrounding Antarctica started to cool about 35 million years ago to reach freezing temperatures about 10-15 million years ago, which immensely impacted its fauna. Antarctic notothenioids adapted to these freezing temperatures but today face unprecedented challenges with projected climate-driven temperature increases. Temperature significantly influences the developmental rates of fish embryos, with higher temperatures accelerating development until a critical point is reached, causing deformities or mortality. The impact of temperature increases on Antarctic fish embryos, including the abundant bullhead notothen Notothenia coriiceps, remains unknown. Loss of adaptive traits, such as the inducible heat shock response, raises concerns for Antarctic fish in the context of global climate change. The hatching time of N. coriiceps and other Antarctic fishes, crucially linked to solar exposure and planktonic blooms, may shift earlier with rising temperatures, thus affecting the availability of essential food resources and potentially larval survival. Understanding the impact of temperature on N. coriiceps embryonic development is important for assessing their survival capacity in changing climates and contributes to broader insights into climate change effects on freezing ecosystems. This research addresses this knowledge gap, offering implications for ecosystem management policies, conservation, and broader scientific understanding of how organisms cope with environmental stressors in the Antarctic ecosystem. N. coriiceps embryos raised in heated conditions showed an increased developmental rate of about 44% compared to siblings raised at ambient temperature and hatched earlier. The temperature increase appeared to accelerate development uniformly at all stages and did not dramatically change the relative order of skeletal structure emergence in embryos. There was, however, a notable increase in the frequency of anatomical and skeletal malformations in heated embryos compared to ambient embryos, especially in the jaw and axial/caudal region. In addition, the measurement taken of the length from the snout to the anus (LS2N) was found to be a reliable parameter for comparison of the developmental stages across samples independent of age. If Antarctic water temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, N. coriiceps, among other Antarctic fish, will likely suffer immensely in their ability to survive and reproduce successfully.
Embargo
Red Blood Cell Abnormalities in White-Blooded Icefishes and Related Antarctic Species
(University of Oregon, 2023-11) Nunez, Zoe; Postlethwait, John; Raisanen, Elizabeth; Desvignes, Thomas
The process of cell differentiation is crucial for organism viability, especially the formation of red blood cells (RBCs) that contain hemoglobin and provide essential oxygen transportation to the tissues. Antarctic white-blooded icefishes are, however, evolutionary oddities that lack mature RBCs and hemoglobin. An outstanding question is if the loss of hemoglobin genes in the icefish ancestor could have led to the arrest of RBC maturation in icefishes, or inversely if the arrest of RBC maturation could have triggered the loss of hemoglobin genes. Here, we aimed to test these two conflicting hypotheses. The ‘genes-first hypothesis’ predicts that the icefish ancestors would start to lose hemoglobin genes while having normal blood cells, but the ‘cells-first’ hypothesis predicts that icefish ancestors would have damaged RBCs but normal hemoglobin genes. To test these predictions, we analyzed the blood cell composition and RBC morphology in 13 red-blooded Antarctic fish species and in seven icefishes by microscopy, semi-automated digital image analyses, and phylogenetic comparative analyses. My investigation revealed that some species closely related to icefishes display abnormal RBCs that are larger and rounder than in other red-blooded species and have off-centered nuclei. My results suggest that RBC maturation was likely already altered before the loss of hemoglobin genes in icefishes. Close analysis of cellular abnormalities arising in these Antarctic fish species may inform us on hereditary human diseases such as anemias arising from improper RBC formation.
Embargo
Work With, Not In: Six Bioethics Recommendations to Promote Anti-Colonial Community Engagement in Population-Based Global Health Research
(University of Oregon, 2023-11-20) Getz, Madeleine; Snodgrass, Josh; Gallagher, Daphne
Global health survey research regularly confers benefits to NGOs, scholars, governments, and aid organizations and while it is intended to improve population health, the direct benefits to individuals and communities are often excluded from published works and/or not considered in study designs and approaches. This exclusion, which is particularly pernicious for Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups, is increasingly being recognized as the ongoing legacy of global health’s historically colonial practices, and actively hinders the pursuit of global health equity. Collaboration and community engagement are potential avenues for addressing this injustice, yet these approaches require planning and strategic intention. We draw on our collective research experience and the ongoing dialogue in the field of human biology to propose the following six recommendations to increase future studies’ community engagement and investment: 1) include local specialists and community members at every level of project leadership; 2) apply culturally informed bioethics frameworks; 3) recognize the study’s responsibility to return health information to participants, and to do so in a way that builds individual and community strengths and affirms and strengthens existing care and support, including Indigenous and traditional healing systems; 4) invest in local healthcare, research, and community infrastructure; 5) make study results and deidentified data available to both participants and community researchers; and, 6) work within data frameworks that respect community sovereignty. We then undertook a review of global health surveys using our recommendations as evaluation criteria; here, we present an overview of six surveys to illustrate challenges and opportunities. This paper demonstrates an ongoing need to address community rights and benefits, as well as contributes to a growing body of work within global health and allied fields to decolonize research. The framework presented here serves as a starting point for elaboration and critique. Global health’s pursuit of health equity and decolonization as both an academic and service-based discipline relies on implementation of a critical, culturally informed bioethics framework that centers community engagement. This thesis includes co-authored material.
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Eternal Hunger: A Qualitative Analysis of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and its Role as a Driver of the New Nuclear Arms Race
(University of Oregon, 2024) Zupo, Dominic; Cramer, Jane
The emergence of a new Cold War and the arms racing it brings has captured the attention of the globe. To understand the drivers of the new global tension the current discourse has overwhelmingly looked to great power politics for explanations. A dominant narrative has emerged that frames the United States as a superpower in decline currently facing increasingly aggressive challenges from China. This study directly challenges that narrative by investigating the role of nuclear weapons laboratories as the possible key driver of this new era of nuclear arms racing and proliferation. Specifically, this thesis uses process tracing and organization theory to explain how Lawrence Livermore National laboratories developed an organizational ethos that sought to master its resource dependence by pursuing influence over the policy that controls the distribution of the resources it seeks. This thesis argues that in doing so Lawrence Livermore acts as a driver of arms racing and in turn the new Cold War.
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ASK, DON’T TELL: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF POST-COLONIALITY IN DEVELOPMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE
(University of Oregon, 2024) Yousaf, Miriam; Chari, Anita
This thesis investigates the paradigm shift in development discourse catalyzed by postcolonialism and the contrasting positions of postcolonial theory and modernization theory. Through the works of Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, and Dipesh Chakrabarty, this study philosophically, economically, and socially contextualizes the postcolonial response to development as a disruption of the status quo. By analyzing their theories in relation to each other, I explore the landscape of the debate sparked by postcolonialism within linear Modernization theory. Additionally, I explore two methodologies in international development which perpetuate modernization theory and those that align with the postcolonial critique. Case studies in India and Pakistan exemplify differing approaches to development projects, offering insights into the practical application of development discourse in these contexts. This research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of postcolonial theory in relation to development practices and international development cases within the South Asian Subcontinent, specifically contextualizing the discourse around development theory. Through exploration of key questions, including the critique of development practices by postcolonial theories, the theoretical underpinnings of coloniality, and the framing of development discourse by Orientalism, Hybridity, and Historical Difference, this thesis contributes to the ongoing dialogue on decolonizing development practices.
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Peace and Empowerment in Historical and Modern Women’s Cooperatives: A Comparative Case Study
(University of Oregon, 2024) Wesson, Lucy; Johnson, Will
As cooperatives, both the Women’s Cooperative Guild and the Nyamirambo Women’s Center share commonalities in their dedication to promoting women’s rights, fostering economic empowerment, and advancing positive peace. Despite operating in distinct historical and cultural contexts, the organizations exemplify the transformative potential of women-led cooperatives in challenging traditional gender norms and addressing socio-economic disparities in conflict environments. As such, NWC and the Guild are best understood together as peacebuilding organizations that utilize the tenets of cooperation to directly account for the needs and aspirations of women. Within these organizations, women engage in peace processes, build community, and gain a degree of economic independence, resulting in greater empowerment. This empowerment enables cooperative members to occupy dual cultural expectations as domestic workers and participants in the formal labor force during and after conflict. Although they promote women’s empowerment, cooperatives operate under the pressures of nation-building and longstanding patriarchal structures in conflict environments. These organizations thus exist within the dichotomy of patriarchal social and cultural expectations while simultaneously promoting women’s agency and equity through the cooperative model.
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Inner Peace for Sale: The Commercialization of Yoga in the Western Wellness Industry
(University of Oregon, 2024) Wellington, Neive; Chávez, Christopher
Yoga is an ancient spiritual and philosophical system originating in what is now India that aims to create union within the individual self and with a higher consciousness. Now, yoga is practiced all over the world, especially among Western countries. However, the commodification of yoga in the West has distorted its true purpose, leading to a largely incomplete perception of what it is and an exclusionary perception of who it is for. The first part of this project addresses this gap by examining the messaging of yoga-related advertisements in Western media with a critical eye, and providing best practices for brands and organizations to use in order to prevent misrepresenting it. These findings are distilled and presented in a visually appealing slide deck for professionals in the advertising/wellness industry as well as the public at large to easily understand this complex subject. The second part of this project is a public service campaign that created with the goal of countering western narratives about what yoga is and who it is for. Ultimately, this project aims to raise awareness about the lesser-known components of yoga and encourage more people to participate in it by changing the way it is advertised in the media.
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Youth Preferences for Wildfire Resilience Involvement: Piloting A Stated Choice Experiment in Oregon and California
(University of Oregon, 2024) Trefny, Kyle; Mullen, Kathleen
The western United States has a tumultuous relationship with wildfire, exacerbated by a fire workforce with high turnover rates and substantial disparities in gender and racial representation. As wildfire disasters intensify, and the costs on lives and livelihoods grow, solutions depend on restructuring the fire field to foster and sustain higher levels of involvement. The need for greater involvement applies to wildland firefighting, but also to sectors that reduce community risk, restore ecosystems, and increase public familiarity with fire. Restructuring these sectors requires addressing the exclusion of high-involvement Indigenous fire cultures and transforming the field to be accessible for more people. Despite the need for new involvement, most workforce studies focus only on established personnel. Little previous research examines the pathways and job configurations that would encourage more young people to get involved. The following thesis details the creation and pilot distribution of a discrete choice experiment survey focused on young peoples’ preferences and needs for engagement in fire resilience and land stewardship work and activities. Survey development took place in partnership with a youth and Indigenous-led fire organization and was guided by over three dozen representatives of stakeholder groups, including public officials, fire program managers, fire practitioners, wildland firefighters, researchers, and students. The survey was then pilot tested to more than 600 young people between the ages of 16 and 30. Pilot distribution took place in 24 classes across high school, community college, and university settings in Lane County, Oregon and San Francisco County, California. This outreach generated high response rates and numerous substantive and significant results. As a pilot study, these results are not generalizable. However, they reflect a compelling potential for this method to examine ways that current fire job structures aggravate low involvement and exacerbate racial and gender interest gaps. Even more promisingly, the initial results underscore the method’s ability to suggest alternative architecture for fire pathways and jobs that could foster increased participation and representation in the field.
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How the Kidney Transplant System Violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(University of Oregon, 2024) Stone, David; Gash, Alison
This thesis is an examination of two ongoing civil cases regarding racial discrimination in kidney transplant waitlists. While these cases take place on opposite sides of the country, one in California and one in New York, they address the same issue. Both plaintiffs were men seeking kidney transplants and hoping to be put on the waitlist but have instead found themselves being discriminated against for being Black. Lawsuits have been filed against hospitals for violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among other charges. It is the goal of this thesis to examine the validity of these claims and how the current kidney testing and waitlist process is disproportionately harming Black Americans. Various pieces of case law will be analyzed and applied to the cases at issue and additional relevant principles and guidelines will be reviewed. It is the contention of this author that both cases should be found in favor of the plaintiff, and there are sufficient facts and evidence to justify this ruling.

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