Citizen science has proven useful in advancing scientific research, but participant learning outcomes are not often assessed. This case study describes the implementation and tailoring of an in-depth assessment of the educational impact of two citizen science projects in an undergraduate, general education course. Mixed-methods assessment of citizen science within a college classroom demonstrates that public participation in scientific research can positively alter attitudes towards science. The timing and type of assessments yielded significantly different results and qualitative assessment provided depth and context. However, disentangling the impact of the course from participation in the projects is the biggest challenge.

Clarifying the population structure and introduction history of non-native species is essential to preventing and mitigating effects of invasion, yet the invasion history of many long-established non-native species remain poorly understood. This study characterized the population structure of one of the most commonly encountered urban ants in North America using public participant-collected specimens and double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). Based on this genomic approach we confirm the identity of populations ranging across the continent as Tetramorium immigrans Santschi, and report low genetic diversity across its range, suggesting that this entire population resulted from the establishment of one single, or a few closely related ant colonies, approximately 200 years ago. The absence of strong population structure suggests that this ant's spread across North America has been repeatedly aided by human-assisted dispersal. We find no evidence of inbreeding in T. immigrans; this contrasts with the inbreeding and unicoloniality of many other invasive ants. These results demonstrate how collections-based public participatory science and emerging highthroughput sequencing techniques each have the potential to vastly improve the amount of data available to researchers. Together, these techniques can be deployed to address ecological and evolutionary questions, including questions about invasion biology, in nonmodel organisms. We suggest that this model is particularly well-suited for research on common taxa that are ecologically important but poorly understood.

Although previous research has hypothesized that barriers such as misconceptions and shame associated with mental health would hinder not only university students but younger adolescents as well, there has not been a systematic review that explores this topic in depth. In this study, we looked at four major kinds of barriers that adolescents face in seeking help for mental issues. The lack of mental health literacy is a general problem of society at large and this affects adolescents too. Another common issue arises from the stigma and negative attitudes and beliefs associated with mental health issues. Apart from these two issues, something specific to adolescents was the unique situation of adolescents not having complete control over where they received mental health like at school or through the intervention of guardians. This leads to confidentiality and trust issues that are unique to adolescent lives. Other practical barriers that were uncovered like cost and logistics issues are also captured. With this analysis, this paper also discusses solutions that may be effective in overcoming these barriers. 

3.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. 342 million barrels of petroleum to produce plastic-based fibers (Wired, 2022). And 92 million tons of textile waste (Igini, 2022). This all stems from the fashion industry on a yearly basis. Climate change is the most pressing issue in our society today and as it progresses, comes a heavier emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Effective ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) has been shown to affect overall profit by 60% (Henisz, 2019). With this, companies are taking advantage of and capitalizing on the new sustainability “trend”, marketing themselves as corporately responsible and committed to environmental causes.   As we are dependent on the fashion industry for clothing and contributing to the immense impact of global warming, consumers need to be educated on the true nature of the fashion industry and the extent of its impacts. As such, this research paper will provide comprehensive information for consumers to navigate through the fashion industry and ultimately be more mindful in their purchasing decisions. This project explores the role of the government, corporations, and consumers in modern sustainability practices and dives into the fashion industry, building upon the abstract concepts discussed. This includes evaluating the business models of the fashion industry in response to market trends and discussing how it impacts overall environmental sustainability. The research paper concludes by thoroughly proposing best practices firms can adopt to improve upon their corporate responsibility, simultaneously bettering the environment and business performance.

The pavement ant is one of the most commonly encountered ants in the United States. Since first introduced from Europe at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the ant has become well established and is prevalent in urban areas in the northern U.S. and parts of Canada. However, the extent of their invasiveness and severity as a pest is not well characterized. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Tyler Vitone and Andrea Lucky, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2014. EENY600/IN1047: Pavement ant Tetramorium caespitum (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (ufl.edu)