Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:52 agriculture, 1 chemistry, 8 biology, 5 nutrition, 4 environmental science, and 1 engineering students were the target audience for the project. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All students have completed numerous training programs. Each student holds two certifications through the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, all students have received on the job training whether it be summer job shadowing experiences,summer internships, or international study abroad programs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members have had the opportunity to disseminate the results through various avenues including professional conferences, organizational meetings, websites, and refereed journals. Each year the grant has provided the opportunity for students to attend the MANRRS conference, students have presented at the HACU conference and NACTA conference annually. The project results have been published in numerous refereed abstracts appearing in NACTA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1)Total number of USDA agencies and partners USDA - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Rural Development (RD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Forest Service (FS). Other agencies - Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center, Texas Department of Agriculture. 2)Total number of career experiences MANRRS conference - Jacksonville, FL - 12 students presenting HACU conference - Miami, FL - 11 students presenting American Association of Physical Anthropologists conference - St. Louis, MO - 1 student presenting Southwestern Association of Naturalists conference - San Diego, CA - 1 student presenting Southwestern Association of Naturalists conference - Mexico City - 1 student presenting NACTA Conference - Hawaii - 3 faculty presenting NRCS internships - Laredo, TX - 17 students ARS internships - Beltsville, MD - 3 students APHIS internship - Laredo, TX - 1 student 3)Total number of students served including gender and ethnicity 50 undergraduate students - 28 male and 39 female 5 Graduate students - 2 male and 3 female ** All students are Hispanic 4)Total percent retention Students completing the program and graduating Fall 2015 - 20 students Spring 2016 - 11 students Summer 2016 - 3 students **4 students are now attending graduate school. 5)Total number of students in experiential learning (research) mentoring An Assistant Professor in the Biology Department committed to mentoring students interested in the discipline. Student interns will be looking at the tick-rodent associations primary to identify the ecological correlates of the prevalence of Borrelia (Lyme disease agent). They will be involved in trapping wild small mammals at Wildlife Management Areas in several areas of Texas. The main point of the study will be to compare the prevalence of ticks and Borrelia in peridomestic and sylvan environments and connect this to ecology and epidemiology of this disease. Additionally, the project director has worked with the Chemistry department in encouraging the grant students to apply for a Chemistry research community with a focus on Molecular Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 6)Total number of students presenting TOTAL: Undergraduate students presenting: 24 Graduate students presenting: 1 7)Total number of students enrolled in disciplines applicable to USDA jobs Majors Agriculture 52 Chemistry 1 Biology 8 Nutrition 5 Environmental Science4 Engineering1 8)Total number of degrees awarded with USDA qualifications Fall 2015 - 20 BS degree Spring 2016- 11 BS degrees; 1 MS degree Summer 2016 - 3 BS degrees 9)Total number of students publishing 24 undergraduates presenting posters 1 graduate students presenting at conferences (peer reviewed) 10)Comparison of GPA before and after Semester Overall GPA Spring 2015 3.09 Spring 2016 3.01 **The GPA of students has consistently increased from semester to semester. 11)Developing curriculum and faculty required USDA Courses No curriculum has been developed. Students have been trained in 2 Agriculture Security courses. 12)Comparison of Female success before and after The mean GPA of female students in Spring 2015 was 3.01 and the mean GPA Spring 2016 was M = 3.09. 13)Total number of student hours advising and tutoring We have open door policy for the students and we meet on a monthly basis with all of the funded students. We average roughly 5 hours a week of advising and mentoring. 14)Tracking students placement into jobs 6 students have graduated and entered graduate school. 1 student accepted to vet school University of Missouri (FSIS guaranteed employment once graduated from vet school) 1 student accepted to Ph.D. Places students have gained employment: USDA - FS USDA- FNS (WIC) NRCS Texas Department of Agriculture Aramark Nutrition (as a result of a funded internship) Wildlife and Fisheries (as a result of a funded internship) 15)English Skills All undergraduate and graduate students are proficient in English. 16)K-12 activities We have targeted roughly 3,500 high school students. The MANRRS/Agriculture Ambassadors program visits high schools to recruit students to the agricultural and life sciences area. Opportunities with USDA are discussed. Additional we attend the State FFA Convention every summer. Roughly 10,000 FFA students attend the event. We have a Texas State University Department of Agriculture booth used for recruiting. 17)Community engagement activities Same as above. 18)Budget implementation All remaining budget has been expended to support students completing their degrees (tuition and fees) 19)Program activities All students were enrolled in courses to complete their degree within the 4-year mark. Retention 2015-2016 was 100%. Many students completed internships Summer 2016.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:A total of 51students were the initial target audience for the project. Year 4, 17 community college students were added to complete USDA internships. Of the initial 51 students, 46 graduated (41 B.S. and 5 M.S.) for a retention rate 91%. A total of 68 students were impacted by the project. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Each student received 2 certificates as a result of the project: Department of Homeland Security certificate "Preparedness and Response to Food and Agriculture Incidents: Management and Planning Level" Southwest Border FoodSafety and Defense Center Certificate of Completion - Agriculture Security Training How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Faculty members and students (undergraduate and gradaute) have presented papers and posters at national resaerch conferences. Additionally, journal and newspaper articles have been published as a result of the project. UniversityTransfer Centers at Palo Alto and Laredo Community College have also disseminate relevant information at their respective sites. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1 A strong partnership was developed with Laredo Community College, Northwest Vista College, and Palo Alto College. If articulation agreements were not already in place, the project director made every effort to make sure they were developed and implemented. As a result of the project, community college students from all three institutions transferred to Texas State University and have since graduated in a timely manner with little to no loans. From advertisement of the project, the Department of Agriculture at Texas State University has achieved momentum in teaching and research and students have become very interested in the opportunities the 4-year University has to offer. Objective 2 As a result of the project, 39 community college students have transferred and completed a B.S. degree from Texas State University. During the duration of the project, all 68 students involved had the opportunity to develop early linkages to the 4-year university and USDA. This was done through developing University transfer centers, hosting summer camps and providing paid job shadowing and internships within the discipline. Year one, students were given the opportunity to come to Texas State University campus, spend 3 days exploring the opportunities, and become trained through the Department of Homeland Security in a course entitled "Preparedness and Response to Food and Agriculture Incidents: Management and Planning Level". All students received a certificate. Many students were able to participate in undergraduate research through the formed Academic Research Clusters. Additionally, in Year 2 fifty students travelled to the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center in Las Cruces, NM spending a full week in training. Students were able to experience firsthand the vulnerabilities our food supply is exposed to. An additional experiential learning opportunity was offered to the students in Year 4. Eighteen students completed a study abroad course in Costa Rica working with Earth University. All 68 students have completed an internship, 57 working closely with the USDA. The opportunities were funded from the project. Of the initial 51 students, 46 graduated (41 B.S. and 5 M.S.) for a retention rate 91%. Objective 3 Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) student organization was created as a result of the project. Since 2011, Agriculture Ambassadors and MANRRS have visited upwards of 50 high schools and attended the State FFA Convention and impacted roughly 25,000 high school students. During visits, discussion took place on majoring in a critical need area of USDA and opportunities within USDA. The schools that were visited were high in Hispanic representation. Objective 4 Of the initial 51 students participating in the project, all completed a received and Department of Homeland Security certificate in the course "Preparedness and Response to Food and Agriculture Incidents: Management and Planning". Objective 5 All 68 students (100%) were placed and completed a job shadowing or internship opportunity with USDA as a result of the project. Objective 6 Forty-six students (91%) have graduated in the 4 ½ year duration of the grant and are USDA employment ready. Five additional who were added later in the project will be graduating December 2016. Objective 7 Seven graduate students have been funded during the duration of the project. Five have since graduated. 2 students - Agriculture teachers 1 student - City of Austin Recycling manager 1 student - Pursuing Ph.D. 1 student - Forest Service Wildlife and Fisheries Objective 8 Academic Research Clusters were formed as a result of the project. Many undergraduate students were given the opportunity to design and complete research with a faculty member's direction. To date, 26 undergraduate students completed research projects and presented the results at a research conference.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzales, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) Texas State University San Marcos agriculture security training Las Cruces, NM. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Vela, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) USDA internship at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Garcia, J., Saucier, P.R., Morrish, D., & Bond, N. (2013) Perceived barriers and supporting factors influencing
Hispanic/Latino students at Texas State San Marcos to achieve higher education. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Morales, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P.R. (2013) Hispanic/ Latino student perceptions of agriculture and their knowledge
levels of the different agencies within the USDA. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P. S., Espinoza, J., & Vela, D. (2014). Retention, persistence, and completion strategies: A
comparison of USDA-HSI grant students to the general hispanic student population. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 58, Supplement 1.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Morrish, D.G., Saucier, P. S., & Garza, N. (2013). Food safety and agroterrorism training: Educating our future workforce. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 57, Supplement 1.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzalez, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D. G., and Saucier, P. (2013). Travelling classroom component of the southwest border food safety and defense center. Las Cruces, NM. HSI Research Symposium. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2104
Citation:
Espinoza, J., Vela, D., and Morrish, D.G. (2014). Sustainable farming practices and innovative production systems in costa rica. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Souza, C. & Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of humidity and temperature on screwworms in panama. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Barco, M., Gomez, E.L., and Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of herbicides on arundo donax l. and the effects of
insecticides on amblyomma americanum, dermacentor albipictus, stomoxys calcitrans, haematobia irritans: A summer internship experience. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
|
Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:50 undergraduate students - 20 male and 30 female 4 Graduate students - 3 male and 2 female ** All students are Hispanic All students have transferrred to Texas University successfully. The project is funding 5 undegraduate students at LCC who are set to transfer in the very near future. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All students have completed numerous training programs. Each student holds two certifications through the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, all studentshave recievedon the job training whether it be summer job shadowing experiences,summer internships, or international study abroad programs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Students and faculty members have had the opportunity to disseminate the results through various avenues including professional conferences, organizational meetings, websites, and refereed journals. Each year thegrant has provided the opportunity for students to attend the MANRRS conference, students have presented at the HACU conference and NACTA conference annually. The project results have been published in numerousrefereed abstracts appearing in NACTA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
20 USDA-NIFA Indicators 1. Total number of USDA agencies and partners USDA - Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Rural Development (RD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Forest Service (FS). Other agencies - Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center, Texas Department of Agriculture. 2. Total number of career experiences HACU Conference (Denver, CO) - 19 students USDA Director's Meeting - 5 students presenting AAPA Conference (St. Louis, MO) - 1 student presenting AAPA Conference (San Diego, CA) - 1 student presenting Study Abroad (Cuba) - 1 student Study Abroad (Costa Rica) - 14 students APHIS (Laredo, TX) - 1 student ARS (Beltsville, MD) - 3 students FS (West VA) - 1` student ARS (Kerrville, TX) - Research in Puerto Rico - 3 students TAMU Vet School Summer Research - 1 student 3. Total number of students served including gender and ethnicity 50 undergraduate students - 20 male and 30 female 4 Graduate students - 3 male and 2 female ** All students are Hispanic 4. Total percent retention Students completing the program and graduating May 2015 - 17 students Fall 2015 - 20 students Spring 2016 - 11 students **4 students are now attending graduate school. Retention Grant students - 92% Non-grant students - 77% Loans Grant students - minimal Non-grant students - 64.7% Time to completion Grant students - estimated 4 yrs Non-grant students - 5.7 yrs 5. Total number of students in experiential learning (research) mentoring An Assistant Professor in the Biology Department committed to mentoring students interested in the discipline. Student interns will be looking at the tick-rodent associations primary to identify the ecological correlates of the prevalence of Borrelia (Lyme disease agent). They will be involved in trapping wild small mammals at Wildlife Management Areas in several areas of Texas. 6. Total number of students presenting 5 students presented research posters at the USDA Director's meeting in Miami, FL. 1 student presented at the AAPA conference in St. Louis, MO. 1 student presented at a conference in San Diego, CA. TOTAL: Undergraduate students presenting: 5 Graduate students presenting: 2 7. Total number of students enrolled in disciplines applicable to USDA jobs Majors Agriculture - 35 Chemistry - 1 Biology - 8 Nutrition - 5 Environmental Science - 4 Engineering - 1 8. Total number of degrees awarded with USDA qualifications 17 students graduate May 2015 20 students on target to graduate Fall 2015 11 students on target to graduate Spring 2016 9. Total number of students publishing 16 undergraduates presenting posters 2 graduate students presenting at conferences (peer reviewed) Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P. S., Espinoza, J., & Vela, D. (2014). Retention, persistence, and completion strategies: A comparison of USDA-HSI grant students to the general hispanic student population. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 58, Supplement 1. Espinoza, J., Vela, D., and Morrish, D.G. (2014). Sustainable farming practices and innovative production systems in costa rica. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster. Souza, C. & Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of humidity and temperature on screwworms in panama. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster. Barco, M., Gomez, E.L., and Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of herbicides on arundo donax l. and the effects of insecticides on amblyomma americanum, dermacentor albipictus, stomoxys calcitrans, haematobia irritans: A summer internship experience. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster. 10. Comparison of GPA before and after Spring 2014 - Overall GPA 3.03 Spring 2015 - Overall GPA 3.09 **The GPA of students has consistently increased from semester to semester. 11. Developing curriculum and faculty required USDA Courses No curriculum has been developed. Students have been trained in 2 Agriculture Security courses. 12. Comparison of Female success before and after The mean GPA of female students in Spring 2014 was 2.98 and the mean GPA Spring 2015 was M = 3.13. 13. Total number of student hours advising and tutoring We have open door policy for the students and we meet on a monthly basis with all of the funded students. We average roughly 5 hours a week of advising and mentoring. 14. Tracking students placement into jobs 4 students have graduated and entered graduate school. 17 students graduate May 2015 20 students on target to graduate Fall 2015 11 students on target to graduate Spring 2016 Places students have gained employment: USDA - FS USDA- FNS (WIC) NRCS Texas Department of Agriculture Aramark Nutrition (as a result of a funded internship) Wildlife and Fisheries (as a result of a funded internship) 15. English Skills All undergraduate and graduate students are proficient in English. 16. K-12 activities We have targeted roughly 3,500 high school students. The MANRRS/Agriculture Ambassadors program visits high schools to recruit students to the agricultural and life sciences area. Opportunities with USDA are discussed. 10,00 student targeted at State FFA Convention. 17. Community engagement activities Same as above. 18. Budget implementation All budget expenditures are on track with the majority on the money being spent on participant support (scholarships- roughly $400,000 per year) 19. Program activities Sixteen undergraduate students and 2 graduate students from Texas State University and Laredo Community College attended a two week summer research experience in Costa Rica on June 15- 26. While in Costa Rica the students engaged in experiential learning activities from coast to coast. Students visited with local producers of bananas, coffee, tilapia, and other agriculture commodities and experience firsthand the sustainable practices in Costa Rican agriculture. The project director worked very closely with Earth University, Texas A&M University- Soltis Center, and the CATIE -Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center. The following Costa Rica Summer Camp: Graduate Students Marissa Cervantes (Agricultural Education) - Texas State University Jessica Espinoza (Agricultural Education) - Texas State University Undergraduate Students Daisy Garcia (Animal Science) - Texas State University Anamaris Hernandez (General Agriculture - Teacher Certification) - Texas State University Jose Castro (Biochemistry) - Texas State University Marcella Juarez (General Agriculture - Teacher Certification) - Texas State University Manuel Juarez (General Agriculture - Teacher Certification) - Texas State University Marissa Martinez (Animal Science) - Texas State University Margarita Barco (Animal Science) - Texas State University Daniel Firova (Agribusiness - Horticulture) - Texas State University Alyssa Carerra (Animal Science) - Texas State University Elizabeth Gomez (Animal Science) - Texas State University Michael Soto (Wildlife Biology) - Texas State University Daisy Aguilera (Industrial Engineering) - Laredo Community College Rene Bernardini (Biology) - Laredo Community College Jorge Chavarria (General Agriculture) - Laredo Community College Laura Martinez (Biomedical Engineering) - Laredo Community College Valerie Saenz (Agribusiness Management) - Laredo Community College 20. Participant survey Baseline data has been collected on the knowledge levels and perceptions of USDA and each agency. A pre and post test was given to participants of the summer camp to see if a change in knowledge level occurred. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge of all agencies pre and post. Additionally, a conceptualization with the external evaluator is in the works and we will be interviewing each student regarding overall experiences of the program.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P. S., Espinoza, J., & Vela, D. (2014). Retention, persistence, and completion strategies: A comparison of USDA-HSI grant students to the general hispanic student population. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 58, Supplement 1.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Espinoza, J., Vela, D., and Morrish, D.G. (2014). Sustainable farming practices and innovative production systems in costa rica. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Souza, C. & Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of humidity and temperature on screwworms in panama. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Barco, M., Gomez, E.L., and Morrish, D. G. (2014). The effects of herbicides on arundo donax l. and the effects of insecticides on amblyomma americanum, dermacentor albipictus, stomoxys calcitrans, haematobia irritans: A summer internship experience. Agri-Science Education for the 21st Century: Diversity, Access, Success. November 19-22, 2014. Poster.
|
Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Fifty Hispanic students from the 4 different institutions have been funded from the grant. Students from Palo Alto College,Northwest Vista College, Laredo Community College have all transferred to Texas State University all received a $4,000 scholarship during the Spring 2013, Summer 2013, Fall 2014,Spring 2014, and Summer 2014.Two graduate students received an assistantship to help with the grant, collect data and start a thesis. The FATE program has created the MANRRS student organization, which currently has 30 members. The MANRRS officer travelled to Birmingham, AL to attend the annual MANRRS conference. Students have been trained for recruitment presentations at K-12 schools. The MANRRS students have recruited at12 different K-12 schools, the State FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas and Ft. Worth, TX, the Fort Worth Stock Show, the San Antonio Livestock Show. These visits included information about opportunities at Texas State University in the discipline of agriculture, nutrition, and life sciences and working for the USDA. Internship opportunities were also presented as a topic. Approximately 2500 K-12 students were reached during these activities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? All students have completed numerous training programs. Each student holds two certifications through the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, all students are getting on the job training whether it be summer job shadowing experiences or summer internships. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Students and faculty members have had the opportunity to disseminate the results through various avenues including professional conferences, organizational meetings, websites, and refereed journals. Each year the grant has provided the opportunity for students to attend the MANRRS conference, students have presented at the HACU conference and NACTA conference annually. The project results have been published in two refereed abstracts appearing in NACTA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will increase the participation in paid internships.We will encourage students to take a full load of hours in order to beat the statisitics of graduatingin 6 years.We will get stuents involved in more undergraduate research and send them to conferences such as HACU andothe scientific venues to presen ttheir results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
20 USDA / NIFA Indicators Total number of USDA agencies and partners USDA – Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Rural Development (RD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Forest Service (FS). Other agencies – Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center, Texas Department of Agriculture. Total number of career experiences During the Summer 2013, eleven students completed an internship with a USDA agency (Forest Service, NRCS, ARS, and FSIS). One student completed an internship with Aramark, made possible through HACU, 2 students with the San Antonio Food Bank nutritionists. The remaining students completed an undergraduate research experience with a faculty member, job shadowing, or attended a Summer Research Institute abroad. During the Summer 2014, approximately 35 of the students were placed in USDA internships paid out of the project. The remaining students will stay on campus to complete Summer courses to graduate in a timely manner and conduct undergraduate research with a faculty member. Total number of students served including gender and ethnicity 45 undergraduate students – 15 male and 30 female 3 Graduate students – 2 male and 1 female ** All students are Hispanic Total percent retention The grant started with 52 students in 2011. We lost 13 students due to numerous reasons. (75% retention). These reasons included: If we just take a look at losing students from grades and no contact, we have a retention rate of 92%. Those lost students have been replaced and to date we have 48 students (45 undergraduate students and 3 graduate students). Total number of students in experiential learning (research) mentoring Academic Research Clusters have been formed. Faculty members from across disciplines (agriculture, nutrition, soils, biology, related sciences) were invited to participate (with compensation). Two faculty members in nutrition agreed to host a number of students to work in their labs. Both researchers are examining nutrition mechanisms, particularly the mechanism used by vitamin A to prevent colon cancer metastasis. Students have be involved in tissue culture and western blots. An Assistant Professor in the Biology Department also committed to mentoring students interested in the discipline. Student interns examined the tick-rodent associations primary to identify the ecological correlates of the prevalence of Borrelia (Lyme disease agent). They were involved in trapping wild small mammals at Wildlife Management Areas in several areas of Texas. The main point of the study will be to compare the prevalence of ticks and Borrelia in peridomestic and sylvan environments and connect this to ecology and epidemiology of this disease. All 48 students have been involved in some kind of undergraduate research or job shadowing activity. Total number of students presenting Five students attended the annual MANRRS conference in Sacramento, CA on March 21-23, 2013. Thirteen students attended the MANRRS conference in Birmingham, AL in March 2014. A research poster was accepted to the NACTA conference in Blacksburg, VA in June 2013. Texas State University held an HSI day on March 20, 2013. Eight students presented posters in the poster session: Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P., and Garza, N. (2013). Food safety and agroterroism training: Education our future workforce. NACTA Journal. Refereed abstract printed in Vol. 57. Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P. S., Vela, D., and Espinoza, J. (2014). Retention, Persistence, and Completion Strategies: A Comparison of USDA-HSI Grant Students to the General Hispanic Student Population. NACTA Conference, June 25-28, 2014. Bozeman, MT. Rodriguez, C. presented a research poster at the Attaining Excellence in Research and Technology Through Diversity, Education, and Innovation. University of Texas at San Antonio. Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzales, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) Texas State University San Marcos agriculture security training – Las Cruces, NM. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Vela, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) USDA internship at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Garcia, J., Saucier, P.R., Morrish, D., & Bond, N. (2013) Perceived barriers and supporting factors influencing Hispanic/Latino students at Texas State – San Marcos to achieve higher education. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Morales, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P.R. (2013) Hispanic/ Latino student perceptions of agriculture and their knowledge levels of the different agencies within the USDA. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. TOTAL: Undergraduate students presenting: 16 Graduate students presenting: 2 Total number of students enrolled in disciplines applicable to USDA jobs Majors Agriculture 29 Chemistry 1 Biology 8 Nutrition 5 Environmental Science4 Engineering 1 Comparison of GPA before and after Mean GPA per Institution Texas State M = 2.91 LCC M = 3.22 NWVC M = 3.23 Palo Alto M = 2.98 Mean GPA Gender Males M = 3.14 Females M = 3.05 The average GPA Fall 2011 was 2.93 and has increased to an average of 3.08 forSpring 2014. The GPA of students has consistently increased from semester to semester. Developing curriculum and faculty required USDA Courses No curriculum has been developed. Students have been trained in 2 Agriculture Security courses. A short course was developed for a visit by IDRA on October2-3. Researchers from across campus were invited to speak to the students about the undergraduate research clusters. Grant students were also required to present a powerpoint about their experiences during their Summer 2013 internship or undergraduate research experience. Comparison of Female success before and after The mean GPA of female students in Fall 2011 was 2.89 and the mean GPA Spring 2014 was M = 3.15. English Skills All 48 students are proficient in English. K-12 activities We have targeted roughly 3500 high school students. The MANRRS/Agriculture Ambassadors program visits high schools to recruit students to the agricultural and life sciences area. Opportunities with USDA are discussed. Additional we attend the State FFA Convention every summer. Roughly 10000 FFA students attend the event. We have a Texas State University Department of Agriculture booth used for recruiting. Program activities On October 2-3 a camp was conducted to allow students the opportunity to present and reflect on their 2013 summer experiences. Students were required to present a powerpoint in front of the group. On February 21-23 an extensive focus group activity was conducted to collect data about best practices. The data was compiled and was submitted and accepted to a conference June 2014. April 3, 2014 a trip to the ARS Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX was taken to introduce students to the various scientists at the site to encourage internship placement. Dr. Beto Perez, the director of the center, has been very instrumental in internship placement. Students will complete USDA internships Summer 2014.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Morrish, D. G., Saucier, P. S., Espinoza, J., & Vela, D. (2014). Retention, persistence, and completion strategies: A comparison of USDA-HSI grant students to the general hispanic student population. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 58, Supplement 1.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Morrish, D.G., Saucier, P. S., & Garza, N. (2013). Food safety and agroterrorism training: Educating our future workforce. North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Journal, Vol. 57, Supplement 1.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzalez, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D. G., and Saucier, P. (2013). Travelling classroom component of the southwest border food safety and defense center. Las Cruces, NM. HSI Research Symposium. Poster.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Garcia, J., Saucier, P., Morrish, D. G., and Bond, N. (2013). Perceived barriers and supporting factors influencing Hispanic/Latino students at Texas State University to achieve higher education. HSI Research Symposium. Poster
|
Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Fifty Hispanic students from the 4 different institutions have been funded from the grant. Students from Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, Laredo Community College all received a $2,500 scholarship during the Spring 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2013, and Spring 2013 semesters to defray tuition, books, fess, and other educational expenses. Students at Texas State University received a $4,000 scholarship. Two graduate students received an assistantship to help with the grant, collect data and start a thesis. At the end of Summer 2013 each of the graduate students will be defending their thesis. One additional graduate student will be starting in the Summer 2013 and two others have been recruited for Fall 2013. The FATE program has created the MANRRS student organization, which currently has 30 members. Students have been trained for recruitment presentations at K-12 schools. The MANRRS students have recruited at 6 different K-12 schools, the State FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Fort Worth Stock Show, the San Antonio Livestock Show. These visits included information about opportunities at Texas State University in the discipline of agriculture, nutrition, and life sciences and working for the USDA. Internship opportunities were also presented as a topic. Approximately 2500 K-12 students were reached during these activities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? All 50 studentsparticipating in the NIFA funded grant have gained a certificate from the Department of Homeland Security in "Agroterrorism" and a certification of completion from the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center in LAs Cruces, NM. The students went through "Agriculture Security Training", the same training as FBI agents. The classes were both one week in duration. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Six students attended and presented a poster at the HACU Conference and USDA-HSI annual meeting on October 16-18, 2012. Additionally, 5 students attended the annual MANRRS conference in Sacramento, CA on March 21-23, 2013. Research posters will also be submitted to the NACTA conference in Blacksburg, VA. Texas State University held an HSI day on March 20, 2013. Eight students presented posters in the poster session: Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzales, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) Texas State University San Marcos agriculture security training – Las Cruces, NM. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Vela, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) USDA internship at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Garcia, J., Saucier, P.R., Morrish, D., & Bond, N. (2013) Perceived barriers and supporting factors influencing Hispanic/Latino students at Texas State – San Marcos to achieve higher education. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Morales, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P.R. (2013) Hispanic/ Latino student perceptions of agriculture and their knowledge levels of the different agencies within the USDA. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos. Two graduate students were also selected to participate in the 2nd Annual USDA Graduate Fellows Career Preparation Institute at the 8th Annual American Association of Hispanics of Higher Education (AAHHE) National Conference March 26-30, 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will increase the participation in paid internships. All students will have transferred to Texas State University and will be ready (hour wise) to complete the required internship.We have created an informal MOU with FSIS and ARS. Strong ties have been made with Ms. Laura Sepulveda in Washington, D.C. to help place our students within FSIS. Five of our students were placed Summer 2013 in non paid internships. Additionally, Mr. Beto Perez (Director for the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX) has verbally committed to placing our students with ARS in Edinburg, Kerrville, and Panama Summer 2014.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Fund and conduct recruitment activities to select students interested in agriculture Fifty students from the 4 different institutions have been funded from the grant. Students from Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, Laredo Community College all received a $2,500 scholarship during the Spring 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2013, and Spring 2013 semesters to defray tuition, books, fess, and other educational expenses. The FATE program has created the MANRRS student organization, which currently has 30 members. Students have been trained for recruitment presentations at K-12 schools. The MANRRS students have recruited at 6 different K-12 schools, the State FFA Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Fort Worth Stock Show, the San Antonio Livestock Show. Two University Transfer Centers (one at LCC and one at Palo Alto) are still in the process of being developed. The project director has already conducted information sessions on each campus about transferring to Texas State University and majoring in agriculture, nutrition, or related sciences. A website and TRACS has been established to post relevant material and upcoming dates to. The project directors have seen a natural tutoring phenomena happen. We have built on big family even though the students are spread out at different institutions. Texas State University students have taken the community college students under their wing and walked them through the application process, financial aid, parking issues, class suggestions, and other academic guidance issues. One Texas State University student who is from Laredo was hired as a mentor at the Undergraduate Mentor Center. Overall GPA, semester GPA, number of hours completed and enrolled in, etc. are all data collected. Retention strategies include creating Academic Research Clusters that the students will belong to according to their major. This will create a small family (5-7 students) within a large one (50 students). One of the objectives of the grant was to create a seamless transition from community college to four-year university (Texas State). At the onset of the project, we had 10 students from Palo Alto Community College, 13 from Northwest Vista Community College, 13 from Laredo Community College, and 14 from Texas State University. Since the inception of the project, we have had 16 of those community college students transfer to Texas State University (for a total of 30 at Texas State Spring 2013) who otherwise would probably not have transferred. A “travelling classroom” component was conducted January 6-11. All students travelled to Las Cruces, NM to receive Agriculture Security Training from the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center. All students completed the course and received another certificate. The agenda included visiting a dairy, cheese factory, salsa plant, fertilizer manufacturer, and dairy transportation company to examine food vulnerabilities. USDA inspection was discussed in great detail. Two faculty members in nutrition have agreed to host a number of students to work in their labs. Both researchers are examining nutrition mechanisms, particularly the mechanism used by vitamin A to prevent colon cancer metastasis. Student will be involved in tissue culture and western blots. An Assistant Professor in the Biology Department has also committed to mentoring students interested in the discipline. Student interns will be looking at the tick-rodent associations primary to identify the ecological correlates of the prevalence of Borrelia (Lyme disease agent). t in encouraging the grant students to apply for a Chemistry research community with a focus on Molecular Innovation and Entreprenership. 50 students were selected for the program with GPAs ranging from 2.28 to 4.0, all of which are in good standing with the institution they are attending. The average GPA Fall 2011 was 2.93 and has increased to an average of 3.10 for Spring 2013. The GPA of students has consistently increased from semester to semester.. All 50 funded students have entered all contact information in to the USDA internship application database. All of the participants were required to attend at least one USDA webinar discussing internship application procedures. Strong collaborations have been made with FSIS and APHIS. A MOU is currently being developed to be used for securing future internship sites. In Summer 2012, one student had an internship with the Forest Service in Illinois at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. An additional student has been selected for a paid internship at NRCS – San Marcos office. Since many of the students are community college students and early on in the college career, it is anticipated that many will land internships Summer 2014. FSIS has committed to unpaid summer internships in the State of Texas. The agency has committed to five locations throughout the State of Texas including: Sanderson Farms (Bryan, TX) – Food Inspector; Sanderson Farms (Waco, TX) – Food Inspector; L&H Packing Company (San Antonio, TX) – Food Inspector; Holmes Foods (Nixon, TX) – Food Inspector; FSIS Dallas District Office (Dallas, TX) – Enforcement Investigations Analysis Officer. Since many of the students were community college students in the first year of the project, it was written in the narrative that internships would not begin until Summer 2012 due to course and other prerequisites not being fulfilled. We did have on student complete an internship with the Forest Service in Illinois. Summer 2013 all 50 students are completing a meaningful experience used to build their resume and future opportunities with internships with USDA. We have 11 students with a USDA agency (Forest Service, NRCS, ARS, and FSIS). We have one student doing an internship with ARAMARK made possible through HACU, one student job shadowing with WIC, 2 students with the San Antonio Food Bank nutritionists. All other students are either doing undergraduate research with a faculty member, job shadowing, or attending a Summer Research Institute abroad. All students have been funded Spring 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Spring 2013. The students at Texas State University have been given a $4,000 scholarship per semester and the community college students have been given a scholarship in the amount of $2,500 per semester. To date we have 29 Texas State University students, 6 Palo Alto students, 7 Northwest Vista students, and 5 Laredo Community College students. All but one student will be transferred to Texas State Fall 2013. The project currently has 4 undergraduate students and 2 graduate students funded. The project directors have recruited 4 additional graduate students (2 starting in Summer 2013 and 2 starting Spring 2014). Additional funds in year 3 will allow the project to help fund students’ expenses during summer internships. This will impact 25 additional students for a total of 75. A website has been developed and published at http://ag.txstate.edu/usda-fate/. All accomplishments, activities, and a student gallery appear on the site. All 50 participants have attended the webinar discussing USDA internship application procedures. All of the students have entered their information in to the USDA portal for internships. Students have been encouraged and mentored on applying for non-profit internships and volunteer work. We have created an informal MOU with FSIS and ARS. Strong ties have been made with Ms. Laura Sepulveda in Washington, D.C. to help place our students within FSIS. Five of our students were placed Summer 2013 in non paid internships. Additionally, Mr. Beto Perez (Director for the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX) has verbally committed to placing our students with ARS in Edinburg, Kerrville, and Panama Summer 2014.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Aguilera, M., Garcia, P., Gonzales, J., Martinez, A., Garcia, A., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) Texas State University San Marcos agriculture security training Las Cruces, NM. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Vela, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P. R. (2013) USDA internship at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Garcia, J., Saucier, P.R., Morrish, D., & Bond, N. (2013) Perceived barriers and supporting factors influencing Hispanic/Latino students at Texas State San Marcos to achieve higher education. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Morales, D., Morrish, D., & Saucier, P.R. (2013) Hispanic/ Latino student perceptions of agriculture and their knowledge levels of the different agencies within the USDA. Presented at the HSI Poster Day at Texas State- San Marcos.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1. The project director has visited each of the three participating community colleges and discussed degree plans (agriculture, nutrition, biology, environmental sciences, geography) with students and logistics of transferring to a four year university. University Transfer Centers are beginning to take shape at Laredo Community College and Palo Alto College with the hiring of Administrative Assistants/Advisors at each site. These constituents help students with questions regarding the grant, courses, summer camps, and transfer questions. A project website was launched on May 4, 2012 showcasing the grant's activities and students' interests. Students' pictures, interests, hobbies, majors, etc. are included. It is a one stop shop for students to find recently posted USDA internship opportunities. Summer camps took place on June 8-10 and July 26-27. The first session included leadership building activities and becoming trained and certified in recognizing agroterrorism threats through the Department of Homeland Security. Dorms and dining halls were utilized. The July summer camp session included special meetings with academic advisors, USDA speakers (including under-secretaries and administrator from FSIS), and the formation of the Academic Research Clusters. Objective 2. The MANRRS student organization has been established in conjunction with the agriculture ambassadors. All 21 students at Texas State are active members with additional members outside of the grant project (total membership exceeding 25 students). A total of one school (audience 7 classes for a total of around 200 students) was visited. Five more schools are on the schedule for August and September. Objective 3. 50 students were trained and received a certificate from the Department of Homeland Security on June 9-10. The course was entitled Preparedness and Response to Food and Agriculture Incidents. Objective 4. All 50 students were required to apply and upload resumes for USDA internships through the USDA portal. Many of the students participating in the grant are entering Freshmen/Sophomores (30 students) so it is anticipated that most of the students will complete the internship in Summer 2013 and Summer 2014. One student thus far received an internship with the USDA Forest Service in Illinois. It is understood by students that an internship must be completed prior to graduation. Objective 5. 50 Hispanic students have been provided scholarships to complete a degree and be trained for USDA employment. Thirty-five of those students are at the community college level with anticipation of transferring to Texas State University. Objective 6. Two graduate students have been hired to help with the maintenance and data collection of the grant. A search for future students is occurring nationally. Objective 7. Faculty are currently being contacted to serve as mentors for the Academic Research clusters. Students' majors have been recorded to immerse them in the appropriate cluster. PARTICIPANTS: Partner institutions included Laredo Community College, Northwest Vista College, and Palo Alto College. We have also worked very closely with the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center in Las Cruces, NM. Collaborators on-campus include contacts in the Departments of Biology, Geography,Family and Consumer Science, Chemistry, and Agriculture. TARGET AUDIENCES: All participants served in the project were Hispanic. Summer camps were designed to serve the population and allow participants a better understanding of the various USDA agencies. STEM activities and curriculum related to agroterrorism and employment opportunities within USDA were developed. All participants participated in agroterrorism training and recieved a certificate from the Department of Homeland Security. The training is very science based. The entire curriculum during the summer camp was designed to include guest speakers, experiential learning activities, and leadership activities to help broaden the knowledge of the participants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
(Correspond with the 20 USDA outcomes) 1. USDA agencies/partners include the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center, FSIS, APHIS, Forest Service, FNS, NRCS. 2. All 50 students have applied for and uploaded their resumes to the USDA portal. One student has an internship with the Forest Service in Illinois. Most will complete the USDA internship in Summer 2013. 3. Forty-nine undergraduates and 2 graduate students are currently being served (Hispanic). Of those students 17 (34.0 percent) are male and 33 (66.0 percent) are female. 4. Forty-eight of the 50 students have been retained in the first year of the project for a retention rate of 96.0 percent. Those students who have dropped out will be replaced in Fall 2012. 5. Informational sheets were distributed to collect data for the website. Student research interests were recorded to match them up with a faculty mentor/research cluster during the July Summer camp. Initiation of research projects took place in July. 6. One student participated in the 26th Annual HACU conference and one student was nominated to attend the 2012 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program. 7. Student numbers within disciplines applicable to USDA jobs includes: Agriculture (20), Nutrition Science (8), Chemistry (3), Biology (12), Environmental Science (6), and Information Technology (1). 8. The number of degrees awarded during year one is zero. 9. The total number of students publishing is zero to date. Publication productivity will come when the research clusters are formed. 10. The average overall GPA of students after Fall 2011 was 3.10. The average overall GPA after Spring 2012 was 3.07. Most students had an increase in their overall GPA from Fall 2011 to Spring 2012. 11. Development of curriculum activities for agroterrorism training. 12. Currently, there are a total of 33 (66 percent) females participating in the project. With respect to success, the average female overall GPA (after Fall 2011) was 2.74 and the overall GPA after Spring 2012 was 2.94. 13. Advising of students has taken place with newly hired assistants/advisors. University Transfer Centers are actively becoming established. 14. Utilization of the website for tracking students. Masters students are being groomed for Ph.D. students to later enter as faculty for the program. 15. Research activities updates on the website. 16. MANRRS created and has 20 members. One secondary school was visited with roughly 200 secondary students in the audience. 10 additional school visits are on the list for the 2013-2014 school year. 17. MANRRS has also planned to hold a fundraiser in the Fall 2012 semester and participate in one community service activity. 18. Budget implementation has been streamlined through an accounting system operated by the half-time administrative assistant. The majority of the monies for year one went to participant cost and scholarships. 19. Joint admissions agreement-completed, University Transfer Centers-ongoing, website-completed, summer camps-June and July, faculty research clusters-ongoing. 20. Focus group activities and survey instruments were be distributed during the summer camp.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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