Meri Abateneh Honors Portfolio

Meri Abateneh\u27s Honors Portfolio captured in May 2025

Black History Month, February 2025

Bibliography and photographs of a display of government documents from Minnesota State University, Mankato.https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/lib-services-govdoc-display-ethnic/1021/thumbnail.jp

Five-Day Rustic Nature Retreat with Guided Visual Imagery Enhances Cognitive Flexibility and Well-Being in College Faculty and Staff

There exists a wealth of empirical evidence suggesting that immersive experiences in Nature can promote health and healing. Kaufman argued that there exists a continuum of intervention bolstered by Nature along with meditative practices that can facilitate improved human functioning. Lenartz’s model of Nature connection further provides actionable guidance regarding how one might intentionally leverage the benefits of such a perspective through engaging in a range of simple to immersive activities in a non-clinical ecotherapeutic manner. Informed by the extant research and guided by theory, we sought to explore the potential of a rustic Nature-based intervention to promote cognitive and emotional functioning among a sample of community college faculty and staff interested in pursuing professional development opportunities. The results were statistically robust across all measures and contextually supported by the responses to a brief set of open-ended questions. Specifically, we found that the field experience of guided visual imagery within Nature resulted in (a) improved thinking, (b) more positive mood, (c) less negative mood, (d) greater flourishing, and (e) deepened connection with Nature. We provide a set of recommendations for future research to deepen our understanding of the relevant factors and broaden the generalizability of future findings

Plate 62: Red Lake River Sheet 6

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume2/1058/thumbnail.jp

Plate 56: Lower Red Lake Sheet 1

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume2/1095/thumbnail.jp

Plate 60: Red Lake River Sheet 4

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume2/1056/thumbnail.jp

Plate 17: Minnesota River Sheet 1

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume1/1018/thumbnail.jp

Plate 63: Root River Sheet 1

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume2/1059/thumbnail.jp

Meals that Matter: Funding Minnesota\u27s Senior Nutrition Programs to Promote Wellbeing as We Age

Senior nutrition programs meet the essential needs of adults aged 60 and over, especially those who are low-income, live in rural areas, have limited English proficiency and are at risk of requiring higher levels of care without these services. In many greater Minnesota counties, over 25% of the population is aged 65 or older. Rural communities are aging more rapidly and face higher rates of food insecurity compared to urban and suburban areas. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Surgeon General issued a 2023 advisory report highlighting the critical issue of social isolation and loneliness. Senior nutrition programs play a dual role: they provide essential nutrition and address the emotional and social needs of program recipients. Additionally, these programs benefit volunteers by reducing loneliness, offering a sense of purpose and fostering community connections. Barriers to food security for rural older adults include physical limitations, transportation challenges, financial constraints, social isolation and sociocultural factors. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the wellbeing and independence of our aging population. Robust support and expansion of senior nutrition programs will enable older adults to age in place, maintain social connections, and combat food insecurity, thereby benefiting the entire community

Plate 05: Cloquet River Sheet 2

https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/maps-mn-river-surveys-volume1/1006/thumbnail.jp