[45a] Nelson\u27s Monument, Edinburgh, Scotland [front]

The Nelson Monument on Calton Hill in Edinburgh was built in 1816 to commemorate Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). Designed by Robert Burn and finished by Thomas Bonnar, the monument resembles an upturned telescope, symbolizing Nelson’s naval legacy. In 1853, a time ball was added to the top, which drops daily at 1:00 PM, when the One O’Clock Gun is fired from Edinburgh Castle.https://scholarworks.uni.edu/his_monuments_sp2022/1088/thumbnail.jp

Language as Privilege: Socioeconomic Status and the Politics of Foreign Language Learning

This study investigates the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and foreign language learning among young adult learners. Much research suggests that parental education level, household income, and access to educational resources significantly shape language learning attitudes and behaviors. However, United States scholars have lagged in this analysis. Through a mixed-methods research approach, this study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative data to gather comprehensive insights on how SES influences foreign language acquisition, motivation, and advantages. Findings reveal that students with higher SES backgrounds consistently report greater access to language learning resources and significantly higher proficiency levels. While parental education might not directly predict proficiency in statistical models, qualitative data suggest its indirect influence on exposure through cultural capital. Qualitative data revealed that low-SES students face structural barriers, while high-SES students benefit from enriched opportunities like travel and immersion programs. Results highlight how unequal access to language education reinforces broader educational inequalities. Ultimately, this study aspires to raise awareness of the multifaceted barriers faced by learners from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and advocate for strategies that foster inclusion and supportive language learning environments, given the immense positive effects of learning a second language

Peer Educator Recognition & Awards Banquet, April 30, 2025 [program]

The program for the 2024 Peer Educator Recognition & Awards Banquet held on April 30, 2025

2025 Runner-up Award Winner, Anna Anderson, at the Mary Ann Bolton Undergraduate Research Award Ceremony [Photo 2]

Alt Text: 2025 Runner Up Award Winner Anna Anderson (middle) with Mary Ann Bolton (left) and Dean of Library Services Theresa Westbrock (right).https://scholarworks.uni.edu/bolton_photos/1037/thumbnail.jp

The Eights, a Play by Katrina Sandvik

She is the author of the play telling the whole story with a plain story telling style and definite sense of humor about the events of the story. Very sarcastic. She knows her younger selves\u27 pain and understands it. She knows that these events made her who she is

A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Violence Prevention Programs in Central Asia and the U.S. Education Systems

The rise of youth violence and aggressive behavior has become a significant public health concern, affecting individuals on multiple levels, including physical, economic, social, and psychological well-being. Given the national attention this issue has received in the United States, various prevention programs have been designed to equip children with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to minimize their involvement in violent activities (Higgerson et al., 2008). Preventing violence through structured programs is essential for creating safe and supportive educational environments. Schools serve as an ideal platform for implementing these initiatives, as they provide a consistent setting for teaching young individuals critical skills and perspectives aimed at reducing violent behavior (Farrell et al., 2010). While extensive research exists on violence prevention in the U.S. education system, there is limited scholarship on similar efforts in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan. My internship at Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention (PATCVP) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) presented an opportunity to analyze and compare violence prevention strategies in these two regions. By examining existing literature, attending relevant training sessions, and observing program implementations, this study contributed to a broader understanding of how culturally specific approaches influence the effectiveness of violence prevention programs. The insights gained will be instrumental in informing strategies that could be adapted and implemented in my home country, Tajikistan’s education system

Forb Diversity Globally is Harmed by Nutrient Enrichment but can be Rescued by Large Mammalian Herbivory

Forbs (“wildflowers”) are important contributors to grassland biodiversity but are vulnerable to environmental changes. In a factorial experiment at 94 sites on 6 continents, we test the global generality of several broad predictions: (1) Forb cover and richness decline under nutrient enrichment, particularly nitrogen enrichment. (2) Forb cover and richness increase under herbivory by large mammals. (3) Forb richness and cover are less affected by nutrient enrichment and herbivory in more arid climates, because water limitation reduces the impacts of competition with grasses. (4) Forb families will respond differently to nutrient enrichment and mammalian herbivory due to differences in nutrient requirements. We find strong evidence for the first, partial support for the second, no support for the third, and support for the fourth prediction. Our results underscore that anthropogenic nitrogen addition is a major threat to grassland forbs, but grazing under high herbivore intensity can offset these nutrient effects