Wellbeing While in College

There are numerous stressors that college students face throughout their undergraduate years, each contributing to the growing prevalence of mental health concerns. Stress-related and environmental factors among college students often arise from pressures such as academic demands, social isolation, and financial uncertainty. Research shows that loneliness and depression predict each other over time and are both highly correlated with anxiety, forming a continuous pattern of declining mental health. Similar literature primarily addresses environmental factors without considering whether students’ disciplines affect their understanding or experience of mental health challenges. This study seeks to bridge the gap between how academic majors, external factors, and addictive behaviors intersect with psychological well-being. This study will also assess the mental health of college students and the impacts of external factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and major of study, as well as participation in addictive behaviors over time, based on their levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Multiple hypothesis are examined in this study (1) students with higher levels of self-reported loneliness will also report higher engagement in addictive behaviors; (2) psychology majors will experience less anxiety symptoms when compared to college students with other majors; (3) depression levels in college students will significantly increase during each year of college due to stress, employment, and substance usage; (4) depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and engagement in addictive behaviors will increase with each academic year in college. Depression and anxiety will be assessed using portions of the DASS-21, Loneliness will be evaluated using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the YRBS will be utilized to assess addictive behaviors in college students throughout their undergraduate years. This study has been approved by the Murray State IRB, using SONA to collect data from participants, which is ongoing at this current time and will be presented at Scholars Week. Keywords: Depression, anxiety, loneliness, addictive behaviors, mental health in college, alcohol use

Julian Carroll Portrait Photo

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Julian Carroll Rally

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Impact of Crop Rotation and Species Variation on Soil Quality Indicators

Impact of Crop Rotation and Species Variation on Soil Quality Indicators Pratibha Adhikari, Somasekhar Auduti, Uday Kiran Pittala Mentor: Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D. Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA Designing crop rotations that counter the negative effects of monocropping requires crop choices that build carbon and create stable pore structure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of crop rotation on selected soil health indicators and to interpret soil health conditions across agricultural fields. Soil samples were collected from West Farm, Murray, KY, from six crop fields—corn, soybean, tobacco, millet, cotton, and sunflower. Twenty-four undisturbed and 24 disturbed samples were collected from 0–7.5cm depth on September 2nd, 2025, with four replications per field. Disturbed samples were used to analyze soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), and pH. Bulk density (BD), porosity, soil water-holding capacity (SWHC), and water-filled capacity (WFC) were measured using undisturbed samples. Results identified rotation “builder” crops and “drawdown” crops. Sunflower and millet functioned as builders, showing higher SOM/SOC (sunflower SOM ≈5.63%, SOC ≈3.26%; millet SOM ≈5.20%, SOC ≈3.02%) with lower BD (≈1.29–1.30 g cm⁻³), favorable macroporosity (≈41% and ≈38%), and balanced WFC (≈35%). Corn exhibited the highest total porosity (≈50.9%) with moderate carbon status (SOC ≈2.04%), indicating value for aeration phases of a rotation. Soybean and tobacco behaved as drawdown crops in this dataset, trending toward lower SOM/SOC (≈3.3%/≈1.9%) and higher BD (≈1.41 g cm⁻³). Soil pH was acidic to near-neutral (≈4.8–6.2) across crops, indicating a need for lime management between rotation phases. Overall, rotations that pair deep-rooted, high-residue crops (sunflower, millet, corn) with brief lower-residue phases (soybean, tobacco) can improve soil carbon, reduce compaction, increase porosity, and enhance moisture stability. Keywords: Bulk density, Crop rotation, Soil organic carbon, Soil health, Water retentio

COMPARING THE SOIL PROPERTIES ASSESSMENT BETWEEN ANNUAL CROPS AND GRASSLAND SYSTEMS

Soil properties are fundamental to sustainable agricultural productivity, influencing crop yield and soil health. This study examined the effects of perennial grassland systems compared to annual maize–soybean (Zea mays–Glycine max) cropping on selected soil properties. Grassland systems such as Kentucky bluegrass and Miscanthus provide continuous cover that enhances soil structure, water retention, while annual systems often involve greater soil disturbance and higher fertilizer use. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed, six replications per crop) were collected on September 13th, 2025 from Grenada and Calloway silt loam soils at Pullen Farm, Murray, KY. Soil chemical properties, including pH (measured in distilled water, 1:2.5 ratio), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil organic matter (SOM), were analyzed using the Loss On Ignition method. Physical properties such as macroporosity, total porosity, bulk density, soil water field capacity (SWFC), and soil water-holding capacity (SWHC) were determined using the gravimetric method. Results showed slightly acidic soils, with average pH values of 5.54 for annual crops and 5.65 for grasslands. Grasslands exhibited higher SOC (3.89%) and SOM (7.14%) compared to annual crops (3.03% and 5.22%, respectively). Macroporosity averaged 44.09% in grasslands and 41.75% in annual systems. Bulk density remained similar (1.20 g cm⁻³) for both systems. Grasslands also showed greater SWHC (47.36%) and SWFC (35%) than annual crops (41.14% and 34.02%). Overall, perennial grasslands had higher soil properties except bulk density, compared to maize–soybean systems. This research would help farmers by improving water retention and enhancing long-term agricultural productivity

The New Normal: Post-Pandemic Student Behavior, Teacher Burnout, and the Need for Systemic Change

Elementary student behavior has experienced a profound shift over the past two decades, moving from a structured and predictable classroom to environments marked by heightened by behavioral, emotional, and social challenges. This paper examines the historical context of student behavior, the gradual changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significant disruptions that have followed. Post-pandemic classrooms have revealed heightened anxiety, reduced social-emotional skills, and increased behavioral incidents, which has placed additional strain on educators and the school system. The research explores contributing factors, including trauma, technological influences, and systemic inequities, while discussing the impact these factors have had on teachers’ well-being and student retention. Evidence-based strategies such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed practices, and technology-enhanced interventions are analyzed for their effectiveness in addressing all of these challenges. This paper also explains the critical role of administrative leadership, collaborative schoolwide systems, and equitable policies in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. By introducing these data-driven frameworks, mental health services, and innovative teaching strategies, schools can create a resilient, future ready system that will promote both academic achievement and student well-being. Keywords: Elementary education, Student behavior, COVID-19 pandemi

Shifting perceptions of play: How Open-Ended, Nature-Based Experiences Engage Families and Communication

We will be running Healthy Horseplay, but with adults! We will role play and have some of the participants serve as children, and some of them serve as the children, parent or caregiver. We will model what we do at any Healthy Horseplay event (step back, allow for open ended play, ensure safety, reflect on children play, talk with parents/caregivers about play, etc.). After a short role play, we will debrief and discuss. The focus for participants will be to understand how we teach parents about the open-ended play of their children, in the hopes that it will transfer to other play spaces, including at home

Student Athletes and Mental Health Stigma: A Cross-Sectional Study Into The Psychological Distress Among Athletes

Student athletes face unique psychological pressure as they balance academic responsibilities, athletic performance demands, and social expectations. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), stigma remains a significant barrier to helping athletes receive the best care possible. This cross-sectional study follows Murray State student athletes through four years (2022-2025), compiling 1,141 participants who completed a mental health questionnaire related to perceived psychological distress. Results indicated a decrease in psychological distress from 2022 to 2024. Furthermore, this trend potentially indicates the stigma circulating mental health treatment among athletes. It is worth note, that 2025 saw an increase in psychological distress among athletes, leaving researchers wondering where the trend will lead to in 2026. These findings underscore the potential stigma athletes are apt to face when attempting to balance the push towards positive mental health in their field and the old refusal to acknowledge psychological distress

Impact Coaches Have on College Athletes

This research paper explores the impact that college coaches have on their athletes, examining both the positive and negative effects of coaching on psychological, athletic, and personal development. Beginning with providing historical context of the evolution of college sports, focusing on the role of coaches has changed over time, from a more authoritarian style to today’s more analytical, and data-driven approaches. By comparing traditional coaching philosophies with modern trends, the paper discusses the shift in focus from purely physical performance to an approach that incorporates mental health, teamwork, and the overall development of athletes. Through an analysis of coaching styles, communication techniques, and their influence on team dynamics. It will highlight the effectiveness of coaching on an athlete’s growth, performance enhancement, and contribution to their overall well-being. However, the paper also explores the negative consequences that some coaches inflict by their approaches to coaching, including the psychological distress, injuries, and toxic environments that lead to athlete\u27s burning out. By examining case studies, past articles, and current trends in college sports, the research highlights how coaching affects the lives of athletes’, both in sports and life. The study closes by offering recommendations for improving coaching practices to create a well-rounded approach that focuses on an athlete\u27s health and athletic performance. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how coaching plays a crucial role in college sports, impacting athletes’ lives, whether it be positively or negatively, and suggests ways to create a healthier, more sustainable coaching style

The Role of Flexibility in Injury Prevention and Athletic Performance

Flexibility is a key factor in how well athletes move and how likely they are to avoid injuries. When athletes make flexibility a regular part of their training, they’re better equipped to move efficiently, maintain healthy joints, and prevent common issues like muscle strains or joint pain. Unfortunately, this part of training is often pushed aside, especially in middle school physical education where building healthy habits should be a priority. Learning how flexibility works, how it supports muscle function, joint mobility, and coordination, helps explain why it’s so important. Stretching on a regular basis keeps muscles loose, boosts circulation, and prepares the body to handle physical challenges. Studies have shown that athletes with better flexibility tend to stay healthier and avoid common sports injuries like hamstring pulls or back pain. But the benefits go beyond just sports. Being flexible also helps with everyday movement, reduces stiffness, and supports long-term physical wellness, making it a valuable part of any fitness routine. This paper takes a closer look at why flexibility matters when it comes to preventing injuries and improving how athletes perform. Using insights from both scientific studies and real-life examples from schools, it offers practical ways to make stretching a regular part of physical education. It also explains how flexibility affects the body and shares creative strategies teachers can use to help students build healthy habits that last. When schools and sports programs treat flexibility as a core part of training, they give students the tools to move better, stay safe, and feel stronger in the long run