The impact of undergraduate research experiences (UREs) is supported by evidence from physical and life science fields, especially when student-apprentices work in traditional laboratories. Within social sciences specifically, some excellent student outcomes associated with UREs adhere to non–lab-based modalities like course-based research experiences (CUREs). Here, the authors evaluate the laboratory-based undergraduate research experiences (LUREs) as a potentially valuable approach for incorporating social science undergraduates in research. Using comparative analysis of survey data from students completing three types of social science-based UREs (n = 235), individual research experiences (IREs), CUREs, or LUREs, students perceived gains overall regardless of the type of experience, with some indication that LUREs are the most effective.

The impact of undergraduate research experiences (UREs) is supported by evidence from physical and life science fields, especially when student-apprentices work in traditional laboratories. Within social sciences specifically, some excellent student outcomes associated with UREs adhere to non–lab-based modalities like course-based research experiences (CUREs). Here, the authors evaluate the laboratory-based undergraduate research experiences (LUREs) as a potentially valuable approach for incorporating social science undergraduates in research. Using comparative analysis of survey data from students completing three types of social science-based UREs (n = 235), individual research experiences (IREs), CUREs, or LUREs, students perceived gains overall regardless of the type of experience, with some indication that LUREs are the most effective.

Climate change is a threat to food security and food system stability, especially towards small islands. Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, further putting island rural farming communities at greater risk for reduced crop yields and food insecurity. Puerto Rico’s dependence on food imports exacerbates vulnerabilities during natural disasters including reduced food quality, rural impoverishment, and periodic food insecurity. Despite these vulnerabilities, Puerto Rican farmers serve as cultural emblems within their community, providing fresh foods in times of disaster when federal aid was not available. There is very limited research focusing on how the informal social structures of these rural communities contribute to community-level disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Since the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017, there has been little literature focusing on increasing rural farming community resilience against natural disasters like hurricanes in Puerto Rico. Using literature mapping software, this scoping review identifies a very limited existing set of research concerning adaptive capacity strategies in rural farming communities in Puerto Rico since 2017, discusses the strengths and weaknesses of aid organizations like the Southern Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education grant in Utuado, Puerto Rico, and suggests value in additional focused research specific to identifying how communities implement disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

U.S. border colonias, otherwise known as Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities, are rural settlements along the U.S. Mexico border with substandard housing conditions. Colonia residents often face inadequate access to necessities such as appropriate shelter, septic and sewer systems, and potable water. Water insecurity in colonias poses a particularly difficult challenge for residents who require clean water not only for consumption, but also household use in sanitation and hygienic practices. As of 2015, an estimated 30% of over five million US colonia residents lack access to clean drinking water, resulting in health complications and unsanitary living conditions. Preliminary health data collected indicates that due to water insecurity, colonia residents are more likely to contract gastrointestinal disease, be exposed to carcinogenic compounds from contaminated water, and experience psychosocial distress. Yet more comprehensive research needs to be conducted to understand the full breadth of the public health issue. A scoping review on water insecurity in colonias has not been completed before and could be beneficial in informing policymakers and other stakeholders on the severity of the situation while advising possible solutions.

Background: Indigenous/Aboriginal People (IAP) since the beginning of colonization have fought for their inherent rights to follow their way of life. They continue to face mistreatment for their beliefs and on the sacred spaces that are apart of them. The purpose of this dissertation is to share how the desecration of sacred spaces impacts Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples’ health. Two research studies were designed to better understand how Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples’ health is affected when their sacred spaces are desecrated. Methods: The first research study was conducted in Arizona, and Hawaiʻi with eight participants who are members of American Indian nations and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). The first study focused on sacred spaces in general, with some additional focus on the San Francisco Peaks (Nuvtukya’ovi in Hopi) and Mauna A Wākea. The second study was conducted virtually with seven Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and focused solely on Mauna a Wākea. Qualitative data collection was through key informant interviews. Qualitative data analysis centered on a thematic analysis characterizing sacred spaces, and the ways in which participants explained how different forms of sacred space desecration impact IAP health. The analysis included the relationship IAP have with sacred spaces, and how their health is connected to sacred spaces. Results: The first qualitative study found that desecrating sacred spaces negatively impacts Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples’ cultural identity and health. The second study found that participants are connected to sacred spaces, including having a loving relationship with and responsibility to sacred spaces. Conclusions: The conclusions from the study show that Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples’ health is negatively impacted when their sacred spaces are desecrated, because their relationship to the sacred space is a part of their cultural identity. IAP’s relationship with sacred spaces is one filled with love and the responsibility to care for them. Sacred spaces also heal and maintain IAP health. For the future public health implications, laws and policies need to be upheld and created to protect IAP’s health rights and their sacred spaces.