WOMEN’S WELL-BEING MATTERS THESE UNLV RESEARCHERS HAVE MADE ADDRESSING WOMEN’S UNIQUE CONCERNS A TOP PRIORITY. UNLV INNOVATION

UNLV Innovation Research Fall 2018 Vol. 11, No. 1 Editor-in-Chief Raegen Pietrucha Close to Home [email protected] Consulting Editor Cate Weeks A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR. As I think Editorial Associate about the stories included in this 2018 issue of Nicole Rupersburg Innovation—which touch on research, scholarly, Art Director or creative activities occurring in every college Kristin Kellogg and school at UNLV—I have to acknowledge that Photographers Josh Hawkins this is a mere sampling of all the discoveries and Aaron Mayes new knowledge emerging from our campus this R. Marsh Starks past year. Lonnie Timmins And although I have a little more than a year Contributing Writers Tony Allen under my belt now at UNLV, I still hear about at Angela Frederick Amar MARY CROUGHAN Cheryl Bella UNLV VICE PRESIDENT least one new research endeavor, initiative, or Stephen Benning FOR RESEARCH success story every day, which speaks to the sheer Linda Berger AND ECONOMIC volume of projects UNLV faculty and students Kelsey Claus DEVELOPMENT Vaneh Darakjian are working on. Kevin Dunegan The research we’re showcasing in this issue Vincent Filak Rachel Glaze matters near and far, but several pieces hit close to home, addressing Karyn Hollingsworth problems in our own backyard or even our own households. Take, for Timothy Jones Shreesh Juyal instance, the 13.4 percent of Clark County residents who are food inse- Caitlyn Lopez cure—without access to or resources for acquiring healthy food (Pages Alexandra Karosas 8-13). And what about the mental health of Nevada’s children? One of our Sean Kennedy Francis McCabe researchers in the College of Education, Michael McCreery, has begun Terrill Pollman using video games to help assess those who may be at risk for emotional Nicole Schultz Keyonna Summers or behavioral problems (Pages 32-35). It’s a subject particularly close to T.R Witcher our hearts here in Las Vegas as we mark the one-year anniversary of the Proofreaders 1 October tragedy. Psychology researcher Stephen Benning has been Lori Ciccone, David Hatchett, Cindy Lee-Tataseo, Zach Miles, studying the effects that event has had on our community; he’s detailed Robin Toles, Sharon Young, Jill his findings in this edition’s perspective essay (Page 52). Zimbelman And then there’s our cover story (Pages 14-25), which highlights just some UNLV Vice President for Research of our researchers’ efforts to address women’s health and well-being. This and Economic Development Mary Croughan is research that has rarely been conducted on the very subjects it seeks to UNLV Executive Vice President & speak about and educate, let alone dived deep enough to empower women Provost with the knowledge they’ve so very much deserved to have in order to Diane Chase make informed decisions about their lives. What’s more, it’s women who UNLV Acting President are conducting the research detailed in this story. The faces you see on Marta Meana the cover of this issue of Innovation are the same ones leading studies in NSHE Board of Regents UNLV appreciates the leadership human trafficking, gestational diabetes, OB/GYN surgeon training, and and support of our Nevada System improving the treatment of those affected by violent crimes—including of Higher Education Board of Regents. UNLV’s recently appointed acting president Marta Meana. Meana was dean Mr. Kevin J. Page, Chairman of our Honors College, a licensed clinical psychologist, and a renowned Dr. Jason Geddes, Vice Chairman women’s health and sexuality researcher who recently won the prestigious Dr. Andrea Anderson Dr. Patrick Carter Masters and Johnson Award in acknowledgement of her lifetime achieve- Mrs. Carol Del Carlo ments. She and the other accomplished women she stands alongside are Dr. Mark W. Doubrava Mr. Trevor Hayes right here in Southern Nevada, at UNLV, doing this critical work. Mr. Sam Lieberman Our research is never far from you, nor are our researchers. This work Mrs. Cathy McAdoo Mr. John T. Moran isn’t exclusive to the world of academia, nor is this knowledge meant to Ms. Allison Stephens stay within university walls. It’s close to you and what you care about Mr. Rick Trachok in your everyday life. That’s just one of many reasons I look forward to Mr. Anthony L. Williams Mr. Dean J. Gould, Chief of Staff and sharing the stories of these remarkable people and their findings with you Special Counsel to the Board through Innovation magazine each year as well as daily on our website, UNLV Innovation is published unlv.edu/research. We hope, as a devoted partner to our community, by the Division of Research and Economic Development, 4505 S. that our work inspires and empowers you. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89154-1092. JOSH HAWKINS Dr. Mary Croughan unlv.edu/research UNLV Vice President for Research and Economic Development UNLV is an AA/EEO institution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

8 FOOD FOR ALL UNLV researchers explore how plant 2 RESEARCH BRIEFS That pain in your neck may genes, food rescue, and financial savvy could help feed be from your tablet device, how librarians help humankind. keep students in school, a research course that has undergrads digging up viruses, and more. 14 WELLNESS BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN The history of health research is one of men studying men. UNLV 42 FRAMEWORK UNLV engineers developed a team researchers are flipping the script. of drones that detect radioactivity where it’s unsafe or unfeasible for other trackers to go. 26 MAKING MUSIC The act of building a marimba helped those involved transcend academic disciplines, 44 IN PRINT Authors explore social justice efforts professional backgrounds, and even the continents they springing from art, techniques for helping students originate from. accept new knowledge that may threaten long-held beliefs, and more. 32 PLAYING FOR KEEPS An education researcher turns to the digital realm of video games to identify children’s 52 RESEARCH REPORT An annual accounting of behavioral problems in the real world. research and economic development activity over the last fiscal year. 36 THIS RESEARCHER IS BETTING ON VEGAS Native Bo Bernhard’s research on the city’s top industry, 56 PERSPECTIVE UNLV psychology professor hospitality and gaming, informs billion-dollar business Stephen Benning reflects on the 1 October tragedy decisions. and his related research findings.

UNLV hospitality and gaming researcher Bo Bernhard takes in a sunset overlooking the Strip with daughters Ava and Audrey.

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UNLV Inventor’s Induction Is a First for Nevada

NLV engineer Kwang Kim was one of 155 academic inventors to be named a U 2017 National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow in recognition of his outstanding contri- butions in areas such as licensing, innovative discovery and technology, and his work’s impact on society. Kim was nominated by his peers for the honor and is the first professor from Nevada to become an NAI Fellow. He was inducted into the academy this spring during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Kim pioneers research in active materials and energy systems, designing substances that propel humankind into a cleaner, healthier future. Among his innovations are a water-repelling substance that modifies the surface of steam- power plant condensers and, in the process, improves the rate of heat transfer by 200 per- cent in some environments; and artificial muscle developed from materials that can bend, twist, and oscillate, which has the potential to help millions with health problems and disabilities. Kim has received several accolades in addition to NAI’s recent recognition. He is also Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the recipient of the 2015 Regents’ Researcher of the Year Award from the Nevada System of Higher Education, a 2016 Distinguished Barrick Scholar, and winner of a 2017 UNLV Top Tier Award in rec- ognition of his outstanding contributions to UNLV and its mission to become a Top Tier university. He received the university’s highest honor this year when he was named a UNLV Distinguished Professor. Kim also garnered UNLV’s most pres- tigious research accolade, the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award, last year in recognition of his work, which not only addresses real-world UNLV Distinguished Professor Kwang Kim, the first needs and advances the field but also contributes professor in Nevada to be inducted into the prestigious to Nevada’s growth and development. National Academy of Inventors, has mentored more than You can read more about Kim and his research 120 students, including the ones pictured here. in last year’s issue of Innovation magazine.

FOAs Fuel increased innovative critical to providing collaborative in nature grant applications, research, scholarship, “proof of concept,” and through two types of and the Collaborative Collaboration and creative activity on develop more competitive awards: the Collaborative Interdisciplinary Scholarship campus by supplying proposals to gain further Interdisciplinary Research and Creative Activity JOSH HAWKINS faculty with vital seed external support. Awards, which funded Awards, which funded ince 2012, UNLV’s funding to help them This year, UNLV up to $20,000 apiece up to $10,000 apiece S Faculty Opportunity get new projects off supported proposals that for research that could for standalone research Awards (FOAs) have the ground, gather data were interdisciplinary and lead to large federal endeavors.

2 / INNOVATION 2018 discomfort, but 10 percent said their Research Finds symptoms were severe, and 15 percent That Your iPad Is said symptoms affected their sleep. a Literal Pain in Seventy percent of female respondents reported experiencing symptoms com- the Neck pared to nearly 30 percent of men—a disparity that might be explained by hat persistent pain in the neck size and movement differences such and upper shoulders caused as women’s tendency toward lower T by slouching or bending into muscular strength and smaller stat- extreme positions while using tablet ure, which might lead them to assume computers, known as “iPad neck,” is a extreme neck and shoulder postures growing problem among Americans, while typing. Women were also more according to a recent UNLV study likely to use their tablets while sitting released in The Journal of Physical on the floor (77 percent) than men (23 Therapy Science. And the condition is percent). more prevalent among those with poor University students, staff, and posture, young adults, and women, alumni reported a higher prevalence regardless of the amount of time spent of neck and shoulder pain than the using a tablet. general population, which is likely at- UNLV physical therapy professor tributable to poor posture and sed- Szu-Ping Lee, lead author of the study, entary behavior commonly observed said the results concern him, especially among people in a university setting, given the growing popularity of tab- such as slouching cross-legged on the let computers, e-book readers, and floor when studying on tablets. Pos- similar devices. tures that led to the most pain were “Using these electronic devices sitting without back support, sitting is becoming a part of our modern with the device in one’s lap, and sit- lives,” Lee said. “In order to reduce ting in a chair with the tablet on a flat the risk of developing long-term neck desk surface. and shoulder problems, we need to To avoid iPad neck, Lee recom- think about how technology like tablet mends that users sit in a chair with computers affect human ergonomics back support, utilize a posture remind- and posture.” er device, place a tablet on a stand UNLV, in conjunction with re- while using it, and perform neck and searchers from hospitals and physi- shoulder strengthening exercises. cal therapy centers across Southern Nevada, conducted a survey of 412 public university students, staff, fac- ulty, and alumni—135 men and 275 women—who are touchscreen tablet computer users. Participants were asked about their device usage habits and any symptoms of stiffness, sore- ness, or aching pain in the neck, upper back/shoulder, arms/hands, or head that they may have had. Fifty-five percent reported moderate

Here are the colleges or schools proposals faculty who Collaborative represented in selected for received FOA Interdisciplinary 2018 numbers: 2 every FOA proposal, 19 FOA support 38 support 16 Research minimum Awards principal investigators Collaborative (PIs) required proposals colleges Interdisciplinary to apply for an submitted $332,270 and schools 3 Scholarship and R. MARSH STARKS 2 FOA 41 total FOA funding 14 represented Creative Activity Awards

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UNLV teaching and learning librarian Chelsea Heinbach (right) provides an instruction consultation to undergraduate Graciel “Angie” Obena. A multi-institutional research study led by UNLV recently found that interactions like these between librarians and undergraduates contribute to higher student retention rates.

hat comes to mind when you think of • Retention rates for students who participated Want to how university librarians help under- in library instruction courses were signifi- W graduate students? cantly higher than for those students who did Improve Research would be top of the list for most. And not attend a library instruction class. while that’s true, a new multi-institutional study • First-year students who took classes that led by Melissa Bowles-Terry, head of educational included information literacy instruction Student initiatives at UNLV University Libraries, revealed had higher grade point averages than stu- that academic libraries contribute in another criti- dents whose courses did not. Retention? cal way: They help students stay in school. • Students who participated in library instruc- Previous studies demonstrated that undergradu- tion successfully completed 1.8 more credit Enlist ate research experiences and developing a sense hours per year than students who did not. of belonging have a major impact on student suc- “As librarians, we feel good about helping indi- cess, Bowles-Terry said, while others have shown vidual students, and there was a lot of qualitative Some that library instruction fosters both. But Bowles- data detailing how library instruction helps stu-

Terry’s initial findings linking university libraries dents develop literacy skills, but now we have some JOSH HAWKINS Librarians and librarians directly to student retention are a data that supports what we are doing is having a compelling addition to the story of impact these broad impact on students,” Bowles-Terry said. “The spaces and professionals have on student success. most exciting thing we’ve noted in this research is The study identified three major findings: that library instruction is playing such an important

4 / INNOVATION 2018 role in helping students graduate.” The Greater Western Library Alliance UNLV Awarded $11.4M (GWLA), a consortium of libraries from large Grant to Advance research universities, commissioned the lon- Personalized Medicine in gitudinal study. Bowles-Terry was tapped to lead GWLA’s Student Learning Task Force, Nevada which has spent the past several years inves- tigating the subject. The task force collected NLV received a five-year, $11.4 million grant from data from more than 42,000 students at 12 Two Boosts to Uthe National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build Ne- universities, including UNLV, and examined UNLV’s Collection vada’s first center of excellence in personalized medi- library instruction interventions for first- Efforts cine. The award marks the first time UNLV will lead a year students during the 2014-15 academic project funded through the NIH’s competitive Center of year. More than 1,700 distinct courses that ibrary collections Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) program and L play an important included librarian partners were covered, in- role in the research ex- is also the first COBRE in the nation focused exclusively cluding one-shot instruction sessions taught perience for students on personalized medicine—medical practice based on by librarians, courses where interaction and faculty alike. The the concept that a person’s unique genetic makeup, with librarians was embedded in the cur- UNLV University Librar- their DNA, already encodes the blueprint for effective riculum, online tutorials created for a class, ies recently received treatment and disease prevention. two grants in support of and instructional interventions developed its collections efforts. Led by faculty in UNLV’s Nevada Institute of Personal- for particular classes. The courses repre- UNLV Special Collec- ized Medicine (NIPM), the program will bring together sented different teaching models, including tions and Archives was local and regional partners, including the university’s traditional lectures, classes where librarians awarded a $100,000 School of Medicine and health sciences programs, to Humanities Access Grant co-designed the major research assignment, from the National En- mentor early-career professionals in this emerging field interactive instruction with refined online dowment for the Human- and to grow human genetics research and related in- searching, and active learning experiences ities for “Latino Voices in frastructure through activities like decoding genes to with in-depth hands-on activities. Southern Nevada,” an better predict disease susceptibility and finding ways to “The results from the study show promise oral history and commu- more easily sift through treatment options and fine-tune nity engagement project for highlighting how impactful librarians are aimed at documenting drug dosages. As the program matures, organizers will in tackling issues related to college reten- the contributions of La- leverage this foundation to expand or launch clinical tion and student success,” said Maggie Far- tino communities to the services and education programs in genetics in Nevada. rell, dean of the UNLV University Libraries, development of Southern “Society is progressing beyond ‘trial-and-error medi- Nevada and expanding which was recently ranked the 15th most the diversity of voices cine’ into a new data-driven era where a person’s genetic productive academic library for academic preserved. makeup is used to improve accuracy in medical diag- research in the nation by the American Li- nosis, prognosis, and treatment,” said Martin Schiller, brary Association’s Association of College UNLV life sciences professor and lead researcher on the and Research Libraries, based on the total grant. “This program will give us the means to further number of peer-reviewed academic research investigate the impact of personalized medicine and its articles published by library faculty between potential for modern medicine.” 2003 and 2012. The results from the first year of the infor- mation literacy impact study were published in summer 2017. The task force will con-

tinue to collect data from this initial cohort THOMAS PADILLA of students during the next several years. The second year of data, covering the 2015-16 Thomas Padilla, UNLV’s visiting digital academic year, is currently being analyzed. research services librar- “This multiyear study will give us more ian, will lead “Collec- information about the long-term impact of tions as Data: Part to library instruction,” Bowles-Terry said. “Our Whole,” a three-year national collections-as- goal is to measure what impact these ses- data effort supported by sions have on students two to four years a $750,000 grant from later and see what overall impact that has on the Andrew W. Mellon four- and six-year graduation rates.” Foundation that brings The group also intends to collect data from the question of how to implement cultural heri- institutions not included in the first year tage collections as data of the study. The researchers hope to see together with the ques- their initial results mirrored in the results tion of how to develop collected from newly participating academic roles and services that optimally support their libraries. ICON: SMALLLIKE/THE NOUN PROJECT; PADILLA: LONNIE TIMMINS; DNA: ISTOCKPHOTO LONNIE PADILLA: SMALLLIKE/THE NOUN PROJECT; ICON: scholarly use.

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Facts and Fictions Office of Undergraduate Research, was Fulbright Fever lead author of a subsequent study on plac- About Placenta entophagy published in Women and Birth, n the last two years, two UNLV Consumption which found that taking placenta capsules I faculty members and four stu- has little to no effect on postpartum mood, dents have visited various parts of the world to study, teach, and fos- ating encapsulated human placenta, a maternal bonding, or fatigue when com- ter international goodwill as part of Epractice known as placentophagy, is an pared to a placebo (which is the scientific the prestigious Fulbright Program. increasingly popular trend in industrialized standard). The work did show, however, The program, which operates in countries throughout Europe, in Australia, that ingesting placenta capsules produced more than 160 countries around the world and covers more than 100 and in the U.S. Proponents of the practice small but detectable changes in hormone different fields of study, offers com- often reference placentophagy’s common concentrations, which could provide some petitive, merit-based grants for the occurrence among nearly all mammals in kind of therapeutic effect—though to what international educational exchange nature, and they suggest it offers numerous extent is unclear. of students, scholars, teachers, pro- benefits to human mothers too, including Although the presumed benefits of plac- fessionals, scientists, and artists. Elizabeth MacDowell, UNLV law increased energy, improved mood, and more entophagy aren’t fleshing out as antici- professor and director of the Family rapid postpartum recovery. pated, the researchers found that no harm Justice Clinic, was awarded her But UNLV anthropology researchers Daniel was caused by the practice either. In a joint Fulbright to conduct research on Benyshek, Laura Gryder, and Sharon Young study by UNLV and Oregon State Univer- family law in Turkey, looking closely at issues of access to justice for recently found that placentophagy may not sity published in Birth—the largest study of domestic violence survivors. deliver the benefits practitioners anticipate. its kind, in that it reviewed roughly 23,000 Gryder, UNLV School of Medicine project birth records—lead author Benyshek found director and lead author on a study pub- no increased risk in three areas: Neonatal lished in The Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Intensive Care Unit admissions in the first Health, found that placentophagy may not six weeks of life, neonatal hospitalization in be as good a source of dietary iron for post- the first six weeks, and neonatal/infant death partum mothers as proponents suggest. The in the first six weeks. The findings contrast findings are important, as iron demands are a recent Centers for Disease Control and especially high during pregnancy, and iron Prevention report recommending against ELIZABETH KATHERINE deficiency during pregnancy and immedi- placentophagy based on a single case study MACDOWELL HERTLEIN ately after delivery is a common problem for of a baby in Oregon who may have become Katherine Hertlein, UNLV School mothers. Advocates of placentophagy often infected with group B Streptococcus agalac- of Medicine professor, received a point to the organ’s high iron content as a tiae following maternal consumption of an Fulbright to travel to Austria and expand her ongoing research exam- primary benefit, but by foregoing other iron infected placenta. ining the effects of technology on sources, these women are likely not getting The researchers’ findings could impact human relationships. PREGNANT WOMAN: ISTOCKPHOTO; MACDOWELL: AARON MAYES; HERTLEIN: JOSH HAWKINS the supplemental boost they need to help any of the estimated tens of thousands of Cristina Tica, a UNLV anthropol- iron levels rebound to normal levels. women in the U.S. alone who practice ma- ogy doctoral student and recipient of the Eleanor F. Edwards and Max Young, program manager for the UNLV ternal placentophagy every year. Olswang Scholarship, was awarded a Fulbright to gather insights on health, disease, trauma, and migra- tion patterns from skeletal remains in Hungary. Another Fulbright recipient, his- tory alumnus Sean Cortney, spent a year in Changsha, Hunan, China at Hunan Normal University. There, he studied the transformation of Yuelu Academy, a renowned Chinese academy of higher learning circa 976, into Hunan University in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and how it reflected a landmark transition toward modernity in Hux- iang culture and society. Meredith Whye, an alumna with a master’s degree in early childhood education, headed to Kenya to teach English at the university level, while secondary education alumna Hannah Kelley traveled to Norway to do the same. Winning a Fulbright is a highly competitive process, with thou- sands applying from colleges and universities across the nation. UNLV is proud of these Rebels’ tremen- dous accomplishments.

6 / INNOVATION JOSH HAWKINS research.unlv.edu they felt would go alongway toward helping the SEA-PHAGES program toUNLV, which Howard Medical Hughes to bring Institute Regner, Strong andChristy applied tothe notation andbioinformatic analyses. techniques, leading tocomplex genome an avariety research ofthrough microbiology progresses and viruses phage find to soil through students digging with course starts ter, discovery-based undergraduate research Science)Evolutionary class. The two-semes Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and I Hunk of Dirtat aTime Discovering Viruses, One UNLV scientists Philippos Tsourkas, Kurt PHAGES (Science Education Alliance- lineup:theinaugural SEA-class toits n fall2017, UNLV added a unique biology - - the numberof phages that exist, andit’s comesonly to speak inestimates when it can scientists fact, In quantified. can’tbe the amount of phage virusesintheworld phages. That was part relatively easy, given a soilsampleinwhichthey could search for that onehopes.” periments do not always yield the results tragedies of real-life research, where ex Students experienced thetriumphsand (students) atasteof theworld of research. ers are lookingfor,” gives Strong said.“This them topursuegraduate degrees. students get jobs in research fields or inspiring The program began with students finding hands-on research iswhat employ“This - - exceeded my expectations.” undergraduate Jeanite. “It Tiffany hasfar verbal presentations of theirdiscoveries. notebook of theirwork of and the delivery creation andmaintenance of anelectronic Theircourseworkrithms. alsoincluded the genome using complex mathematical algo conducted computer-based analysis of the emailed back.In thespring,students the DNA of thephage was sequenced and where ofsent Pittsburgh, totheUniversity phages—not 10tothe31st power. atypo—or a bigestimate: tenmilliontrillion finding theirphage, theirresults werefinding At the end of the first semester, afterfirst the of end the At “This isadream class for me,”“This saidUNLV UNLV biologyalumnusJonathan undergraduate research course. inaugural SEA-PHAGES class, a two-semester, discovery-based Juste collected dirtsamples on campusaspartofthe INNOVATION /7 - AARON MAYES 2017

/ INNOVATION / INNOVATION

8 FOOD / INNOVATION 8 R. MARSH STARKS research.unlv.edu FOR .SAVVY RESEARCHERS GENES, FOOD ECE AND RESCUE, HUMANKIND. HOW PLANT .FINANCIAL HELP FEED ALL EXPLORE PHOTOGRAPHS BY . BY T.R. WITCHER COULD JOSH HAWKINS UNLV

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AARON MAYES 2017 - - -

- -

—Food Aid Foundation —Food 795 SUFFER FROM HUNGER PEOPLE GLOBALLY WHO WHO PEOPLE GLOBALLY million

UNLV Lee Business School professor Ian McDonough sees sees McDonough Ian professor School Business Lee UNLV “It’s an ethical problem when you have a surplus of have when you problem an ethical “It’s Globally, 795 million people suffer from hunger— suffer from 795 million people Globally, “There’s a “There’s huge connection between food - in “I was “I thinking was in the U.S.A., food should be never / INNOVATION / INNOVATION

10 McDonough and his colleagues at Southern Methodist University Methodist Southern at colleagues his and McDonough titled study A USDA anomaly: trying out a perplexing are to work CENTS-IBLE CHOICES CENTS-IBLE can gain the education they need to better manage what finan what manage better to need they education the gain can be—they may those small or large have—however they resources cial insecurity food be able to escape entirely. may another potential fix—from an economic perspective. If people people If perspective. economic an fix—from potential another anxiety, and asthma. anxiety, public “It’s Coughenoursaid. hungry,” are people and food and if we there, a gap there’s that to recognize role health’s to fix we should fix do something can it, it.” issues including diabetes, heart conditions,issues including diabetes, and de working student graduate (a To pression, Samantha children’s to itsconnection noted with Coughenour) higher including issues aggression, health of levels fessor Courtney Coughenour, who researches the who researches Courtney Coughenour, fessor addition In efforts. rescue food local of effectiveness with association insecurity’s health adult food to security and health,” said UNLV public health pro health public UNLV said health,” and security households (12.3 percent) were food insecure, mean insecure, food were percent) (12.3 households to or access adequate have didn’t ing they the types or quantities acquiring of for resources to according lifestyle, sustain a healthy that food (USDA). Agriculture of Department the U.S. more more than double the according to the Food Aid Foundation. And in the U.S. population— million 126 of out million 15.6 2016, in States United and Molecular Biology Lab head is looking to tackle tackle to looking is head LabBiology Molecular and drought more tolerant, crops making the issue by their yields. increasing thereby ingly, also in short not just in the Mojave. supply—and ingly, hungry,” going people so many have but we a problem, Bioinformatics The Shen. Jeffery scientist UNLV said much of it we have, how to put it to more productive and and to put it productive how to more it have, much of we efficient use.But researchers across disciplinesat UNLV is, surpris that another critical studying are resource THE MOST STUDIED RESOURCE IN A DESERT IN A DESERT RESOURCE STUDIED THE MOST water—how is probably community Southern Nevada like 10 / INNOVATION R. MARSH STARKS research.unlv.edu nancial behaviors—play a“sizable household role inmitigating fi specifically, more capability—and financial that found search McDonough’sre insecure. food remained weren’timpoverished impoverished people were food secure, whilesomepeople who more, thereportindicated. ried that they would runoutof food before getting money tobuy were over the poverty line, 12.2 percent of households were wor households when even But insecure. food were four) of family a 130 percent of the federal poverty line (approximately $31,980 for under households of percent35.7 that shown has 2016” in States “Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United are more moment; asnapshottaken inaparticular they don’t tellus gone, but clearly, in terms of economics, that’s a horrible outcome.” insecurity, I could make everyone equally hungry. The disparity is said, “ifmy goal was infood simply toeliminate thedisparities example,”“Forpicture. whole he important, aren’tthough the to point outthat disparities, respectively). percent, 18.5 and percent (22.5 panic householdsismuchhigher rateinsecurity for black and His is relatively low (9.3 percent), the of food households insecure white indicate that whilethepercentage among white, nonwhite Hispanic, and black households. USDA data levels of food insecurity.” their buck. survey to gauge whether survey respondents set financial goals, recipients andgetting themostbangfor aboutgood nutrition track their spending and bills, and have basic financial confi financial basic have and bills, and spending their track In other words, poverty is not explaining everything. Some everything. explaining not is poverty words, other In The disparities in food insecurity rates, McDonough indicated, McDonough rates, insecurity food in disparities The However, McDonough is quick Education, or SNAP-Ed, which aims to educate food stamp food educate to aims which SNAP-Ed, or Education, dence. They found that families who were knowledgeable about ment’s existing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance Nutrition Supplemental existing ment’s financial of use effective more make could matters financial resources—including choices around buying food—even if McDonough also studies the difference in food insecurity rates 2.9 million,” McDonough said. McDonough and his collaborators used a financial capability holds in the U.S. from 17.5 million to 14.6 million, a reduction of those resources are limited. goals—this could reduce thenumberof food insecure house financial increase then population, U.S. broader the to alize on time, reviewing bills for accuracy, and setting financial setting and accuracy, for bills reviewing time, on ofthe importance budgeting, tracking spending,paying bills amount—say, acertain capability by educating individualson McDonough suggested tapping into the federal govern federal the into tapping suggested McDonough “If you take ourresults toinfact becausal andthengener - 12.3% WERE FOOD INSECUREIN —U.S. Departmentof Agriculture HOUSEHOLDS THAT THE U.S. IN2016 INNOVATION /

INNOVATION /11 11 ------much about how families transition into and out of food insecurity over time. He’s found that, when viewed over a longer period of time—in households with children from kindergarten through eighth grade, for instance—the ability for Hispanics to move out of food insecurity into categories of greater food security and to stay there is on par with whites. On the other hand, his research also shows that “black house- holds, relative to white households, are 17.4 percentage points less BANKING ON FOOD RESCUE likely to be classified as high food secure, conditional on initially being classified as food insecure,” from the time a child starts ➽ According to an article in U.S.A. Today, one in sev- kindergarten to the time that child reaches eighth grade. This en Americans relied on food banks in 2014. Coughe- means black households have lower upward mobility through nour works with Three Square, Southern Nevada’s the food security distribution, he said. Similarly, blacks also only food bank, to study the issue of food insecurity in the region. have higher downward mobility; they are “17.8 percentage According to Three Square, 13.4 percent of Clark points less likely to still be classified as high food secure County residents are food insecure, and when you once their child makes it to eighth grade,” McDonough said. include the three rural counties that are also part of This means policymakers need to think about not just Three Square’s service areas—Esmeralda, Lincoln, pulling households—especially black households—out of and Nye—the percentage ranges from 13.3 to as high as 15.2. That means 50.2 million meals are needed in food insecurity; they need to think about keeping the these areas each year to close the gap between food households out of it to begin with. need and what’s provided by federal programs and “I feel comfortable that we’ve uncovered disparity in other charitable organizations. mobilities, but the next step is to try to understand if Historically, Three Square has picked up unused but still fresh food, bread, and dairy products and we can explain why these disparities in mobility dynam- partnered with dozens of community organizations ics exist,” McDonough said. “If we’ve established there throughout the city to distribute that food through are divergences in mobility, what are the determinants food pantries. But when the food bank switched of these gaps? Perhaps financial capability is one mech- over to a new model where food pantries themselves anism that can explain why a household makes it to the would interface with local grocery chains to collect food, Coughenour was curious to see if the partners top and stays there.” would maintain or increase pickups. Coughenour conducted stakeholder interviews with Three Square and agency partners and found that when agency partners worked directly with grocery stores, they were able to increase the amount of food

PLANT POWER 70 percent. and respond to en- of specialized development and Through grant vironmental stresses genes that encode response to envi- support from the using biological cir- so-called “finger ronmental stresses

➽ Another way USDA, Shen and cuits more delicate proteins.” These and, hence, the CREOSOTE BUSH: DCRJSR/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS to make headway his team of visiting and complicated proteins operate crop’s yield and on feeding people researchers, post- than those in cell molecular switches resistance to adequately is by doctoral fellows, phones. Shen’s lab on DNA to control drought and increasing crop graduate students, focuses on a group gene expression, other unfavorable yields. Plants must and undergradu- which he likens to a growth conditions. be able to handle ates study the stress light switch flipped Understanding this stress, whether bi- properties of rice on or off. genetic code could CREOSOTE BUSH otic stress (like bac- genes, in the hopes Generating lead to a variety terial, fungal, and that insights into and analyzing big of breakthroughs, viral diseases) or rice’s genetic code data on the rice’s Shen said, whether abiotic stress (like could increase yields genetic composi- it’s further increas- weather). Accord- for other major tion, Shen and his ing Vitamin A ing to Shen, abiotic crops such as wheat, team were able to content in “golden stress can depress maize, sorghum, identify the gene rice” to protect the yields of major barley, and millet. family that con- against blindness crops by as much as These plants sense trols the plant’s in the 120 million

12 / INNOVATION 2017 R. MARSHGROCERIES: STARKS ADNEN KADRI/THE NOUN PROJECT; TOOTH: MAXIM KULIKOV/THE NOUN PROJECT may have ahidden a medicinalagent,it the desertshrubas ties have longused American communi- bush. WhileNative stress: thecreosote fight against abiotic larly specialto help something particu- may enduphaving mecca for rice crops, vada, thoughnota less water inapark. grasses that canuse drought-tolerant or creating more cient inthenutrient noted. higher-ups andfolks whoare food insecure,” To of community andconnection between the pride aboutthepilotprogram. “Itgives asense International, parent company to Aria,expressed proximately 45,383meals.” donated 54,460pounds of food, creating ap- 2016 andJuly2017, (Aria’s) convention center noted inhermaster’s thesis,“between August leading to considerable food waste. Butasshe ventions are often higherthantheactualturnout, she said;locally, estimates ofattendees at con- cent ofediblefood getsthrown outnationwide, food from theconvention center. Some60per- Aria Convention Center that donates untouched to thecommunity. sire onthepartofgrocery stores to give back goodwill, shefound, resulted inanincreased de- ing thelives ofcommunity members.Fostering partners abouthow thedonations were improv they alsogotto hearstories from theiragency ing directly withthem,Coughenour said,but foods theagencieswould appreciate by work get abetter senseofthetypesandamounts with eachother. Notonlydidthegrocery stores donated—a result ofdeveloping relationships research.unlv.edu people whoare defi RESIDENTS WHOARE And SouthernNe- The peopleTo interviewed at MGMResorts Meanwhile, To researched apilotprogram at 13.4% FOOD INSECURE CLARK COUNTY —Three Square -

sote bushsurvives.” killed, butthecreo- plants would get 130 degrees. Most desert canreach temperature inthe the summertime, plant survives. In horrible soil.The heat, cold, disease, of stress: drought, can handleallkinds Shen said.“They are treasures to me,” bush issohardy. out why thecreosote working onfiguring tion aswell. Shenis agricultural applica- “Creosote plants - - with earlychildhood cavities can teeth whenthey’ve beenafflicted The cost ofrestoring children’s invasive, andtime-consuming. Treating cavities isexpensive, with cavities? What otherrisksare associated cent ofschoolchildren. countries, affecting 60to 90per- problem inmost industrialized cavities are amajororal health hay fever among children. And seven timesmore common than more common thanasthma and are achronic condition five times affecting young children. Cavities cavities theNo. 1chronic disease atrics considers earlychildhood The AmericanAcademy ofPedi - research? on children’s cavities for this How didyou come to focus he explains theresearch further. ating therelated research. Here, under Lynch’s mentorship, evalu- reviewing relevant literature and, UNLV dentalstudents have been available intheUnited States, though thistreatment isnotyet age teeth to healthemselves. Al- in children’s mouthsandencour- cavity-causing microorganisms cal agentslike ozone to bothkill His methodusespharmaceuti- parents abitofmoney to boot. in many countries—and saved lution changeddentalpractice kids’ teeth? repair thosepesky littleholesin and drillby findinganew way to could heholdbacktheneedle treatment, Lynch wondered, tions are sooften partofcavity younger children. Since injec- giving injections,especiallyto Lynch hasnever beenfond of UNLV visitingprofessor Edward specialist intheUnited Kingdom, ➽ cavities. time withinthechildpopulation: health through nutrition,this another barrierto achieving good Dental researchers explore FILLINGS DRILLINGS AND SKIPPING THE AS APRACTICING DENTAL The answer isyes, andhisso- —Kevin Dunegan as professionals. to pursueresearch opportunities to scholarlywork and inspire them ther shapethestudents’ approach rare to astudy’s primaryinvestigator is a plethora oftopics, having access review publishedliterature about treatment purposes. the objectionsto usingozone for literature reviews andevaluated also conducted criticalsystematic for treating cavities. They have part ofcare intheUnited States related agentsthat could become clinical trials aboutozone and available data from double-blind assisted mein analyzing publicly UNLV dentalstudents have involved inthisresearch? How are UNLV dentalstudents some otherantimicrobials do. leaves notoxic byproducts as membranes ofpathogens but ages themicrobial cell walls and oxidants like ozone This makes themvulnerable to zymes intheircell membranes. have littleornoantioxidant en- like bacteria, viruses,andyeasts by ozone. Incontrast, pathogens from beingoxidized, ordestroyed membranes that protect them antioxidant enzymesintheircell healthy mammaliancells have dental diseases.This isbecause effective at eliminating causesof unstable form ofoxygen, ismost ozone, anenergy-rich andhighly My research intheU.K. found that research abroad. you’ve found through your Tell usmore aboutthesolutions percent avoidable. as well. tal cavities inpermanentteeth a majorriskfactor for future den- in baby teeth have beencited as “failure to thrive” criteria. Cavities their idealweight, fittinginto the weighing less than80percent of childhood cavities are at riskof shown that children withearly child’s abilityto eat. Studies have exceed $1,000 perchild. While students andfaculty can All this,whencavities are 100 Untreated cavities canaffect a . These experiences could fur-

INNOVATION /13

, whichdam- INNOVATION /13 Wellness BY Women,

The history of health research FOR is one of men studying men. Several UNLV researchers are flipping the script, creating new possibilities for Women women’s health and well-being Photographs by in Josh Hawkins the process.

14 / 14INNOVATION / INNOVATION 20182017 KELLY STOUT Ph.D. candidate in criminal justice Page 22

ALEXIS KENNEDY criminal justice researcher Page 22

PATRICIA GATLIN nursing professor Page 19

DR. NADIA GOMEZ RACHELL EKROOS assistant professor nurse practitioner of gynecology and and nursing professor director of the UNLV Page 24 School of Medicine’s Minimally Invasive Gynecology Division MARTA MEANA Page 20 UNLV’s acting president, professor, and licensed clinical psychologist Page 17 research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / 15 / 15 Wellness BY Women, FOR Women

Historically, women are an understudied group in health research.

Much of what we know about diseases, treat- women. What’s more, the women our re- Kelly Stout are raising awareness about sex ment effectiveness, and medications came searchers have been studying often come crimes, the most underreported type of from studies primarily comprising men—of- from communities that have historically been crime and one that carries so large a stigma ten with the assumption that those results excluded, marginalized, or silenced. Our that victims—overwhelmingly female—often apply equally to women. This practice has researchers are striving to advocate for these can’t access the services they so urgently far-reaching, and often negative, implications women through their work. need. Ekroos’ analysis of sexual assault kits for women, whose health and well-being Marta Meana’s groundbreaking work on has the potential to change national stan- needs can be quite separate and different the severely understudied subjects of pain- dards and policy for collection and process- from their male counterparts. ful sexual intercourse and female desire ing. Kennedy and Stout are also aiming for The National Institutes of Health is aiming merited one of the highest honors in her policy change, this time in the area of un- to change this and in 2016 called on scientists field. She upended the way professionals derage sex trafficking, a significant problem to take a deliberate approach in considering view both of these issues. Because of her, in our local community and, again, one for sex and gender in research. UNLV research- the treatment of women experiencing which limited research exists. ers long have been taking this a step further. sexual pain has dramatically improved, as Patricia Gatlin and Arpita Basu are explor- As you’ll discover in the following pages, the focus of their treatment has appropri- ing minority women’s treatment options for much research is being conducted by wom- ately shifted to the medical realm and ad- a medical condition that profoundly affects en who have made it a point to study health dressing physical sources of pain versus the health of women and their babies: dia- and well-being issues that affect women assuming psychological or relational causes. betes, among the top 10 leading causes of uniquely or distinctly. It’s by women, for Rachell Ekroos, Alexis Kennedy, and death in the U.S. and the disease responsible for the highest health care costs. It’s also one of the most commonly reported health conditions during pregnancy, and its effects are long-lasting on mothers and their chil- dren alike. The lack of information regarding simula- tion training for surgeons in obstetrics and gynecology spurred Nadia Gomez’s research with the American Association of Gyneco- logic Laparoscopists. She’s studying how simulations can better prepare surgeons in a field exclusive to women, and her findings will help inform how these surgeons are trained moving forward. Our researchers are calling for change through their work, making a difference in other women’s lives and the lives of children, and using their voices to ensure that the voiceless are heard. By forging new paths that promote greater health and well-being for women, these UNLV researchers are also forging new hope—for women near and far, today and tomorrow. —Angela Frederick Amar, Ph.D., RN, FAAN Dean and professor, UNLV School of Nursing

16 / INNOVATION 2018 Clearing Away Misconceptions UNLV Acting President Marta Meana’s research dispels stereotypes surrounding women’s sexuality and health.

hen Marta Meana started researching dyspareunia The seismic shift in how women with the disorder are diagnosed (painful sexual intercourse in women) in the 1990s, and treated is a point of pride for Meana, who was dean of the the problem stumped the medical community and Honors College until recently named UNLV’s acting president and W was often dismissed as attributable to psychological is also a professor and a licensed clinical psychologist. She consid- or relational problems. Meana, however, suspecting a physical con- ers her dyspareunia findings her greatest contribution to the field dition might be responsible, mapped out definitive regions where of human sexuality and women’s health. women experienced genital pain. She was the first to do so, and in “Within my lifetime, this work has changed the way we concep- doing so, she uncovered the truth. tualize and treat women with the problem,” she said. “Now it is much “Dyspareunia is, indeed, a medical problem,” Meana said. “My less likely that a woman who goes to a gynecologist and says, ‘I have research found that the majority of women who experienced this genital pain when I attempt to be intimate with my partner,’ will be kind of pain have a physical condition, and although that physical told to have a glass of wine or asked, ‘Are you having problems with condition had a huge impact on their mood and their relationships, your husband?’ or ‘Were you sexually abused?’—neither of which has the cause did not appear to be psychological.” any strong connection to this pain.” Meana’s research, along with colleagues’ subsequent studies, re- Meana’s research on this and other areas of women’s sexuality sulted in the deconstruction of the disorder. It was reclassified in has increased understanding of women’s sexual health, revolution- 2013 from a dysfunction emanating from sexual conflict to a pain ized treatment options for women, and most recently garnered disorder that impacts sexuality. This reclassification appears in the her field’s lifetime achievement award—the Masters and Johnson fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis- Award from the Society of Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR), orders (DSM-5), the definitive psychiatric handbook of mental dis- which is so exclusive, it’s given only when SSTAR identifies a

ISTOCKPHOTO orders, as a condition called genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. worthy honoree.

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 17 Wellness BY Women, FOR Women

MARTA MEANA UNLV’s acting president, professor, and licensed clinical psychologist

women’s sexuality research with the curios- ity and fervor of a new scholar, often conduct- ing and publishing research with students as co-authors. She has more than 75 peer-re- viewed articles and chapters in prestigious research journals and books to her credit. Currently, she’s studying the context of sex- ual desire in men and women over age 40, chipping away at the myth that “sexual desire is the province of the young.” She balances her research with her duties as acting pres- ident and her service on the editorial board of the International Journal of Clinical Health Psychology. Meana’s academic career is punctuated with many accolades. She won Barrick Scholar and Barrick Distinguished Scholar awards at UNLV, a Nevada Regents Excellence in Teaching Award, and the James Makawa Award for Outstanding Contributions to the For her part, Meana describes her achieve- Turns out these women missed the nov- Field of Psychology from the Nevada Psy- ments simply as what researchers are sup- elty and transgression, or forbidden nature, chological Association. She made an appear- posed to do: steadily build on findings. “I’m of their relationships before they said “I ance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009. just trying to peel away the layers and not do”—attributes that we traditionally attach She’s a past president of SSTAR, a recipient fall for easy assumptions,” she said. to male desire versus female desire. of the SSTAR Service Award, and a Fellow in “Somehow, female desire was seen as a the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexu- THE CONTINUUM OF FEMALE DESIRE much tamer thing, that it’s just about loving ality. The Masters and Johnson Award she Contrary to her findings on dyspareunia, somebody,” Meana said. “But it isn’t.” received in April represents the pinnacle of Meana has found that women’s sexual de- Following these findings, Meana directed success in her field. sire—or lack thereof—is more tied to the her attention toward “erotic self-focus,” the “Meana has generously shared her knowl- psyche than originally thought. And, although idea that women’s desire is much more about edge, skills, wisdom, research, ideas, and her conventional wisdom would say otherwise, how they feel about themselves than how exquisite curiosity with her peers, with pro- women in stable, healthy, and otherwise they feel about their partners. fessionals in and outside the field of human happy marriages yearn for the same excite- “These women had men in their lives who sexuality, and with the students she teach- ment in their sexual relationships as men do. were telling them they were gorgeous and es and supervises,” said Kathryn Hall, pres- In a qualitative study published in 2010, that they wanted them, but if they didn’t feel ident of SSTAR, in a statement. “In many Meana and alumna Karen Sims interviewed that way about themselves, it didn’t matter,” ways, including the development of new married women and found that the reasons she said. scientist-practitioners, Meana continues to their sexual desire declined had little to do Meana’s findings represented yet anoth- contribute to the development of our field.” with the quality of their relationships. It had er sea change in the study of women’s sex- Still, Meana herself was surprised to be much more to do with dwindling romance, uality and helped psychologists better un- tapped for the honor. overfamiliarity with partners, and feeling derstand the complex nature of female “I felt three things: I must be getting old, desexualized due to multiples roles as wives, desire, which had traditionally been char- I’m not done yet, and I felt unbelievably hon- moms, and working professionals. acterized as revolving entirely around love ored because these are my peers,” she said. “The more these women felt stuck in the and relationships. “These are the people I respect the most in routine rhythms of domestic life, the more “We went from saying that desire is a my field.” their desire dissipated,” Meana said. “They spontaneous urge such as hunger or thirst, “She prefers to let her work stand front would say they have no problem having de- which didn’t fit a lot of women, to an over- and center. But Meana is a superstar,” said sire for a total stranger; they just didn’t have correction that it’s all about the relationship,” Chris Heavey, senior vice provost and a 21- desire for their husbands anymore. What Meana said. “What my desire work says is, year colleague of Meana’s on UNLV’s psychol- they were really saying was, ‘Closeness is it’s somewhere in between.” ogy faculty. “Her research and writing have nice, familiarity is nice, and I wouldn’t trade literally changed the way we think about it for sexual excitement, but it’s not sexual ADVANCING THE FIELD EVEN FURTHER critical aspects of human sexuality and excitement.’” Meana continues to chart new territory in women’s health.” —Karyn Hollingsworth

18 / INNOVATION 20182017 Recipe for Healthier Pregnancies UNLV researchers find two ways to help moms-to-be reduce diabetes risks.

etween populations with perinatal regarding diet and navigating diabetes at a local perspective that exercise and how the health federally qualified spans the entire they could set small careB system, adher- health care center. pregnancy and goals to accomplish ing to a medication The nurse practi- postpartum period. bigger ones.” regimen, monitoring tioner reached out Participants are be- The technique blood sugar levels, to Gatlin months tween 18 to 40 years has been paying off. improving one’s diet, later to see if she old and have a body Thirty-eight women and maintaining an would be willing to mass index greater have already deliv- exercise routine, start a similar group than 25. The study ered their babies managing diabetes at the nurse practi- seeks to help partici- (the study concludes is a challenge for tioner’s clinic work- pants reduce exces- in December 2018). any adult. ing specifically with sive weight gain, While some partici- If that adult pregnant women thereby reducing the pants did gain more happens to be a struggling to avoid risk for developing than the recom- pregnant woman, gestational diabetes. gestational diabe- mended amount of that challenge can “This was my tes or complicating weight or developed become even more first time working existing diabetes gestational diabetes, difficult, whether to support diabetes symptoms. overall, the prelimi- the woman had self-care dedicated Participants in the nary results are posi- diabetes before her to pregnant women, H-PEN study receive tive, and the women pregnancy or de- who I quickly dis- a scale for daily have expressed velops it during the covered are highly weigh-ins as well as appreciation for course of pregnancy motivated because an assortment of the support they’ve (i.e., gestational they want the best nutrition tools such received throughout diabetes). Diabetes for their babies,” as a portion plate, their pregnancies doesn’t just af- Gatlin said. “Now I measuring cups, to help them main- fect an expecting can’t imagine work- and a 2,200-calorie tain proper glucose mother; it affects ing with a different meal plan for ex- levels and minimize her child as well. population.” pecting mothers. weight gain. But two UNLV Gatlin developed Gatlin interacts “To be working researchers, nursing a research study with participants with an expecting professor Patricia focused on women twice a month— mom and help- Gatlin and registered who either have once via phone or ing her achieve dietician and nutri- type 2 diabetes and text to ask about the goals for a healthy tion sciences pro- become pregnant or expecting mother’s pregnancy is very fessor Arpita Basu, are at a higher risk Dark-colored diet and exercise rewarding,” Gatlin have found that a for developing ges- fruits and goals, the second in said. “And I must couple of surprising tational diabetes. berries help person during the say, it is pretty awe- items—goal-setting The goal is to help pregnant women perinatal appoint- some to hold a new control glucose and dark-colored each woman have a levels, blood ment to discuss baby at the end!” fruit—can do a lot to healthy pregnancy pressure, and both the partici- lower the risks as- by achieving and inflammation, pant’s goals and any A ‘BERRY’ sociated with having maintaining healthy lowering the risk perceived challenges for diabetes. PROMISING or developing diabe- weight gain during to achieving those PREVENTION tes for mothers and pregnancy as well goals in the prior STRATEGY children alike. as regulating opti- month. Prior to joining mal blood glucose “For some women UNLV in fall 2017, A HELPING HAND levels. of different cultures, Basu’s research Gatlin found her Gatlin’s Healthy writing goals is focused on supple- way to gestational Pregnancy through not a comfortable menting the diets diabetes research Exercise and Nutri- act, so we talk in of men and women through a local tion (H-PEN) study detail more about within minority pop- nurse practitioner explores how to what they want to ulations with dark- she met over the mitigate diabetes achieve,” Gatlin said. colored fruits and course of creating effects or risks “This helps them to berries, especially a self-care support through diet and realize and recognize blueberries. The group for vulnerable exercise from a what they want to do fruit helped them

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / 19 / 19 Wellness BY Women, FOR Women

Practice Makes Progress A national study on simulation training is changing how obstetrics control glucose lev- address the issue. not to tell someone els, blood pressure, The two are gath- to stop eating a cer- Registered dietician and gynecology practitioners learn and inflammation, ering data from tain food, but to en- and nutrition sciences professor to perform surgeries. which lowers the 300-400 obese, courage them to try ARPITA BASU risk for diabetes. pregnant women something else.” (left) and nursing Then Basu learned in minority groups The researchers professor an alarming fact that about their dietary take participants’ PATRICIA GATLIN inspired her to refine habits and examin- cultural dietary norms her target popula- ing whether adding into consideration tion further. specific foods, in- while making recom- magine you’re a patient about to “A woman who cluding dark-colored mendations as well. undergo surgery, and you find out suffers from gesta- fruits and berries, For instance, Basu tional diabetes has can lower the risks said, women in certain that your surgeon has only per- a 70 percent chance for developing ges- cultures increase their formed the surgical procedure you of developing type tational diabetes as intake of fruit juices I require once prior to you. 2 diabetes within they lowered the risk during pregnancy for It doesn’t exactly put you at ease. five to 10 years after of developing diabe- various reasons, but For quite some time, though, surgeons delivery,” Basu said. tes in non-pregnant in doing so, they end “And children born adults. up increasing their were trained through the “see one, do one, to moms who had Basu and Planinic consumption of pro- teach one” method, said Dr. Nadia Gomez, gestational diabetes are also providing cessed sugars as well. a researcher in the UNLV School of Medicine. have greater risks for dietary guidance “We need to de- See a particular surgery performed. Perform cardiovascular dis- to the expecting termine strategies for eases, obesity, and women. adding fruits and veg- that surgery once yourself. Then teach some- diabetes as adults.” “We give the etables to our partici- one else to do that procedure. Recognizing Basu realized she participants a food- pants’ diets without the limitations of that traditional teaching needed to start at based alternative in- taxing their budgets,” method, surgical training programs now the beginning. stead of telling them Basu said. “For exam- require participants to practice procedures “Pregnancy be- to make changes ple, instead of drink- gins the human life in their whole diet,” ing two glasses of through simulations involving box trainers, span,” she said. “Ev- Dr. Planinic said—an juice each day, which computerized models, animal models, and erything the mother approach backed by increases glucose human cadavers. does, all her lifestyle science. loads, we recommend The quality of such simulations varies, factors—including “Current literature replacing one glass of dietary factors— concludes that sim- juice with one cup of however. While simulations for obstetrics have a very pro- ply telling someone blueberries.” and gynecology (OB/GYN) surgical proce- found effect on the to improve his or Dr. Planinic sees dures—procedures exclusive to women—ex- baby’s growth and her diet and in- several prospective ist, they are less developed and are studied development.” crease physical ac- positive outcomes of less frequently than those affiliated with Knowing gesta- tivity doesn’t really the study that could tional diabetes is a work,” Basu said. span current and general surgeries. persistent problem “We want to under- future generations. To address this issue, the world’s largest among minority stand the mindsets “If the participating association of gynecologic surgeons, the populations, Basu of the participants. women accept Basu’s American Association of Gynecologic Lapa- teamed up with If a woman doesn’t dietary suggestions UNLV School of see a problem with and other inter- roscopists, launched a nationwide study to Medicine’s Dr. Petar her diet, current ventions that help incorporate and test the effectiveness of two Planinic, acting chair weight, or weight prevent gestational simulators that are specific to female repro- and assistant profes- gain during preg- diabetes, then we will ductive tract procedures—a laparoscopic sor in the Depart- nancy, then why have healthier moms, simulator and a hysteroscopic simulator—with ment of Obstetrics would she change? healthier pregnan- and Gynecology, No one wants to be cies, and, ultimately, the goal of providing OB/GYN residents with to launch a cross- told to do anything, healthier adults,” he a standardized assessment tool specific to sectional study and so our approach is said. —Kevin Dunegan their specialty that can be incorporated into

20 / 20INNOVATION / INNOVATION 20182017 DR. NADIA GOMEZ, assistant professor of gynecology and director of the UNLV School of Medicine’s Minimally Invasive Gynecology Division

their residency training. The UNLV School of to be eligible for the general surgery board four-year residency training program during Medicine was one of three pilot sites se- examination. In January 2018, the American which they acquire the surgical skills need- lected to participate, with Dr. Gomez as Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology an- ed to treat women with these types of health UNLV’s principal investigator. UNLV’s OB/ nounced that all OB/GYN residents grad- conditions, Dr. Gomez said. Some OB/GYN GYN residents are among the first to test out uating after May 31, 2020, would also be graduates like herself undergo further sur- the hysteroscopic and laparoscopic simulators required to pass the FLS curriculum to be gical training to specialize in areas such as used in the study, which also includes par- eligible for OB/GYN board certification. gynecologic oncology, infertility, pelvic fe- ticipants from Harvard Medical School, John This was a good start, Dr. Gomez said, but male reconstructive surgery, and minimally Hopkins, Vanderbilt University Medical Cen- was not in itself enough to prepare residents invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). ter, Northwestern University, and others. for addressing women’s specific and unique It was during Dr. Gomez’s two years of “Objective surgical education in gynecol- surgical needs, which vary greatly from MIGS training that she was exposed to ad- ogy has been lacking,” Dr. Gomez said. “This men’s. vanced gynecologic surgery training, includ- study is crucial to the development of a “Although the FLS is a great curriculum ing surgical simulation training and research. validated gynecologic-specific surgical for OB/GYN residents, it is not compre- It changed her perspective on surgical train- curriculum, and we are honored to be a hensive,” Dr. Gomez said. “OB/GYN surgi- ing entirely. contributor to this milestone in women’s cal training includes not only laparoscop- “It is challenging to teach residents during health care.” ic surgery but also hysteroscopy training, live surgery because of patient safety issues The general surgery field has led the a procedure in which a small camera is and time restraints,” she said, “so I am a big charge on the incorporation of surgical inserted into the uterus to diagnose uter- supporter of simulation-based surgical train- simulation training into the curriculum. In ine problems. Women’s health needs in- ing. It elevates and standardizes the surgical 2008, the American Board of Surgery man- clude the management of fibroids, infertil- skills needed to give women the best surgi- dated that all general surgery residents ity, ovarian cysts, and other issues of the cal outcomes.” pass the only validated laparoscopic surgi- female reproductive tract, and the FLS Preliminary data from the study will be cal training curriculum available, the Fun- curriculum is not specific to those things.” analyzed and published later this year. damentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS), OB/GYN physicians typically undergo a —Nicole Rupersburg

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / 21 / 21 Wellness BY Women, FOR Women

Ph.D. candidate KELLY STOUT (left) and criminal justice researcher ALEXIS KENNEDY Seen and Heard Researchers work with underage sex trafficking victims to identify new ways to assist exploited children and prevent others from entering the abuse cycle.

ome sins are inexcusable, even 2011, Kennedy and Stout have been work- brief by the UNLV Greenspun College of in Sin City. UNLV criminal justice ing to understand how underage sex traf- Urban Affairs. researcher Alexis Kennedy and ficking happens, why it happens, and most “Most police officers are helping, but we S Ph.D. candidate Kelly Stout study importantly, how to stop it. do have officers who don’t recognize that one in particular: underage sex trafficking. Between 1994 and 2016, 2,794 minors were these 13- and 14-year-olds are victims,” The problem plagues Nevada, which removed from sex trafficking situations by Stout said. “We don’t have safe houses or ranks as one of the top 10 worst states for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Depart- other options, so we put them in jail, but human trafficking, according to National ment, according to the 2017 State of Youth arresting children for things they’re forced Human Trafficking Hotline statistics. Since Homelessness in Southern Nevada research to do is incredibly wrong.”

22 / INNOVATION 2018 MEN TOO

In 2013, Kennedy and Stout interviewed psychologists and help other girls.” 52 sex trafficking victims in detention cen- Kennedy and Stout are working with hen we examined the ters to learn about their childhood, how two researchers from Johns Hopkins Uni- hear terms relationships among they came to be exploited, how they were versity—Michele Decker, associate profes- like “sex young men’s con- trafficking”W and cepts of mascu- treated when they were arrested, and sor of population, family, and reproductive more. health; and Andrea Cimino, faculty research “sexual victimiza- linity—what they tion,” we tend to as- believe it means to “Everyone thinks sex trafficking victims fellow at Johns Hopkins’ School of Nurs- sume the survivors be a man—a history come from broken homes, but there are ing—on the latest portion of the research. are female. While of childhood abuse, instances where mom’s a nurse, dad’s a They’ve also employed multiple human the majority are, and criminal behav- banker, siblings are in college, and you have trafficking survivors as research assistants these crimes impact ior later in life. The all genders. correlation between a child who’s just been seduced,” Stout said. on the project. The next phase, an online Shon Reed, a childhood abuse and “This can happen in any family, broken or survey of additional victims, is currently doctoral student criminal behavior in not. And these victims are afraid for their under way. Once the team receives the who also works with adulthood, regard- lives and for their families.” completed surveys, transcribes the inter- Kennedy, is re- less of gender, has In late 2015, Kennedy received more than views, and analyzes the data, they’ll submit searching childhood been well established victimization in and documented by $623,000 in U.S. Department of Justice grant their report to the Department of Justice. males. His research the U.S. Department funding to continue combating human traf- “Part of what we’re doing is looking for focuses on some of of Justice. ficking and supporting survivors. The grant common themes among the survivors,” the long-term nega- “If a key contribut- has enabled Kennedy and Stout to interview Stout said. “So far, 70 percent have said tive impacts it can ing factor in criminal have on their lives behavior was a his- 40 more survivors of human trafficking so they were involved in Child Protective Ser- and how concepts tory of victimization far. These survivors are between the ages of vices. So we wonder, could CPS have been of masculinity might and violence, women 18 and 24. They connected with Kennedy in contact with them and done something be correlated. should be commit- and Stout through the Center 4 Peace, Las sooner? We’re also looking at how survivors To determine the ting more crimes, Vegas’ only drop-in center for sexually ex- got out and what resources helped them general rates of vic- given how often timization for males women suffer abuse ploited youth, and Awaken, a drop-in center so we know how to help other victims in in the Las Vegas and are marginal- for exploited youth in Reno. the future.” Valley, Reed and ized in society,” Reed “For two decades, I've been a research- The grant will conclude in September, but Kennedy studied said. “The fact that er trying to tell a story no one wants to the work will be far from over for Kennedy 295 male college men are consistently students predomi- committing crime at hear,” said Kennedy, who recently received and Stout. nantly raised in the a higher rate means UNLV’s Community-Based Research Award Stout’s dissertation will examine the first area. One in five there’s something for this work. “This grant allows me to give court for commercially sexually exploited reported experienc- we’re missing.” a voice to youth who are surviving un- children in the nation, which is in Las Ve- ing sexual victimiza- Reed has ex- imaginable levels of violence, social isola- gas. She’s reviewing and coding 10 years tion before turning panded his work to 18—four times the establish a stronger, tion, and stigma. These young survivors of court data on 1,200 children to uncov- national reported evidence-based con- just want to be heard, without judgment, er key trends and indicators of future in- average of one in nection between in- while highlighting their resilience.” volvement with the court, such as age, type 20 and equal to the ternalized concepts And in listening, Kennedy and Stout are of offense, previous involvement with Child national reported of masculinity and a average of one in diminished sense of gathering the data that offer an undeniable Protective Services, and more. Her hope five women, accord- that same masculin- portrait of the consequences of underage is that her data will inspire those in the ing to the National ity due to childhood sex trafficking as well as guiding policy position to intervene to help these children Center for Victims victimization. He reform to affect change. The interviews before they become victims. of Violent Crime. believes that some typically last 60 to 90 minutes. Questions Kennedy will also continue advocating for Sexual assault and young male survi- abuse is widely sus- vors lash out and include everything from “Tell me about victims through her research and hopes that pected to be under- engage in criminal your childhood,” “Did you ever run away others will start looking more deeply at an- reported among all behavior as a way of as a kid?” and “How do you feel about your- other important aspect of underage sex genders, according performing or try- self?” to “How did you get involved in sex trafficking. to the National ing to reclaim their Sexual Violence Re- idea of masculinity. trading?” and “What was your scariest “Much unspoken predatory behavior is source Center, but He hopes his work, experience?” coming to light now through #MeToo and especially so with once concluded, will “Some of them will tell us about the vio- the sexual harassment backlash,” Kennedy men. Reed suspects contribute to larger lence they experienced—guns, knives, beat- said. “I hope the spotlight turns next to the the way boys are dialogues on how ings. Some stories are absolutely horren- guy next door who stops to buy sex from socialized to be men we raise boys to be may play a role in men and how we dous,” Stout said. “But a lot of them have children on his way home. These predators this underreporting. treat survivors of huge dreams. Several want to be in the represent the economic engine driving this In his master’s childhood abuse. military. A huge chunk of them want to be exploitation.” —Vaneh Darakjian thesis, Reed —Nicole Rupersburg

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 23 AARON MAYES

------2018 hen a violent crime is com hen a violent mitted, mo multiple teams of Lawbilize. enforcement ficersrespond andcontain “We may have the common goal of help- of goal common the have may “We According to Ekroos—an internationally internationally Ekroos—an to According We need to draw upon the expertise of to draw need We a nurse practitioner spe Rachell Ekroos, W individual practices that are potentially un potentially are that individual practices or data-supported not are that or ethical trauma-informed.” and fo educator, researcher, recognized interdis lack of nursing ethicist—a rensic contributorciplinary to is a key training harm. Compound that this unintentional with surrounding myths the many many groups in multiple disciplines to re groups many to assist whether to violence, spond properly individuals and communities who experience using of those accused or address violence with But respond typesviolence. of so many in such situations, these could ers involved cross at work inadvertently professionals purposes? nursing and a professor forensic cializing in researches Nursing, of School in UNLV’s multidisciplinaryex violence, to responses barriers communication that amining ways among these in practice and differences con negative unintended have can groups of in incidents those involved for sequences to this information She leverages violence. multi practice, nursing forensic improve disciplinary and the to violence, responses affect and services populations treatment but our violence, who experience ing people said. Ekroos different,” in doing so are roles unknowingly cause “Some professionals thoughharm, even based are their actions have may They intentions. on the best of of what happened and why—and that’s all that’s and why—and happened what of psychologists,- at advocates, victim before and other supporttorneys, professionals join the mix. receive. violence by ed the scene, medical personnel treat victims, treat personnel medical the scene, evidence start collecting and investigators the story together to piece and statements More Fairly More

enforcement, medical, and justice systems. and justice medical, enforcement, Women, Women, receive quality, equitable assistance from the law the law from assistance equitable quality, receive BY Helping Others Fare Fare Others Helping A nursing researcher helps those affected by violent crimes crimes violent by helps those affected researcher A nursing / INNOVATION / INNOVATION Women FOR 24 Wellness Wellness RACHELL EKROOS, nurse practitioner and nursing professor

not be familiar with other, potentially better, sample collection tools and practices.” The kits provided proof, so to speak, that evidence-collection practice varied greatly from location to location—which, in turn, may have positive and negative implications with respect to medical forensic exams as well as outcomes for patients, investigators, forensic professionals, and adjudicators. Because of the kits’ inconsistencies, Ekroos suspected that some patients were receiving more comprehensive or well-informed ex- aminations than others. With the help of nurse practitioner col- league Dr. Lauren Traveller and UNLV grad- uate student Axenya Kachen, Ekroos is perpetrators and victims of violence, and receive more informed services and col- comparing kits as well as exploring how you’ve got a recipe for potentially hasty or laborative responses.” variations across kits may affect medical unfounded conclusions on the part of One of her current research projects, a forensic exams and investigative processes multidisciplinary responders. content analysis of sexual assault kits, re- in sexual assault cases. The researchers plan “Take, for instance, the assumption of sulted from her involvement with a nation- to use this information to work with stake- consent in sexual assault cases because of al work group convened by the National holders toward establishing minimum stan- certain physiological responses of the victim,” Institute of Justice to make multidisciplinary dards for sexual assault kits at state and Ekroos said. “A person’s body can respond best practice recommendations for sexual national levels. to physical stimuli, but that physical response assault kit evidence collection. Ekroos began Ekroos’ research-based advocacy doesn’t does not equate to consent. Another preva- to realize that when workgroup members stop there. After meeting with agencies in lent myth is that if there is no visible injury, referred to sexual assault kits, they weren’t rural and urban communities across the then no assault occurred. However, research necessarily talking about the same thing; the state, she co-founded Nevada HealthRight, informs us otherwise—that injuries are not context of members’ understanding was a nonprofit clinic to provide medical foren- observed in the majority of sexual assault often limited to the kit used in their jurisdic- sics training for clinicians as well as clinical cases. Multidisciplinary education is essen- tion or practice setting. services for populations affected by violence. tial to debunking these myths and develop- Ekroos collected sexual assault kits from Since joining UNLV in March 2017, she’s ing informed responses.” multiple jurisdictions and brought them to started exploring collaboration opportuni- Recognizing the need for multidisciplinary the next in-person meeting. The spectrum ties with criminal justice professor Alexis education grounded in evidence-based re- of kits ranged from 9-by-12-by-3 boxes filled Kennedy, a human trafficking researcher search, Ekroos founded the Center for Fo- with supplies, detailed instructions, and featured on Page 22, and has begun working rensic Nursing Excellence International documentation forms to brown paper bags with Johan Bester, director of bioethics in (CFNEI). Through a cadre of experts, CFNEI that people filled on the fly with items the School of Medicine, to plant the seeds offers multidisciplinary trainings, consulting grabbed off a shelf. of their dream project: a center of ethics at services, and informational resources like In viewing the various kits, the workgroup UNLV. the Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Glos- began to recognize the individual assump- “I’ve been in Nevada since 2012, and I have sary (developed in collaboration with RTI tions they’d been making about what kits been absolutely amazed at how open people International’s Forensic Technology Center looked like, what contents the kits held, and are to collaborations, improving services, of Excellence)—a searchable web-based re- how evidence collection was conducted dif- and receiving education and training,” Ekroos source of over 3,500 terms, synonyms, and ferently depending on the kit used. said. “Change is a process, not an event, and jargon that improves communication across Ekroos was not surprised by the incon- it doesn’t happen in isolation. I was trying disciplines. sistencies in evidence-collection practices. to find a place to house the response to “Another goal of CFNEI is to create a space “I learned that people’s knowledge of a violence as a public health issue, and I was for dialogue on often emotionally charged sexual assault kit may be very localized to welcomed with open arms to bring my work topics and finding a shared understanding what they know in their facility, city, coun- here and contribute to something significant of our different professional roles,” Ekroos ty, or state,” Ekroos said. “If they’ve never that will make a difference.” —Alexandra said, “My hope is that, as a result, patients worked or practiced elsewhere, they may Karosas

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 25 26 / INNOVATION 2018 JOSH HAWKINS research.unlv.edu THEY ORIGINATE BACKGROUNDS, PROFESSIONAL HELPED THOSE AND EVENTHE DISCIPLINES, CONTINENTS TRANSCEND THE ACT OF A MARIMBA ACADEMIC INVOLVED BUILDING FROM. MAKING JOSH HAWKINS PHOTOGRAPHS BY BY TIMOTHY JONES INNOVATION /

27

EDITOR’S NOTE: HERE, UNLV MUSIC FIVE-OCTAVE PROFESSOR MARIMBA—A TIMOTHY JONES PERCUSSION SHARES THE INSTRUMENT THAT EXPERIENCE OF CONSISTS OF A SET WORKING WITH AN OF WOODEN BARS INTERNATIONAL ARRANGED LIKE PIANO COLLEAGUE, THREE KEYS, A SERIES OF DIFFERENT UNLV PIPES BENEATH CALLED DEPARTMENTS, RESONATORS (WHICH SEVERAL STUDENTS, HELP AMPLIFY THE AND A HANDFUL OF SOUND), AND MALLETS BUSINESSES TO THAT PERFORMERS USE BUILD A TO PLAY IT.

28 / INNOVATION 2018 THE MARIMBA IS A LARGE BUT DELICATE INSTRUMENT MADE OF INCREASINGLY RARE HONDURAN ROSEWOOD THAT TAKES MORE THAN FIVE YEARS TO PROPERLY PROCESS.

UNNY WHAT YOU can come up with over a cup of coffee. It was June of 2016 in Adelaide Hills, Australia. I sat across from James Bailey, a retired professor from the University of Adelaide, South Australia. We drank coffee and talked music. That’s when we decided to build a five-octave marimba—the in- strument’s standard range for professional concert performances—at UNLV. Bailey had built 40 marimbas over the course of his career but wanted to make one last instrument—one that would not only help him leave a legacy but, through the building process, would also give the UNLV students he was passing the torch to a rare look at the work that goes into The film students traveled with us to resonators and a custom frame, we found making the instrument and the unique ma- Missouri to interview Franklyn and Robert- ourselves collaborating with suppliers in terials that are required, inspiring a new son, who educated us about the process of Las Vegas. We sourced specialty woods appreciation and respect for the marimba finding the right tree; using local farmers from Peterman Lumber and machinery along the way. to extract, cut, and load the wood; and how from Grizzly Industrial. Our collabora- We started sourcing the high-quality hands-on they had to be with the movement tion with UNLV alumnus Sam Salde and Honduran rosewood we’d need for our of the sawn timber from inland to the ship- his company SRS Fabrication would prove marimba from Rico Franklyn and Laura ping docks. They also explained the neces- integral to the successful cutting and tun- Robertson, licensed exotic wood importers sity of air-drying the raw timber for five ing of the resonators in particular, as he out of Kansas City, in November 2016. We years, then kiln-drying it to low moisture was the only person we could identify in also enlisted some UNLV film students to levels after it reached their facility in the town who understood the sensitive nature make a first-of-its-kind documentary to United States before it could be engineered of and detail required for working with archive the project and create an educa- into a marimba bar. aluminum. tional tool to raise awareness about the By January 2017, with the help of UNLV We unveiled our marimba on May 9, marimba to players, who may not have art professor Dave Rowe, our group was off 2017. After a dedication from Susan Mueller, known the value of their instrument, and to the races cutting, shaping, and tuning director of our School of Music, I and the to the general public, which may not know 60 individual marimba bars. students who built the marimba played it about the instrument’s unique qualities. Due to the detailed nature of building for the large audience that joined us for

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 29 the occasion in the Doc Rando Recital Hall. In the months following, film students Brenna Spector (an Engelstad Scholar, Hix- son-Lied Success Scholar, and recipient of the Devo Fine Arts Scholarship) and Nick Mastroluca sifted through their hours of footage to create the documentary. Their film chronicled the marimba building process and detailed the instrument’s history from its roots in Africa and migration to Central and South America to its eventual status as the national instrument of Guatemala and Mexico. It featured interviews with our stu- dents, Bailey, myself, Franklyn, Robertson, and even top international marimba artists Nebojša Jovan Živković and Javier Nandayapa. The film premiered on February 13, 2018, as part of UNLV’s University Forum Lecture Series after another live perfor- mance by the students on the marimba they’d built. The comments from individual students at the end of the documentary especially highlighted their dedication to and increased curiosity over the rich history of the marimba. Having had the opportunity to work side by side with a master builder and ask questions over the four-month period provided them with a deeper knowledge than most ever have access to, especially as students. It was inspiring to see the level of com- mitment our students had to such a long- term project, and the impact of their work and collaboration shows. In the arts, there is often a tangible “something” created or human interaction that transcends tradi- tional research models and enhances the value of the humanities in society. Here, we had both, and I couldn’t be prouder.

BAILEY WANTED TO BUILD HIS FINAL MARIMBA WITH UNLV TO PRESERVE HIS LEGACY AND PASS THE TORCH ON TO STUDENTS.

30 / INNOVATION 2018 STUDENTS RECEIVED UNPARALLELED FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE IN THE DETAILED PROCESS OF BUILDING THIS UNIQUE INSTRUMENT, WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PERCUSSIONIST JAMES BAILEY FOR FOUR MONTHS.

TO VIEW THE FULL PHOTO ESSAY, HEAD TO UNLV’S EXPOSURE ACCOUNT AT UNLV.EXPOSURE. CO.

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 31 AN EDUCATION RESEARCHER TURNS TO THE DIGITAL REALM OF VIDEO GAMES FOR A WAY TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN THE REAL WORLD. BY KELSEY CLAUS

KEEPS32 / INNOVATION 2018 PLAYING FOR

AN EDUCATION RESEARCHER TURNS TO THE DIGITAL REALM OF VIDEO GAMES FOR A WAY TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN THE REAL WORLD. BY KELSEY CLAUS

KEEPSresearch.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 33 IN A 2016 TED TALK Sue Klebold gave about her son Dylan Klebold, one of the two shooters at Columbine High School, she said, “I’ve learned that no matter how much we want to believe we can, we cannot know or control everything our loved ones think and feel … (and) the stubborn belief that someone we love would never think of hurting themselves or someone else can cause us to miss what’s hidden in plain sight.” Her words underscore the importance of prevention. For Michael McCreery, as- sistant professor of interaction and media sciences in UNLV’s College of Education, that involves children at risk of socioemo- tional and behavioral problems. “If we can identify children that display violent behavior or aggressive tendencies and get them help, we can change the

“IF WE CAN IDENTIFY CHILDREN THAT DISPLAY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR OR AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES AND

course of their entire life,” McCreery said. He believes he’s found a way to do this through means that media pundits often cite as an impetus of violence: video games. Researchers and educators alike have long argued for the educational value of video games. McCreery said that until very recently, little had been done to use video games as a psychological and educational assessment tool, but he and his colleagues at UNLV’s Interaction and Media Sciences Lab have begun to explore the option. “We are examining how individual dif- ferences, such as aggression, influence within-game behavioral choices,” McCreery said. “This shift in focus from game out- comes (winning or losing) to process (with- in-game decisions) has opened the door to a new model of assessment, one that allows us to focus specifically on the behavioral

34 / INNOVATION 20182017 choices made across social experiences.” said. “In doing so, we estimate that when experiencing, making it challenging for even In recent years, video game designers games are purposefully designed with as- trained professionals to identify concerns. have borrowed from the Choose Your Own sessment in mind, they may better assist So even as schools continue to see a Adventure book format to build what are in helping professionals identify children year-over-year decline in fatal and non- known as moral-choice, or forced-choice, in need of socioemotional help that might fatal victimization, many children at risk games. In many video games, consequenc- otherwise fall through the cracks.” for aggressive behaviors still slip through es are the result of an interaction, and Previously, the only means for identifying the cracks—precisely at the time when the implications stretch no further than the children at risk for aggressive behavior have most impact can be made, according to moment. Moral-choice game design, how- been teachers, classroom observations, and Hill Walker, Elizabeth Ramsey, and Frank ever, hinges on the idea that within-game psychological screenings. While these tools Gresham in “Heading Off Disruptive Be- behavioral choices change how the story have been helpful, they are limited. havior.” Their article and other studies have unfolds. The player’s actions not only im- For instance, a variety of factors influence shown that recognizing children who may pact a specific moment of gameplay but teacher referrals, including their biases, require intervention and assisting them is also have future consequences on out- classroom management skills, and general most impactful prior to third grade, at comes in the game that are unknown to stress—all of which impact the accuracy of which age children can better develop the player when the choice is made. their assessments, according to Richard essential social skills, including acting in A player’s responses to those in-game Abidin and Lina Robinson’s study “Stress, a pro-social manner rather than an ag- experiences enables McCreery and his col- Biases, or Professionalism: What Drives gressive one. leagues to look at triggers, or situations Teachers’ Referral Judgments of Students McCreery theorizes that certain types that spark aggressive behavior, as well as With Challenging Behaviors?” in the Journal of video games can help address some of how connected situations may lead to es- of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. the gaps traditional tools can’t bridge.

GET THEM HELP, WE CAN CHANGE THE COURSE OF THEIR ENTIRE LIFE.” —MICHAEL MCCREERY

calating outbursts and violence. Mike Stoolmiller, J. Mark Eddy, and John Equipped with a moral-choice video game To test whether a moral-choice video Reid found that classroom observations model for assessing and identifying children game could mirror a traditional psycho- don’t produce consistently reliable data— at risk for problem aggression, he said, logical assessment, the lab team used an results they shared in the Journal of Con- school-based practitioners could track existing game, The Deed, and coded in- sulting and Clinical Psychology article “De- social behaviors across time in a manner game choices in relation to answers found tecting and Describing Preventive Interven- that is safe and controllable. Patterns of in a traditional assessment. tion Effects in a Universal School-Based behavior revealed through gameplay could The results were promising; data from Randomized Trial Targeting Delinquent help provide a framework for intervention. the trials illustrated that respondents’ in- and Violent Behavior.” They also noted that And because the moral-choice model offers game actions replicated psychological as- existing screening tools may focus only on a new understanding of the catalysts and sessment findings associated with aggres- surface concerns or be too time-consum- connections that arise for children when sion, opening the possibility for mental ing for teachers to complete. presented with challenging social situa- health professionals to add technology- And assessments require some level of tions, a new level of clarity could emerge based assessments like video games to their self-awareness and/or the willingness to that’s difficult to achieve solely through tool belts. tell the truth. In the context of violence and observation and self-report. “Using this method, we’ve been able to aggression, individuals—particularly chil- “Our goal now is to create our own mor- analyze behavior in a social situation as it dren—may not recognize socioemotional al-choice game specifically designed to be unfolds and connect those choices to more issues as problems or may feel compelled a stealth assessment tool in conducting traditional forms of assessment,” McCreery to suppress more volatile feelings they’re psychological assessments,” McCreery said. OPENING PHOTO: TERROA/ISTOCKPHOTO; THIS SPREAD: JOSH HAWKINS THIS SPREAD: JOSH TERROA/ISTOCKPHOTO; OPENING PHOTO:

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36 / INNOVATION CLOSER TO HOME. HOME. TO CLOSER HAWKINS JOSH BY PHOTOGRAPHS AROUND THE WORLD AND AND AROUND THE WORLD / SCHULTZ NICOLE BY DOLLAR BUSINESS DECISIONS DECISIONS DOLLAR BUSINESS NATIVE NATIVE GAMING, INFORMS BILLION- INDUSTRY, HOSPITALITY AND AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, RESEARCH ON THE CITY’S TOP RESEARCH ON THE CITY’S TOP

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R. MARSH STARKS research.unlv.eduresearch.unlv.edu INNOVATION / INNOVATION /37

37 FEW YEARS AGO, THE IDEA OF BRINGING any sports team, let alone an NFL franchise, to a city built on gaming was a long shot. A couple match-fixing scandals had already given many professional leagues cause for concern. Combine that with legalized gambling in Las Vegas and the subsequent possibility for players to prof- it from their own play, and it seemed impossible that a pro sports team would ever make its way to the city. aBut some influential NFL leaders’ opinions shifted in late 2015 when a team of researchers penned a report analyzing the risks and benefits professional sports teams would bring to Las Vegas. It was enough to convince the NFL not just to reconsider, but to go all in. “For years, the NFL rejected Las Vegas even as a host for any games because of gambling, because sports wa- gering was thought to be so problematic,” said Bo Bernhard, executive director of UNLV’s International Gaming Insti- tute (IGI) and lead author of the report. “Las Vegas is often perceived as the problem when, in fact, the city has proven effective at providing solutions.” “We conclude (as do many other analysts) that due to the rigor of Nevada’s regulatory practices, in many ways the state’s approach would actually provide sports leagues with their best opportunity to protect themselves when it comes to the all-important issue of integrity,” the report titled “Professional Sports Teams in Las Vegas: What the Research Says” indicated. “Given current estimates that 80 percent of global sports wagers take place in illegal, unregulated, or underregulated markets, professional sports leagues would benefit from a shift that moves more of these wagers into legal, regulated, and more frequent- ly checked settings.” And so, after Bernhard and his colleagues completed the work, local leaders at Las Vegas Sands led the business charge to make the Oakland Raiders the Las Vegas Raid- ers in 2020. That study is just the latest among Bernhard’s research con- tributions, making him the ideal recipient of UNLV’s 2017 Harry Reid Silver State Research ♠ JAPAN’S TOURISM Gaming Institute (IGI). launching its first economy is about to Since 2012, IGI integrated resorts. In Award—the university’s most undergo a massive faculty have been 2017, IGI gave Japan prestigious research award. It shift—potentially a resource for two extensive reports recognizes faculty who signifi- introducing $10 billion Japanese government providing some of the cantly advance their field, ad- in integrated resorts officials and business most comprehensive dress real-world needs and after the recent leaders, offering information that any lift of the gaming customized research jurisdiction has been concerns, and contribute to VEGAS HELPS prohibition—with help and educational able to utilize prior Nevada’s economic growth and JAPAN LAUNCH from researchers at programs to help to integrated resort development. LEGAL GAMING UNLV’s International guide the nation in implementation.

38 / INNOVATION 2018 Bernhard’s research illustrates how UNLV “So, you’re from Vegas? You should do academic research and government and and the Las Vegas community mutually inform research on the psychology of gambling for industry practices. one another, fostering growth and develop- my class,” Herrnstein said. In the past decade, Bernhard has pro- ment in both. Bernhard found he enjoyed the research. vided those answers through more than 30 “Bo has developed a pioneering, global, He moved back to Las Vegas for his graduate academic publications and 200 interna- and research-driven agenda that enhances studies, earning a Ph.D. in sociology from tional presentations and keynote addresses. the social and economic well-being of Ne- UNLV in 2002. Here, he explored the sociol- He also secured 22 funding sources totaling vada every day,” said Mary Croughan, UNLV’s ogy and psychology of gambling with a focus almost $10 million to support programs that vice president for research and economic on so-called “deviant” behaviors in society. address industry issues. development. Bernhard has spent many years studying Much like his research, Bernhard envisions And, she noted, his work does much more the biological, psychological, and socio- Las Vegas becoming increasingly multidisci- than raise the profile of the city and the logical foundations of problem gambling. plinary in 15 years. Resorts will be more and reputation of the university. “Bo is in con- Working alongside medical school professors more integrated, offering new types of en- stant demand all over the world, lecturing at Harvard, Yale, and UCLA, he has sug- tertainment for tourists. He anticipates that to audiences in more than 30 countries, gested adding sociology to the tool chest in countries like Japan, Greece, and Brazil will working with governments and industry in a way that recognizes the disorder’s broad emerge full force into the global hospitality literally hundreds of instances at crucial foundations. and tourism industry, and he’s positioned IGI moments in these locales’ (and Nevada’s) “The health sciences have now started to to continue leading those conversations. socioeconomic development.” catch up with Bo’s research perspectives, “The future of the hospitality industry at moving away from their prior reliance sole- large is being built at UNLV,” Bernhard said. ly on pharmacological approaches to prob- From Boston and Baseball to lems to now combine sociological and psy- Baccarat and Behavioral Building Bridges, Paving chological perspectives in best-practice Studies Pathways Bernhard’s ties to the city and his connec- treatments,” said Robert Futrell, UNLV so- From the undergraduate through executive tion to gambling began well before his ciology professor and department chair. level, Bernhard’s teaching and research are professorship at UNLV. Bernhard’s great- inextricably intertwined. great-grandfather, Joe “Kid” Jordan, came “The best teaching is grounded in research Expanding UNLV’s Global Reach to Las Vegas in the early 1900s to pursue In addition to his problem gambling re- because research is simply the expansion of his career as a casino dealer—one of the search, Bernhard has spent many years knowledge,” Bernhard said. “If you’re expand- few places he could do so without the informing governments—including those ing knowledge while also teaching that threat of prosecution. of Singapore, Japan, and Brazil—on how to knowledge, you’re going to be an awesome Despite this, Bernhard never considered best bring gaming to these new jurisdictions teacher.” studying gambling or becoming an academ- based on what he’s seen in Las Vegas and Bernhard has chaired several thesis and ic when he headed to Harvard University as beyond. Bernhard’s appointment in 2012 to dissertation committees and has mentored an undergraduate and two-sport athlete IGI executive director enabled him to ex- and funded dozens of undergraduate and (baseball and soccer). Pursuing research was tend his research to explore the impacts of graduate researchers, some of whom now first suggested to him on a ballfield, of all casinos on communities, with the help of work with him as full-time faculty members. places. The announcer broadcast his name the IGI research team. “Bo has filled many roles in my academ- and hometown during the starting lineup, Bernhard has helped create what the ic life, from graduate advisor to colleague and after one particular game, Richard Her- institute’s founders intended IGI to be: an to friend, and he is the very best academic rnstein, a psychology professor who’d been answer center for the global gaming in- with whom I have ever had the fortune to

CARDS: JONATHAN LI/THE NOUN PROJECT JONATHAN CARDS: sitting in the stands, approached Bernhard. dustry that bridges the gap between work,” said Brett Abarbanel, IGI’s director

The first was a how gaming regulation Gambling Addiction education. IGI’s reports Countermeasures Bill, socioeconomic analysis could help Japan Countermeasures on problem gambling Bernhard wrote, “This of the impacts of an eliminate organized Bill, which included and regulation of crime landmark decision integrated resort casino, crime in casino resolutions to increase helped inform legislators not only attests to with a focus on striking management. research on the impact in the months leading Japan’s concern for the a balance between Before approving of problem gambling up to these milestones. well-being of citizens growing the Japanese its Integrated Resorts as well as address it In a letter to and visitors but also tourism market while Implementation through proactive the legislature illustrates the country’s minimizing social costs Bill in July of this governance, regulatory congratulating them commitment to such as addiction. The year, the Japanese enforcement, operator on the passage of the academic research and second report examined legislature passed the accountability, and Gambling Addiction education.”

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / 39 / 39 ♠ 1993 WAS of research. “So much of what I own backyard. Although 2017 was an exciting know and how I share that knowl- its inaugural year, YES secured year for the Las edge is rooted in what I have $120,000 in college scholarships Vegas Strip. learned from Bo.” for 20 students. Hotel-casinos were imploding Bernhard believes that one of “Growing up, I could see the big left and right to the many reasons IGI, UNLV, and buildings on the Strip, obviously, make room for Las Vegas experience success is but I didn’t realize that education bigger, better, because of their readiness to col- was the way to get there,” Bernhard and more lavish resorts. Working laborate. When considering wheth- said. “I’m so happy to teach for a with local er or not to build a bridge and form program like YES, which allows de- government a new partnership, Bernhard said, serving kids to make that connec- officials, one the answer is almost always yes. tion and see their potential.” UNLV gaming Take his recent appointment as professor, Vince Eade, decided Philip G. Satre Chair in Gaming In Diversity There Is that the industry Studies; it’s the first-ever chair Strength needed a shared between UNLV and the Bernhard recalls a particularly im- gaming hub to University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). pactful moment from his under- help provide research-based The International Conference on graduate years when one of his insights for Gambling & Risk Taking—which instructors said, “In all systems, in government, Bernhard inherited in 2013 from the all ways, in diversity there is industry, and late UNR gaming professor, econo- strength.” Bernhard continues to community mist, and personal mentor Bill Ead- carry this mantra with him. leaders. The UNLV ington—continues to build bridges Bernhard believes that IGI is the International between gambling academics and perfect place to pave the way for Gaming Institute gaming industry executives from female leadership opportunities in (IGI) was born around the world and remains the gaming—positions at this time held later that year, in October, largest and oldest gambling confer- primarily by men. It started with hatched from ence of its kind. building a diverse team at IGI itself. the imagination And alongside former Nevada He and IGI Associate Director Kath- of a small team state Sen. Mark Lipparelli, Bernhard erine Jackson have grown the in- of dedicated has co-moderated the Executive stitute from two to 20 employees, collaborators. It has been a Development Program (EDP), a 14 of whom are women. collaborative, partnership program between IGI-funded researchers Toni multidisciplinary UNLV and UNR, every November Repetti and Shekinah Hoffman were center of for the past five years. The gaming- the first to use data from the gam- excellence ever since. Twenty- industry bootcamp is in its 28th ing and hospitality industry to un- five years later, year and has more than 1,400 alum- derstand the wage gap and factors IGI boasts ni from 48 countries. that make it difficult for women to more than 20 “I am so thankful to Bo for up- progress in the industry. Bernhard faculty, staff, holding the standards and rigor that hopes that the implications of their and graduate assistants Unstacking make EDP the special program that findings extend beyond the indus- who focus on it is,” said Tricia Smylie, a 2017 EDP try and create lasting change in the a variety of the Odds graduate. “He and the EDP team world in which his daughters, Ava gaming-related have helped me realize my potential and Audrey, will grow up. areas including esports, and develop as a burgeoning gam- He believes he will see more innovation, FEW WOMEN HOLD ing executive.” women like Repetti and Hoffman regulation, Applying EDP’s model to a di- entering the gaming research fold. diversity, and EXECUTIVE POSITIONS verse group of under-resourced And in July 2020, when the results responsible IN THE HOSPITALITY high schoolers in Las Vegas, Ber- of his team’s pro sports research gambling. The IGI is grateful INDUSTRY. TWO UNLV nhard and IGI special project co- take tangible form in his hometown, to all who have ordinator Shekinah Hoffman re- Bernhard hopes to walk onto the supported it RESEARCHERS EXPLORE cently developed the Young Ex- field of the newly built Raiders Sta- through the THE IMPLICATIONS. ecutive Scholars (YES) program, dium with his daughters and say, years and looks forward to which shows students the oppor- “Your dad played a small role in all BY CAITLYN LOPEZ continuing to tunities that await them in their of this, and now it’s your turn.” serve as a global intellectual capital in the field. 40 / INNOVATION 2018 TONI REPETTI (LEFT) AND SHEKINAH HOFFMAN

Although their current study focuses pri- marily on women in management roles, Repetti and Hoffman also found gender seg- regation across departments. Men dominate areas such as maintenance, information technology, and security; women maintain a stronghold in sales and events, public re- lations, and human resources. “Diversity in general improves produc- tivity, performance, and company culture, among other business measures,” Hoffman said. “We’re hoping this study shows com- panies how they can improve business by increasing gender diversity both verti- cally in leadership and horizontally across departments.” Repetti and Hoffman’s study emerges amid a national discussion regarding sexual ha- rassment in the workplace. While the topics are distinct from one another, Repetti said that gender disparities within management structures might explain, at least in part, why some victims remain silent. “People inherently feel comfortable talk- ing to people who are like them, whether in terms of gender, age, or race,” Repetti said. “When there’s a lack of female leader- ship, women might not feel safe speaking up. The same goes for men in female-dom- inant areas.” More and more hospitality brands are approaching the subject of gender dispar- ity now, with the intent of elevating female representation at the executive levels within their organizations. Jan Jones, a HEN UNLV HOSPITALITY positions in 972 U.S. and Native American senior executive with Caesars Entertain- professor Toni Repetti rose casinos. They found that women repre- ment, believes including women at the top through the ranks to become sented a mere 35 percent of those positions. is a “smart business move.” finance director at a major casino in the Even worse, women reached the top ex- “Opportunities are missed without diver- early 2000s, she faced an unnerving real- ecutive roles at an even lower rate: Only 19 sity of thought and opinion in leadership,” ity: She was often the only woman at the percent of women held owner, president, Jones said. “When women have a seat at the wtable when high-level meetings were held and chief positions. table, our companies are more productive, and big decisions were made. “We now have proof that there are few- innovative, and better places to work.” But with women representing more than er women in higher positions,” Repetti said. Now that Repetti and Hoffman have iden- half the gaming workforce, why weren’t they “We don’t know why just yet, but we’re able tified that gender disparities in hospitality do alongside Repetti in the C-suite? For a num- to start that conversation.” exist, they plan to shift their focus to under- bers gal, that simply didn’t add up. So Repet- “And that conversation has allowed wom- standing why it’s happening. Additional re- ti teamed up with Shekinah Hoffman, special en the chance to reflect,” Hoffman added, search will highlight the effects of glass ceil- project coordinator in UNLV’s International “because some haven’t realized how their ings and identify the root causes of gender Gaming Institute, and decided to search for gender could have influenced their career.” disparity in the hospitality workforce. signs of advancement barriers aspiring fe- While the study, published this summer, “We want to better understand the factors male executives might face within the hos- shows signs of a glass ceiling, the research- that are limiting women, whether it’s a ques- pitality industry. ers indicated that many factors affect a tion of skill set, personal character traits, In December 2016, Repetti and Hoffman woman’s career progression, including their institutional barriers, or perhaps other factors

CHIPS: GEORGIANA IONESCU/THE NOUN PROJECT CHIPS: GEORGIANA IONESCU/THE began evaluating nearly 11,000 management work experience and education level. we haven’t even considered,” Repetti said.

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / 41 / 41 FRAMEWORK A Swarm for Our Safety

UNLV ENGINEERS DEVELOPED A TEAM OF DRONES T0 DETECT RADIOACTIVITY WHERE IT’S UNSAFE OR UNFEASIBLE FOR OTHER TRACKERS TO GO.

TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATION BY SAMANTHA MEREDITH

nside UNLV’s flight test fa- enable those in the field with- ABOUT THE ARTIST cility, unmanned aerial ve- out deep computer knowledge NAME: Samantha Meredith I hicles (UAVs) glide around to swap out a variety of sen- COLLEGES: Honors and each other in what appears to be sors as needed. The UNLV team Fine Arts a dance. But the UAVs are per- went on to develop a “swarm” of MAJOR: Graphic Design Junior forming an important function: drones with radiation detection YEAR: SPECIALTIES: Drawing, remotely detecting radioactive and navigation capabilities to painting, and graphic materials on the ground. track radiation where terres- design In the wake of nuclear acci- trial robot deployment might ARTISTIC PHILOSOPHY: “I’m dents and natural disasters such not be possible. currently working as a designer for a custom as Fukushima and Hurricane The team has tested its swarm T-shirt design company in Harvey, mechanical engineers through a source-seeking experi- Las Vegas and enjoy Alexander Barzilov and Woosoon ment using simulated light, but listening to clients’ ideas to Yim and doctoral student Jame- the real test will be when they create things they can wear. Whether it’s a sketch, son Lee have turned their atten- get a chance to use their UAVs painting, design, or illustra- tion to the role robots can play in a real-world scenario. tion, my work is often in assisting emergency response Although their current re- colorful and aims to make teams with damage inspection, search is focused on radiation people happy.” chemical detection, and search- mapping, the team envisions that CONTACT: To collaborate on a project, contact and-rescue efforts. their UAV technology could easi- Meredith at mereds1@unlv. The UAV project, which was ly make its way into the commer- nevada.edu. supported by $893,698 in fund- cial sector. In addition to disaster ing from Savannah River Nucle- relief operations, UAVs equipped ar Solutions, originally started with the appropriate sensors can with the aim of developing in- be used for routine maintenance terchangeable plug-and-play checks and inspections as well UAV components that would as map creation. —Cheryl Bella TEAMWORK, ROBOT-STYLE By working in cooperative swarms, UAVs can carry out complex missions that a single drone couldn’t easily do on its own. And since battery life and payload weight pose the two biggest challenges for UAVs, working with multiple units is more efficient and ultimately provides more accurate and comprehensive data. Add unmanned FINDING THE FALLOUT ground vehicles to complement the effort, and you’ve got the best A team-developed mapping algorithm uses data from of both worlds, in some cases. the radiation sensor to create visual maps of radiation levels and hone in on the source of a leak or spill. AARON MAYES

42 / INNOVATION 20182017 PLUG-AND-PLAY USB PORTS

USB ports enable UAV users in the field to quickly and easily swap a variety of sensors while the computer is running in a way the operating system automatically recognizes.

RADIATION LANDING GEAR SENSOR While the UAVs can fly With the radiation over regions with sensors Barzilov and considerable debris, Yim have equipped steep downgrades, or their UAVs with, the deep water that would swarm can measure make ground robot gamma radiation and use impossible, they perform high-resolution are equipped with spectroscopy of photon gear for landing once signatures. beyond more ROBOTIC ARM precarious areas. Each UAV is equipped with an automated arm that can pick up samples and bring them back to home base or deploy sensor packages in the field. R. MARSH STARKS

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 43 IN PRINT Art Into Action CAN THE SPOKEN WORD COMMUNITY LEAD US IN IMPROVING SOCIAL JUSTICE EFFORTS? A NEW BOOK BY ACCLAIMED POET JAVON JOHNSON CONSIDERS THE POSSIBILITY.

ou—a raced, gendered, sexually ori- ented, classed human being—are Y reading an article by a differently raced, gendered, sexually oriented, classed human being about the work of yet another differently raced, gendered, sexually ori- ented, classed human being. Imagine a space in which, from the start, instead of denying the complexities of our selves and the biases attached to our identi- ties, we instead acknowledged our realities before we took any other action. A space in which, by acknowledging the whole of our selves, we were able to start difficult but necessary dialogues and find ways we might begin dismantling systems of oppression that have divided us. A space in which we could dream of new possibilities and work toward building better communities together. Javon Johnson has. He imagines that space could be found, at least in part, on the spo- ken word stage he’s graced so many times. But that space doesn’t exist quite yet, he implies in his latest book, Killing Poetry: Blackness and the Making of Slam and Spo- ken Word Communities. Not quite yet.

A LOOK FROM WITHIN “Opening and interpreting lives is very dif- ferent when those lives are opening and closing your book,” Johnson told me, para- phrasing a dilemma inherent to studying Check out some of Javon

Johnson’s performances on the communities to which one belongs that JOSH HAWKINS YouTube channels like Button ethnographer Dwight Conquergood wrote Poetry and All Def Poetry. For his about in his book Performing as a Moral Act: day-to-day observations and Ethical Dimensions of the Ethnography of witticisms, follow him on Twitter Performance. and Instagram at @javonisms.

44 / INNOVATION 2018 But for Johnson, an acclaimed spoken word poet and Johnson performs at book illuminates critical conversations the spoken word assistant professor and director of African American and The Believer Festival, a community has been engaged in since the early 2000s— two-day arts and culture African Diaspora Studies at UNLV, no other reasonable showcase in Las Vegas. conversations that arose out of the challenges the com- or authentic choice existed. Presented by UNLV’s munity faced both from the outside and within. “This objectivity thing is a myth. It’s a ruse. It doesn’t Black Mountain Institute In his hometown, it was black masculinity. exist,” Johnson said. “Ethnography is subjective. And the and its recently “When I was in L.A. doing research, black men were acquired literary best way to deal with that subjectivity is to be honest having a pissing contest, for lack of a better term, and I magazine The Believer, about it, put it on the line. And the best way to do that the festival features wanted to understand, what’s at play there?” Johnson said. is to say who you are, which is to talk about the self.” local, emerging, and “How do we better ourselves? How do we grow from that?” It’s not as big a leap between ethnography and spoken internationally Later, as he turned into an online sensation, he became word poetry as one might think. With roots in oral tradi- renowned artists. more aware of the marginalization of female voices in tion and performance, contemporary spoken word poetry the spoken word community. not only demands that artists speak their work aloud; it “There are no brown or black women going viral on often addresses matters of social justice, which implicitly Button Poetry,” he said, referring to the website for per- demand an acknowledgement of the body or self. formance poetry. “Now, certainly they’re not responsible Killing Poetry traces Johnson’s spoken word career for virility, but I wanted to look at this digital divide of from its origins in Los Angeles through the “slams” (or ‘producers and objects.’ The producers of social media competitions) that took him around the country, into the are by and large white men, so if Button Poetry becomes online world that’s immortalized his work, and finally to this digital archive for slam and spoken word, and black Chicago, where he both performed and completed the women aren’t sticking, what happens to black women studies that in large part became the book. The book is voices in the future?” at times autobiographical, at times journalistic, at times archival, and at times analytic, but it is always ethnographi- THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE IMMEDIATE cal (that is, concerned with the study of communities). More than a decade of his life—including countless VIGILANCE OF SPOKEN WORD THAT HOLDS hours performing and observing others performing in PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. THAT I ABSOLUTELY poetry clubs and workshops, an excess of 100 interviews, LOVE. BUT THERE ARE MOMENTS WHEN WE plenty of reading and writing, and even sweeping floors “ —JAVON JOHNSON and baby-sitting—informed Killing Poetry. GET IT WRONG.” “Ethnography is a process by which you have to go and get to know the people and talk to them,” Johnson said. Finally, as he was heading into the national scene in “I had to hang out and just think about what it means to the early 2010s, the conversation turned to the subject be in this space, to be of this space, and to participate in of sexual assault—now nationalized through the #MeToo it—for not just me, but for the other folks who are in it.” movement. Through critical interrogation, Johnson came to dis- In the book, Johnson recalls a national meeting in 2013 cover that the world of spoken word, which seeks to where two white women accused a white male of as- use the art form to illuminate and fight larger systems saulting them. He recalls how swiftly black men became of oppression, wasn’t entirely exempt from them. villains at the meeting because, while the women wanted “There is something about the immediate vigilance of the accused removed from the community without ques- spoken word that holds people accountable,” Johnson tion, the black men didn’t believe that eliminating any said. “That I absolutely love. But there are moments form of a justice system would be the best answer. when we get it wrong.” “How do we get justice when justice, as we know it, is wrapped in raced and gendered issues that we claim to BEARING WITNESS be pushing against?” Johnson said. “What are we going Like the spotlight that’s so often shone upon him, Johnson’s to do as a community that’s supposed to be based in JOSH HAWKINS JOSH

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 45 ISTOCKPHOTO - - - - 2018 , which she co-wrote co-wrote she which , —chatted with—chatted about the crafting of Berger Legal Persuasion: A Rhetorical Approach to the Science A Rhetorical Approach Legal Persuasion: We argue that the crux of persuasion is making favorable mental connec mental favorable persuasion is making of the crux that argue We ow do lawyers seem to change even the most steadfast opinions in the the in opinions steadfast most the even change to seem lawyers do ow complicated— as simple—and as It’s with speed? and courtroom grace such Family ones, UNLV and building new connections mental old as breaking While the cognitive science of persuasion grew out of lab experiments, rhetori experiments, lab of out While grew persuasion of cognitive the science Terrill Pollman, founding member of the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law’s Law’s of School Boyd S. William UNLV the of member founding Pollman, Terrill BERGER: BERGER: blending per from emerges conclusion ones. That unfavorable tions and breaking suasion science with classical and contemporary rhetoric—which reflects our dif and expertise as authors. interests ferent So, if the history. a long period of over experience theorycal on real-life is based the that indicating as an experiment to an odd conclusion—such you leads science were as if they to act participants primes young and “bingo” “gray” like words use of so audience on an actual argument test your you that will suggest old—rhetoric The Art of Persuasion LEGAL TOP AN EXPERT IN THE NATION’S HOW WRITING PROGRAM EXPLORES SCIENCE AND RHETORICAL COGNITIVE CONVINCE TO TOGETHER WORK THEORY BELIEVE. TO US OF WHAT H Law of and legal writing asserts Professor expert in her Linda Berger Foundation book, new Kathryn M. Stanchi. professor University law with Temple the in 1 No. writing legal program—ranked its as well world-renowned as faculty Report News and World U.S. country by experience. the co-authorship and choices, rhetorical of the impact legal arguments, on legal others from different the book What think makes do you POLLMAN: persuasion? - - - -

“I’m hoping that we begin“I’m we hoping that to understand “I have to admit I’m that also a myself to “I have “But it’s also a collection of actions and and actions of collection a also it’s “But “It is the art. It is the performance. The The performance. is the is the art. It “It Has spoken word made any difference? difference? made any word spoken Has Johnson said he doesn’t have the answers, the answers, have said he doesn’t Johnson The raced, gendered, sexually oriented, oriented, sexually gendered, The raced, Johnson also pauses within his pages within also pauses Johnson his pages 46 / INNOVATION critically withsocial and criminal justice to together and others who come justice, is, but also what think about not just what putting be. And it’s can strategies in place tryto pos- as injustice much as squash to sible with but also deal it effectively more Pietrucha —Raegen when it does happen.” discussions,” he was quick to add. “Thisto quick was he is discussions,” but among poets, not only a conversation also with psychologists, who deal people brave person who first said on the mic, ‘Yo, mic, ‘Yo, the on said first who person brave does an incredibleamount,” he did this,’ said. Johnson Can the change agent we desperately need need desperately we agent Can the change be the art? really light on the problems, and he’s open to dis light and he’s on the problems, the issues col all solve can we cussing how there. from lectively munity—or any of us—any bettermunity—or in the end? us—any of any though shed his book has helped he believes to make ourselves better in the community.” better in the community.” ourselves to make John writing being human asked this classed What com the will make the answer. son for said. “I hope that I’ve begun to unpack I’vesaid. “I hope that begun to unpack begin can enough we that to the problem of honest, fruitful have discussions about how word framework? framework? word and fraught with as complex these spaces Johnson possibilities,” and both problems it would be or have even at times claimed it times claimed at even it be or have would such of the dream leave does that is, where within and exist to exist, a space the spoken A WAY FORWARD A WAY the community isn’t word So if the spoken hoped have many so space democratic safe, And it wasn’t that I didn’t believe; I found a I found believe; I didn’t that And it wasn’t that for that it. around needed I And way terrible me?” of but how is that moment, but truth be told, I didn’t want to investigate to investigate want but truth be told, I didn’t makes I am. That me to where which got that inward, looking not responsibleme too—for as heroes. I view people looking at not for all this time that I didn’t want to hear the the hear to want didn’t I that time this all hearsay, in believe I don’t stories because he’s known for several years that one of his of one that years several for known he’s several assaulted to have alleged is mentors women. told myself he said. “I culture,” part rape of social justice when these kinds of things hit?” these kinds of when social justice because look in the mirror a hard to take IN PRINT TO MAKE THE BEST CASE THEY CAN, LAWYERS NEED TO KNOW A GREAT DEAL ABOUT PERSUASION SCIENCE, RHETORICAL THEORY, AND THE REAL-LIFE “ PRACTICE OF PERSUASION.” —LINDA BERGER

of making mental connections through anal- societal ills. What does criticism like that ogy, metaphor, and storytelling. mean for a book like Legal Persuasion? For example, in United States v. Jones, BERGER: Whenever criticized for excess, a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the rhetoric’s fallback position is always the Court used a familiar schema—old-fash- same: Ethos, or the speaker’s integrity and ioned trespass—when deciding whether credibility, will take care of it. Sooner or installing a GPS monitor on a vehicle vio- later, rhetoric assures you that the speaker’s lated the Fourth Amendment prohibition ethos will matter to whether the speaker is on unreasonable searches and seizures. able to persuade an audience. The Court found that the government had Here, our goal is to help lawyers make physically trespassed onto another’s prop- thoughtful, informed, and deliberate choices erty to install the GPS monitor, even though about the arguments they put forth. To make the defendant’s objection was not to the such choices, they need first to understand installation but to the weeks of constant the extent to which persuasion happens surveillance that followed. This analogy, unconsciously and emotionally—including like other familiar analogies, is effective identifying those instances when uncon- because it taps into the human tendency scious and emotional persuasion is based to be persuaded when things seem to fall on stereotypes and misimpressions rather into place by themselves. A trespass oc- than on empathy and understanding. curred; therefore, there must be a Fourth James Boyd White said that the task of all Amendment violation. lawyers is to make the best case they can out of the materials—the facts and the law— POLLMAN: Your book is part of the Rout- they have at hand. He thought that by sim- ledge Series on Law, Language and Com- ply accomplishing that task, lawyers would munication; that makes it sound like it’s naturally gravitate toward improving their intended for an academic audience. But is practice and the system, making sure their that accurate? Are there practical tips it arguments aligned with facts and advancing can offer practicing lawyers? laws toward greater coherence and fair- BERGER: We tried to make the ness. To make the best case they can, lawyers book accessible to practitioners need to know a great deal about persuasion and students alike. We wanted science, rhetorical theory, and the real-life that audience might set you straight. our practical illustrations and practice of persuasion. Legal Persuasion can On the other hand, if the rhetorical examples to be immediately help them in that task. principle suggests that, for example, helpful to both audiences. At the you should always follow the “no sur- same time, we wanted the book POLLMAN: What was it like working with prises” rule because of the audience’s to be well grounded in rhetori- Professor Stanchi? Any surprises on the preference for the expected, persua- cal theory and cognitive science co-authorship journey together? sion science might tell you that bring- research, and we wanted to pro- BERGER: Kathy and I respect and admire ing up something unexpected can, on vide sources for the kinds of each other’s work, and we expected to learn some occasions, break through to an readers who might want to fur- a lot from each other. So we thought writing uninterested audience. ther explore them. the manuscript together would work, but

TERRILL POLLMAN Students who have read the we were surprised by just how valuable it POLLMAN: Can you give me an ex- (TOP) AND book say that it’s helped them was to write and re-write together. Some ample from the book that illustrates LINDA BERGER recognize methods and strat- of my most entrenched ideas were changed the blend of rhetoric and science? egies they already use in their by hashing things out together, not only in BERGER: Throughout the chapters on in- writing—”Hey, that’s a metaphor,” or “Wait, discussion but also in writing and editing vention, or creation of arguments, we draw here’s the narrative of my legal argument”— our way through the manuscript. on cognitive science—that is, we draw on and then improve upon and refine those The best thing about collaboration is that the research showing that intuitive connec- methods and strategies. you create something that never would have tions are made when someone invokes em- been produced without the collaboration. bedded knowledge frameworks, or schema, POLLMAN: Persuasive rhetoric in general— Neither Kathy nor I could have—or would that are already in the audience member’s and more specifically, political rhetoric—is have—done alone what we did together.

COURTESY OF BRADY WILLETTE OF PICTURES OF BRADY COURTESY mind. We draw on the rhetorical methods being blamed for some of our current —Terrill Pollman and Linda Berger

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 47 IN PRINT

t’s kind of like that sad day you find out Santa Claus isn’t real—except it happens in the classroom. I Say you’ve dreamed of becoming a scientist, and the first day of your col- lege biology class, the professor starts talking about evolution, which conflicts Crossing Over, with your spiritual beliefs. What do you do? You’re faced with a troublesome idea or “threshold concept”—a concept you must accept as true to advance within a discipline, but a concept that, once understood and accepted as truth, can’t be easily unembraced. In fact, if you accept such a concept as truth, you’ll find it difficult to recall what it was like Academically to believe anything to the contrary. So it’s also kind of like when you look back and realize how naïve you were to have ever believed in Santa Claus in the first place. The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) recently shifted from a set of standards for teaching information literacy—those skills that en- able us to think critically with respect to the information we seek, obtain, and Speaking digest—to a framework structured around six threshold concepts: Authority Is Constructed and Contextual, Information Creation as a Process, Information A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND BOOK PROVIDES Has Value, Research as Inquiry, Scholarship as Conversation, and Searching as FACULTY ACROSS ALL DISCIPLINES WITH THE Strategic Exploration. Much like the threshold concepts the new framework TIPS AND TOOLS TO HELP STUDENTS details, the pedagogical shift has created some discomfort for academics. UNDERSTAND—AND MAYBE EVEN But UNLV library faculty Samantha Godbey, Xan Goodman, and Sue Wainscott SURMOUNT—THRESHOLD CONCEPTS. viewed the shift as an opportunity to lead the charge as the new framework was implemented. They recently contributed chapters to and edited Disciplinary

SUSAN WAINSCOTT (LEFT), XAN GOODMAN (CENTER), AND SAMANTHA GODBEY TK

48 / INNOVATION 2018 Applications of Information Literacy Thresh- faculty from different disciplines to do some- old Concepts, which is the first book on the thing quite difficult: to combine the theo- AN IMMORTAL LEGACY subject addressing the framework shift from retical and practical while also reflecting on a multidisciplinary perspective. their experiences as instructors and research- IT’S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO Here, they share their experience working ers. There are other books about threshold have a conversation about on the book and explain the ways it can help concepts out there, but none look at the con- bioethics in medicine without mentioning Henrietta Lacks. librarians and faculty seeking theoretical and cepts within such a wide range of disciplinary The cells that were removed practical ways to implement the ACRL’s new contexts as ours does. from Lacks’ cancerous tumors framework within academia. GOODMAN: Our book takes examples from in 1951 were taken without her the ACRL’s six different frames and applies consent, Rebecca Skloot noted Can you explain in more detail what them across specialties. For example, my in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, but those same cells led to threshold concepts are? chapter focuses on Henrietta Lacks, an medical breakthroughs that have WAINSCOTT: The idea is that when students African-American woman who lived in the saved thousands of lives. are learning a new specialty, Jim Crow Era and had very HeLa cells—dubbed so from they’ll have moments where they limited options for treating combining the first two letters of “Henrietta” and “Lacks”—were have to cross beyond a mental her cervical cancer (see the first that scientists were able threshold because a concept will the sidebar). She ended up to keep alive in a laboratory for change the way students view at Johns Hopkins Hospital, more than a few days. In fact, the world around them. Some but when she had her tu- Lacks’ cells divided indefinitely students will hop right over the mor biopsied, they saved and continue to do so even today, leading researchers to consider threshold, some will stop in a a type of “immortal” cell them practically immortal. state of liminality, and some will called HeLa cells without This endless supply of cells stop entirely and say, “That’s her knowledge, then used to experiment with paved the weird and I’m uncomfortable.” them in medical research. way to the polio vaccine as well as numerous cancer, AIDS, Sometimes, those uncomfort- In this way, her body is still and genomics studies. But for able people will choose not to being used to create infor- decades, the Lacks family had continue on in a field because mation, even today. This no idea their relative’s cells of a threshold concept. But once example can help students were at all responsible for these someone crosses over and in public health better prestigious—and profitable— discoveries. chooses to accept the informa- grasp the threshold con- Skloot and Henrietta’s daughter tion as truth, that person can more easily cept Information Creation as a Process. Deborah Lacks investigated accept further information they are given hospital archives, uncovering about the field, and it transforms their How will this book help academia? the truth about HeLa cells and shining a light on the family’s thinking. GOODMAN: We wanted to create a book secret medical history through GODBEY: These threshold concepts are that would help librarians work with fac- Skloot’s 2010 book. Although central to a discipline but disrupt a student’s ulty members who are in need of examples federal regulations requiring way of thinking because they essentially cre- and practical applications of these new con- patient consent for participation ate a new way of being. cepts. The prior ACRL standards were in- in research didn’t exist in 1951, many believe the way researchers GOODMAN: And a moment of crossing over grained in things like accreditation and treated Lacks was at least in a certain threshold will vary depending on practice of librarianship. Because of the shift, part due to her status as a poor the level that a student is at, just as the the implications of this new theory are far- African-American woman. threshold concept itself will differ depend- reaching. We want this book to help address The revelations inspired some to take corrective action. ing on the level. For instance, a graduate the implications of this new framework. Skloot herself established the student would’ve already accepted and WAINSCOTT: We wanted any professor from Henrietta Lacks Foundation in moved past a threshold concept that a first- any discipline to be able to incorporate sto- 2010 to provide financial support year student is just learning. ries of their own practical application with to individuals and families this framework. This book was compiled in who helped advance medical research without benefitting from What’s unique about your book? such a way that someone like me—a con- those contributions, especially WAINSCOTT: For one, our book is the first servation biologist turned engineering librar- those who did so without their of its kind to take this discipline-centered ian—can pick it up and walk in, say, fine arts knowledge or consent. And, as approach to information literacy threshold shoes while reading the chapter. detailed in a 2013 press release, the National Institutes of Health concepts and provide discipline-specific GODBEY: I know education really well, I consulted with the Lacks family instances and applications of these thresh- know psychology really well, but I do not to create the HeLa Genome old concepts. know things like art history very well. I Data Use Agreement, which now GODBEY: Our book is a foundational docu- gained a lot of insight just by working on requires researchers to apply for ment for librarians in colleges and universities this. A strength of this book is that anyone permission to use the full HeLa genome sequence. Two members who are building on a completely new theo- can learn from it. We’re doing work that will of the Lacks family sit on the retical framework. In writing and editing this help librarians throughout the world improve working group that reviews these

JOSH HAWKINS JOSH book, we asked librarians and disciplinary their practice. —Rachel Glaze applications.—Alexandra Karosas

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 49 IN PRINT

OFF THE SHELF

Postapocalyptic Fantasies in Antebellum American Literature by John Hay, assistant professor of English / College of Liberal Arts / Cambridge University Press, 2017

➻ This book explores how Hawthorne, Thoreau, and other early nineteenth- century American authors imagined life would be after a global catastrophe, revealing that contemplating existence after the end of the world was as popular then as it is today. Paths Toward Peace A NEW BOOK EXPLORES GANDHIAN THOUGHT AND Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, QUAKERISM TO SHOW US HOW BOTH HAVE CONTRIBUTED— and Health by Laura Kruskall AND CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE—TO HUMANITY’S QUEST FOR (co-author), associate WORLD PEACE. professor and program director of nutrition sciences / School of Allied Health Sciences / Human Kinetics, 2017 EDITOR’S NOTE: magine a six-year-old boy sitting Satish Sharma is a professor of on the grass of a park named ➻ Combining nutrition social work at UNLV and the au- I after Prince Singhanook—the de and exercise science with thor of Quakerism, Its Legacy, and facto and hereditary king of Cambo- practical information, Its Relevance for Gandhian Re- dia, who had earlier inaugurated the this book helps readers search. His research interests in- grounds—in Dehra Dun, India, just a distinguish between clude Gandhian welfare thought; few feet away from Mahatma Gandhi scientifically based nutrition the foundations of social work and in 1946. recommendations and welfare; and multicultural, interna- I was that boy, sitting there misinformation in the field tional, and mi- with a dozen other children, hun- and provides insights on nority social dreds of adults standing behind us. how nutrition affects sports, work practice. Gandhi had a brown shawl covering exercise, and overall health. Quakerism, Its his shoulders and wore an almost Legacy, and Its off-white loincloth tied around his Relevance for waist. He spoke to us softly and with Gandhian Re- a smile for about an hour, while I A Natural History of the search explores tried to understand the meaning of Mojave Desert by Lawrence SATISH SHARMA the history of the great Indian leader’s words. Walker, professor of plant Quakerism and Following his 1999 research project ecology; and Fred Landau, Quakers, members of a historically on Gandhian thought and his four- staff research associate for Christian religious group who are book series on Gandhi’s teachers, life sciences / College of PORTRAIT: R. MARSH STARKS; WATER: ISTOCKPHOTO known for their belief in humans’ Satish Sharma extended his research Sciences / University of ability to experience God within efforts to produce his latest book, Arizona Press, 2018 themselves as well as for their be- Quakerism, Its Legacy, and Its Rel-

lief in pacifism. It then compares evance for Gandhian Research, with ➻ A Natural History of the Quakerism to Gandhian thought— the objective of forwarding peace Mojave Desert introduces the principles of peace and free- and pacifist research in their different a beautiful and complex dom as conceived of by the great dimensions. And although Gandhian ecosystem found in our Indian national leader Mohandas thought and Quakerism could be own backyard. Readers are “Mahatma” Gandhi. misconstrued as incompatible, asym- encouraged to explore how —president of the metric belief systems in contempora- the landscape looks, sounds, Shreesh Juyal Canadian Peace Research Associa- neity, Sharma shows us that the two, feels, tastes, and smells tion, dean of Doon International in fact, are similar and contribute to while learning how humans, Institute, and professor emeritus at the same cause: creating global inter- plants, and animals have Regina University—read Sharma’s connectivity and peace. adapted to life in this harsh work and shared his thoughts on Sharma’s book critically and environment. this contribution to the field. comparatively examines Quakerism,

50 / INNOVATION simple premise that women are Show of valuable societal participants. What makes Subversiveness Engstrom’s ap- A BOOK ON NBC’S PARKS AND proach valuable RECREATION SHEDS to readers is that LIGHT ON HOW FEMINIST she explores the IDEOLOGIES AND HUMOR WITHIN overarching pa- THE TV SHOW HELPED triarchal culture CHALLENGE OUR THINKING. that imbues Pawnee while simultane- ously demonstrating the ways in which the show’s characters run counter in some ways to the stereotypes each of EDITOR’S NOTE: Erika Engstrom is a them appears destined to embody. In communications professor at UNLV and the author of Feminism, Gender, and Poli- Chapter 3, for example, Engstrom ana- tics in NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Her lyzes the prototypical male characters, research interests include gender and working through the ways in which each nonverbal communication as well as mass of them serves as an archetype of what media portrayals of gender and wed- it means to be “a man.” However, Eng- dings. Her book explores the ways femi- strom goes beyond the rough sketch of nist ideologies were incorporated and these men and provides a solid analysis portrayed within the popular TV series. of the nuances present in each one, cit- , journalism professor at Vincent Filak ing specific episodes in which the men the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, read play against the archetype and reveal which emphasizes pacifism and so- Engstrom’s work and shared his thoughts cial responsibility, and the philosophy on this contribution to the field. supportive aspects of their personalities of Gandhi, a visionary who success- while dealing with the main character, fully challenged the status quo and Leslie Knope. Engstrom’s explanations the largest colonial empire on the he ability to dissect an entertainment in these cases demonstrate that these planet, considering the legacies both Tproduct and apply a high level of characteristics are not “one-offs” or have left for our contemporary global scholarly insight is rare, as attempts to character reversals intended for a cheap society. The volume is organized into do so often overreach or come up short. laugh but rather larger veins of truth sections that take readers through the foundation of the Gandhian per- This is particularly true in the field of that reveal genuine elements of nuanced spective; the beginnings and legacy media studies, in which a theoretical personalities. Just as Knope is not any of Quakerism; spiritualism, pacifism, paradigm that examines a marginalized one thing, neither are her supporting and peace more generally; Quakers’ group is applied to a mainstream program characters and male foils. contributions to social institutions, or film. In such instances, authors tend Engstrom’s work provides readers reform endeavors, spirituality, family, to become myopic in their analysis or with a complete understanding of the and community; and the intersection focus too heavily on the minutia to make show’s use of humor and blatant sex- of Quakerism and Gandhian thought. their points. ism to shed light on the barriers women It ends by offering suggestions for In the case of Feminism, Gender, and face in society. However, beyond that, further research by Gandhian and Politics in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, she also digs deeper into the show to other pacifist scholars. Without sacrificing the essential author Erika Engstrom manages to avoid unveil a depth of character in each cast elements of each institution’s dis- these traditional pitfalls while providing a member and in the show as a whole. It tinctiveness and unique benefit to compelling portrait of the show, the char- is in these examinations that Engstrom’s our world, Sharma’s book highlights acters, and the show’s themes through book especially shines. the global significance of Gandhian a feminist lens. The book immediately Feminism, Gender, and Politics in NBC’s thought and Quakerism—namely, establishes with clarity and purpose the Parks and Recreation stands as a signifi- the evolution of a progressive inter- definition of feminism the show relies cant contribution to the overall study of national community with an interest upon and the way in which Engstrom both popular culture and the continuum in social justice and peace for all. herself plans to apply the theory to the of feminist discussions related to it. It Through his close, critical analysis inner workings of the show’s fictitious provides both a well-defined theoretical and assessment of these two phi- losophies, Sharma also shows read- Pawnee, Indiana, city government. Eng- foundation for Engstrom’s discussion of ers how these institutions continue strom’s work provides a logical and sen- the show as well as particular examples guiding human society more in the sible analysis of how feminism is “some- of how theory attaches to specific ele- direction of peace and a global thing normal” within the framework of the ments within episodes. The result is a community consciousness. show and how the show relies on humor highly digestible tome that is well worth

BOOK COVER: JOSH HAWKINS JOSH BOOK COVER: —Shreesh Juyal and occasional absurdity to advance the the read. —Vincent Filak

INNOVATION / 51 UNLV RESEARCH REPORT

he Division of Research and Eco- increased again in FY18 by more than $24 2018 Annual nomic Development shares data million over FY17’s numbers, exceeding the T on UNLV’s research activity to help $300 million mark. Report on educate our community about the univer- Out of UNLV’s colleges and schools, the sity’s productivity and growth in this area. health sciences and sciences were nearly UNLV Research Investments in research and economic de- neck and neck in receiving the largest velopment activities help UNLV educate the amounts of funding in FY18 at $10,940,784 Activity next-generation workforce, address real- and $10,860,190, respectively. The Howard DIVISION OF RESEARCH world problems, and deliver life-changing R. Hughes College of Engineering received AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT products and services to others. the highest number of awards (87) in FY18, UNLV’s financial investments in research however, for the second fiscal year in a row. continue to grow. In fiscal year 2018 (FY18), UNLV’s economic development efforts the university generated more than $37 mil- continue to thrive. In FY18, UNLV’s total $302M lion in research expenditures. UNLV’s Na- licensing revenue grew more than 23 per- tional Science Foundation (NSF) reported cent from FY17, reaching an all-time high Total funding R&D expenditures also rose to more than of $361,064, and university innovators were sought $66 million in FY17, and the university ex- issued eight patents. Nondisclosure agree- through JOSH HAWKINS pects its FY18 amount to be even higher ments, material transfer agreements, inter- proposals in when reported by NSF in 2019. institutional agreements, and memoranda FY18 Proposals to obtain external funding in of understanding also increased from 93 in support of research and other activities FY17 to 109 in FY18.

52 / INNOVATION 2018 $37M Amount of research SPONSORED PROGRAM ACTIVITY EXPENDITURES FY14-FY18, IN MILLIONS expenditures in FY18 $70 EXPENDITURES $60 Sponsored Research NSF Reported Programs* R&D FY14 $48,144,405 $31,027,377 $39,448,000 $50 FY15 $49,262,898 $31,641,467 $42,000,000 FY16 $49,202,054 $30,530,900 $62,825,000 $40 FY17 $52,929,528 $34,329,627 $66,285,000 FY18 $24,515,920 $37,608,877 ** $30

* Sponsored programs expenditures include $20 research, instruction/training, and other sponsored activity (e.g., public service, student services, etc.). $10 ** NSF reported R&D expenditure data will be available February 2019. FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18

SPONSORED PROGRAMS* RESEARCH NSF REPORTED R&D

AWARDS FY14-FY18, IN MILLIONS

$70 AWARDS $60 Sponsored Research Programs* FY14 $59,636,152 $41,477,222 $50 FY15 $50,658,340 $32,082,224 $40 FY16 $53,357,694 $34,493,983 FY17 $68,095,941 $44,924,000 $30 FY18 $24,043,301 $39,226,515 $20 * Sponsored programs funding includes awards for research, instruction/training, $10 and other sponsored activity (e.g., public service, student services, etc.). FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18

SPONSORED PROGRAMS* RESEARCH

PROPOSALS FY14-FY18, IN MILLIONS

$350

PROPOSALS $300

FY14 $286,087,223 $250 FY15 $226,756,850 $200 FY16 $232,302,785 FY17 $278,257,596 $150

FY18 $302,458,151 $100

$50

FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION INNOVATION / / 5353 UNLV RESEARCH REPORT

UNLV AWARD DATA FY18

Funding by College/Unit # Awards Total Dollars Federal Agency # Awards Total Dollars Sciences 85 $10,860,190 Education 27 $14,173,012 Student Life 33 $14,341,780 Health & Human Services 22 $10,737,410 Health Sciences 73 $10,940,784 NSF 21 $3,895,311 Engineering 87 $9,506,024 Energy 4 $1,429,887 Education 27 $2,061,945 Agriculture 4 $1,839,921 Urban Affairs 6 $1,792,811 Defense 9 $1,037,871 Liberal Arts 12 $493,874 NASA 7 $695,317 Provost 4 $167,000 NEH 1 $50,000 VPRED 15 $8,383,943 Interior 12 $584,350 Business 4 $160,600 Transportation 5 $1,796,900 Library 6 $1,017,063 Homeland Security 1 $50,000 President’s Office 1 $205,769 Nuclear Regulatory 1 $40,000 144 Fine Arts 8 $160,727 Commission Law School 3 $198,000 IRS 1 $90,000 Total Hotel Administration 0 $0 Museum & Library 1 $64,226 number VPEO 1 $55,000 Services of new VPF 0 $0 agreements School of Medicine 13 $2,924,306 Grand Total 116 $36,484,205 generated in FY18 Grand Total 378 $63,269,816

SPONSORED PROGRAM FUNDING BY SOURCE FY18

FUNDING Federal Sources of Funding # Awards Total Dollars BY SOURCE Pass-through: 23.33% Federal 116 $36,484,205 Federal Pass Through 158 $14,761,873 State 43 $6,627,808 Industry/Foundations 47 $4,914,302 Federal: 57.66% Local 14 $481,628

Grand Total 378 $63,269,816 State: 10.48%

Local: 0.76% Industry/Foundations: 7.77%

DOCTORAL DEGREES CONFERRED AY13/14 - 17/18 DOCTORAL DEGREES CONFERRED, AY13/14 - 17/18

200 Academic Year Number Conferred 2013-14 124 2014-15 147 150 2015-16 166 2016-17 154 100 2017-18 163

50

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

54 / INNOVATION 2018 RESEARCH DISCLOSURES, PATENT ACTIVITY & STARTUPS FY14-18

NUMBER OF RESEARCH DISCLOSURES SUBMITTED VS. PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED, FY14-18 70

Disclosures Issued Patents Submitted Patents Filed Startups 60

FY2014 7 3 1 32 0 50 FY2015 34 1 47 3 40 FY2016 57 5 61 1 FY2017 57 5 58 4 30

FY2018 42 8 38 0 20

10

FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018

DISCLOSURES SUBMITTED PATENTS FILED $361M AGREEMENTS AND LICENSING REVENUE FY14-18 Amount of NUMBER OF AGREEMENTS EXECUTED, FY14-18 licensing revenue generated in FY18 140 Nondisclosure MTAs, IIAs Options & Total Total Agreements & MOUs License Licensing Agreements Revenue 120

FY2014 1 4 10 10 61 $57,986 100

FY2015 33 15 24 72 $126,242 80 FY2016 17 30 28 75 $252,309 60 FY2017 3 6 30 38 131 $292,526 FY2018 4 7 35 35 144 $361,064 40

20

MTA — Material Transfer Agreement IIA — Inter-Institutional Agreement FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 MOU — Memorandum of Understanding

NONDISCLOSURE MTAs, IIAs, OPTIONS AGREEMENTS MOUs, & OTHER & LICENSE AGREEMENTS AGREEMENTS

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD APPROVALS FY14-18 NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD APPROVALS, FY14-18

400 Biomedical Social/ Total Behavioral 350

FY2014 122 200 322 300 FY2015 108 187 295 250 FY2016 151 227 378 FY2017 124 239 363 200 FY2018 212 144 356 150

100

50

FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018

BIOMEDICAL SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL

research.unlv.edu INNOVATION / 55 PERSPECTIVE

FROM TRAGEDY, RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE

After the 1 October shooting, a UNLV psychology researcher found that Las Vegans exhibited increased post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as increased gratitude.

BY STEPHEN BENNING

ON OCT. 1, 2017, THE LIVES OF MORE than 22,000 people and their extended families changed irrevocably, and the Las Vegas community stood shocked and horrified in the wake of the largest mass shooting in modern American history. Like others on campus, my team wanted to help make sense of what felt senseless. We quickly devised a study on the psychological experiences of those who attended community as well as in survivors of the festival. the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival and those in our larger Furthermore, throughout the course of the study, people Las Vegas community to gain a deeper understanding of who were at the festival had higher levels of gratitude than how this tragedy changed us. people in the community. This surprising result indicates Within two weeks after the incident, we launched an that people may grow psychologically even after experi- online survey, collecting stories about the event and encing the most grievous trauma. tracking a variety of psychological symptoms. Nearly 170 Within three months, participants’ negative psychologi- people—roughly 50 who’d attended the festival and 120 cal symptoms were generally reduced, though there was from the Vegas community—participated in this initial STEPHEN BENNING still substantial variability in people’s symptoms. Over- data collection. is an assistant all, PTS and depression levels in the broader Las Vegas professor of We asked people to complete our first wave of data psychology at community returned to normal ranges. However, people collection within a month of the incident. We checked in UNLV studying who’d attended the festival continued to exhibit elevated UNLV VIGIL: JOSH HAWKINS; BENNING: AARON MAYES psychopathy and with them 45 days, three months, and six months after emotional symptoms of PTS and depression. the incident to collect follow-up data and see how their processes. Many wonder what can help people recover in these experiences may have changed over time. types of situations. We found that the positive effects of As could be expected with such a life-threatening ex- support from our participants’ social circles took roughly perience, those who were at the festival had substantially six months to build up enough to buffer against experi- higher levels of post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms than encing PTS and depression. Conversely, criticism from people in the broader community. But we also found that participants’ social circles was associated with higher both groups had higher levels of PTS symptoms and higher levels of PTS and depression, and the negative impacts depression scores than people outside the Las Vegas area. of criticism began registering psychologically within 45 The incident did indeed affect our entire community. days after the event. However, the events of Oct. 1 did not seem to impact Oct. 1 changed our lives and our city, but we can still our participants’ levels of well-being on the whole. In fact, provide each other with the social support that helps all participants’ levels of gratitude were highest immediately of us cope with any tragedy. I hope our team’s work will after the tragedy, indicating a surge of thankfulness in the encourage everyone to do just that.

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UNLV criminal justice professor Tamara Madensen-Herold dissects environments and human behavior for clues on how to keep crowds safe. She partners with police agencies, security groups, and other researchers to mitigate risks associated with crowds and help ensure tourist safety and security.