Global ETD Search

1	Building a Comprehensive Understanding of Disturbance Mitigation in Migrating Shorebirds Mengak, Lara Frances 17 January 2019 (has links) Human disturbance is a serious threat facing shorebirds, and reducing disturbance presents a significant conservation challenge. It requires an understanding of the complex factors that influence both shorebird biology and human behavior related to shorebirds and coastal environments. This thesis used information from ecological and social science fields, along with the applied knowledge of conservation practitioners to build a more holistic understanding of human-shorebird interactions, specifically related to human disturbance of migrating shorebirds. Further, this research provides practical solutions for better managing these interactions. To accomplish this, we used the Delphi technique, an iterative group communication process, to bring scientists and managers together to develop a shared definition of "human disturbance to shorebirds" and a list of priority disturbance categories that affect migratory shorebirds. Next, we collated and synthesized literature on human disturbance during migration and drivers of human behavior related to disturbance or potential management actions. Then, through manager interviews, we examined how shorebird management decisions are made during migration and explored how managers balance the needs of shorebirds and public use of their sites. The disturbance definition and priority disturbance categories, literature synthesis, and manager interviews were used to create a best practices guidance document for reducing human disturbance to migratory shorebirds in the Northeastern U.S. Finally, we conducted a survey of beachgoers to evaluate a shorebird conservation outreach campaign and examined the factors that influence pro-shorebird behavior change. This research demonstrates how integrating social and ecological information and expert opinion can inform conservation and management. / M. S. / Recreational use of beaches and other coastal environments may negatively impact beach wildlife, such as shorebirds. Reducing the impacts of these potential human disturbances presents a significant challenge to shorebird conservation. This thesis used information from ecological and social science fields, along with the applied knowledge of conservation practitioners to build a more complete understanding of human-shorebird interactions, specifically related to migrating shorebirds. Further, this research provides practical solutions for better managing these interactions. To accomplish this, we used the Delphi technique, an iterative social science method, to bring scientists and managers together to develop a shared definition of “human disturbance to shorebirds” and a list of significant human activities that may negatively affect migrating shorebirds. Next, we collected and synthesized information on human disturbance during migration and aspects of human behavior related to disturbance or potential management actions. Then, through interviews with land managers, we examined how shorebird management decisions are made during migration and explored how managers balance the needs of shorebirds and public use of their sites. The disturbance definition, literature synthesis, and manager interviews were then used to create a management guidance document for reducing human disturbance to migrating shorebirds in the Northeastern U.S. Finally, we conducted a survey with beachgoers to evaluate a shorebird outreach campaign and examined the factors that influence people to adopt more pro-shorebird behaviors. This research demonstrates how integrating social and ecological information and guidance from experts can contribute to shorebird conservation. conservation behavior environmental outreach human dimensions human disturbance norms shorebird management
2	An internship in environmental education and water quality with Sanitation District No. 1 Olwine, Ashley M. 10 September 2010 (has links) No description available. Education Environmental Science education elementary school environmental education environmental outreach interactive lessons, internship Miami University Northern Kentucky scientific report SD1 sampling Sanitation District No. 1 storm water testing wastewater
3	Communicating science : developing an exhibit with scientists and educators Lemagie, Emily 28 October 2011 (has links) Outreach is a small, but significant component to modern research. Developing an exhibit for public display can be an effective way to communicate science to broad audiences, although it may be a less familiar method to scientists than writing papers or giving presentations. I outline the process of developing an interactive exhibit for outreach, and evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of a computer exhibit designed to communicate estuary currents and scientific modeling using Olympia Oyster restoration in the Yaquina Bay estuary as a theme. I summarize the results of this project in three primary recommendations: 1) exhibit developers should be deliberate in the decision to use a computer and only select this media if it is determined to be the best for communicating exhibit learning outcomes, 2) the design of visualizations to convey research results should be carefully modified from their scientific forms to best meet the exhibit learning outcomes and expectations of the exhibit audience, and 3) scientists should play an integral role in the development of scientific content-based exhibits, but their expertise, and the range of expertise from other members of the exhibit development team, should be strategically utilized. / Graduation date: 2012 Exhibit Exhibit Development Exhibit Design Education Marine Education Marine Interpretation Science Interpretation Informal Science Environmental Interpretation Environmental Outreach Science Education Communicating Science Estuary Interpretation Communication Outreach Science Outreach Free-Choice Learning Informal Education Informal Science Estuary Education Museum Exhibit Interactive Kiosk Computer Exhibit Computer Interface Interactive Touchscreen Kiosk Marine Science Exhibit Computer Display Interactive Exhibit Interactive Visualization Current Simulation Scientific Model Numerical Model Estuary Science Visitor Center Marine Science Center Visitor Behavior Museum Hatfield Marine Science Center Science Center Emily Lemagie Oregon Sea Grant Education Kiosk Educational Kiosk Computer Kiosk Science Communication Touchscreen Interface Backwards Design Tidulator Museum exhibits -- Oregon -- Newport Hatfield Marine Science Center

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