Objectives
To identify information dissemination needs around food resources available through the university as informed by student representing groups at risk of food insecurity.
Methods
Eight focus groups with 17 leaders of student organizations representing students at high risk of food insecurity (ie, underrepresented minorities, first generation college students, low income, foster youth, and LGBTQA+) were conducted. Students’ experiences and views regarding awareness of available food resources, barriers and facilitators to obtain information on resources, and group-specific needs to improve communication of available resources was gathered. A codebook was developed and used for inductive analysis of interview data. Deductive thematic analysis was done by engaging in extensive commentary and discussion of the code structure.
Results
Awareness of resources available on campus was low, especially regarding guidance on SNAP application. Although students were able to name a few available resources, they often described inaccurate details. Social networks (ie, social media, direct peer-to-peer communication) were prominently identified as relevant means to share on campus food resource information. Students often recommended coordinated marketing strategies (eg, flyers, social media presence) and direct outreach via clubs/organizations as solutions to improve resource communication. Students preferred means to receive information on how to improve food security included online content (eg, videos, mobile apps) and in person events (eg, interactive demonstrations).
Conclusions
Comprehensive dissemination of available resources through relevant channels is key to improving food access, particularly among students at high risk of food insecurity. Promising dissemination strategies include direct outreach in student clubs/organizations combined with well-coordinated marketing campaigns that include a broad social media presence and online content.
Funding Sources
This research is being supported by the Blum Center for Developing Economies, University of California, Merced; and the Global Food Initiative, University of California Office of the President.
Comprehending human biology necessitates an understanding of molecular mechanisms that contribute to human physiology. For example, to determine why drug users relapse after stress, researchers must identify the neurological pathways involved in the addiction, and understand how certain stimuli trigger relapse. When using Cre recombinase and the LoxP DNA sites (from P1 bacteriophages), no limitations exist for knocking genes in or out and any genetic disease can be researched. By using the Cre‐LoxP system, researchers can manipulate gene expression in specific tissues by excising, inverting, inserting, and translocating sections of DNA. Cre, a 38kD protein with 341 amino acids, has 14 alpha helices and five strands of beta sheets. Cre has two domains, the N‐terminus (amino acids 20–129) and the C‐terminus (amino acids 132–341). The active site of Cre contains the residues of Arg173, His289, Arg292, Trp315, and Tyr324 which catalyzes the interactions with LoxP. This interaction facilitates the genome change and affects whether or not certain genes are expressed. The Brown Deer High School SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team has designed a model of Cre Recombinase using 3D printing technology to investigate structure‐function relationships. The Cre‐LoxP system has become a routine lab practice. For example, in animal models the interface of stress triggers and relapse is being researched using CRE‐delivery approaches to express genes in pathways that may be critical to stress and relapse. Using the Cre‐LoxP system in drug addiction studies is only one example of the system’s utility in understanding human physiology and disease mechanisms.
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