November 2013 Awards


BLACKBURN, MOLLIE
Teaching and Learning
Project Title: Teachers and parents advocating for diversity in sexual identity and gender expression in schools: Scholars supporting research-informed action
Project Dates: 05/01/2013 – 04/30/2014
Anticipated Total Award Amount: $5,000
Project Sponsor: American Education Research Association
Project Abstract: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) and non-genderconforming young people continue to suffer daily hostility and limited access to educational attainment and well-being in schools. Research suggests that access to social, curricular, and adult/teacher support and implementation of comprehensive bullying and harassment policies can significantly change this situation and make things better for LGBTQQ students, and all students, in schools. In spite of this information, many adults in schools insist that they cannot, or will not, make these changes on behalf of young people. Through their conjoined efforts, and with the support of a team of educational researchers, this group of teachers and parents seeks to understand how and why some adults—parents, administrators, media specialists/librarians, school board members, counselors, and other teachers—feel able to do this work, and why others do not. Through interviews with these adults, as well as with former students, they seek to understand: What factors are interfering in adults’ willingness to provide support to LGBTQQ youth? Why do some educators intervene while others do not? And, how might teachers and parents learn to advocate more actively for diversity in sexual identity and gender expression in schools? Through systematic inquiry and analysis, the group will address these questions and plan to disseminate what they learn locally, in their Central Ohio communities, through presentations in schools, Parent-Teacher organizations, and teacher education and professional development sessions; and nationally, through the collaborative writing and publication of a book.

NEEF, NANCY
Human Sciences
Project Title: Buckeye Behavioral Analysis Services
Project Dates: 09/01/2013 – 05/31/2014
Anticipated Total Award Amount: $25,000
Project Sponsor: Columbus City School District
Project Abstract: The proposed Buckeye Behavior Analysis Services (BBAS) project, representing a partnership with Ohio State and Columbus City Schools (CCS) will assist school personnel in meeting the needs of referred children with chronic behavioral and academic difficulties. Services will be provided by Ohio State special education faculty and students supported by a GRA position.

PAUL, PETER
Teaching and Learning
Project Title: Program for Preparation of Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Project Dates: 07/01/2013 – 06/30/2014
Anticipated Total Award Amount: $160,000
Project Sponsor: Ohio Department of Education (US Department of Education)
Project Abstract: The project has developed an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Personnel Preparation Program, housed in the Department of Teaching and Learning (College of Education and Human Ecology). The planning of the program occurred during the 2009 – 2010 academic year. The year 2010 – 2011 was the initial year for preparing students. Since 2010, a total of 15 students have graduated and 14 have passed the national licensure test and obtained Ohio Department of Education licensure. Seven additional students will graduate by the end of fall semester 2013.

WIECHEL, JANE
Weinland Park Lab School
Project Title: SPARK
Project Dates: 09/01/2013 – 06/30/2014
Anticipated Total Award Amount: $35,000
Project Sponsor: Homeless Families Foundation

ZIOZENKOVA, OULIANA
Human Sciences
Project Title: Identifying Protein Targets for the Induction of Thermogenesis in Visceral Fat
Project Dates: 11/01/2013 – 10/31/2015
Anticipated Total Award Amount: $192,286
Project Sponsor: Nova Nordisk Pharmaceuticals
Project Abstract: This project will identify mediators of VF thermogenesis using two animal models.