Social Science I
Emmanuella Osei, eosei2@umbc.edu
University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with Dr. Sameera Nayak
Food Insecurity Among College Students at a Minority Serving Institution
Food insecurity (FI) is the lack of consistent access to healthy and sufficient food. Students at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) often face higher rates of FI compared to those at predominantly white institutions. This study aimed to (1) investigate correlates of food insecurity among students at an MSI and (2) identify student-driven strategies to address the issue. Using an anonymous electronic survey, we assessed demographic characteristics, levels of food security, and knowledge of campus resources. Students were also asked to identify strategies that could effectively combat FI on college campuses. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results (n=410) revealed that approximately 49% of respondents were classified as food insecure, according to the USDA Food Security Scale. International students (OR: 4.139, CI [1.729,9.906]), first-generation students (OR=2.030, CI [1.211, 3.402]), and Pell Grant recipients (OR:4.080, CI [2.074, 8.024]) were significantly more likely to experience food insecurity. Students ranked reducing the price of meal plans, expanding the campus food pantry, and increasing the availability of healthy food options on campus as the best ways to combat food insecurity on a college campus. Future directions include using these findings to advocate for institutional and policy changes, such as expanding access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Nevaeh Ortiz , nao22a@acu.edu
Abilene Christian University, with Dr. Brit'ny Stein
Exploring Generational Barriers and Systematic Challenges in Hispanic Families' Access to Mental Health Care
This study hypothesizes that early exposure to mental health discussions and emotional support within Hispanic households and schools correlates with greater openness to mental health care in adulthood. Hispanic families face unique barriers to accessing mental health services, including cultural stigma, religious beliefs, insurance coverage, language barriers, and immigration-related challenges. These factors often result in delayed treatment and perpetuate cycles of untreated trauma. Using quantitative methods, this study surveys Hispanic young adults ages 18 to 30, recruited through community centers, universities, and online platforms. Participants will reflect on childhood experiences, including household discussions about mental health, perceived emotional safety when expressing feelings, and whether school-based mental health services were available or encouraged. Socioeconomic background will be measured through parental education, household income during childhood. The analysis will examine how early experiences relate to current attitudes and behaviors. Patterns will be explored in terms of emotional safety, school-based support, and parental or cultural encouragement or discouragement of care.
Differences based on gender, socioeconomic status, cultural values, and religion will be analyzed. Findings will identify key childhood predictors of openness or resistance to mental health care and draw conclusions about how trusted adults shape long-term attitudes. Results will offer insight for developing culturally sensitive education, school-based programs, and community initiatives to improve access and reduce stigma.
John J. Ramos, jramos1@trinity.edu
Trinity University, with Dr. Eduardo Cabral Balreira
All The Maps We Do Not See: Spatial Segregation, Communities of Interest, and the Risk of Gerrymandering
Spatial segregation and the spatial distribution of populations is increasingly recognized as a significant factor which enables or constrains gerrymandering in the redistricting process. Understanding these spatial dynamics is essential for informing election-related policymaking. We investigate this phenomenon by creating synthetic cities represented as grid-based models that simulate populations of real cities. We assume cities have a higher population density in their center and decrease as we move away from the center. We then assign minority populations to our cities in clustered Communities of Interest (COI) patterns or along stratified regions that model rural, suburban, and urban areas. We compare measures of spatial segregation with metrics of gerrymandering such as average number of districts in a map ensemble analysis. Our findings indicate that in synthetic cities, the type of clustering patterns has an effect on the number of seats a minority party can win. Specifically, tighter and more centered clustering of the minority population increases the number of seats. This suggests continued investigation on synthetic states that can model real states, such as TX, to gain greater insights into the effects of different types of clustering and distribution of cities within a state.