Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The IANR was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1973 through the enactment of LB149.
The annual Strategic Discussions for Nebraska publication communicates research-based science so it can be understood by the general public.
A Strategic Discussions for Nebraska publication has been produced annually since 2008, each focusing on a different overall topic.
This year’s publication has been produced by a team of university students in the spring semester of 2018 during the capstone course for their major in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. The course provides a learning experience similar to those they may encounter in the workplace, emphasizing the accurate, clear and objective communication of science-based information.
During the course, students learn about scientific research being conducted at the university and the diverse funding sources required to support that research. The students interview scientists from many disciplines and write stories based on those interviews.
The stories in this publication were reviewed by the sources and approved for publication.
Media specialists from IANR Media provided videography. University Communication provided photography, graphic design and website expertise. IANR provided funding, business and liaison services for the production of this publication.
As coordinator and editor of this publication, I express sincere appreciation for the original vision and financial support of the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation, which founded Strategic Discussions for Nebraska in 2007.
Mary Garbacz
SDN Editor and Coordinator
2018 STORIES
Science Literacy and the Next Generation
Michael Boehm looks at the university's role in the world's grand challenges
What is Science Literacy and Why is it Important?
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources focus on science literacy opens the doors to the university
Nebraska Extension Goes Global
China partnership focusing on sustainable, productive farming
Solving Challenges One Partnership at a Time
International programs focus on education, leadership
Agricultural Research Division scientists work to solve the world's challenges
Questioning the Culture of Planting an Invasive Tree
Loss of grassland is at stake in Nebraska Sandhills
'There is no Place like Nebraska'
The Ripple Effect of Generative Leadership
How the transfer of leadership and wealth will affect Nebraska
Changing Childhood Eating Behaviors
Education, technology combine to help parents and kids
Nebraska Extension working to create makerspaces across the state
Streaming Science Creates Interest in Stem Career
New online program brings education opportunities to schools
Improving Water Quality and Quantity for Everyone
Messer works on issue that cut across engineering, ecology, income levels
Writing, Talking to the Public about Science
Schrage shares tips, scientific understanding
Inviting the World to Farm Through a Video Game
Game for middle school and high school students promotes learning about ag decisions and processes
Encouraging Everyone to Join STEM Career Fields
Cultivate ACCESS focuses on women, underrepresented minorities in high school
Merging State and University for Nebraska's Ag Students
Kreifels' mission to improve and expand agricultural education programs
Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World
Knowledge, competency and contexts for today's students
Developing Learners While Building Leaders
Combining biology, education and cognitive psychology helps students connect knowledge 'chunks'
For Sydney Everhart, they go together
Improving Communities, Improving the World Basche teaches students to communicate their science
Ag, Natural Resources Career Focus on Science
College's Obermeyer helps students prepare, stays current on jobs, internships