Strategic Discussions for Nebraska (SDN) is an annual publication covering research conducted at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The Nebraska Legislature created IANR in 1973 through the enactment of LB149.
SDN shares the IANR story by translating research-based science to be understood by the general audience. SDN has been produced annually since 2008, with each edition focusing on a different overall topic.
This 2021 edition of SDN focuses on the overarching topic of Healthy Humans. Specifically, stories highlight current work in the Nebraska Food for Health Center, a multidisciplinary group within the University of Nebraska system focusing to improve human health by linking agriculture and food production to wellness and disease prevention. Primarily, researchers involved with the Nebraska Food for Health Center study microbes living in the human gut.
Stories in SDN 2021 also highlight projects on water quality and health in babies, establishing healthy eating habits for children, research to improve rice, corn, and sorghum crops in an effort to keep the world healthy, and initiatives in research and Nebraska Extension to increase healthcare access within Nebraska communities as well as create more inclusive community environments.
As their senior capstone experience, students in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication (AESC) in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC) create content for SDN.
Dr. Taylor Ruth, faculty member in AESC, taught the senior capstone course in Spring 2021. A sincere, special thanks is expressed to Dr. Ruth for taking on this project!
Each year, University Communication provides graphic design and IANR Media offers website design expertise. IANR provides funding, business and liaison services for the production of this publication.
A sincere appreciation is expressed for the original vision and financial support of the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation, which founded SDN in 2007.
DR. LAURA E. YOUNG, SDN Director and Editor
laura.young@unl.edu I sdn@unl.edu | 402.472.2807
2021 STORIES
Fighting for Healthy Humans in a Growing World
IANR Intentionally Focuses on a Healthier Tomorrow
Mighty Mice: The Nebraska Gnotobiotic Mouse Program
Germ-Free Mice Help Understand the Human Gut
Gut-Check: Keeping Nebraska “Gut Healthy”
A Healthy Gut Foundation Impacts Entire Body System
Harvesting, Processing, and Cooking Foods to Increase Health Benefits
A Lifetime of Health Starts in Childhood
Promoting Healthy Eating in Children
The Birth Outcomes and Water (BOW) Study
Understanding Water Quality Impacts on Health in Women and Children
Rice Blast Threatens Food Security
Lost Rice Crop Impacts the World
Healthy Crops Thriving in Difficult Environments
Producing Corn and Sorghum with with Less Water, Fertilizer, and Land
Local Health Heroes: Community Health Workers in Nebraska
People Bringing Healthcare to Underprivileged Areas
Rural Fellows Program Brings Inclusion Effort to Rural Nebraska
Healthy Communities include Diverse Ideas
Nebraska Extension Nutrition and Health Programs
Directed Programming to Provide Access to Healthcare
