Research

Shaping the future of K-12 economic education: 91��Ƭ�� State University professor presents at national conference

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:08:33 +0000

Shaping the future of K-12 economic education: 91��Ƭ�� State University professor presents at national conference

Desiree Kolb Fri, 03/06/2026 - 11:08

ABERDEEN, SD – Dr. Christian Pirlet, assistant professor of educational technology at 91��Ƭ�� State University, presented at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual conference in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5.

Pirlet’s presentation, “Building Economic Citizens: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making for Stronger Democracy,” focused on using reality television to teach economic decision making. Session participants received examples of how classroom teachers can use reality television to demonstrate the decision making and critical thinking as an intersection for civic and economic education. Participants viewed clips and discussed economic and civic aspects presented on. Participants left with hands on examples, lesson plans, and resources for using reality television to teach economic decision making.

The show used in the session was “The Colony” (2009), a 10-week-long controlled experiment that placed ten volunteers with diverse skill sets in a simulated post-apocalyptic environment (an abandoned downtown Los Angeles warehouse) following a catastrophic epidemic. The “colonists” focus on securing the basic necessities, purifying water, establishing power, fortifying their shelter against “marauders,” and trading with other “survivors.”

While also at the conference, Pirlet served as a representative of the International Assembly of the NCSS to the NCSS House of Delegates. A decision-making assembly of the NCSS.

“I am so proud to represent 91��Ƭ�� State University and South Dakota social studies on the national and international level. It is amazing how much of an impact our university's community can have on those around us.”

For more information, contact Dr. Christian Pirlet at 605-626-7687 or christian.pirlet@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� State University Joins SD INBRE Research Consortium

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:26:04 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Joins SD INBRE Research Consortium

Desiree Kolb Thu, 10/30/2025 - 10:26

ABERDEEN, SD– 91��Ƭ�� State University has joined the South Dakota IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (SD INBRE), a statewide research consortium funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

New this academic year (2025–26), 91��Ƭ�� is serving as a partner institution in the program, which supports undergraduate research and strengthens biomedical and behavioral science education across South Dakota.

As part of this partnership, three 91��Ƭ�� students are conducting funded research projects alongside two faculty mentors:

Owen Douglas, working with Dr. Samantha St. Clair, assistant professor of biology
Mary Fites, working with Dr. Samantha St. Clair, assistant professor of biology
Chloe Voss, working with Dr. Chelsee Shortt, chair and assistant professor of exercise science and physical education

In addition, Dr. Jessica Talmage, assistant professor of human performance and exercise science, received a separate $10,000 SD INBRE grant to support equipment purchases for her research and 91��Ƭ��’s laboratory facilities.

“We are very excited about 91��Ƭ�� joining SD INBRE! This will allow NSU to invest even more in our strategic priority of providing experiential learning opportunities for our students,” said Mike Wanous, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Joining SD INBRE allows 91��Ƭ�� to further invest in its strategic priority of providing experiential learning opportunities for students through faculty-mentored research.

For more information about SD INBRE, visit: https://www.sdbrin.org/.

91��Ƭ�� Faculty and Student Have Study on Animal-Assisted Services Accepted for Publication

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:30:24 +0000

91��Ƭ�� Faculty and Student Have Study on Animal-Assisted Services Accepted for Publication

Desiree Kolb Fri, 07/25/2025 - 11:30

ABERDEEN, SD – A 91��Ƭ�� State University research team has had a study accepted for publication exploring how animals can help students adjust to the challenges of college life.

The study, titled “Adapting to Change: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understand How Colleges and Universities are Utilizing Animals to Help Students Transition into Higher Education,” was co-authored by Dr. Christopher Puglisi (former NSU faculty member), NSU faculty members Dr. Shalini Mathew, Dr. Nicole D. Schutter and Dr. Monte Meyerink, and NSU student Abiah George. Their work will appear in People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice.

Over the course of 18 months, the team gathered and analyzed data from multiple college and university campuses. Their findings concluded that incorporating Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) into postsecondary transition programs helps colleges and universities foster supportive environments, reduce test anxiety, and enhance the overall learning experience. Interacting with animals offers therapeutic benefits, helping students better manage stress and anxiety during the often-difficult transition to college life.

“Having virtual meetings with schools that embrace animal-assisted intervention was eye opening,” said George. “It was really interesting to see the important role they play in student wellness on campuses.”

Dr. Mathew emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “Our project was a wonderful journey of teamwork and learning together,” she said. “Working side by side with colleagues from different fields and an undergraduate student, we shared ideas, learned from each other, and supported one another throughout every step. It was inspiring to see how our unique perspectives and experiences came together to create something meaningful. The process was full of lively conversations, new ideas, and plenty of laughter. We’re proud of what we accomplished as a team and especially grateful for the mentorship and friendship that grew along the way.”

Dr. Schutter noted the power of interdisciplinary research. “This study reflects the power of collaboration across disciplines and the incredible potential we unlock when we engage in such projects,” she said. “By exploring animal-assisted interventions and supports, we are not only advancing research in our specific disciplines, but also finding innovative ways to support the well-being and success of our students.”

The team hopes their research will encourage others in higher education to explore animal-assisted approaches that improve student outcomes and promote collaboration across fields.

NSU McNair Scholar Accepted for Cancer Research Position for Summer 2025

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:40:13 +0000

NSU McNair Scholar Accepted for Cancer Research Position for Summer 2025

Desiree Kolb Mon, 03/24/2025 - 09:40

ABERDEEN, SD – Christian Wells, a sophomore McNair Scholar at 91��Ƭ�� State University, has been accepted as a summer intern at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He secured a position in the prestigious Pre-MSTP Cancer Research, Education, and Training Experience (CREATE) Program at the university’s Twin Cities campus.

Through this program, Wells will have the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr. David Potter, M.D., Ph.D., an MIT-trained expert and a member of the Breast Cancer Program at the Masonic Cancer Center. The center, a renowned research institute at the University of Minnesota, has more than 600 researchers and was designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1998 by the National Cancer Institute.

As part of the program, Wells, a biochemistry major at 91��Ƭ�� State, has been awarded a scholarship plus comprehensive support for on-campus housing, meals, and transportation costs. This opportunity is provided through the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (LSSURP), which consists of a 10-week research appointment in the summer of 2025.

Wells will spend the summer conducting hands-on cancer biology research under Potter’s mentorship. He’ll also attend a cancer education workshop designed to deepen his understanding of the field and build valuable professional skills. Along the way, he’ll collaborate with other undergraduate researchers, take part in seminars, and gain experience that will help shape his future in science.

Dr. George Nora, Wells’ McNair faculty mentor at 91��Ƭ�� State, has played a key role in supporting his research pursuits. Wells applied for the internship with guidance from Dr. Chiara Wang, 91��Ƭ��’s McNair Scholar Program director.

“The thing I am most excited about is to be able to take this opportunity to have a profound impact on people’s lives,” Wells said.

91��Ƭ�� State University Professor Co-Authors Research on Group Decisions

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:03:53 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Professor Co-Authors Research on Group Decisions Desiree Kolb Mon, 12/02/2024 - 15:03

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Dan Shannahan, assistant professor of management at 91��Ƭ�� State University, has co-authored an article in the December issue of Small Group Research. The article, titled "When Power and Expertise Collide, How Do Groups Decide?", examines how teams handle decision-making when authority and expertise conflict.

The article looks at how teams make decisions when authority and expertise are at odds. Drawing on four separate studies, the research highlights the ways groups handle these conflicts and what it means for collaboration and leadership.

Dr. Shannahan joined 91��Ƭ�� State University in 2019. He teaches courses on management and entrepreneurship and is committed to helping students succeed by connecting classroom concepts to real-world challenges.

To read the article, click here!

91��Ƭ�� Honor student places first at Nationals

Katherine Haas — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000

91��Ƭ�� Honor student places first at Nationals

Katherine Haas Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:00

Caption: Jaeden Shaving, middle, presents his Honors research poster to Dr. David Grettler, far right, at 91��Ƭ�� State University. Honors students presented their research to the university community before heading to Chicago.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – A 91��Ƭ�� State University student has placed highly at the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference for the third year in a row. Jaeden Shaving brought home a first-place win in the diversity poster category for his research titled “The Sacred Rites: The Meaning Behind Lakota Spiritual Ceremonies.”

Colleges across the United States as well as institutions from six other countries participate in Nationals. Admission to the conference is very competitive, with only 60% of submissions being accepted. For eight of the last ten years, 91��Ƭ�� has had a 100% acceptance rate.

“Nationals is an amazing opportunity for students to present their undergraduate research on a big stage,” said Kristi Bockorny, director of the Honors program and associate professor of management. “Students see their hard work and dedication pay off. They share what they’ve learned and why they are passionate about a topic with their peers.”

Shaving said he had a great time networking and discussing his research in Chicago.

“One of my judges had worked a lot with Native American literature from the 1960s and 70s–the same era that the American Indian Movement was going on–and we were able to have a very fun discussion about that,” Shaving said. “She asked me some questions about my connection to my research topic and personal life that in trying to answer, gave me a better understanding of why my research mattered to me. Another judge was a historian who had worked with oral societies, and he gave me some helpful advice on unique things about my research to focus on as I continued, that I hadn't even realized were as potentially interesting as he suggested.”

Honors students who have completed Honors 390 can apply to Nationals. Shaving encourages anyone with the opportunity to apply to do so.

“Even if you're accepted, you don't have to go. That was my mindset; I just wanted to make sure I didn't close the door on that opportunity,” Shaving said. “You don't have to have it all figured out before going either. I haven't changed topics, but I've altered my focus since applying for Nationals last semester.”

Shaving’s inspiration for his research came from his capstone history class with Dr. David Grettler, 91��Ƭ�� professor of history.

“I started researching the American Indian Movement. As I learned more about AIM, I realized how (at least in my opinion) influenced by traditional Lakota spiritual beliefs they were. I'd been doing a lot of reading about that topic ever since, so when I started working on my Honors thesis last year, it was already on my mind and I knew it would be something I'd have fun researching,” Shaving said.

This year, 11 91��Ƭ�� students were accepted into Nationals, and nine were able to go. Since the conference moves around the country, it’s an opportunity for students to go somewhere different, somewhere they might not have been before, Bockorny said. The conference provides an in-depth look at the host city through a program called City as Text.

“Even if you're unsure of where you're going with your research, at least you'll get a free trip to a cool city out of it,” Shaving said.

This year, students had a chance to tour Chicago. The students broke into small groups to explore different parts of the city and then regrouped to share their experiences.

“It’s always fun seeing what students notice about the city,” Bockorny said. “There’s also some form of appreciation of home that comes from traveling.

Although Shaving plans to take his research further, it might not be in a professional setting. Shaving, who is set to graduate May 2024 with a major in history and a minor in Native and Indigenous Studies, is still deciding whether he wants to get his master’s to teach history at the high school level or collegiate level.

National’s attendees and their research titles

John Jacklin – A Comparison of Newspaper Sports Sections Between Western and Eastern European Countries
BriAnna Linn – Are the Returns on Post-Secondary Education Becoming Obsolete in the Workforce: Evidence from the Midwest
Peyton Melius – Education vs. Implementation – Inclusion of Students with Special Education Needs in Physical Education
Jeremy Pasara – To Trick an Auditor
Randi Schuster – The Mismanagement of Autism in the General Education Classroom
Jaeden Shaving – The Sacred Rites: The Meaning Behind Lakota Spiritual Ceremonies
Trent Shuey – The Julio-Claudian Emperors: An Analysis of Who They Patronized
Darius Swanson – Promises Made, Promises Forgotten: Dangers that Demagoguery Presented with the Advancements of Modern Politics and the Media
Sierra Sweeney – The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Stress and Injury Risk in Triple Jump Athletes

Successful partnership means new 91��Ƭ�� beer brewing on the horizon

Katherine Haas — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:20:40 +0000

Successful partnership means new 91��Ƭ�� beer brewing on the horizon

Katherine Haas Thu, 11/09/2023 - 16:20

Caption: Dave Welling, left, and Jess Splichal stand in the brewing room of One Legged Pheasant.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Home games are about to get a bit tastier, with matching maroon and gold brews to choose from, thanks to the partnership with One Legged Pheasant.

Alpha Lager, which was released last year, has been a hit. The lager was specifically crafted to be a light, easy-to-drink beer and it has been selling out, even with increased orders. On average, 10 cases are ordered for home games. Each case has 24 16-oz cans. For Homecoming, 16 cases were ordered, said Welling.

“It’s a very drinkable beer,” Welling said. “I didn’t want it to be a boring lager, so I added a few more flavors to give it more character.”

One of the additions is caramel crystals, which give the beer a sweet taste without overpowering the grain flavor.

With the success of Alpha Lager, Dave decided to play around with the idea of an ale, and it was approved. The new ale will be called Waldo Red, in honor of 91��Ƭ��’s previous mascot. It is an Irish red style lager and will have more character, more nuances, Welling said.

“It will be sweeter, maltier up front. And, if everything goes well, it will finish off super clean, almost like tea,” he said.

Waldo Red will be similar to One Legged Pheasant’s Ring Neck Red. But Welling plans to tweak the recipe to make sure it’s unique for 91��Ƭ��. He plans to have it ready for the fall 2025 home games.

“We’re excited for this partnership with One Legged Pheasant and 91��Ƭ�� to continue to blossom and grow,” said Zach Flakus, 91��Ƭ�� State University Foundation President and CEO. “The 91��Ƭ�� Foundation has extremely strong relationships in Aberdeen and the surrounding region.”

The partnership started as an idea between 91��Ƭ��’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Alyssa Kiesow and Dave Welling, co-owner of One Legged Pheasant, to create a 91��Ƭ��-specific brew. It was decided that 15% of Alpha Lager sales would go to College of Arts and Sciences scholarships. The partnership also created an internship opportunity for biotechnology and microbiology students.

“This partnership strengthens our relationships with the community even further – as students provide services while gaining real world experience,” said Flakus.

From start to finish, Alpha Lager is a local beer. The interns are hands-on during the whole process. Welling brews Alpha Lager in batches – four barrels at a time – which results in 124 gallons of beer.

“From grain to glass, it takes about 90 days,” Dave said. “Because it’s a lager, it ferments cold.”

All the labels and canning are all done at One Legged Pheasant. Currently, Welling is canning by hand. It takes him about 40 seconds to fill and seam a can. The canning alone can take a couple days when there is a big order to fill, Welling said. He hopes to buy an automatic canner in the future.

Working at the brewery has far reaching applications, even if the students don’t plan to make their own beer.

“Understanding fermentation is a big deal in the food industry and the energy business. This gives students hands-on knowledge of the science, its applications, and procedures,” said Dr. Jon Mitchell, professor of biochemistry and director of NSU’s biotechnology program.

Internships are invaluable. It shows the student has hands-on, real-world experience in their field. In addition, it allows students to branch out beyond classroom applications.

“Internships are so valuable downstream, whether students are going to medical school, or graduate school, or if they want to get a job,” Mitchell said. “Employers want to see that you have experience. Internships and field experiences are something that students can put on their CV, making them stand out and setting 91��Ƭ�� apart from many other institutions. All a student has to do is say they are interested and it happens.”

So far, two students have interned at One Legged Pheasant. New alum Kennedy Davis was the first intern. Davis was a biochemistry and German major and is pursuing her doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This year, Jess Splichal is helping at the brewery. Splichal will graduate in December 2024 with a bachelor's degree in biology, an associate degree in biotechnology plus an Allied Health Certificate. Her plan is to become a physician assistant.

“Fermentation is an incredibly versatile and indispensable tool in biotechnology,” said Splichal. “When many people think of fermentation, typically, they first think of alcohol products such as beer and wine. Yet, fermentation is utilized in producing many other essential products, such as ethanol, biochemicals, and even certain pharmaceuticals like insulin, which inspired me to learn the craft of brewing!”

The interns help with producing all the brewery’s drinks, not just Alpha Lager. Splichal has even helped with new brews that have yet to be named, including a milk stout and a mead. In the process, she’s learned about every aspect of the brewing process, including how to keep a sterile environment, which ties into her medical career.

“There is also a lot of cleaning involved, as contamination is never a good thing. Keeping a sterile environment is very important in brewing,” said Splichal.

Welling sees the internship as an opportunity to teach students a practical application of their classroom education. That includes hands-on in the lab. Welling has the interns conduct cultural studies of the yeast used to make the lagers and sometimes bacteria. Although he has a microscope that he uses, Welling encourages the students to take the sample back to their labs, so they can experiment with it.

“We brought yeast that Welling was interested in back to the lab last year and started genetically engineering it. Now, we have a new strain of yeast which seems to ferment a little differently…exciting stuff!” Mitchell said.

For Splichal, making the mash is her favorite part. It’s one of the most involved processes.
“It’s fun to stir the milled grain as it gets ground, and it makes a lovely, sweet aroma,” Splichal said. “I have mainly been able to help with the early stages of brewing, such as using beer salts to pH balance the water, the type of grains and supplements that are used to flavor the beer, milling the grain, stirring the mash, and even how to take care of a stuck sparge which is what happens when grain becomes too compact at the bottom of the mash and causes difficulties.”

Although students don’t have to be 21 years old to intern at the brewery, they do need to be over the legal age if they want to try it.

Alpha Lager is available at 91��Ƭ�� home games, One Legged Pheasant and several Aberdeen stores, including Kessler’s and Walmart. Kegs are available from One Legged Pheasant.

“Beer is fun. It’s a cross between science and art,” Welling said. “And the students get a lot of real-world experience out of it.”

Must be 21 years of age or older to legally consume alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly.

5 finalists - 5 minutes - 1 night of big ideas

Katherine Haas — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:03:01 +0000

5 finalists - 5 minutes - 1 night of big ideas

Katherine Haas Thu, 11/09/2023 - 09:03

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Five finalists will have five minutes to sell their ideas, shark tank style, at 91��Ƭ��’s annual Idea Pitch competition on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in Lincoln Gallery. The audience will weigh in on who walks away with cash prizes. The event is free and open to the public to attend. This year’s finalists include students from the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Fine Arts and School of Business.

The finalist and their ideas are:
•    Alexandria Arndt, Criminal Justice: 9LIVES
•    Diana Li, International Business, Marketing, Public Relations: YUTH
•    Daria Poor, Studio Art: The Maker Space
•    Natalia Szybinska, Communications Studies, and Nkemdilim Chibuko, Communications Studies and Psychology: Wolf Ride
•    Sam Tremelling, Business Admin: Global Athlete Network

The Idea Pitch Competition started nearly a decade ago in an effort to increase entrepreneurial thinking across campus and to encourage students to be entrepreneurial in their approach to solving problems, whether that’s for social good or profit.

“We have creative, out of the box thinkers. This is an opportunity for all students to get engaged with entrepreneurship, which is not just for business students. Entrepreneurial thinking is important for everyone,” said Hannah Walters, associate professor of marketing.

The competition has seen positive results both on and off campus. It encourages students to look at the pain points in their fields and bring their solutions forward. Students begin to recognize that their ideas can have a positive effect on their world. Those students then transfer their skills into the community and become change-makers.

On Nov. 16, the finalists will give their five-minute pitch to four sharks (judges) and an audience of peers and community members. Then the sharks get five minutes to ask questions.

The sharks are all external and from different backgrounds: Mike Bockorny, Aberdeen Development Corp.; Kelly Weaver, Small Business Development Center; Olaf Hanson, Dacotah Bank; and Tim Hanigan, Banner Engineering.

After all the pitches, the sharks will leave to deliberate. In the meantime, guest speakers will talk about their experience as entrepreneurs.

“We invite a small business owner to come in so students can learn from a real live entrepreneur. This year’s guest speakers are Elizabeth and Justin Docter with Lizzy’s Pizza Party,” Walters said.

Aberdeen Development Corp sponsors the event and donates $1000 in prize money. First place will receive a check for $500, second place will receive $250 and third place receives $100. In addition, there are three People’s Choice awards that will be decided by audience participation.

“It’s very engaging and a lot of fun,” Walters said. “The community gets to experience the energy that college students add to the community and region. Students add vibrancy, ideas and fresh perspective. They see solutions that we maybe never thought of. These are future leaders of our communities.”

The winners will all be given the chance to apply for the statewide Governor’s Giant Vision Competition in the spring, where they will compete against ideas from undergraduate and graduate students across the state. 91��Ƭ�� intentionally hosts its Idea Pitch competition in the fall to allow students time to decide if they want to take that next step.

Several students in the last few years have applied and placed at the statewide event. Tawnie Williams took third in 2022 and last year, Grace Kramer placed second.

NSU faculty members co-author scholarly journal article, blog piece

Elissa Dickey — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:06:07 +0000

NSU faculty members co-author scholarly journal article, blog piece

Elissa Dickey Mon, 06/05/2023 - 14:06

Pictured, left to right: Drs. Jeff Howard, Karyl Meister and Franne Sippel.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University faculty members were among the co-authors of a recent scholarly blog piece and journal article based on their research surrounding mandatory reporting.

The article, “Mandatory reporting and the retaliation factor,” was published in the journal, Children and Youth Services Review. The study was conducted by Dr. Franne Sippel of Aberdeen’s 91��Ƭ�� Plains Psychological Associates, and Drs. Karyl Meister and Jeff Howard of NSU.

Sippel and Meister also co-authored a blog piece, titled “Direct Reporting Prevents Child Abuse.” The piece appeared on Child USA, a national think tank for child protection.

Howard is Associate Professor of Psychology at NSU, Meister is Adjunct Professor of Counselor Education at NSU, and Sippel is a Licensed Psychologist and co-owner of 91��Ƭ�� Plains Psychological Associates.

About 91��Ƭ�� State University

91��Ƭ�� State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, 91��Ƭ�� offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. 91��Ƭ�� also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the 91��Ƭ�� Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU 91��Ƭ��.

NSU faculty publish scholarly paper regarding research on HyFlex courses

Elissa Dickey — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:50:23 +0000

NSU faculty publish scholarly paper regarding research on HyFlex courses

Elissa Dickey Thu, 05/18/2023 - 10:50

Pictured top, left to right: Drs. Kristi Bockorny and Theresa Giannavola; bottom, left to right: Drs. Shalini Mathew and Hannah Walters

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University faculty members have published a scholarly paper based on their research of student engagement in Hybrid Flexible (HyFlex) courses.

Drs. Kristi Bockorny, Theresa Giannavola, Shalini Mathew and Hannah Walters published “Effective engagement strategies in HyFlex modality based on intrinsic motivation in students” in the SAGE Publishing journal, “Active Learning in Higher Education.”

Bockorny is Associate Professor of Management and Honors Program Director at 91��Ƭ��. Giannavola is former Assistant Professor of Banking and Financial Services. Mathew is Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Walters is Associate Professor of Marketing and the Department Chair.

Last spring, they conducted research in 12 HyFlex courses across campus, exploring student engagement. Universities are scheduling more online and blended courses, including HyFlex, but there is limited research supporting its effectiveness in terms of student engagement.

The faculty members’ two-pronged study explored engagement using quantitative and qualitative data. On the quantitative side, findings showed no difference in engagement levels between students attending face-to-face, virtually synchronously or virtually asynchronously. Qualitative results showed decreased stress; positive learning experience; flexibility to choose based on learning styles; increased control of learning; and increased accountability.

These findings, along with strategies for effective engagement in HyFlex courses, are shared in their paper, which can be viewed online at this link.

“I am thrilled by the insights in this article,” said Dr. Ben Harley, NSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Director. “Moreover, the work demonstrates 91��Ƭ��’s continued leadership in the area of HyFlex pedagogies and proves that, when done well, HyFlex course design empowers students to take control of their education and in so doing alleviates stress and sets them up for success. This work exemplifies why 91��Ƭ�� continues to train faculty in HyFlex and why we are offering graduate certificates in this method of teaching. I am incredibly proud of the work these faculty have done and am honored that the project began with classroom discussions in the HyFlex certification program.”

91��Ƭ�� State University offers a HyFlex Pedagogy Graduate Certificate to help educators and talent managers improve teaching and training. Learn how to deliver courses and training simultaneously in person, online synchronously, and online asynchronously. Courses are offered this summer. For more information, visit NSU HyFlex Pedagogy Graduate Certificate.