Project Type: Research


International Conflict Data Lab

The International Conflict Data Lab [https://internationalconflict.ua.edu/] at the University of Alabama offers a suite of logically consistent, correctly-coded datasets that identify all threats, displays, and uses of force between states from 1816 to 2014.  Several different funded projects are ongoing in the lab, and interested students should contact Prof. Doug Gibler for work opportunities.

Contributors: Doug Gibler

NSF-funded Projects on International Conflict Data (ICD)

The International Conflict Data (ICD) Project has been awarded multiple NSF grants to collect and apply data on international conflict covering the period 1816-2014.  Data collections have included NSF-funded research to determine how and why conflicts have ended, how conflicts evolved using day-level militarized events, the issues fought over during conflicts, and strategic selection in conflict data.  Current NSF funding is being used to examine the role of non-state actors in international conflicts.

Contributors: Doug Gibler

NSF S-STEM: Learning in Advance Research Study

The Learning in Advance (LIA) project is funded through the NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S-STEM) program. LIA students take a one-credit hour preparatory course introducing them to fundamental concepts before they encounter these concepts in a gateway course for their major. In addition, students who are deemed eligible based on FAFSA are considered for an S-STEM scholarship after successful completion of the LIA prep course. These LIA Scholars are also assigned…

Contributors: Debra McCallum Erika Steele Sarah Dunlap Todd Freeborn (PI) Paul Hubner (PI) Travis Atkison (PI)

NSF The Effects of Socio-cultural Context on Human Bio-Markets

The research supported by this award investigates the effects of socio-cultural context on the governance of human bio-material donation and sale. Over the past few decades, medical science has increased the potential uses of human bio-materials. However, as innovation has increased, so have questions about costs, outcomes, and ethics. In response, a variety of different regulatory policies have been adopted globally. This variation across countries provides an excellent opportunity for comparative research to see to…

Contributors: Diane Tober

Variation in the LSAMP Summer Bridge Program: Effects on STEM Self-Efficacy, Belonging, and Intentions

To address the challenges facing racial minority students majoring in STEM during the transition from high school to college, NSF funded Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) programs throughout the country implement summer bridge programs. Bridge programs vary in their focus on professional development, academic support, research experiences, social activities, and in other areas, but all share an intention to support students during their transition to college. Beyond retention, little is known about how…

Contributors: Joan Barth Debra McCallum Viola Acoff (PD)

Race Relations at The University of Alabama

The year 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of integration at The University of Alabama. A team of University researchers developed a study to understand the status of race relations on campus. This study is patterned after a study conducted by researchers at the University from the 1960’s to the 1980’s and allowed researchers to compare the current situation with that of years past. Dr. Debra McCallum has teamed up with other researchers from The University…

Contributors: Debra McCallum

Gender, STEM, and Career Interests

Despite great advances in some areas of science such as biology, the gender gap remains significant in many occupations in the fields of science, computing, engineering, and math. This suggests that innovative educational programs, although often effective in changing enrollment and performance in science and math courses, have not been broadly effective in altering girls’ and women’s career choices. In our work we examine a number of factors that might account for this phenomenon: Social-contextual…

Contributors: Joan Barth Sarah Dunlap Kelsey Chappetta Stephanie Masters Debra McCallum

Farm Theater: A Novel Safety Strategy Approach for Agricultural Communities

The increasing age of U.S. farmers, coupled with health challenges as age advances, create a high-risk work environment for older farmers. A preliminary study noted that the farm community desires to learn from each other, using stories and humor, rather than from age-based guidelines or brochures. A novel intervention, didactic readers theater is being tested among farm communities in the Southeast U.S. with farm couples ages 45 and over. The investigators partner with local agricultural…

Contributors: Debra McCallum Michael Conaway