Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

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Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

The Academic Experience of African-American Male Student-Athletes
Hill, Ahmed (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-09)
This paper explores the academic experience of former African-American student-athletes who have graduated from Virginia Tech. Student-athletes choose to attend college for many different reasons and once enrolled, they often face challenges such as time management. Academic support centers have developed throughout the country at various institutions to assist student-athletes with the academic challenges that they may face. Through interviews with former student-athletes, this paper was developed to answer two research questions: What experiences have positively impacted African-American male student-athletes’ academic success and graduation? And, what support initiatives and/or programs have student-athlete support offices implemented at Virginia Tech to support African-American male student-athletes? Seven former student-athletes were interviewed in this study and results show that the majority of those interviewed chose to attend Virginia Tech to play basketball and to receive a strong education. The biggest challenge faced by student-athletes was time management. The most utilized resources were: academic advisors, professors, tutoring, and relationships with coaches, teammates, and others. All of the student-athletes interviewed had a positive experience at Virginia Tech and were pleased with their decision to obtain a degree. In terms of the programming for African-Americans, common themes were that they did not want to be stereotyped. Implications and recommendations based on this research include continuing to support the African-American student-athlete population by developing relationships with them.
Developing an Evaluation Tool for the Virginia Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Program
Leech, Samuel P. (Virginia Tech, 2019-11-25)
This project focused on the development of an evaluation tool for the newly adopted Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program in the Virginia youth livestock program. Information and examples from similar projects were compiled to understand the tools already being utilized. Appropriate evaluation tool design was identified in order to meet the needs of different ages and stages of youth. Two evaluation tools were developed, one for junior aged youth ages 9-13 and one for senior aged youth ages 14-19. The evaluation tool wording and format were designed to be age specific. Demographic, Likert scale, and open-ended questions were utilized. The voluntary survey was administered at the conclusion of each training event. The surveys were collected and the data was analyzed. A total of 263 junior aged youth and 242 senior aged youth completed the survey at the conclusion of their respective trainings. The results indicate that both the junior aged and senior aged youth found the training to be beneficial but delivery systems could be enhanced and improved to make the training more enjoyable. Youth particularly gave positive feedback concerning the guest speakers, the hands-on learning stations, and live animal demonstrations. 83% of the total youth agreed they learned something new as a result of completing the trainings. Limitations of the survey include format, delivery, and analysis of the data. The training instructors are also a limitation considering how they formatted the training and how they administered the survey including the directions given and the amount of time allotted to complete the survey. In the future, the evaluation tool should be modified to not only capture youth satisfaction but impact and behavioral change as well.
Dietary & Biological Assessment of Omega-3 Status of Collegiate Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Ritz, Peter (Virginia Tech, 2019-11-17)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently made changes to its supplement policies, allowing Division I schools to provide fish oil/ omega-3 supplements to athletes. Given the relatively small body of research available on the topic, the purpose of this project was to assess the current intake of omega-3 fats in NCAA Division I athletes in their diets and their corresponding Omega-3 Index (O3i) blood levels, a blood measure suggested to be associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. In a total sample of 1528 participants (51% male, 19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) from 29 sports, only 6% (n=93) of participants achieved the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ recommendation to consume 500 mg DHA+EPA/ day. Use of fish oil/ omega-3 supplements was reported by 15% (n=229) of participants. In a subset of 298 participants, zero participants met the suggested Omega-3 Index of >8%.This project produced similar findings to smaller previous studies, suggesting that collegiate athletes are not meeting the general recommendations for omega-3 fats.
The effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue on production and reproductive performance parameters of beef cattle and calves
Anderson, Amber A. (Virginia Tech, 2019-12)
Beef cattle production records from two Virginia Department of Corrections herds from 2012- 2019 were analyzed to determine how the cultivar of tall fescue – toxic endophyte-infected or novel endophyte-infected – impacted cattle productivity metrics. Parameters compared were artificial insemination pregnancy rates, calving rates, body weights, and body condition scores of cows and birth weights and weaning weights of calves. The experimental design was a randomized completed block design with year as the replication. Samples of tall fescue were collected from the farm locations and tested for total ergot alkaloid concentrations. The samples from the farm with toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue all contained toxic levels of ergot alkaloids while the samples from the farm with novel endophyte-infected tall fescue indicated that half of the pastures at this location did not have toxic levels of total ergot alkaloids. Artificial insemination pregnancy rates were greater (P = 0.0011) for cows on novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (52 ± 1%) than for cows on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (43 ± 1%). Cows on novel endophyte-infected tall fescue had greater calving rates (94 ± 1%) than cows on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (89 ± 1%; P = 0.0243). Body condition scores and body weights at pre-breeding were greater for the cows on novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (P=0.0153 and P=0.0456, respectively). Birthweights were reduced for calves on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (34 ± 0.9 kg.) than for calves on novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (38 ± 1.4 kg.; P = 0.0257). Calves on novel endophyte-infected tall fescue had greater weaning weights (278 ± 5.9 kg.) than calves on the toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (254 ± 5.9 kg.; P = 0.0217). Cattle production was improved on the farm with novel endophyte-infected tall fescue compared to cattle production on the farm with only toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue.
Evaluating Career Development Success in Student Athletes: A Literature Review
Camp, Rachel (Virginia Tech, 2019-09-06)
The literature review will examine student-athletes preparedness for career preparedness after they retire and graduate. After years of commitment, retirement from sport is expected, whether that is due to injury, personal reasons, or exhausted athletic eligibility. Utilizing career development programs where transferable skills are taught helps student-athletes’ recognize their strengths and help prepare them for the next chapter in life are key to the transition. A comprehensive review of the literature was organized based on the research question. The literature indicated that the transition experience is a process that requires support and programming provided to them from the athletic department to help them prepare for their career and life after sport. This literature review recognizes that success in student-athletes transition is based upon resources such as support, programs, and mentoring. It is important for institutions to provide career planning early and often for student-athletes in order to prepare them for life after college.
Evaluating Current and Exploring Future Opportunities for Partnership Between a Faith-Based Organization and Virginia Cooperative Extension
Graham, Crystal (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-17)
The opioid crisis is causing immeasurable disruption and placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, communities and the economy across the United States. Addressing this complex crisis will require prevention and intervention strategies on multiple levels. This study investigated perceptions of a faith-based partnership and the opportunity to expand the partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension to deliver prevention programming aimed at drug misuse and abuse including opioids. The study evaluated program coordinator perceptions of a current partnership of two health-based Extension programs delivered in thirty-eight churches of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia in partnership with Extension faculty through a survey. Results indicate a strong partnership, high level of satisfaction of the programming delivered and a solid willingness to partner to deliver other programming, including drug misuse and abuse. However, respondents indicate varying levels of support for programming specifically aimed at opioids. While respondents shared uncertainty about whether opioids had impacted their community, statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse confirmed otherwise, suggesting need for increased awareness of community issues. The sample was small and results were inconclusive outside of the participant group. However, the study supports including a needs assessment and program component aimed at increasing knowledge around community needs. The study concludes there is an opportunity to expand the partnership with FBOs to include prevention programming aimed at drug misuse and abuse including opioids. Recommendations for future research include exploring drug misuse and abuse programming aimed at treatment and recovery, as well as exploring opportunities to partner with additional congregations in the Baptist General Convention and local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices.
Evaluation instrument use for camp practitioners: A review of evaluation instruments for a one-week or short-term residential camp context
Makufka, Craig (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-19)
For camps, designing and executing experiential-based programming, as well as their structure is central to their value of providing opportunities for positive youth development. Those within the camp community, inherently understand this value and see it throughout the many characteristics of camp. However, demonstrating these positive outcomes can produce challenges to camp practitioners. This report presents recommendations for evaluation instrument implementation for interviews, observations, and surveys. Using a one-week or short-term residential camp context lens, this report is able to provide real-world factors and structure that affect and should be considered when implementing an evaluation approach. A brief introduction and purpose of the project is described first, followed by background information on evaluation, and then the description of the report’s camp context lens. From there, each evaluation instrument is generally described, and recommendations stated. These recommendations are meant to provide camp practitioners with a guide in helping them decide which evaluation approach and instrument suits the needs of their camp. In providing recommendations through a specific camp context lens, this report tries to present the information in a way that camp practitioners can use and will aid in demonstrating their camps’ value to their stakeholders, especially in terms of positive youth development outcomes. The report concludes by highlighting some important evaluation implementation points from the paper, as well as a few best practice recommendations for camp practitioners moving forward.
An Evaluation of Eight Basil Cultivars for Downy Mildew Resistance in Virginia
Cooper, Jason (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-23)
Production of fresh herbs is a trendy market that continues to grow in popularity in the United States. Basil (Ocimum baasilicum) is such an herb that is experiencing growth in popularity, especially sweet basil. In Virginia, sweet basil production is increasing and can occur both within the field and greenhouses. However, basil production faces certain challenges, with the most serious one being disease losses caused by downy mildew. With few effective control measures available it is important to find management practices that can assist in controlling this disease, particularly in organic systems. Thus, studies were performed examining eight different sweet basil cultivars during the summer growing season of 2019. The study took place at Adam’s Apples and Herbs, located in Shenandoah County in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and at Virginia Tech’s Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension (ESAREC) in Painter. At harvest, basil was weighed, by leaf and by stem, and then an average of the weight was calculated as was the height of each cultivar. Disease incidence and severity for each basil cultivar was recorded throughout the course of the study. Little disease occurred during the course of the study in the Shenandoah Valley. However, significant differences in basil cultivar growth and appearance were noted. At the ESAREC, downy mildew did develop and resistant cultivars proved to be effective at suppressing disease.
Extending Shelf Life of Romaine Lettuce Through Modified Atmosphere Packaging and the Effects for Food Safety and Quality
Arnold, Janice L. (Virginia Tech, 2020-05-04)
Foodborne related disease outbreaks have been on the rise since 1998. For example, in 2019, approximately 75,233 pounds of salad products were recalled due to contamination with E. coli O157:H7. Investigations concluded there was a single grower that supplied romaine lettuce. Outbreaks in 2019 associated with romaine lettuce caused were over 167 people sick with 85 hospitalizations. Moving forward to prevent future outbreaks, control strategies need to be developed for romaine lettuce. The U.S. FDA has put together a plan, but it will also depend on the work of the farmers to follow guidelines. Additionally, studies by scientists will also be needed to fully understand how certain pathogens, like E. coli O157:H7, can remain on the produce. E. coli O157:H7 deals with different stresses along the supply chain; for example, E. coli O157:H7 can survive on the edible portion of the harvested lettuce for extended periods and adapt to different stresses like temperature changes. Modifying the atmosphere is one control strategy that does help with food quality, but other measures need to be taken to prevent future outbreaks and protect food safety. Romaine lettuce is a widely consumed product in the US. Consumers are looking for a product that is fresh, convenient, retains its nutrients and, has good sensory qualities. Romaine lettuce is also a highly perishable product resulting in flavor loss, discoloration, decay, softening, shrinkage, and vitamin loss. The use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can extend shelf-life and limit these effects, to provide a fresh product to the consumer. Romaine lettuce is typically packaged with passive MAP. Passive MAP is generated by relying on the natural process of product respiration and the film permeability by relying on the natural respiration rates to attain the desired gas composition over time. Thus, the objective of the study reported here was to conduct a review of MAP and to understand how MAP can help the quality and safety of romaine lettuce.
The Food Safety Modernization Act: Effects on the Brewing Industry
Wiehl, Benjamin A. (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-11)
The Food Safety Modernization Act was a broadly impactful piece of legislation signed into law in 2011. This legislation is composed of seven core rules that together made sweeping changes to the regulations surrounding how foods are grown, harvested, and processed. These regulations affected many different industries, including the brewing industry and its supporting counterparts. Due to the expansive nature of the regulations, there have been issues with interpretations during their rollout and direct guidance from the FDA was not always immediately available. This meant that during initial years following passage of the legislation, non-government groups were left to gather information and disseminate answers to questions on maintaining compliance. A review of available literature and resources has found that even though there has now been clarification on how many of the provisions affect various industries directly from the FDA, resources on how to achieve compliance in specific areas are not always available and can sometimes be hidden behind a paid membership. Due to this, there exists a state where some resources may be unavailable to potential industry participants. There is value in providing free resources to potential participants, future research on sustainable practices with industry byproducts, and in identifying shortcomings in the legislative rollout for the benefit of future regulatory endeavors.
Late Season Application of Nitrogen in Virginia Corn Production Systems
Jones, R. Trent (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-17)
Agriculture is a leading industry in the state of Virginia producing an economic impact of $70 billion annually in the state. A portion of Virginia’s agricultural industry is driven by the production of corn, soybean, and wheat crops in rotation. In 2019, as market prices for those commodities remain weak, farmers must evaluate the feasibility of implementing innovative technologies and practices in their growing systems in order to improve their production efficiency. This paper evaluates nitrogen application strategies at the developmental stages when nitrogen inputs have the greatest positive impact on yield. Specifically, this paper reviews several studies that have assessed delayed application of sidedressed nitrogen to corn until later physiological developmental stages in order to determine if this practice would be a good option for producers who want to increase their production efficiency. This review confirms that nitrogen plays an important role in crop development and rate and timing of nitrogen application can significantly influence crop yield. Though it is apparent nitrogen has a major impact on yield potential, no definite conclusion can be drawn from the studies reviewed here that directly relate the application of nitrogen past the V10 developmental growth stage to statistically significant positive yield increase. Of five Virginia study locations reviewed, evaluating application of additional nitrogen at V12-VT only one location found a statistically significant yield increase of 1082.74 kg ha-1 (16.1 bu/a). Additionally, delaying nitrogen sidedress applications up to V10 did not negatively impact corn yield in studies conducted in Missouri and Oklahoma, indicating that a later sidedress window may be considered by Virginia corn growers. While there is no conclusive evidence that suggests yield will reliably increase when N applications are made later in the season, other benefits of late season application were identified in this review. Supplemental benefits include the ability to make fertilizer application decisions based on plant tissue and soil diagnostic testing completed during the growing season, the ability to spread workload throughout the growing season, and reduced potential for nitrogen lost to the environment.
Survey of Powdery Mildew and Gray Mold Disease Management in Virginia and North Carolina Cut Flower Farms
Rock, Shana (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-26)
Powdery mildew and gray mold diseases have potential to cause significant economic losses to cut flower growers. Information is needed on the effects of these diseases on growers’ returns and the effectiveness of practices to control the diseases. A survey was conducted to examine powdery mildew and gray mold disease management practices on cut flower farms in North Carolina and Virginia. Twenty cut flower farmers completed an online survey and eight of those respondents also participated in an interview. The survey gathered information about the farms, such as its acreage and number of years growing cut flowers, flower genera affected by the diseases, fungicide use and efficiency, and cultural control use and efficiency. The survey and subsequent interviews provided several major findings. First, the floral genera most affected by powdery mildew in North Carolina and Virginia were Zinnia, followed by Dahlia. The genera most affected by gray mold were Ranunculus, followed by Anemone and Dahlia. Second, crop loss due to each disease was mostly at the 0 to 10% level, with one farm losing 91 to 100% of Phlox crops to powdery mildew and another losing 81 to 90% of Tulipa crops to gray mold. Third, 40% of respondents have not used any fungicides for disease management; and for those who have, neem oil was the product they used most frequently. Fourth, all respondents considered sustainability very important when making disease management decisions; this was supported by their extensive use of cultural practices for disease control, in addition to their preference of nonchemical approaches and biorational products over synthetic pesticides. The commonly used cultural controls included, crop rotation, proper watering, disease resistant cultivars, sanitation, proper spacing, and weeding. Findings from this survey will help cut flowers growers in the Mid-Atlantic region to better manage these two important diseases.
The Use of Ripple Effect Mapping as an Evaluation Tool for Extension Programming
Lillard, Clare (Virginia Tech, 2019-09-23)
Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) is an emergent group participatory evaluation tool designed to identify the impacts, both intended as well as unintended, of programing such as that conducted by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). In this project the effectiveness of REM as an evaluation tool was examined using the Stone Soup Rural Workforce Training program (Stone Soup). Project objectives were to 1.) define the process and carry out a REM session for a VCE program, 2.) consider the capacity of REM to measure intended and unintended program outcomes and impacts as compared to the program logic model and as relates to the Community Capitols Framework (Emory & Flora, 2006), and 3.) identify other benefits and challenges associated with using REM as an evaluation method in VCE. Through the implementation of REM, both intentional and unintentional impacts of the Stone Soup program were identified. The REM process also served as a means to connect, re-energize and engage program participants. REM is an effective evaluation tool for obtaining qualitative data on complex Extension programs with multiple partners.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Climate Survey: Employee Engagement
Lindsay, Kortni (Virginia Tech, 2019-11-20)
The purpose of this project was to explore the engagement levels across nine colleges at Virginia Tech based on data collected from the 2018 Climate Survey. Additionally, the project provided recommendations for leadership in an effort to help increase employee engagement in the future. The quantitative climate survey consisted of an online questionnaire sent to all employees at Virginia Tech. Across nine colleges, 2,104 responses were analyzed. The study was guided by constructs of The HayGroup Employee Effectiveness Model, including respect and recognition, development opportunities, clear communication, confidence in leadership, and enabling environment. Results highlight potential areas of improvement, including helping employees receive and seek help if they are treated unfairly, showing recognition to all employees, and helping employees advance their career. Engagement within the clear communication construct resulted in the highest average across the colleges, while respect and recognition resulted in the lowest. Universities, human resource departments, and organizations across the world can utilize this research to compare engagement averages as well as find recommendations to increase employee engagement within each construct and the workplace in general.

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