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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Constituents of Human Scent as Perceived by Wilderness Search and Rescue Area Dogs
Walker, Mary (2026-03-27)
It has long been believed that human scent detected by search dogs results from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by bacteria that metabolize skin secretions and shedded skin cells, termed skin rafts. However, recent laboratory research has shown that human breath VOCs constitute a large proportion of the human volatilome and are an important component of how dogs perceive human scent. We investigated the perception of skin (cutaneous) and breath samples as constituents of human scent by certified search and rescue area dogs. Dogs (n=6) searched tunnels in a three-alternative, forced-choice test. In qualification trials, one tunnel was connected to a tent with a human volunteer while two remained empty. After reaching 80% accuracy with whole human scent, dogs were given four probe trials whereby an air flow system pumped into one tunnel (1) breath, (2) air from exposed skin (cutaneous), (3) both (breath + cutaneous), or (4) none (negative control). We scored the dogs’ latency to respond and whether a dog made a trained final response, change of behavior, or no response. All dogs responded to the breath + cutaneous and breath conditions with a trained final response or change of behavior. Breath only and breath + cutaneous led to similar response latency and probability to respond (p ≥ 0.5). In contrast, both the latency to respond and the probability of responding to the cutaneous only condition was significantly longer (p = 0.001) and significantly less (p = 0.03), respectively, than to breath + cutaneous. These data demonstrate that scent from human breath is an important and salient component of how wilderness SAR area dogs perceive human scent and suggest that the “skin raft” model of human scent be reevaluated.
Prognostic Outcomes Between Conservative and Surgical Interventions in Patients with Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Little, Jarett (Virginia Tech, 2026-03-18)
Context: Full-thickness rotator cuff tears are one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting a variety of patient populations. This condition, if not treated, leads to increased pain, reduced functional abilities, and reduced efficiency with activities of daily living all culminating into decreasing the patient’s overall quality of life. Surgical repair is generally the standard of care for these patients; however, new evidence suggests that conservative treatment may be just as effective. Objective: The aim of this systematized review was to describe measurable outcomes (pain, mobility, and strength) and how they compare surgical treatment compared to conservative treatment in full-thickness tear rotator cuff patients. Design: A systematized review of the current literature from 2015-2025, assessing the prognostic outcomes of both conservative and surgical methods of treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Eligibility Criteria: Adults ≥30 years old diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tears confirmed by imaging; full thickness rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis); Interventions (Surgical repair: Mini open repair, arthroscopic repair, open repair, injections. Conservative (non-surgical): Physical Therapy Protocol and exercise interventions); Outcomes: Constant-Murley Score (CMS), ASES, Quick-DASH, MMT, ROM. Study Selection: 16 out of 887 initial studies met all the inclusion criteria. Results: Both interventions demonstrated effective progress in overall condition. Surgical interventions demonstrated faster improvement with significant improvement in functional scores occurring at 6-12 months followed by a plateau where both intervention groups would produce similar functional scores after one year. Tear size and level of symptoms were the most significant indicators for patient success. Tears that were not classified as “large” demonstrated consistent and non-variable progress regardless of method used. Conclusion: Both methods of interventions provide significant clinical results with surgical groups demonstrating progress at 6-12 months while conservative groups reached the same functional scores in the long term. Overall, conservative treatment was able to produce similar outcomes for tears that were classified as small to medium demonstrating its effectiveness with this patient population. These results suggest a patient centered/stepwise approach would be most effective for patients with small to medium tears. This means incorporating patient factors with an initial conservative approach followed by surgical intervention if the conservative treatment has not improved overall patient condition. Larger tears, however, should directly receive surgical intervention due to its variability in presentation and outcomes.
A Review of Southeastern Farmers’ Perspectives on the Nutritional Systems and Parasite Management Strategies of Dairy Goats
Roeske, Isabella (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-25)
This qualitative phenomenology evaluates nutritional systems in the context of dairy goat health and production in the Southeastern United States amid climatic pressures to enhance the understanding of farmer perspectives, including cost benefit analyses and operation-specific prioritizations, in this region. This study parses through interviews with dairy goat farmers across the Southeast who differ greatly in their systems of feeding and managing health, as well as in their operational goals. Insights offered by these farmers into their personal and financial decision-making highlight the opportunity costs of small ruminant nutritional systems, as well as the challenges currently facing dairy goat farmers. The discussion attempts to understand the optimal nutritional system for prioritizing production and health in dairy goats, while considering the environmental benefits of ruminant rotational grazing, and the practical balance of meeting the operational needs and preferences of individual farmers.
From Community Service to Critical Inquiry: Redesigning Service-Learning at The STEAD School
Catala, Manuel (Virginia Tech, 2026-01-06)
Service-learning projects in School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) often emphasize task completion over the critical examination of systemic inequities. This project examined the current state of service-learning at The STEAD School, a project-based agricultural high school in Colorado, to identify the conditions necessary for implementing a critical service-learning model aligned with the school’s mission of developing “lifelong learners, thinkers, creators, and activists.” A multi-method needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews with four guides and four students, along with a survey of 68 stakeholders. Interview data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, while survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The conceptual framework drew on Paulo Freire’s principles of critical pedagogy to propose a Freirean-adapted version of the National FFA Service Planning Guide. Five themes emerged: (1) Current Practices Lack Depth and Structure, (2) Purposeful Integration is Inconsistent but Desired, (3) Systemic Challenges Impede Impact, (4) Student Agency is Central to Engagement, and (5) Transformative Potential Exists When Framed Intentionally. Survey results indicated that while 85% of respondents had participated in service learning, only 19% rated it “very effective.” The analysis identified five conditions necessary for effective service-learning: a shared schoolwide framework, purposeful curricular integration, student voice and co-creation, structured reflection, and reciprocal community partnerships. This project proposes a Freirean-adapted framework as one approach for establishing these conditions through four stages: Investigate, Plan, Serve, and Evaluate. While requiring future implementation and evaluation, this project contributes to a practical example of how critical pedagogy can inform service-learning within agricultural education.
Common Postharvest Winter Squash Diseases and Storage Practices: A Diagnostic Guide for Producers Supplying Appalachian Sustainable Development
Howard, Kylie; Rideout, Steven L.; Strawn, Laura K.; Casteel, Benjamin (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-23)
Winter squash is a stable crop within Appalachian Sustainable Development's food box programs due to its long shelf-life high nutritional value and consumer appeal. However, post-harvest losses caused by fungal and oomycete pathogens during curing and storage present a significant challenge for small scale producers supplying these markets. These losses reduce marketable yield, increase economic strain on growers, and limit the availability of high-quality produce for regional food access initiatives. The objective of this literature-based project was to synthesize current research on winter squash post-harvest diseases and storage practices with emphasis on identifying practical, science-based strategies to reduce storage right at the producer level prior to distribution. Peer-reviewed literature and extension publications were reviewed to evaluate common post-harvest pathogens including a series of Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Botrytis, as well as environmental and handling factors influencing disease development. Particular attention was given to curing practices, temperature and humidity management, sanitation, and mechanical injury prevention. The literature indicates that inadequate curing conditions physical damage during handling and excessive moisture are primary contributors to post harvest decay. Evidence also suggests that modest improvements in storage management and sanitation can significantly extend storage life and reduce disease incidence. This project highlights the importance of accessible, producer focused education on post-harvest disease prevention and winter squash by consolidating existing research into clear and actionable recommendations this work supports local food systems while improving profitability product quality and sustainability for Appalachian growers.
Opportunities and Challenges in Virginia Agritourism: A Supply-Side Perspective
Kellum, Kinley (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-16)
Agritourism is steadily expanding in Virginia’s agricultural industry, allowing farmers to generate income in alternative ways, educate the public, and encourage the preservation of rural landscapes. This qualitative phenomenological study reviews the experiences of Virginia agritourism operators to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and strategies involved in integrating tourism into existing agricultural operations. Data was collected through an online anonymous survey distributed to various agritourism operations around the state of Virginia, which focused on location segments, financial and operational challenges, and marketing strategies. Findings indicated that most agritourism operators are located within 30 miles of urban centers and a majority are based on preexisting agricultural operations, resulting in reduced entry costs and increased accessibility. Major financial challenges were identified at the startup, including infrastructure investments, insurance and liability coverage, and staffing shortages, where most operators use personal savings to launch operations in the beginning stages. Marketing strategies were primarily linked to social media; however, traditional strategies, such as word of mouth, were also employed to attract a mix of both residents and tourists. The study concluded that there are many benefits of agritourism operations; however, there is room to continue improving the incorporation of agritourism into existing and new operations. Potential recommendations include increasing awareness of external funding sources, clarifying zoning processes, and strengthening community connections. These insights contribute to the overall understanding of supply-side experiences and support the continued sustainable growth of agritourism across Virginia.
Does Location Matter: Analyzing the Impact of Geographic Variation on Adoption Rates For Shelter Dogs
Beran, Robert (Virginia Tech)
Unwanted companion animals are a significant problem in the United States, and the numbers of dogs entering the sheltering system has been increasing recently. The interplay of numerous organizational and animal factors, such as where a shelter is located in the country, its population density, and the type of organization as well as the size and age of the dog, how it arrived to the shelter, and its outcome, can significantly impact the length of stay for dogs in shelters. The current study utilized records from 2023 collected by Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit organization that maintains a centralized database of United States animal sheltering data, to investigate whether the lengths of stay of dogs residing in U.S. differ based on the shelter’s geographic region or density of the population in that area to better understand how to address the time animals reside in shelters. The findings underscore a consistent trend across multiple regions: suburban shelters tend to achieve shorter stays for dogs compared to those in urban and rural areas with differences found by organization type. Generally, dogs’ lengths of stay at Northern, Midwestern and Western shelters are shorter than dogs residing in shelters in other regions across the United States, although these stays differed by the type of organization. Furthermore, we found that a dog’s size and its age affected its time in the shelter, such that older dogs have increased lengths of stay. This research provides a foundation for future study and offers an overview of the impact of geographic and animal variation on positive outcomes for dogs living in animal shelters.
Spatial Utilization by Domestic Horses Using GPS Tracking
Milliken, Daniel (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-31)
Domestic horses rely on movement to support physical health, behavioral expression, and welfare, yet opportunities for locomotion are often constrained in managed environments. This study examined how field size, environmental conditions, and daily temporal patterns influence the spatial behavior of domestic horses using four months of continuous GPS tracking at a commercial boarding facility. Horses were turned out in 29 fields ranging from small paddocks to multi-acre pastures under routine management conditions. Field size emerged as the strongest predictor of movement distance, with horses in very small enclosures traveling substantially less than those in moderately sized pastures. Horses also exhibited pronounced daily movement patterns, traveling the greatest distances during daylight, particularly in the afternoon, and the least at night. Weather effects were modest; temperature showed a small positive association with movement, whereas dew point and precipitation did not significantly predict locomotion once time of day and field size were considered. Movement declined in April, a pattern that may reflect management changes, seasonal pasture conditions, or other unmeasured factors. Together, these findings highlight how spatial provision, management routines, and biological rhythms interact to shape locomotor behavior in domestic horses. The results inform welfare-oriented management strategies that prioritize adequate space and demonstrate the value of consumer-grade GPS technology for assessing equine spatial behavior in real-world settings.
Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Their Effect on Biological Pest Management
Woody, Adam (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-17)
Biological control of pests dates to ancient China but is gaining significant attention as an alternative pest management method to chemical pesticide use in solanaceous crops today. Biological control agents can come in various forms such as bacteria, fungi, predatory mites, and entomopathogenic nematodes. Each of these organisms is essentially a predator of one or more crop pests. These pests can include insects like two-spotted spider mites and whiteflies or pathogens like Alternaria solani and Rhizoctonia solani which both affect crops like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. While most of these organisms are rather non-selective in their prey range, some only have preferences for one specific pest which will make it an excellent choice for the management of that pest. Aside from pest preferences, many of these organisms also have specific soil preferences. Some organisms thrive in soils with low fertility and help improve soil quality while managing pests, whereas others prefer nutrient-rich soils to perform their functions effectively. When selecting biological control agents, it is important to understand the agent, and its host/prey range and optimal soil conditions as this will ensure efficient pest management. It is also important to note that the use of biological control agents should be used as part of an integrated pest management approach. Integrated pest management seeks to use multiple methods of pest management to reduce the risk of resistance that can be caused by overreliance on one method.
Food Safety Implications of Fresh Meat and Wild Game Donations in Virginia
Jacobs, Lindsey; Strawn, Lauren; Schonberger, H. Lester; Boyer, Renee (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-11)
This project updates and expands the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s existing meat and poultry information sheets by adding guidance on regulatory frameworks, processing requirements, and challenges associated with fresh meat donations in Virginia. These updated resources will support Extension personnel, the public, hunters, farmers market staff, processors, and the Virginia Food Bank network in understanding the laws and best practices surrounding the processing and handling of donated fresh meat. Protein products remain among the most requested yet least donated food items in food banks, largely due to food safety concerns, logistical constraints, and regulatory barriers. This report examines federal and state regulations—including the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, the Virginia Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (VMPI), and programs such as Hunters for the Hungry—to identify how current laws impact donation opportunities. The project focuses specifically on beef, poultry, and wild deer (venison), which differ substantially in slaughter, processing, and inspection requirements. Recommendations include expanding subsidy programs for processors, enhancing processor participation, encouraging safe and ethical harvesting practices, and identifying infrastructure improvements to strengthen Virginia’s fresh meat donation system. These improvements would support community food security, reduce waste, and enhance sustainable livestock and wildlife management.
Examining the Relationship Between Problem-Solving Style, Resiliency, Winning Percentage, and Injury
Latona, Sam (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-22)
Collegiate Division I wrestling is a physically and mentally demanding sport caused by weight cutting, injuries, academic pressure, performance pressure, and grueling workouts. These demands make resilience and problem-solving skills pivotal to finding success at such a high level. This study has the purpose of examining relationships between problem-solving style, resiliency, winning percentage, and injury. The study used the tools of Kirton’s AdaptionInnovation Inventory (KAI) and Connor Davidson’s Resilience scale to find correlations between problem-solving styles and resilience regarding performance outcomes in a high stress collegiate athletic context. The participants in the study included 21 male NCAA Division I wrestlers from a southern land-grant university during the 2024-2025 season. The results found a moderate positive correlation between KAI and CD-RISC-10 (r= 0.53) indicating more innovative problem-styles were linked to higher resilience. Small positive correlations were seen between KAI and winning percentage (r= 0.19) and resilience and winning percentage (r= 0.15). Lastly a moderately positive correlation was found between resilience and injury (r= 0.39). These findings are helpful in the effort of increasing the success of both adaptive and innovative individuals as they perform in NCAA Division I wrestling. This study has implications for coaching strategies and development.
Risk Assessment of Biological Hazards in Imported Animal Feed Ingredients
Maciupa, Deanna (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-12)
Imported animal feed ingredients can serve as a source of biological hazards that affect animal health, food safety, and trade. This project evaluated these risks using a qualitative review of peer-reviewed studies, regulatory reports, and past outbreaks involving bacterial, viral, and prion hazards in both plant and animal-derived ingredients. Using the One Health framework together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) risk analysis model, the project organized the evidence into a structured risk matrix. Ingredients were scored based on likelihood of contamination, potential animal and human health consequences, and economic impacts. Animal-derived ingredients generally ranked highest due to frequent detection of pathogens such as Salmonella. Several plant-based ingredients, particularly soybean meal, showed strong experimental evidence for long-distance viral survival, including African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). The results show that certain ingredients and pathogen types carry higher relative risk, and that limited testing and surveillance of imported feed ingredients is an ongoing gap. These findings support the need for stronger supplier verification and targeted feed mill biosecurity. Overall, the project provides a practical way to compare biological risks in imported feed materials and identify where risk-reduction efforts may be most effective.
Comparing Synchronous and Episodic Reinforcement Schedules for Giraffe Hoof Care
Grieve, Petty (2025-12-10)
Animal wellbeing is a critical component of accredited zoological institutions. Staff enhance animal wellbeing by training animals to participate in their own healthcare. Routine medical procedures such as hoof trimming, blood collection, radiograph, injection, nail trims, and ultrasounds are considered common husbandry practices in zoos. However, training methods and strategies for long duration and sometimes uncomfortable husbandry behaviors vary among institutions. We used a within subject concurrent multiple baseline design with reversal to compare two schedules of reinforcement used to achieve voluntary hoof trims in zoo-housed giraffes: synchronous reinforcement and episodic reinforcement. Episodic reinforcement (ER) requires the learner to complete the behavior before the trainer delivers the reinforcement. In contrast, a synchronous reinforcement (SSR) schedule permits the trainer to deliver reinforcement while the target behavior occurs. The results show the giraffe (a) participated in longer hoof care trials in the SSR condition; (b) became slower (longer latency) to start the next trial as trial duration increased; (c) waited longer to assent to hoof care after experiencing the episodic condition; (d) emitted more unwanted behaviors in the shorter episodic trials compared to the longer SSR trials. This study indicates SSR could be useful for increasing giraffe participation in health care procedures to ultimately enhance their wellbeing.
Pythium spp. and its Effects on Tobacco Transplant Greenhouse Production
Raimondi, Emma (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-18)
In North America, tobacco transplant production grows uniform, high-quality, healthy seedlings with established root systems that ensure a reliable start to the growing season and usually higher yields. Besides the goal of having more seedlings survive the early stages of germination in a controlled environment, tobacco transplant production also allows tobacco growers to extend the growing season past what the climate would allow. The seedlings are grown in expanded polystyrene [EPS] trays floating on a nutrient-rich water-based solution; however, these float-beds are also a potential breeding ground for multiple diseases if contaminated. One of the most common seedling diseases found in tobacco float-beds is Pythium root rot, also commonly known as Pythium crown rot or Pythium damping off. Pythium spp. is a genus of oomycetes with Pythium myriotylum and P. dissotocum as the two most common and aggressive causal agents of Pythium damping off in tobacco float-bed greenhouses.
Venipuncture-related Stress in Dogs and Evaluation of the Fear Free™ FAS Scale as a Non-Invasive Stress Measurement Tool for Dogs in the Veterinary Hospital
Cary, Alyssa (2025-12-09)
Recognizing and measuring stress quickly and non-invasively in the veterinary context is desirable for guiding interventions to improve canine health and welfare during the provision of veterinary care. The Fear Free™ Fear, Anxiety and Stress (FAS) Scale serves this purpose but is not validated. We collected behavioral and physiological measures (urine cortisol:creatinine ratios, heart rate, and heart rate variability) of stress in 40 privately-owned dogs visiting a Fear Free Certified™ veterinary hospital for venipuncture with a credentialed technician. Visits were video-recorded to code 11 observable behaviors and score stress using the FAS Scale and Clinic Dog Stress Scale 1 (CDSS). There was moderate agreement between FAS and CDSS scores (73.78%, Cohen’s kappa = 0.55). While the number of intervals during which a dog experienced the venipuncture condition did not correlate with post-visit UCCR, veterinary visit duration was positively correlated with percent change in UCCR (rho = 0.34, p = 0.04) and post-visit UCCR was significantly higher than baseline UCCR (mean difference = 43.80, p = 0.0000051, 95% CI: 27.09 - 60.51). UCCR did not correlate significantly with FAS; however, max FAS scores were moderate to high for most dogs during venipuncture. Given the weak evidence for validity of the FAS Scale and moderate interobserver agreement (mean IOA = 76.04%), modifications to optimize the scale for clinical application should be considered, such as reduction of scoring to basic categorical levels (low, moderate, high), incorporation of arousal and emotional valence, focus on a single species with inclusion of visual references for common behavioral presentations of FAS, and more robust education and training in its use and application.
Investigating the Development of Hamstring Strength, Force, and Power in Division I College Football Athletes
Armstrong, Griffin (Virginia Tech, 2025-12-08)
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week strength and conditioning program on hamstring strength, force, and power development in Division I collegiate football players. Using VALD Performance technologies, the NordBord Hamstring Testing System and dual Force Plates, this research assessed changes in eccentric hamstring force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, rate of force development (RFD), and interlimb asymmetry across positional and year groups. Paired-samples t-tests compared baseline and post-intervention values with significance established a priori at p < 0.05. Although results did not reach statistical significance, descriptive findings demonstrated meaningful positive adaptations. Average left-leg maximal eccentric force increased by 10.8% and right-leg force by 0.8%. Countermovement jump height improved by 1.9% and eccentric braking RFD by 5.7%, suggesting enhanced concentric and eccentric lower-body function. The largest relative improvements occurred among quarterbacks, defensive linemen, and tight ends, while freshmen and sophomores exhibited the most pronounced relative gains, indicating strong responsiveness to the training cycle. Interlimb asymmetry remained stable and within acceptable thresholds (<10% to 15%), demonstrating that bilateral strength increased without increasing imbalance. These findings align with prior research emphasizing the role of eccentric-focused training in enhancing performance and mitigating injury risk. The integrated use of eccentric resistance, plyometric, and velocity-based methods produced measurable physiological adaptations with meaningful practical implications for performance and injury prevention in collegiate football.
Kirton Adaption-Innovation Theory and Its Impact on Organizational Leadership: A Case Study of Healthy Harvest Fresh
Greer, Jasmine (Virginia Tech, 2025-11-10)
This case study explores how Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation (KAI) Theory can improve collaboration, leadership alignment, and problem-solving in an intact community-based leadership team. The study examines the leadership group of Healthy Harvest Fresh, an aquaponics greenhouse and educational center, through pre- and post-interviews, KAI assessments, and scaled peer ratings. Before KAI training, participants demonstrated intuitive teamwork but lacked awareness of cognitive diversity, often responding reactively to challenges. After KAI assessment and debriefing, leaders reported improved understanding of their own and other’s problem-solving styles, explicitly referencing adaptive, innovative, coping, and bridging behaviors. Quantitative scaled data revealed greater differentiation and alignment with actual KAI profiles, confirming increased metacognitive awareness. Findings support Kirton’s assertion that recognizing and managing cognitive diversity enhances team cohesion and effectiveness. The study contributes to the limited body of research on KAI application within intact community leadership teams and highlights its potential for organizational leadership training. Recommendations include integrating cognitive diversity reflection into leadership development, intentionally designing cognitively balanced teams, and conducting longitudinal research on the sustainability of these behavioral changes.
The exploration of how hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle impact women's perception of running performance
Bohannon, Leah (Virginia Tech, 2025-10-07)
The menstrual cycle causes women’s hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to fluctuate. These hormonal changes influence physiological and psychological factors that may impact women’s perceived running performance. This 7-week study explored the relationship between the menstrual cycle and performance, perceived performance, and moods in eumenorrheic recreationally active runners. Six participants recorded their running distance, speed, pain, a moods survey, and the Modified Perceived Performance in Team Sports Questionnaire (PPTSQ) after performing at an RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) of 14-17. Participants ran 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed using Welch’s unpaired t-tests and paired t- tests for running metrics (distance and speed). There were no significant differences seen in running distance, speed, or pain perception between follicular and luteal phases. The moods survey analysis revealed no statistically significant differences, besides a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase compared to the follicular (p = 0.0995). Perceived performance, exercise potential, exercise quality, and personal expectations increased significantly in the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase (p<0.05). These findings suggest that although no change was seen in objective markers of performance, perceived performance decreased during the luteal phase, and there was a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase. This exploration highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations to study how women’s exercise performance is impacted by their menstrual cycle.
Athlete Leadership in College Sports: A Review of Theory, Practice, and Developmental Gaps
Johnston, Evan Elizabeth (Virginia Tech, 2025-09-02)
This literature review examines the development of athlete leadership in college sports, with a specific focus on peer leadership roles, such as team captains and leadership councils. Based on key leadership theories, including transformational, shared, and adaptive leadership, this review examines how leadership skills have been developed across various areas of higher education, such as residence life, student government, and Greek life. Although leadership is often studied in coaching and youth sports, there is a notable lack of research on how leadership structures are established or supported among college student-athletes. This review highlights a notable gap in the literature regarding the development of peer leaders in college athletics. While captains and various leadership structures often influence team culture, manage conflicts, and foster accountability, they are frequently assigned these responsibilities without formal training. Shared leadership models, such as councils, show potential but suffer from inconsistent role clarity and limited developmental support. Drawing on examples from collegiate student-led organizations and leadership literature, this review highlights the pressing need for institutionally grounded, theory-driven leadership programs for student-athletes who serve in peer leadership roles. It concludes with suggestions for athletic departments to implement structured, research-based approaches that better equip student- athletes to lead their peers effectively and fairly.
Exploring Collegiate Student-Athletes Eating Habits in Connection to Problem Solving Styles Using Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory
Heister, Calista (Virginia Tech, 2025)

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