• Thesis Defense
• 11/20/2023

Woody plant encroachment (WPE) is a social-ecological problem that will challenge conservation professionals and landowners to adapt their management strategies. Adaptation research has often focused on organizational characteristics such as structure and resources in lieu of individual perceptions of adaptive capacity. This research sought to understand conservation professionals’ attitudes about adaptation to vegetation transitions and if the perception of WPE and its associated risks were predictive of these attitudes. In addition, a mixed methods case study was conducted in a ranching community organization in the Loess Canyons region of Nebraska. This study illustrates the motivations and norms that have been important for the success of this community-based organization. The strong collaborative culture of this group is also described as it relates to these motivations and norms.

• Dissertation Defense
• 07/17/2023

Earthquakes and tsunamis are natural hazards that cause considerable loss of life, destruction of property and infrastructure, and economic damage. A key challenge for organizations that manage hazard preparedness and response is mobilizing earthquake preparedness among individuals and families, particularly in areas of significant earthquake and tsunami risk. This dissertation provides an examination of individual earthquake and tsunami preparedness from both a global and regional perspective. It comprises two publications that explore various aspects of disaster preparedness.

The first chapter presents a systemic literature review of 49 articles published between 2010-2020, identifying the prominent social-cognitive and demographic dimensions that promote or inhibit individual earthquake preparedness actions. The review highlighted critical motivating factors for individuals to take preparedness actions, including the significance of social connections, networks, and interactions; self-efficacy; personal responsibility and preparedness knowledge; and moderate worry or concern. Measures promoting self-efficacy, psychological skills, and social interaction show promise as effective strategies for enhancing individual earthquake preparedness and fostering community resilience.

The second chapter employs a grounded theory approach to develop a model that explains the process of building tsunami and earthquake preparedness among individuals residing in coastal communities of Oregon. While the motivations and obstacles reported by the study participants align with previous research, the findings highlight that the development of preparedness occurs incrementally, with individuals cycling between motivations and barriers as they undertake preparedness actions. The resultant theoretical model demonstrates the crucial role of social connections at every stage of the process. Several outcomes emerged from the model, including a culture of preparedness integrated into daily life, a state of readiness, and confidence in surviving earthquakes and tsunamis.

The objective of this dissertation is to contribute to the broader understanding of the interconnected factors involved in establishing preparedness and identify specific areas that warrant attention in future preparedness campaigns with similar dual earthquake and tsunami hazards.

• Thesis Defense
• 04/12/2023

Environmental leaders are tasked with finding innovative solutions to dynamic and ever-changing environmental challenges. Leaders must possess the ability to gain and use new knowledge and experiences that motivate resolving gaps in one’s knowledge (i.e., curiosity) to find forward thinking solutions. Curiosity is an integral part of human existence but may be experienced in various ways. Studies have shown men and women may possess different leadership styles, but the influence of curiosity on leadership between genders has not been as readily explored. Women have shown unique characteristics for successful leadership in many contexts but are often underrepresented in natural resource management. Characteristics of curiosity and those of women leaders are similar to qualities in transformational leadership who are successful environmental stewards. This explanatory mixed methods study investigated the role of curiosity in transformational leadership and seeks to understand the influence of curiosity and leadership in women environmental leaders.

We assessed gender, trait curiosity, and transformational leadership scores of participants in the year-long Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. Regression analysis found that curiosity was a strong predictor of transformational leadership while gender was not, from both the participant and rater’s perspectives. Thematic analysis of interviews with women environmental leaders produced seven themes that inform the essence of how curiosity and transformational leadership influence the women’s experiences. Participants expressed constant awareness of stereotypical gender roles and how this played into power imbalances that both limited and supported elements of their curiosity and leadership. Their people-oriented curiosity supported communication, relationship building, and perspective gaining which were strengths of women leaders.