FY2024 ODRD Project Summaries
The ORAU-Directed Research and Development (ODRD) program is comprised of cross-cutting initiatives focused on developing or advancing research projects that will enhance ORAU and member university research capabilities.
Learn more about our 2024 awardees and the future impact of their research projects.
2024 Awardees
Influence of climate change on sociodemographic disparities in the risk of exposure to environmental antimicrobial resistance
ORAU Principal Investigator: Steve Bartell
University Co-Investigator: Jingqiu Liao, Virginia Tech
Contributor: Sara Howard (ORAU)
Focus Areas: Climate and Environment, Health Equity
Award: $159,538
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment has emerged as a significant global health challenge in recent years. Culturally vulnerable groups of people might be at greater risk of exposure to environmental AMR and climate change impacts might exacerbate this disparity. This project will investigate the influence of climate change on sociodemographic disparities associated with the risks of exposure to environmental AMR.
Integrating neurodivergence into the STEM workforce
ORAU Principal Investigator: Alexa Brantley
University Co-Investigator: Sunwook Kim, Virginia Tech
Contributors: ORAU - Regine Rucker, Beth White, Rachel Creager, Philip Allen, Josh Rhame, Michael Thelen; University - Angela Scarpa, Myounghoon Jeon, Caroline Finlay Branscome, Eugenia Rho
Focus Areas: Future of the STEM Workforce, Health Equity
Award: $157,537
Summary: Autistic undergraduate students in STEM fields tend to graduate at lower rates compared to their peers and encounter challenges in securing positive employment outcomes. However, mentoring programs show potential in bridging this gap. In light of this, we propose the creation of a hybrid mentoring program specifically designed to assist autistic undergraduate students pursuing STEM degrees.
How small family farms weather the storm
ORAU Principal Investigator: Amanda Letheren
University Co-Investigator: Jennifer Russomanno, University of Tennessee
Contributors: ORAU - Jennifer Burnette, Will Artley, Michael Hyneman; University - McKensie Scott
Focus Areas: Health Equity, Climate and Environment
Award: $121,441
Summary: Given the potential negative consequences of and the increase in frequency of extreme weather events in our nation, it is important to understand how small family farmers prepare for and respond to these events. Yet, there is a lack of research on small family farms. The goal of this pilot study is to understand how farmers in East Tennessee prepare and respond to extreme weather and how the stress of managing extreme weather affects their mental, physical, and financial health.
Energy infrastructure and public Health: Exploring the impacts of industry expansion on Pennsylvania communities
ORAU Principal Investigator: Taylor Vaughan
University Co-Investigator: Jennifer Baka, Penn State
Contributors: ORAU - Diane Krause, Amanda Letheren; University - Guido Cervone
Focus Areas: Climate and Environment, Health Equity
Award: $159,151
Summary: This project will study the public health and environmental justice (EJ) implications of energy infrastructure development and the associated contributing factors of community and environmental stress, public access to information, civic engagement, and industry and government transparency.
