Graduate Training Research Articles

The economic rationale for the provision of technical/vocational education (TVE) in colonial Ghana: Implications for practice

The paper examines the economic rationale for the provision of technical/ vocational education (TVE) in colonial Ghana. It further highlights some key lessons drawn from the study, particularly, in term of the Ghanaian contemporary search for a more pragmatic policy formulation for TVE. Data were retrieved from primary sources in the form of archival materials and some secondary sources as well some interview sessions with two personalities who were actively involved in the provision of TVE during the period. Chronological and thematic analysis of the data were utilized. The study revealed that the missionary bodies and the colonial administration vigorously promoted TVE largely because of economic reasons. It further argues that this level of vigor could not unfortunately keep pace with the developmental needs of the country due mainly to overriding interest in literary/grammar education, lack of entrepreneurial training for graduates of the TVE institutions and virtual non-existence of local industries to absorb these graduates.

The Graduate School Pipeline and First-Generation/Working-Class Inequalities

Sociological research has long been interested in inequalities generated by and within educational institutions. Although relatively rich as a literature, less analytic focus has centered on educational mobility and inequality experiences within graduate training specifically. In this article, we draw on a combination of survey and open-ended qualitative data from approximately 450 graduate students in the discipline of sociology to analyze graduate school pipeline divergences for first-generation and working-class students and the implications for inequalities in tangible resources, advising and support, and a sense of isolation. Our results point to an important connection between private undergraduate institutional enrollment and higher-status graduate program attendance—a pattern that undercuts social-class mobility in graduate training and creates notable precarities in debt, advising, and sense of belonging for first-generation and working-class graduate students. We conclude by discussing the unequal pathways revealed and their implications for merit and mobility, graduate training, and opportunity within our and other disciplines.

ОПЫТ РАЗВИТИЯ МАГИСТРАТУРЫ В СФЕРЕ АВТОМОБИЛЬНОГО ТРАНСПОРТА

The article is devoted to the issue of improving the training of undergraduates at the department of “Technical operation and repair of automobiles” of Volgograd State Technical University. An analysis of the current situation with master's training is provided, and the main problematic issues are highlighted. The main factors determining the prestige of entering a master's program are considered, and a comparison is made with the general trends in the development of higher education in Russia in recent years. The directions for improving master's training at a regional university are considered. The experience of developing a new educational program dedicated to technical expertise in transport is presented. The development of the program was carried out in close cooperation with employers, which were both direct expert offices and car service companies that also carry out examination of vehicle elements. During the development of the program, partial continuity was maintained with the master’s program “Technical Operation of Automobiles,” previously implemented at the department, which simplified the transition process and also expanded the scope of professional activities of graduates. Organizational issues related to the implementation of the educational program are examined in detail, using the resources of several departments of the university and specialized enterprises, as well as with the involvement of bachelor's graduates in training at the master's level.

Retention of graduate trainee programmes: a case study of Hilton’s Elevator fast-track to general manager graduate programme

ABSTRACT Developing a talent pipeline through the design of graduate programmes has become a notable trend in the hospitality industry. This trend aims to address skilled labour shortages and alleviate high staff turnover rates. This study examines the impact of career development challenges on individuals’ behaviour concerning their aspiration to become and stay as a hotel general manager. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather primary qualitative data. Data analysis involved grounded theory coding techniques employed for data analysis, offering insights into respondents’ perspectives and experiences. The findings highlighted the relationship between career development and the elements of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, particularly concerning individuals’ commitment to the general manager career path. various career development obstacles and facilitations were found to influence these attitudes. Moreover, career development emerged as a pivotal organisational factor in participants’ decision to stay on the general manager career trajectory. These findings enriched the understanding of career development in graduate trainee programmes in the hospitality industry, offering insights into talent management practices for retaining programme graduates and increasing programme efficiency.

Maintaining Petroleum Engineering Education To Support the Energy Mix of the Future

Once petroleum engineering was formally established as a degree program, the scope and content of curricula has been evolving to match technological advancements and soft skills requirements to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry. The cyclical nature of the industry has always presented a challenge to the enrollment and the viability of the degree. However, while having to tackle challenges relating to record-low enrollment over the past few years that is the direct result of the recent industry downturn, academic programs are also experiencing mounting pressure that is transforming the core identity of these programs. Much of that pressure can be directly linked to the heightened awareness around the impact of emissions on climate and the environment. While technological advancements in clean energy is contributing to an accelerated transition in the energy sector that is reducing the share of the energy market need fulfilled by fossil fuels, all of the projections point to oil and gas continuing to be a critical part of the energy market until at least 2050. When considering development and utilization of capture technology, the share of oil and gas in the energy market could continue to remain significant well beyond 2050. Meeting this demand requires maintaining high-quality petroleum engineering educational programs, hosted in thriving academic departments, educating a steady supply of a trained workforce with both undergraduate and advanced degrees. In addition, it requires diversifying the curriculum to continue to meet the ever-changing skillset needs of the energy industry and the requirements set by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). At the same time, the curriculum should continue to support the needs for a general education that targets a well-rounded graduate that is ready to be a critical thinker and an active participant in society, while also attempting to appeal to the new generations of college students and instilling in them the principles needed to secure the safe, sustainable, just, and responsible energy industry of the future. Petroleum engineering faculty are at the forefront of these challenges, trying to balance multiple competing demands while keeping up research and educational programs that continue to be relevant. In this article, we bring to light the perspective of the experts, across the globe, that over the past 5 decades educated and prepared the workforce that supported the oil and gas industry. These perspectives were collected using a survey probing what faculty members are experiencing regarding the impact of the energy transition on recruiting students and on strategic directions in academic programs, the impact on their ability to fund their research and train graduate students, and what the faculty need to maintain a curriculum that is relevant to the future careers of their students.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ВНЕДРЕНИЯ ДИСТАНЦИОННЫХ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОЙ ИТОГОВОЙ АТТЕСТАЦИИ СТУДЕНТОВ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ФАКУЛЬТЕТА УГМУ ЗА 2019, 2020 И 2022 ГОДЫ

The educational process has undergone significant changes throughout the history of mankind. Over the past few years, in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, a model of distance and mixed learning format has been integrated into the educational activities of universities, implying the use of distance educational forms. To assess the effectiveness of this model of education, it is necessary to analyze the final academic performance of a graduate student, his readiness for practical activity, possession of a certain set of skills and abilities in comparison with the classical model of education. In the course of this study, it was found that the academic performance of students of the Faculty of Dentistry according to the results of the state final certification, when comparing the classical model of education with distance learning, remains at a high level: there are no unsatisfactory results in all three stages of certification, high rates of obtaining positive grades by certified students remain, which indicates the correct choice of the trajectory of the educational process.
 Subject. Results of the state final certification at the Ural State Medical University in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
 Objectives. Comparative analysis of the results of the training of graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry in various training conditions.
 Methodology. The data of the results of the State final certification of students of the Faculty of Dentistry for the period in 2019, 2020 and 2022 were studied. The selected time period includes the period of preparation of students in the conditions of a pandemic using various learning technologies.
 Results. In the analyzed period, the indicators of the state final certification were consistently high and equivalent relative to the total number of graduates, regardless of the form of study. When comparing all formats of the educational process, according to the results of the certification, there were no unsatisfactory results, which indicates the effectiveness of both the classical form of full-time education and the mixed form of the educational process in the distance format.
 Conclusion. Given the similarity of the results of the final certification, we can conclude about the effectiveness of forms of distance education along with classical ones.

The need for hands-on training and supervision for entry-level physicians in a country with low surgical staffing density: a nationwide survey in Ghana

BackgroundDespite the largely unmet need, relatively few medical school graduates enrol in surgical residency and fewer surgical specialists work rurally in low- and middle-income countries. Surgical housemanship is the only formal training for medical graduates who will become the main surgical care providers in underserved areas. This study aimed to evaluate Ghanaian surgical housemanship (internship) and its impact on independent medical practice.MethodsA nationwide questionnaire survey of surgical trainees from seven teaching or regional-level hospitals ascertained the experience and self-confidence levels for 35 training objectives set by the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana, and suggestions to improve surgical training quality.ResultsOf 310 respondents, 59.7% experienced ≤ 10 cases for each topic, and 24.8% reported self-confidence as ≤ 2 points (out of 5). More than 90% of respondents experienced ≤ 10 cases for gastric, colorectal and liver cancer management. Teaching hospital trainees had lower proportions of those experiencing > 10 cases (36.6% versus 43.7%) and reporting self-confidence ≥ 4 (46.5% versus 55.8%), respectively, compared with those from regional/other-level hospitals. 40% of respondents were not confident about their surgical skills, and 70.5% requested better-supervised and practical surgical skills training. The proportion of respondents who reported limited supervision was higher among those from teaching hospitals, reported self-confidence scores < 4, and experienced ≤ 10 cases for each topic. 67% of respondents were satisfied with their surgical housemanship and 75.8% perceived surgical rotation as relevant to their future work.ConclusionsMost surgical trainees are concerned about their surgical skills. A structured curriculum with specific goals and better-supervised surgical skills training should be established. Inclusion of regional/other-level hospitals in surgical training may reduce the supervisory burden in teaching hospitals.

Tools for Addressing Microaggressions: An Interactive Workshop for Perioperative Trainees.

Graduate trainees from diverse backgrounds may experience discrimination, mistreatment, and microaggressions. While the ability to identify and respond to microaggressions is a much-needed skill for all emerging trainees, limited training workshops exist for residents, especially within perioperative medicine. To embody the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA), we aimed to empower trainees in the perioperative environment with several strategies for addressing microaggressions to bridge this training gap. Based on critical race theory, transformative learning, minority stress theory, and the structural theory of gender and power, this workshop was developed with the primary aim of educating trainees on microaggressions, amplifying the role of allyship, and providing tools to respond to microaggressions as an ally. We used a mixed methods approach to examine participants' pre/post self-evaluations of microaggression intervention tools and the overall effectiveness of the workshop. The postsurvey captured the experiences of 54 trainees, including 37 of 44 (84%) first-year clinical anesthesia residents and 14 of 24 (58%) surgery residents. The facilitator and course feedback was remarkably positive. Paired t test analyses on participants' pre- and postsurvey responses demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge of microaggressions. This workshop also significantly increased learners' self-reported tools for responding to microaggressions. Overall, these promising findings suggest that the strategies presented in this workshop could be applied across other graduate medical education programs. Institutions may wish to customize workshop elements, such as the case scenarios, and the workshop can also be incorporated within a DEIA curriculum.

Initiating the dialogue between infant mental health and family therapy: a qualitative inquiry and recommendations

AbstractThis qualitative study explores infant‐family mental health experts' perspectives and experiences regarding the inclusion of infants in the family therapy setting. Infant socioemotional development is relational in nature and evolves in the context of both dyadic attachment relationships and broader multi‐person co‐parenting systems. Given this, we sought to understand why family therapy interventions involving families with infants rarely include the infant in a triangular or family systemic approach. Interviews were completed by clinical and/or research experts whose work integrates tenets of both infant mental health (IMH) and family theory and therapy. All interviewees brought at least 5 years of expertise and were actively engaged in the field. Interviewees expressed consistent beliefs that infants have a rightful and helpful place in family therapy approaches. They maintained that infants' innate social drive and communicative capacities position them to make meaningful and clinically significant contributions within family and systemic psychotherapy contexts. Noting that infants have remained on the periphery of these practices, experts advocated expansion and greater integration between IMH and family therapy, while preserving each field's distinctive identity. Experts reported that the interplay between IMH and family therapy fields has been uni‐directional as family systems concepts are embedded within IMH approaches, but few IMH premises are incorporated in mainstream family therapy practices. The disconnect was attributed to multiple factors, including graduate and professional training and theoretical, clinical, research, and sociocultural barriers, which were mutually reinforcing. Experts also identified clinical gains for both infants and family members when infants were meaningfully included in family interventions. Common ground was identified between the disciplines, with a belief that relationally distressed young children and parents are best served by clinical engagement with their network of relationships. Results call for greater collaboration between disciplines to challenge existing traditions and to more fully include infants in mainstream family therapy. Recommendations for integration of family therapy and IMH in clinical, theoretical, research, training, and sociocultural domains are offered.

The interconnection between evaluated and self-assessed performance in full flight simulator training

This study explores potential disparities between flight instructor evaluations and pilot self-assessments in the context of full flight simulator training. Evaluated performance was based on the Competency-based Training and Assessment framework, a recent development of competency-based education within aviation. Self-assessed performance is derived from survey responses and debriefing interviews. The simulator session involves eight multi-crew pilot training graduates and eight experienced flight captains, encompassing two tasks featuring sudden technical malfucntions during flight. The flight instructor’s evaluations reveal no significant differences in pilot performance. However, disparities become apparent when pilots engaged in reflecting their performance. Novice pilots, despite perceiving both tasks as easy, exhibited an overconfidence that led them to underestimate the inherent risks. Conversely, experienced pilots demonstrated greater caution towards the risks and engaged in discussing possible hazards. Furthermore, this study highlights the challenge of designing flight simulator training that incorporates surprise elements. Pilots tend to anticipate anomalies more readily in simulator training than during actual flights. Thus, this study underscores the importance of examining how pilots reflect on their performance, complementing the assessment of observable indicators and predefined competencies.

Exploring Resilience in Social Work Trainees

Exploring Resilience in Social Work Trainees

Clinical Supervision Postpandemic: Providing a Continuity of Care and Supervision Using Zoom in the University Clinic Setting

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the shift to telepractice by university clinics. Supervision then occurred through Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms. Although clinics have returned to in-person services, the use of telepractice still continues as a preferred form of service delivery for many clients. However, providing both telepractice and in-person supervision in one university clinic can present many challenges. This article describes how one pro bono university clinic is resolving supervisor observation issues and space limitations by implementing a cohesive, low-cost Zoom observation system that is used with both in-person and telepractice clients. Method: The history of the previous observation system is provided along with the factors that necessitated the shift to the videoconferencing platform. The authors describe the configuration of the clinic rooms, the equipment needed to implement a similar observation system, and recommendations for getting started. This article also discusses the benefits and challenges of using the Zoom observation system for supervision with graduate student clinicians and their clients. Conclusion: The information is relevant to programs seeking to implement an effective low-cost observation system for training graduate students in a university clinic.

Needs assessment of basic gastrointestinal endoscopy training: A qualitative study in Indonesia.

Gastointestinal endoscopy is a complex practical skill, and training and experience are required to ensure the accuracy and safety of the procedures. Therefore, proper endoscopy training is needed to provide highly skilled endoscopists. This study explores the learning experience and assesses the need for endoscopy training in Indonesia from an endoscopy trainee's point of view. Limitations from the current training model and the trainees' suggestions hopefully will become a foundation for the future endoscopy training model in Indonesia. A total of 132 current endoscopy trainees and graduates of endoscopy training from various centers in Indonesia completed an online qualitative survey regarding their endoscopy training experience, their satisfaction with the current training method, barriers to achieving competency, and their suggestions for future training. Data were subjected to descriptive and qualitative analysis using content analysis. We found variations in the trainee's learning experience regarding the training supervision, feedback, and assessment methods. The most common endoscopy training methods were observation and direct practice with supervision. There was only a low proportion of simulator use (25%). The most found concept in barriers to achieving competency was "insufficient number of patients." Meanwhile, the most found concept in suggestions for future training methods was "increasing the variety of cases and procedures." Our findings suggest that there are still variations in endoscopy training methods in Indonesia. Therefore, we propose to design a standardized endoscopy training program to ensure the competence of endoscopy trainees and better care for endoscopic patients. Simulators might be used to increase the trainees' competence in settings with low numbers of patients or cases.

Research on the Decision-Making Mechanism of Human Capital Investment in the Behavior of “Returning to School for a Master Degree”—An Interview Analysis Based on Grounded Theory

Currently, it has become increasingly common for individuals engaged in social work to pursue a Master’s degree as part of their professional development. Following the qualitative research approach of grounded theory, this study conducted in-depth interviews with six graduate students majoring in education from local universities and performed a three-level coding analysis on the collected data. The motivations behind social candidates’ pursuit of a Master’s degree are primarily driven by material needs, spiritual aspirations, and other factors. Drawing upon the human capital theory, this study examines the investment decision-making behavior of this particular cohort. The decision mechanism underlying this behavior is as follows: the anticipated income level associated with a master’s degree surpasses the current income level; the expected return on investment outweighs the investment cost; while human capital investment in graduate school entails minimal risk, its return rate exceeds that of other investments; substantial hidden benefits are derived from investing in human capital. The research findings can serve as a valuable reference for the reform and adjustment of graduate enrollment and training in higher education institutions.

Motivation to engage in physical training of higher education graduates of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine during extracurricular work under martial law

On the basis of the conducted research, it was established that the conditions of martial law changed the priorities in the training of specialists, made corrections in the educational process of students of higher education, and actualized the issue of increasing the level of physical fitness of future law enforcement officers.&#x0D; The motivational factors that direct higher education graduates of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine to engage in physical training during extracurricular work under martial law are highlighted. It was determined that the motivation to engage in physical exercises is a special state of the individual, aimed at achieving the optimal level of physical fitness and work capacity. Based on the results of the survey, it was established that the vast majority of future law enforcement officers assess their own level of physical fitness as adequate; 73.4% of respondents have a positive attitude to independent physical exercises during extracurricular work under martial law. It was established that the incentives that motivate higher education students to engage in physical exercises on their own are: increasing the level of physical readiness for future work (29.1%); strengthening health, improving appearance (25.9%); self-realization and achieving high results in the chosen sport, performance of sports classes (22.3%).&#x0D; The reasons that prevent the proper level of organization of independent work of higher education seekers in the conditions of martial law are considered. The most important reasons are: lack of free time for classes (32.7%); lack of modern inventory and proper educational material base (15.5%); the probability of announcing the signal "Air alarm" during the stay in the sports hall and the need to move to shelter (6.8%).&#x0D; Prospects for further research consist in determining directions for increasing the motivation of students of higher education to independently engage in physical training under martial law.

Examining Graduate Training in Written Language and the Impact on Speech-Language Pathologists' Practice: Perspectives From Faculty and Clinicians.

This study had two aims. Aim 1 was to query both communication science and disorders (CSD) faculty and school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding how written language is/was covered in their graduate programs. Aim 2 was to query school-based SLPs about their written language service provision. CSD faculty (n = 143) and school-based SLPs (n = 610) completed an online survey examining (a) if and how written language was addressed in their graduate program, (b) what content related to written language was covered in graduate school, and (c) provision of written language services in schools (SLPs only). There was a discrepancy in reports of training provision. Faculty reported providing more training than SLPs reported receiving. However, SLPs with fewer years of experience reported slightly higher levels of training compared to those with more years of experience. Additionally, there was variability among SLPs in how often they targeted written language in therapy. Finally, receipt of training in written language was a significant predictor of provision of written language services, as reported by SLPs. SLPs play a key role on literacy teams in schools, but many SLPs did not receive adequate training in written language. In order to ensure SLPs are trained to work with children with reading difficulties, graduate programs should ensure that written language is part of the clinical and academic curricula. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24543469.

The Relationship Between Training Implementation and Entrepreneurial Behavior Graduates Of Makeup Training at LPK Rane Padang City

The background of this research is the low entrepreneurial behavior of cosmetology training graduates at the Keja Rane Training Institute, which is suspected because the implementation of the training at the Keja Rane Training Institute in Padang City is not good. This study aims to reveal the description of the implementation of the training in the tying training at LPK Rane, the entrepreneurial behavior of graduates of the cosmetology training at LPK Rane, and reveal the relationship between the implementation of the training and the entrepreneurial behavior of training graduates at LPK Rane, Padang City. This study uses a quantitative approach with a correlational type. The population in this study were 32 cosmetology training graduates, while the sample was taken using a simple random sampling technique of 78%, namely 25 people. Data collection techniques using a questionnaire. And the technique used in data analysis is the percentage formula and the spearman rho formula correlation. The results of this study indicate that: 1) the implementation of training in cosmetology training at LPK Rane is still relatively low, 2) entrepreneurial behavior of training graduates is low, 3) there is a significant relationship between training implementation and entrepreneurial behavior of cosmetology training graduates at LPK Rane Padang city.

408 Awardee Talk: Team Approach to Beef Cattle Extension Programming

Abstract Over 100 years ago, the Smith Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service in conjunction with the land grant institutions. Extension has seen much change with a never-ending list of challenges presenting themselves. Graduate training programs are typically discipline focused, answering questions using the scientific method. Most new hires have limited exposure to Extension educational program development and likely have not received training in curriculum planning, program assessment or logic model development. The learning curve can be even steeper when one accepts a position with multiple disciplinary responsibilities or outside their industry sector focus (i.e., cow/calf verses feedlot nutrition). Success is often determined by developing relationships with experienced faculty both at their institution and others in the region. Guidance can be sought from these experienced individuals, knowledge can be gained from their successes and failures, and one can learn the Extension arm of the land grant system quickly from these relationships. Relationships should not be limited to the home department of the individual but should reach across disciplines to engage others to work with and learn from to aid in developing a system-wide view of agricultural production. Regional research and extension groups are key contributors to building multi-state programming of new Extension specialists. Access to funds is critical for the implementation of Extension programming and these networks increase funding opportunities. My success in Extension is a shared success with all those that were kind enough to take the time to teach me a little of their area of expertise. Having the willingness to be part of a team in developing Extension programming for beef cattle has resulted in a rewarding career. New hires in the Extension specialist role will find building a team to work with to develop effective beef programs will ease their transition from graduate student to Extension specialist.

4 Urinary Fluoride Levels and Metal Co-Exposures Among Pregnant Women in Los Angeles, California

Objective:Approximately 73% of the United States (US) population on public water systems receives fluoridated water for tooth decay prevention. In Los Angeles (LA) County, 89% of cities are at least partially fluoridated. Drinking water is the primary source of fluoride exposure in the US. Studies conducted in Mexico and Canada suggest that prenatal fluoride exposure, at levels relevant to the US, may contribute to poorer neurodevelopment in offspring. However, data on biomarkers and patterns of fluoride exposure among US pregnant women are scarce. This study examined urinary fluoride levels according to sociodemographic factors and metal co-exposures among pregnant women in the US.Participants and Methods:Participants were from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort based in Los Angeles, California. There were 293 and 490 women with urine fluoride measured during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. An intra-class correlation coefficient examined consistency of specific gravity-adjusted maternal urinary fluoride (MUFsg) between trimesters. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests examined associations of MUFsg with sociodemographic variables. Spearman correlations examined associations of MUFsg with blood and urine metals within and between trimesters. A False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction accounted for multiple comparisons. The criterion for statistical significance was an alpha of 0.05.Results:Participants were approximately 29 years old on average, and 80% were Hispanic or Latina. Median (IQR) MUFsg during trimesters one and three was 0.65 (0.5) mg/L and 0.8 (0.59) mg/L, respectively. MUFsg levels were moderately consistent between trimesters (N=292, ICC = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.32,0.57). Maternal age was positively associated with MUFsg during first (p = 0.16, p = 0.006) and third (p = 0.18, p &lt; 0.001) trimesters. MUFsg differed by race/ethnicity during first and third trimesters (N = 293, H (3) = 7.99, p = 0.046; N = 486, H (3) = 25.31, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Specifically, MUFsg was higher for White, Non-Hispanic participants (first trimester Median (IQR) =1.03 (1.31) mg/L; third trimester Median (IQR) = 1.32 (1.24) mg/L) than for Hispanic participants in both trimesters (first trimester Median (IQR) =0.64 (0.48) mg/L; third trimester Median (IQR) = 0.76 (0.55) mg/L). Additionally, during trimester three, MUFsg was higher for White, Non-Hispanic participants than for Black Non-Hispanic participants (Median (IQR) = 0.82 (0.49) mg/L). MUFsg also differed by education during trimester one (N = 293, H (4) = 10.61, p = 0.031), and was higher for participants with some graduate training than for those with high school or some college/technical school education (ps = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). After FDR correction, MUFsg was associated with blood lead (N =91, p = 0.29, p = 0.024) and urinary cadmium (N =279, p = 0.19, p = 0.042), copper (N=279, p = 0.16, p = 0.042), and tungsten (N=279, p = 0.16, p = 0.049) during trimester three.Conclusions:Consistent with studies conducted in Canada and Mexico, MUFsg increased across pregnancy. Lower MUFsg among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black participants may reflect lower tap water consumption. Metal co-exposures are important to consider when examining potential neurodevelopmental impacts of fluoride.

Symposium 02: Current Directions in Women’s Neuropsychology Research

Summary Abstract:A longstanding trend of underrepresentation of women in pre-clinical and clinical research limits our understanding of women’s issues across several scientific fields, including neuropsychology and related disciplines. Highlighting this trend is the fact that only 2-6% of studies across major neuroscience journals over the last decade were conducted exclusively in women/females. This pattern of research limits our understanding of how women’s unique physiological, hormonal, psychiatric, and psychosocial presentations contribute to their brain health. Inclusion efforts aimed at increasing the study of more diverse populations have resulted in a nascent understanding of sex differences across several neuropsychological conditions, with implications for identification, prevention, and intervention efforts unique to women.In this seminar, we highlight current efforts by neuropsychologists to expand research of women in order to enhance our understanding and clinical care of this population. Of note, we use the standardized term “women” to describe a biological category (females) and/or a self-identified gender trait, which varies depending on the scope of the research and data availability. We highlight five lines of women’s-focused research spanning epilepsy/seizure disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and neurotoxicant exposure. In Dr. Sullivan-Baca’s presentation, ongoing lines of research into the clinical presentations of women with epilepsy are discussed. Findings highlight substantial psychiatric burden and unique medical factors to consider in women within this population. Dr. Jak’s presentation expands on concussion outcomes in women using the national FITBIR database and highlights a sex difference in postconcussive outcomes, with increased cognitive and somatic symptoms in women compared to men. Dr. Rapport and colleagues focus on the experience of menopause after TBI and discuss validation of a menopause symptom survey for TBI survivors. Dr. Sundermann’s presentation covers findings on women’s unique preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease trajectories. Dr. Krengel focuses on health trajectories for women Veterans exposed to neurotoxicants during the Gulf War and underlines sex differences in neuropsychological test performance. Through these presentations, our goal is both to inform and to inspire. Overall, we seek to orient members of our field to current directions in women’s research so they can better understand how women are differentially affected by neurological conditions. Clinically, we hope this knowledge will encourage neuropsychologists to understand how their women patients’ unique experiences of sex and gender contribute to their brain health. For researchers, we hope that attending this symposium will encourage pursuit of women’s-focused lines of inquiry. Furthermore, we hope to inspire training institutions to integrate this type of research more systematically into graduate student didactics and training, particularly for those students in neuropsychology-focused training.