Student Capstone Papers, Projects, and Presentations

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Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

City-School Collaboration for Tree Canopy Enhancement: A Report for the City of Minnetonka to Partner With its Local Schools
(2023-05-08) Kwapick, Chris; Sebora, Caleb; Silver, Eidan; Sun, Yiyang
Documenting and Understanding the Link between Climate Change and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Using a Case Study in Buikwe District, Uganda
(2023-05-05) Buetow, Kristyn A; Kubrom, Selam Y; Shannon-Tamrat, Sisay E; Walkenhorst, Megan E
The University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, in partnership with Regenerate Africa, collaborated on a study with two main objectives: 1. Conduct an assessment of Uganda´s capacity for integration of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the National Adaptation Plan processes 2. Document and understand the linkage and interconnectedness of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights/Family Planning and climate change. Researchers conducted 12 Key Informant Interviews and eight Focus Group Discussions with various expert stakeholders. The Focus Group Discussions were conducted within two communities of Ssi-Bukunja Sub-County, Buikwe District and shaped the case study model. The case study findings were then extrapolated to the larger Ugandan context by speaking to key informants in the Buikwe District and beyond. This report aims to provide Regenerate Africa and other key stakeholders with evidence on the link between climate change and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights/Family Planning in Uganda, and to apply this link to policy recommendations. The policy recommendations in this report are intended to be used in the comprehensive National Adaptation Plan for Uganda, which currently lacks a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights/Family Planning. In addition, some recommendations are specific to local government, healthcare, and Civil Society Organizations. The Regenerate Africa team will disseminate this study’s findings and the findings of their larger study to policymakers and leaders of the other organizations mentioned. This report is intended to inspire more research with the inclusion of other communities throughout Uganda who have valuable insights on this topic. This project also marks the first capstone collaboration between the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs and Regenerate Africa, and encourages the continuation of this relationship.
Global Mamas Final Capstone Report 2019-2020
(2020-05) Carlson, Gunnar; Dimore, Kidist; Masterpole, Zoë; Nurmatova, Nasiba; Scarborough, Darryl
Lake of the Woods Sustainability Assessment
(The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2019-05-19) Dix, Alec; Freesmeier, Claire; Helgeson, Erik; Pattsner, Max
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs for Connexus Energy
(2023-05) Komoroski, Sarah E; Hetchler, Cory J; McKenzie, Conor C; Knetsch, Carl H
This report explores Connexus Energy's low-income spending requirement as part of Minnesota's Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). The paper reviews the current landscape of Connexus’ low-income programs and offers recommendations to increase direct spending, energy savings, and program participation. Our research consisted of a mix of general literature review, demographic data analysis, creation of spatial maps, and direct interviews with Connexus’ partners and other relevant organizations. We emphasize the importance of dedicated low-income programs in overcoming the barriers that prevent low-income households from engaging in energy efficiency programs. The report focuses on single-family households, which constitute the majority of homes in Connexus' service territory. We recommend Connexus pursue a comprehensive home energy audit program, build more robust relationships with Community Action Agencies, and raise the visibility of all their low-income programs. By implementing these recommendations, Connexus can meet their low-income spending requirement while improving the quality of life for their most vulnerable members.
Met Council 4D Housing & Energy: Humphrey School Senior Capstone Project
(2020-05-20) Overby, Courtney, A; Jones, Matt; Richard, Lilly; Whitcraft, Bri
Shared Mobility Policy Guide
(2018-05) Kartheiser, Christopher G; Valenti, Alicia; Bai, Shunhua; Biron, Holly; Nowak, Jacqueline
Strategies to Improve Point-in-Time (PIT) Counts of Unsheltered Homelessness: An Evaluation of Hennepin County's Current Approach and Summary of Lessons Learned from Other Communities
(2021-05) Hilty, Rowan; Bergmann, Susan; Kraft, Lauren; Hirilall, Ashley
The Hennepin County Office of Housing Stability requested assistance from students at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to conduct a study about how best to reform and improve their point-in-time (PIT) count of people experiencing homelessness. The Hennepin County CoC’s PIT counts of both sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness contribute to the determination of federal funding received to support the County’s population experiencing homelessness. Current counting methods are resource-intensive—particularly for the unsheltered count—and likely yield an underestimate of people experiencing homelessness. These concerns have led to skepticism about the practicality of the PIT count, as well as confusion around funding allocations. The team conducted research over a four-month period, beginning late January 2021. The study relied on frequent meetings with Hennepin County, a literature review to learn about sampling methodologies and how other communities conduct their counts, and interviews with stakeholders and experts to better understand the PIT count process. The literature review revealed several innovative methods for sampling and estimating and the interviews highlighted concerns expressed by those directly involved with the process. This report provides background on the PIT count process, a summary of the methodological approaches from the literature review, findings from the interviews, and recommendations to strengthen future counts. Lastly, we summarize provide three key recommendations for the Hennepin County CoC to prioritize as they prepare for the next PIT count amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: 1. Create a strategically designed sampling approach to use in future iterations of the unsheltered PIT count and build quality checks into a sampling strategy to help inform ongoing process improvement. 2. Increase connection and collaboration with the network of organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the PIT count. 3. Use targeted approaches to increase the number of volunteers, particularly those who are racially diverse and/or those with lived experiences of homelessness.