Oral History in Evaluation: A New Partnership to Expand and Enhance Both Fields.

Evaluators utilize a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess outcomes and make recommendations; however, we were unable to find any reference in the literature regarding the incorporation of oral histories for evaluation purposes. Based on our use of oral histories to evaluate a Critical Race Theory (CRT)-based undergraduate research and mentoring program, we learned how oral histories can be used effectively-and meaningfully-for evaluations seeking a deeper understanding of the program participants' lived experiences. By sharing our (and our narrators') experiences as we delved into this new methodology, as well as lessons learned about the benefits, limitations, and considerations when incorporating oral histories into evaluations, we show how both can be adapted to honor oral history while also meeting our evaluation needs.

Faculty writing groups: The impact of protected writing time and group support.

Faculty at teaching institutions carry high teaching loads, leaving little time to write manuscripts or grant applications, let alone getting them published or awarded. This manuscript describes the impact of protected writing time for faculty at a higher education, teaching institution who committed to focused, uninterrupted writing time on a weekly basis and exchanged writing challenges and tips with colleagues. A mixed methods approach was used to assess the impacts of the writing group which found increased productivity (manuscripts and publications, proposals and grants) and sense of a research community with enhanced structural knowledge, camaraderie, and morale.

CeO2 nanorods-supported transition metal catalysts for CO oxidation.

A catalytically active oxide support in combination with metal catalysts is required in order to achieve better low temperature activity and selectivity. Here, we report that CeO2 nanorods with a superior surface oxygen release/storage capability were used as an active support of transition metal (TM) catalysts (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) for CO oxidation reaction. The as-prepared CeO2 nanorods supported 10 wt% TM catalysts were highly active for CO oxidation at low temperature, except for the Fe sample. It is found that the 10%Cu-CeO2 catalyst performed best, and it provided a lower light-off temperature with T50 (50% conversion) at 75 °C and T100 (100% conversion) of CO to CO2 at 194 °C. The atomic level surface structure of CeO2 nanorods was investigated in order to understand the improved low temperature catalytic activity. The richness of surface roughness and various defects (voids, lattice distortion, bending, steps, twinning) on CeO2 nanorods could facilitate oxygen release and storage. According to XRD and Raman analysis, copper species migrate into the bulk CeO2 nanorods to a greater degree. Since CO adsorbed over the surface of the catalyst/support is detrimental to its catalytic activity, the surface defects on the CeO2 nanorods and CeO2-TM interactions were critical to the enhanced activity.