Mindfulness with Nature Study (enrollment closed)
Project: Dr. Huemer and students from the NEST Lab designed a randomized controlled trial study which examined the effects of Dr. Huemer’s proprietary Mindfulness with Nature program on mental wellbeing, stress reduction, and nature connectedness. Preliminary findings show that participants in the experimental group who conducted Dr. Huemer’s guided mindfulness activities 15 min. daily during a two-week period made significant gains in mental wellbeing and nature connectedness as opposed to the control group who took 15 min. unstructured walks during the two-week trial. Preliminary results were presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association in August. Currently. Dr. Huemer and students at the NEST Lab are currently working on a final data write up, conference presentations, and a manuscript.
Timeline: May 25 – December 25
APA Advisory Report on the Effects of Heat on Classroom Learning
Project: Dr. Huemer is working with an international group of psychologists to author a scientific advisory report on the increasing problem of heat (rising temperature, heatwaves) on student and teacher wellbeing, cognitive performance, and behaviors with a focus on Pre-K – 12 classrooms.
Timeline: August 25 – November 25
Trailblazing Health – A collaboration with the Salmonberry Trail Foundation
Project: In collaboration with Michelle Jenck, wellness director, and Matt Streng, Salmonberry Trail, Dr. Huemer will research, coordinate, and present the scientific evidence on nature engagement at the Annual Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit in Pendleton, Oregon, from November 6 – 8.
Timeline: August 25 – November 25
Mindfulness with Nature mobile application
Dr. Huemer and students at NEST Lab, in collaboration with capstone students and faculty at Computer Sciences/Engineering are working on the development of a Mindfulness with Nature mobile app to allow a wide audience of users to follow the guided mindfulness with nature activities designed and tested by Dr. Huemer and the NEST Lab for improved mental wellbeing and nature connectedness.
Timeline: September 25 – June 25
Climate Resilience in Rural Populations – Research and Practice Collaboration
As part of a teambuilding project led by Maud Powell (OSU Extension, Small Farms) and Mary Halbbleib (College of Agriculture), Dr. Huemer is part of a working group to develop research and practice proposals which help promote climate resilience among small farmers.
Timeline: June 15 – June 26