FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Students researching methods to reduce childhood obesity among the Hispanic population in Northwest Arkansas are among several at the University of Arkansas to earn grants from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Undergraduate Creative Projects/Research Grants Program.

Another project receiving funding is an apparel merchandising study of the effect of environmentally friendly packaging on consumer attitudes toward retail brands.

The students, in the Bumpers College and the Honors College, selected to receive grants are Paige Boyle from Bentonville, Tessa Constant of Stilwell, Kansas; Lydia Mitchener of Kirkwood, Missouri; Madalyn Smith from Girard, Kansas; Maria Isabel Barrenechea of Santa Cruz, Bolivia; and Mallori Sando of Highland Village, Texas; along with Katherine Ross of Benton from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. They have been awarded grants between $750 and $1,700 for five projects.

Barrenechea and Sando, both in human nutrition and hospitality innovation, and Ross are researching “Development of a Nutrition Education Tool to Reduce Risk of Childhood Obesity in a Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Population.” With direction from clinical assistant professor Cindy Moore, their grant is $750.

Smith, in apparel merchandising and product development, is researching “Impact of Environmentally Friendly Packaging on Consumers’ Attitudes and Patronage Intentions Toward Retail Apparel Brands.” Working with assistant professor Eunjoo Cho, her grant is for $1,000.

Boyle, who is majoring in environmental, soil and water science, is studying “The Effect of Aeration of In-Vessel Compost Processing and Quality.” Boyle, working with professor Mary Savin and instructor Lisa Wood, earned a grant of $1,688.

Constant, who is in human nutrition and hospitality innovation, is researching “Competency Levels of Future Event Professionals as Compared to Meeting and Business Events Competency Standards.” With direction from associate professor Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, she received a grant for $1,000.

Mitchener, majoring in animal science, is focusing on “Use of Lipopolysaccharide Exposure to Dog Blood Cells to Indicate Bacterial Response.” With guidance from professor Charles Rosenkrans, her grant is for $1,000.

Horticulture professor Curt Rom, who is interim dean of the Honors College, is director of the Bumpers College honors program.