Tag: Poster 169

The History of a Modern Era of Conservation in the United States from 1964 to the Present

Presenter(s): Brooke Mckinney − Environmental Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Sarah Wald

Poster 169

Research Area: Social Science

The Modern Era of conservation and the conservation movement is extensive in political, racial, social, ethical, and ecological controversies. To understand the definition and benefits or setbacks of conservation my research seeks to explain the effects of conservation on racial issues and ecological issues in order to create a comprehensible timeline of events. Important components to this collective timeline are to identify effects of conservation on tribal communities and the environment in the US and in Oregon from literature, legislation, and creation of National Parks and how racial, social, and ecological issues changed conservation and its efforts from 1964 to the present. The timeline will be used by the organization Bark to help educate the public of the history of conservation and in training within the organization. My research is important because it intends to educate the public on how conservation efforts and legislation often lacks input from tribal communities, has historically excluded those communities from benefiting from these efforts and National Parks, and how conservation has, and could, change for the future.

Portland, Oregon: Minors Affected by Sex Trafficking

Presenter(s): Emily Mirbod

Co Presenter(s): sophie hansen, Desiree Whitney, Madisen Campbell, Tom Tandberg

Faculty Mentor(s): Noah Glusman

Poster 169

Session: Social Activism ARC

Portland, Oregon has one of the highest rates of human sex trafficking, especially of juveniles, in the United States. The high number of homeless youth, as well as youth who have ‘run away’ from home, are high targets as their more often than not increased vulnerability, psychologically and physically, can be manipulated and coerced by traffickers. One in six ‘runaways’ in 2014 were victims of sexual exploitation. Although trafficking of youth populations may not always be openly discussed or treated as the most prevalent issue, it is blatantly apparent that youth are targeted by the trafficking industry at alarmingly high rates. This is due to the populations increased vulnerability and in this case, Portland’s location which often allows for much more efficient transportation of the trafficked youth. Statistical evidence shows that 36% of those subjected to human trafficking in Portland, Oregon are 15 years old. The number becomes even more alarming when looking at homeless and runaway youth populations- 1 in 6 of these youth have been affected by exploitation. All available data on the subject shows that the more attention paid to this issue, the more likely people can recognize victims of sex trafficking and attempt to help them. With these findings, people may push for a greater federal and state information campaign. A campaign like this can extend beyond policy to not only to punish those responsible for these heinous crimes but actually prevent more cases and recognize those already in the system to safely extradite them from their captors.