Sandra Maria Bernal

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Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Apanovich, N., King, G. O., Limbaugh, A., Smith, G., & Bernal, S. (2025). Socio-cultural benefits of an urban agriculture initiative designed for vulnerable populations in Tucson, Arizona. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 14(Issue 3). doi:10.5304/jafscd.2025.143.022
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  While urban agriculture can address many challenges faced by vulnerable populations, the additive effect of combining two completely different groups in an urban food production setting is murkier. To examine the role of a collaborative urban garden setting in addressing food security and social isolation challenges among university students, refugees, and asylum seekers in Tucson, Arizona, we designed a 10-week-long study centered around communal food production, educational sustainability workshops, and cultural exchange. We relied on the elements of the socio-ecological and nature-based solutions frameworks to emphasize the interconnectedness of human systems and natural environments. Through pre-and post-study surveys (students) and interviews (refugees) and observations with nine students and refugees, we found that both groups experienced positive impacts on food access and social connections. All of this is reported within the context of developing a sense of agency and belonging. The results indicate that urban gardening creates pathways to empowerment and equalizes the differences between the groups and the groups and society. We recommend future research explore additional benefits of such collaborations and potential ways of institutionalizing them within communities with significant vulnerable populations.
• Bernal, S., Chalfoun, N., & Enginner, A. (2020). IMPLICACIONES DE LA VENTILACIÓN NATURAL Y MECÁNICA EN LA EXPOSICIÓN AL POLVO EN VIVIENDA: CASO DE ESTUDIO EN TUCSON, ARIZONA, EE. UU.. Vivienda y Comunidades Sustentables, 1(7), 77-91. doi:10.32870/rvcs.v0i7.136
• Chalfoun, N. V., Engineer, A. A., & Bernal, S. M. (2020). Assessment of the implications of natural and mechanical ventilation on exposure to dust in the residential sector.. Vivienda y Comunidades Sustentables (Housing and Sustainable Communities),, 4(7), 77-91.

Proceedings Publications

• Alhabib, G., Bernal, S. M., Ida, A., & Engineer, A. A. (2020, November). Experimental tests of CAM Plants and Hydrogels for outdoor air pollutant filtration systems. In The 16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality & Climate (Indoor Air 2020), Seoul, Korea (virtual), 1-6.
• Bernal, S. M. (2015). Assessment of the implications of natural and mechanical ventilation on human health in the residential sector. In Healthy Buildings 2015 America Conference: Innovation in a Time of Energy Uncertainty and Climate Adaptation, HB 2015, 2015-.
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  From the alternatives to solve indoor environmental quality in the residential sector, the ventilation system used as source of air exchange and temperature control makes a difference in particle deposition. Using a case study that compares the 3 most common ventilation systems, the difference in particle deposition and temperature regulation was assessed. The ultimate goal of the assessment is to have enough information to define the real impact of natural ventilation and mechanical systems in the inhabitants. The discussion has been focused on health with an important stress on energy consumption and indoor environmental quality. The analysis was done using Energy 2d, passive particle catchers, and digital thermometer.

Presentations

• Alhabib, G., Ida, A., Bernal, S. M., & Engineer, A. A. (2020, November). Experimental tests of CAM Plants and Hydrogels for outdoor air pollutant filtration systems. The 16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality & Climate (Indoor Air 2020). Seoul, South Korea (Virtual).