This project investigates how fog influences the foraging behavior and activity levels of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal northern California. By observing changes in foraging intensity and specific behaviors during foggy versus non-foggy conditions, this research aims to better understand how microclimatic factors like fog affect ant ecology. Findings may inform broader ecological studies on climate adaptation and the role of fog in shaping invertebrate behavior.

The main objectives of this study are to determine the variation in forage habitat selection of each of these species located in the Arcata Community Forest, and to see what might influence their forage site selection. I hypothesize that forage site selection for woodpeckers will be influenced by their prey choosing certain tree species and trees in moderate to high stages of decay. The data collected and used to complete my objectives as gathered by surveying multiple trails throughout the Arcata Community Forest, taking note of any woodpeckers engaging in foraging activity along with the species of woodpecker, the species of tree, and the stage of decay the tree was in.

Samsung smart tags are used as a tool for tracking the location of mule deer and assessing their use in different environments with levels of urbanisation.

My research looked into how scavengers are using marine mammal carcasses and what is affecting this relationship. I worked with the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program to obtain carcasses ranging from Crescent City down to Cape Mendocino. I used game cameras placed on the beaches to monitor scavenging activity, responding to a total of 9 California Sea Lion and 2 Harbor Seal carcasses from October to April.

This study examines how climate change is affecting plant phenology—the timing of seasonal growth—in the Great Smoky Mountains (GSM), a deciduous forest located between North Carolina and Tennessee. The research focuses on how variations in spring temperature and winter precipitation influence the timing of peak vegetation growth, measured using the Green Chromatic Coordinate (GCC). GCC is a spectral index that tracks the greenness of vegetation from RGB images, indicating leaf development and peak photosynthesis. Using data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), the project aims to predict when peak GCC occurs each year.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of selective harvest logging on mammal diversity and abundance in the Jacoby Creek Forest Tract in Humboldt County, California. The study compared two forest stands: one managed with selective harvest (recently harvested in October 2024) and one unmanaged (a 40-year-old even-aged forest). The goal was to assess how the recent selective harvest affects mammal diversity and abundance, and whether mammals are selective for certain habitat characteristics such as cover availability, understory vegetation, and forest structure.

This work highlights my experience as a College Corps Fellow serving at Arcata High School. Being present in an academic setting allowed me to reflect on the importance of community support and mentorship. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how showing up for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can create a sense of belonging and motivation. Inspired by this, I plan to support my tribal community and Native students interested in higher education.

Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) is a light-sensitive transmembrane protein found in the cyanobacterium Anabaena Nostoc. Membrane proteins have proven difficult to study due to their insolubility and tendency to form aggregates in aqueous environments. Nanodiscs are small protein structures that assist in the study of insoluble proteins. In this experiment, self-assembled ASR-bound nanodiscs were purified by Ni-NTA Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). Native gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and absorption spectroscopy were used to detect Anabaena sensory rhodopsin and the scaffolding protein, ApoAI, in the prepared nanodisc sample.

This project set out to examine the hypothesis that Brandt's Cormorant act as a facilitator species to Common Murre. Drone images were taken of the study system during the breeding season of each year to accurately represent the space used by each species. Spatial analysis was conducted on both species to determine if non-random spatial associated occurred at several scales. Additionally an analysis was conducted to examine how the number of Murres associated with Cormorants changed over time.

Open Door Health Centers is a nonprofit community clinic that provides affordable, accessible healthcare to underserved populations. As a College Corps Fellow, I work with the Member Services department, specifically supporting gardens and food resources. My role focuses on increasing access to fresh, healthy food through community garden initiatives and resource navigation. This experience has allowed me to support food security efforts while gaining insight into the intersection of health, nutrition, and community service.