We are assessing movement of juvenile Coho and adult straying among Freshwater Creek and two other Humboldt Bay tributaries using PIT tags and mark-recapture multi-state modeling. As salmon habitat becomes more fragmented through human actions, the need to better understand interactions between connected salmonid populations only grows. This research will focus on quantifying the frequency of juvenile dispersal between nearby watersheds to evaluate the need for changes in both management and monitoring. If there is significant movement between these watersheds, effective management and monitoring strategies of Freshwater Creek may need to be expanded to include nearby streams.

Our group’s senior thesis investigated the physiological and water potential responses of redwood and tanoak trees to various thinning treatments that occurred during the Summer of 2017 in Redwood National Park. We selected 47 individual study trees among five different thinning intensities (No cut, 25%, 40%, 55%, and 75%) across three 1-hectare fixed-area plots. Our initial findings indicate a certain sweet spot which the trees seem to favor. Stop by our booth to learn more!

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly known as 2,4-D, is a widely utilized pesticide in weed control. 2,4-D is considered toxic, and may pose detrimental effects to wildlife if used recklessly. Here we sought to quantitatively analyze for the presence of 2,4-D on the fur of local fauna found in Humboldt county, namely Gray fox, Brush rabbit, and Deer mice. We used purification techniques such as washes, as well as extraction techniques including liquid-liquid extraction, and analysis through gas chromatography (GC) in order to visualize 2,4-D. Positive results could spell trouble for the local wildlife, and have severe consequences.

Social workers employed in county child welfare agencies experience large and complex caseloads, high rates of burnout and consistently high rates of turnover. The California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Project provides BSW and MSW students with additional training in child welfare and a stipend of $18,500 per year in exchange for a year’s work in a county or state child welfare or Tribal agency upon graduation. Data was collected through an electronic survey, completed by county and state child welfare social workers who had participated in the Title IV-E program in order to assess their wellbeing, preparedness and longevity in the position.

Ladder training is a form of multidirectional lower limb plyometric training utilized by coaches and athletes in a variety of sports. Researchers have not examined how ladder training improves sprint and COD performance. The addition of 4 weeks of LT to a conventional pre-season strength and conditioning program seems to represent a time-efficient stimulus for improvement in sprint performance, stride frequency, and ground contact time. LT should be implemented as a warm up or neural priming exercise. These findings offer practitioners and athletes the ability to improve performance and induce kinematic adaptations at a desired period within the macrocycle.

This poster presents findings and recommendations based on a process evaluation of an AY 2019-20 CAHSS scale up of major-based peer mentoring. The evaluation is based on field notes and interviews with peer mentors, students, and department leaders. MB peer mentors serve as resource bridges, a source of street knowledge, and a conduit for major academic integration. This model is informed by: (1) research on socio-cultural capital in higher education; (2) student success research on the unique needs for academic and career integration in the middle years; and (3) critical theories of student integration that center minoritized students, first-generation students, and all students broadly.

Tri-Mindful is a community wellness event that will raise money for our Mother (Earth) and our Sisters (Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women). The mindfulness triathlon will consist of: 3k fun run/walk or 5k race, grounding exercise, and a guided meditation. The event will culminate to a space with Indigenous artists, speakers, and activities. By partnering with Seventh Generation Fund, our aim is to promote: (1) social, economic, and environmental justice for sovereign Tribal communities; (2) community wellness; and (3) holistic healing through the Indigenous traditional contemplative practice.

My dad Ricky Wayne Fischer died on September 8th, 2024, after a lifetime struggle with addiction. An estimated 28.9 million Americans had an Alcohol Use Disorder in 2024 (NIAAA, 2024). Families who have a parent with a Substance Abuse Disorder are “characterized by an environment of secrecy, loss, conflict, violence or abuse, emotional chaos, role reversal, and fear.” (Lander, 2013). To tackle the wicked problem of addiction, this paper focuses on the psychological, biological, sociological, economic disciplines, and my own primary source of having a parent with a Substance Abuse Disorder. Additionally explored, are the creative disciplines of photography and writing to honor his life.

We gathered biological materials from animals around Humboldt County and used their stable oxygen and carbon isotopic signatures to create an isotope map of the Humboldt area. Samples of bone, teeth and shell were collected in various areas of this county. Samples were processed at the HSU Biological Anthropology Research Center (BARC) and then sent to a stable isotope facility to be analyzed. This information will be distributed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) map. This project is part of an ongoing project at BARC that aims to create a map to help identify the region of origin of animal and human remains, and address ecological questions.

Food banks around the country are working to alleviate hunger and improve food security for low-income families, seniors, and children through distribution programs and nutrition education. This poster explores the vital role that food banks play in our community and examines how federal budget cuts - especially to SNAP and TEFAP - threaten its ability to serve those in need. By highlighting both research and community data, this project underscores the urgent need to support local food systems and advocate for sustainable food assistance programs.