Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) and California black oak (Q. kelloggii) woodlands are unique ecosystems, yet little is known about their tree establishment patterns, nor the variability of stand structure. Research objectives were: to describe age, stand structure, and tree regeneration in 4 mixed oak-conifer woodlands in northwestern California. Most white and black oaks established from 1850-1910 with rare establishment since 1950 (< 0.05%). Most Douglas-fir trees established since ~ 1950. All sites had high proportions of oak seedling mortality in open stands. These trends likely reflect the effects of altered disturbance regimes enabling the transition to conifer-dominant stands.

Membrane proteins (MP) are crucial for cell pathways, but are difficult to study due to hydrophobicity. Nanodiscs (ND) provide a lipid bilayer mimetic enabling MP studies. To improve efficiency, we compared two ND assembly methods for detergent removal, and evaluated how lipid affects the MP, Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin. ND were assembled with purified ASR, various lipids, Sodium Cholate and Apolipoprotein AI. Electrophoresis was utilized to evaluate complex formation. ASR was successfully isolated and assembled into ND. We found that the biobead method was faster and had less risk of loss, showing it to be the better method. ND provide a promising approach to therapeutics affecting MP.

Previous research suggests that people can accurately identify a person’s sexual orientation from facial cues alone. Many of these studies have relied on images collected from various online sources that may contain other contextual cues to sexual orientation. Additionally, heterosexual and homosexual individuals are typically presented using a 50/50 distribution, which does not accurately reflect the real-world distribution of faces we encounter. This study aims to investigate whether people are more accurate at identifying sexual orientation from facial cues when the distribution of images presented more accurately reflects the real world distribution of straight and gay faces.

Our team partnered with Humboldt County's Dual Recovery Program to design/implement new methods for evaluating the degree to which their program supported clients in recovery from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our project took a holistic, whole person approach which took cultural, social, environmental, and medical factors into account when assessing client's process of recovery. In addition to quantitative data, we also gathered qualitative data by facilitating a focus-group discussion with DRP clients. The statistical analysis and qualitative themes that emerged were reported back to DRP clients and staff in series of meetings held at the county.

How China's influence has expanded in both Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa- through state ran investment. Comparing the US's economic influence and involvement to China's in both of these regions. A brief history of Chinese investment abroad, and revealing some of the negative and positive externalities of Chinese investors in recipient states.

Memes, photographs or videos that are edited to be satirical and that makes fun of cultural ideologies, are passed rapidly through the internet and phone applications and can end up on hundreds of websites within hours. Methods employed included participant observation, literature review, and screenshot analysis from Facebook and Instagram. Patterns in the types of posts indicate that people of all ages actively seek out dog memes to reduce anxiety and that dog memes are more popular when they are humanized. Dog memes are an artifact of our generation that transcends age groups and allows us to research meme culture that reflects a virtual population.

The aim of this study was to focus on the richness of native avian species to determine if they are influenced by urbanization. To measure this, point counts were conducted, in which all birds were counted and identified. A total of 30 survey sites were evenly divided between Arcata, Arcata Bottoms, and Eureka, to encompass a gradient of urbanization.

The experiment aims to gain insight into the ecology of small mammals and vegetation in an understory ecosystem.

Research focus is the resources and abiotic requirements 3 dragons ( from TV series Game of Thrones) need in order to survive different environments around the world.

In the Department of Kinesiology we are required to complete a research project in our senior year about any topic in our field. I chose to research treatments for herniated discs and sciatic pain since back pain is highly prevalent in society. I was curious about the various treatment options, complementary and alternative medicine, and psychological factors that affect recovery outcomes. My aim was to present a well rounded perspective in treating back pain and gain knowledge around this topic as I pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy after I graduate.