In Fall, 2018, Religious Studies senior Michael Howell wrote a research paper for RS 332 "Introduction to Islam" on Islamophobia in Humboldt County. Professor Biondo encouraged Michael to expand the scope to examine religious prejudice more broadly. To help him interview twelve Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders in Humboldt County and to publish his findings, Michael was awarded an Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Award from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Does Humboldt contain an ideology or worldview (such as libertarianism, secularism, spirituality, or naturalism) that prevents violence or promotes civic engagement?

There is no standard method for optimizing resistance to maximize training volume when using multiple sets with short rest periods. In this study, we hypothesized that a greater training volume (sets × reps × resistance) would be produced using a four week training method where resistance is decreased with each set (DR) compared to a four week CR method. In order to develop DR sets, we used the subject's fatigue ratio (using an individualized regression equation) from a CR protocol where the number of repetitions declines with each set. In males, a greater training volume is attained using a four week DR method based on subject's fatigue ratio than when using a four week CR training method.

Fire exclusion has led to mesophication in many eastern hardwood forests, or dominance of fire-sensitive mesophytes. Subsequently this has led to a reduction in pyrophytic litter, reducing the effectiveness of prescribed burns in sustaining ecosystems that need regular fire. Eight species of deciduous trees were examined for their max flame height, leaf pile heights, burn time, smolder time, and residual burned matter. This study will support the classification of tested species as either mesophytes, characterized by low flammability litter, or pyrophytes, characterized by high flammability litter. Greater understanding of these traits will lead to improved ecosystem and fire management.

Research suggests associations between food insecurity and poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, stress, and disruptions in social and emotional development (e.g., Knowles et al., 2015). The current study examined relationships between food security and mental health outcomes among 1,415 college students. We hypothesized that greater food insecurity would be related to more personal problems, academic concerns, lower GPA, and greater instances of poor mental health. The present study found that food insecurity related to negative impacts across students personal and academic lives. These results suggest that food insecurity may be a barrier to academic success.

Brain health, and the benefits of exercise, have been linked to a biological signaling molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Results have been inconsistent especially in human studies, which may be attributed to incomplete information about normal variation in BDNF levels over time. This study aims to assess BDNF measurements (3 x a week) from human participants under normal life conditions over a span of up to 45 days, a longer span than has been reported in any other study to our knowledge. We will also collect their exercise activity during the study to see if there is a correlation.

Cho' Skuy Soo Hey We Chem': Deconstructing Seeking Safety Training Manual for PTSD and Substance Use is a pilot curriculum being developed in collaboration with Yurok leaders, elders, professionals, and myself in constructing a culturally appropriate curriculum to address PTSD and Substance use for Yurok families navigating the child welfare system. Post-colonial theory informs my practice while working indigenous communities. Colonization has stripped Native American communities from their land, resources, identity, sovereignty, and children. Western models do not work for indigenous communities, thus offering culturally appropriate services is critical for the healing process.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPC) are nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to provide free resources to pregnant women. Currently, there is much controversy over CPCs and their legitimacy as a nonprofit resource for women. To ascertain the prevailing perceptions of CPCs, a literature review was conducted. Materials were analyzed and synthesized to produce a comprehensive view of current feelings about CPCs. Trends reveal a negative characterization of CPCs as dishonest. Several articles call for new legislation that would either restrict or compel speech for CPCs. This study examines the conflict between reproductive rights and free speech laws and how it emerged.

Our project entails researching the effects of cannabis on various mental illnesses. We are investigating whether cannabis use impacts mental health disorders—exacerbating them, providing relief, or having no effect—aiming to better understand its role and clinical implications. Using OneSearch through Cal Poly Humboldt Library, we reviewed 12 papers utilizing keywords like “mental illness,” “cannabis,” “anxiety,” and “depression.” Findings show cannabis may worsen symptoms depending on usage patterns and individual conditions, suggesting the need for caution and increased research in clinical use and mental health policy.

There is no standard method for optimizing resistance to maximize training volume when using multiple sets with short rest periods. In this study, we hypothesized that a heavier one repetition maximum (1RM) would be produced using a four week training method where resistance is decreased with each set (DR) compared to a four week CR method. In order to develop DR sets, we used the subject's fatigue ratio (using an individualized regression equation) from a CR protocol where the number of repetitions declines with each set. In males, a heavier 1RM is attained using a four week DR method based on subject's fatigue ratio than when using a four week CR training method.

Spiders are very effective biocontrol agents, particularly when their communities are more diverse. In the progression of more sustainable and natural agriculture, supporting spider communities in California vineyards has potential to keep vines safer from pests. I decided to observe spider taxonomic and guild richness, as well as abundance, on crop and non-crop vegetation in vineyards, while recording a site’s plant species richness and assigning each of those species to be native or not. I set out to determine what factors support more spider diversity, and ultimately, how those factors may encourage spider communities on the vines themselves.