Wicked problems are complex issues that resist straightforward solutions due to their interconnected nature, uncertainty, and ambiguity. These problems defy simple solutions, are shaped by countless variables and often lack clear boundaries. No single discipline holds the key to addressing them. By integrating diverse perspectives, knowledge, and methodologies, students in the Individualized Degree Program (IDP) explored a range of wicked problems, examining them from multiple disciplinary angles, drawing on insights from various fields: science, humanities, and more. The aim of the project is to showcase the power of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges of our time.

This paper critically examines the exclusion of Indigenous women and early women scientists from the field of mycology. It highlights how their ecological, medicinal, and ceremonial knowledge was appropriated by men who received institutional credit, authorship, and economic gain. Case studies include María Sabina, Mary Elizabeth Banning, Mapuche women, and more, whose work has been essential yet erased. It also critiques how contemporary myco-capitalism and tourism commodify their knowledge and cultural practices without consent, often disrupting local economies and ecosystems. The paper calls for accountability in attribution, citation, representation, and benefit-sharing.

This year, I had the opportunity to work with the Clarke Historical Museum, one of the largest in Humboldt County. I helped set up exhibits, worked on projects, and participated in community events. I learned how a small community preserves and shares its history through this. Balancing this with college was challenging, but the support from Josh and the Clarke staff made it manageable. This experience deepened my appreciation for public history and inspired me to pursue future work that connects education, culture, and community engagement.

Through Humboldt College Corps, I was allowed to work three days a week at a local charter elementary school. Once placed, I quickly connected with the principal, Rae, my host teacher, Katie May, and the 17 students who make up the first-grade classroom at Union Street. As an aspiring educator, I believe this quickly became an invaluable experience. I learned about classroom management, social emotional behavioral techniques, and I got hands-on experiences for the concepts I have been learning about in my classes as a Liberal Studies Elementary Education Major.

My creative project at Winship was collaborating with the Wellness Center staff to create groups for students. One group is meditative in nature, playing some soothing live instruments for students while they relax and take notes on how the instruments affect them. I also teach them about the instruments and about sound in general. In the other group, students create characters and shape a world in which they go on a quest together. This allows them freedom of expression while building community.

Blue Lake Rancheria’s community garden, Daluviwi’, is dedicated to providing produce for tribal communities across Humboldt County. Tribal employees and College Corps fellows at Daluviwi’ are remediating an acre of field space to increase food production. The project is being completed by hand to ensure sustainable development of the land.

This year I was able to work with Centro del Pueblo. A non-profit organization which helps its community members through providing a space for the community to garden. Centro del Pueblo also supports its latino community by advocating and providing any type of support. During my time at Centro del pueblo I was able to meet many new people. I was excited to be able to work alongside other latinos. This especially meant a lot to me being the change of environment I experienced coming from Los Angeles. As a part of the organization helping out in the garden became essential to being fully involved with the people.

With my college corps worksite placement, I was placed in Arcata High School working with 2 AG teachers who are part of a national agricultural program called Future Farmers of America. They have heavy positive influences on the students in the chapter, where many pursue entrepreneurships or higher education opportunities to return home to contribute their knowledge in their former chapter or the Humboldt community. The chapter relies a lot on community support, as its resources are limited. The chapter continues to grow by giving back to the community whether it be helping with floral arrangements at events or even participating in community events.

Our presentation is on whether or not MDMA should be used as a therapeutic tool in psychological disorders. If so are they beneficial? Are they dangerous and pose potential risks, etc. We compiled 15 separate articles to produce our findings and conclusions.

"Fawn Awareness" is a year-long health education initiative highlighting the often-overlooked fourth stress response: Fawn, or the “Submit” response. Seen across the animal kingdom, submission can be just as vital for survival as fight, flight, or freeze. In humans, Fawn often develops in childhood as a way to maintain a sense of security with inconsistent caregivers, later manifesting as difficulty setting boundaries and chronic people-pleasing. This project includes a YouTube video, news article, and research paper featuring expert insight and real-life anecdotes to raise awareness and promote mental health through understanding this misidentified trauma response.