HSU VETS Outdoor program is a recreational based program designed to assist student veterans in their transition for military to civilian/student life. Recreation has long been shown to provide therapeutic benefits to those who engage in it. The HSU VETS Outdoor program is no exception and increases the overall wellbeing of veterans on campus by creating support networks and reestablishing bonds familiar to those who have served in the military furthermore assisting the veterans ability to be a successful student. The HSU VETS Outdoor Program runs year around and participates in a variety of recreational outings from skiing/snowboarding in the winter to rafting in the summer.

I’ve partnered with the Yurok Social Services (YSS) department to develop the Yurok Social Services Internship Manual. As the largest federally recognized tribe in California with over 6000 enrolled members, interns placed within YSS have an opportunity to learn from and be exposed to a diverse community with varied Indigenous, Yurok worldview(s). The Yurok Tribe continues to suffer from the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, and as Indigenous peoples, they have also continued to thrive. The intent of this manual is to better orient and train incoming interns as to their roles and responsibilities as well as to provide an introduction to a Yurok worldview.

This research aims to explore the efficacy of using Social Determination Theory (SDT) principles with an exercise program for individuals with disabilities. The SDT theoretical framework highlights the importance of social environments to support individuals' basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence as it relates to exercise motivation. In the study, the researcher measured the exercise performance of an adult with a disability during a 6-week program hosted right here at Cal Poly Humboldt! The independent variables measured included walking, modified push-ups, and curl-ups. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this programs success.

I am participating in a service learning project through the Environmental Studies’ Spring 2017 Senior Capstone. My emphasis in community organizing has established my curiosity and passion for conflict resolution communication. Conflict is a part of life. How this inevitability takes form and is approached varies and has social ramifications. Working with Humboldt Mediation Services has informed me about the social impacts mediation theory and practice impart and has revealed the need for and power of alternative dispute resolution in personal, social, environmental, and political arenas. This project highlights my involvement with and vision for mediation theory and practice.

This project highlights my experience volunteering with CASA of Humboldt and how it relates to a political science degree. Often CASA is marketed to the child development and social work majors; however, I will demonstrate how it is equally connected to political science majors. An internship with CASA applies several aspects of political science including: social advocacy and understanding the judicial system. CASA’s gain extensive legal experience through writing court reports, collaborating with attorneys, learning child welfare laws, and advocating in court. My ultimate hope is that my project will spark your interest in becoming an advocate, so you can make a difference for a child!

This study is intended to investigate food insecurity among international students, who are working on campus, and to provide greater understanding of the barriers for them and/or their families in accessing SNAP benefits. Twelve individuals who had experience working on campus 20 hours per week as an international student were recruited. A survey based on demographic and financial information and interviews were conducted to identify their financial situation and barriers to access SNAP benefits. The study identified that without the financial support of parents, international students with children face the risk of food insecurity.

At Sunset High in Del Norte, I created and implemented several curriculums held as master class “skillshops.” The topics ranged from self-care to media literacy to healthy relationships. I used a mindfulness and Polyvagal/somatic approach, while being multicultural, anti-racist, critically and resourcefully informed. The skillshops were oriented through an alliance with the students, and relied primarily on established relationships and rapport with the students. Students left the skillshops with a deeper sense of understanding the gifts within themselves, along with a more critical, embodied, and curious way of interacting with the world around them.

Due to the rapid changes to social media studies, I conducted analyses of relevant literature to explore Instagram (IG) users’ motivations and methods used project images of themselves to the world that are seen as ”ideal”. The existing literature suggests IG users’ motivations for cultivating and maintaining online personas correlate with an overall trend of commodification of “self”, and data show that IG users use the platform to manage relationships online and in “real life” (face to face). IG usage highlights changes in ourselves as a result of our choices involving self-identity online, and the ways in which maintaining an IG profile changes the way we perceive and engage with others.

For my master’s project, I laid the foundation for a kitchen program that will provide an organic, nutrient-rich meal to ResolutionCare patients once a week. The ResolutionCare Kitchen will be dependant upon grants, donations of resources, and volunteer effort. With my research and the support of the local community, staff at ResolutionCare can move forward with developing a pilot for the program in the summer of 2017. Activities of my project included: - exploring potential partners - researching food permit laws - researching ethical and nutritional     considerations of the palliative care patient

Burials excavated at the Birka, Sweden archaeological site, which was under Viking occupation from 750 to 950 CE, provides a cultural snapshot of gender and social status. Previous studies make inaccurate assumptions of gender based on types of tools found. In addition, there has been limited research linking osteological analyses with artifact analysis, which has also led to inaccurate assumptions regarding gender and social status. This work, which expanded and revised our understanding of gender expectations and social differences in Viking society from this time period, can be used to also further our knowledge of other societies.