This project explores the use of deep learning models to map homeless encampments in Eureka, CA, with a particular focus on areas within flood zones that may potentially impact the coastal ecosystem of Humboldt Bay. The project critically examines the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in this context, particularly with respect to the privacy and dignity of homeless individuals. The study balances technological advancements in geospatial data analysis with the need for responsible and humane applications of AI, ensuring that the potential environmental impacts of encampments are addressed without stigmatizing vulnerable communities.

College students are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and they are encouraged to get screened regularly. In the fall of 2017 we implemented a peer to peer model to provide reproductive health consultations. Evaluation of the program in 2017 showed it was effective and there was a high satisfaction rate among patients who participated in the program. In the fall of 2018 we had a new set of four peer health educators (PHEs) who were trained to provide asymptomatic STI screenings and birth control consults in clinic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demand, utilization, and cost of the program during fall 2018 semester.

Utilizing Photovoice, my project supported youth exploration of the causes creating problems faced locally, as well as the ways in which the youth feel we can come together to help find solutions as a community. Through a series of focus groups, photography, and photo analysis, the youth chose a contemporary challenge that either affected them personally, or their community, and took photos of what they felt are possible causes and solutions to these social problems. This method allowed the youth to bridge connections with their community and was a form of empowerment research that supported building their self-esteem, relationship with their community, and their problem-solving skills.

Climate change, the most pressing issue of our contemporary world, will not be addressed without coming up with local solutions to this global problem. My project focuses on creating an avenue that would allow the campus community and the local community to work together to tackle local concerns. In tandem with HSU’s sustainability office and Center for Community Based Learning we’ve been able to develop such a resource: The Sustainable Practitioners Directory. This directory will allow faculty to easily find community partners working to resolve critical economic, social and environmental challenges, and who are willing to bring their work to the classroom.

Music is a phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries and primordial origins. At the Anglo-Saxon archaeological site of Sutton Hoo, a seventh century lyre was unearthed in a lavish royal burial. Utilizing literature analysis and experimental archaeology to recreate a seventh century lyre, this study explored the relationship between social stratification and art, implementing a cultural materialist theoretical framework. Research indicates the labor required to create a lyre would limit the market to wealthy individuals. This work serves to expand the understanding of hierarchical institutions in ancient England and how social stratification affected access to art.

A presentation of the benefits for students looking to expand their network and skills in terms of acting, singing, and technical production knowledge. The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival provides opportunities to connect with peers from other schools, instructors from across the region, and working industry professionals. Students build their capacity to work in teams, expand their understanding of performance arts, and engage with the most contemporary material that is currently being developed. This experience can provide key exposure to new methodologies, and also offer opportunities to pursue summer and graduate programs, with additional scholarship considerations.

This research examines group type (intimacy, task, and social category) affect and its interactions with entitativity, the degree of cohesion between group members and their perceptual and cognitive bonds (Lickel et al., 2000; Campbell, 1958). Previous research suggests highly entitative groups are stereotyped differently based on their group membership compared with groups low in entitativity (Crawford et. al., 2002; Fiske, Cuddy, & Glick, 2007). We found that ratings of warmth and competence were similar for intimacy groups and social categories, but task groups were seen as more competent than warm. Overall, a group’s degree of warmth is perceived differently depending on its type.

The suicide rate for young Indigenous men is 2x-4x higher than for other demographic groups. Causes include cultural disruption, historical trauma, grief, and health and social inequities. Prevention of self-harm is a core responsibility of healthcare. A rural clinic serving Indigenous people will implement a Zero Suicide Framework with input from local tribal members. Community members will help develop risk assessments, quality of life surveys, and the facilitation of participation in traditional cultural activities. This will protect by strengthening of belonging, connection, strong spirituality and physical health, and relationship within the community and with the natural world.

When aspects of culture and diversity are integrated into courses, students can benefit in many ways including enhanced critical thinking and greater social agency, or one’s belief in the importance of working to correct social injustice. Despite these benefits, few instructors report that they integrate diversity-related content into their course curriculum, with many citing lack of knowledge for how to do this as a primary barrier. The purpose of this study is to assess student perceptions of diversity in the curriculum using both quantitative and qualitative methodology, with the broader goal of informing future curriculum design.

In collaboration with HSU's P.E.E.R.S program and Lausanne, Swizterland's HEP school of education. Three HSU students collaborated with three Swiss students in order to create a lesson for highschool aged students from scratch as well as teach the lesson in in the United States and Switzerland. Our goal was to increase learning retention of the subject through research of effective methods and pedagogical strategies which we then utilize to regularly change and improve our lesson. Another goal included intercultural awareness and creating relevance for the students in a collaborative way with our peers that would translate into the individual classrooms in relation to the specific class.