May 2, 2025
Reception & Presentations 2pm to 5pm
Cal Poly Humboldt Library
Search Presenters & Abstracts
Presenters & Abstracts: Search
Re-creating Ancient Egyptian Bread: An Experimental Archaeology Project
Ellen
Durkee
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
This project attempts to re-creating the taste of ancient Egyptian bread. It began with a successful attempt to create a sourdough starter. Emmer wheat, one of the main grains cultivated by ancient Egyptians, was used as the flour for the bread. The overall project to create ancient Egyptian bread was also successful. Further experiments would help achieve the goal of re-creating the accurate style of ancient Egyptian bread by focusing on re-creating the conical mold it was baked in.
Freedom of Speech
Barbara
Singleton
Sociology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
This case research project explains the relevance of Bond v. Floyd in relation to senators and the Freedom of speech doctrine.
Stage Management for The Life of Galileo
Evan
Pierce
Dance, Music, & Theatre
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
In the Fall 2023 semester, I worked as the stage manager for our show of "The Life of Galileo" by Bertolt Brecht. Being a stage manager requires a lot of organization, attention to detail, communication, collaboration, and paperwork. You are there from the beginning with auditions and concept meetings to the end with strike (clearing the stage of the show). During this process, you are a main point of contact between departments and once the show opens, you are the one leading the shows to ensure they happen the way they are intended to. This show was my first time stage managing. It is a very difficult role to step into, but I had lots of fun and wanted to share my work and learning.
Assessing Attitudes Toward Law Enforcement and Civilian Law Enforcement Review Boards in Humboldt, California
Joshua
Worthington
Psychology
Graduate Student
Chad
Hinojosa
Psychology
Graduate Student
Catie
Burtch
Psychology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The current state of policing in the United States is a heavily politicized issue. In response to instances of excessive police force on vulnerable populations, civilian law enforcement review boards (CLERBs) were developed to improve accountability. In this study, we investigated support for CLERBs and attitudes toward law enforcement in Humboldt County. Drawing from the social identity theory framework and intergroup contact theory, our work shows that people’s beliefs about how marginalized communities are treated by law enforcement predicts their attitudes toward law enforcement, and this in turn predicts support for CLERBs. We discuss these relationships and their implications.
Indigenous Occupation and Projectile Chronology of the Kern Plateau in Tulare County, California
Nick
Mavrolas
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
This poster explores indigenous occupational activity within the Upper Kern River Valley and aims to build a timeline of site use based on the projectile point typologies found at eight different sites.
Transitioning Faiths: Assimilation of Polytheistic Traditions into Monotheistic Institutions
Justin
Andrew
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
This research project delves into the profound transition witnessed across civilizations from polytheistic belief systems to monotheistic religions. It investigates the intriguing process of absorbing polytheistic traditions and adapting them to harmonize with monotheistic institutions, highlighting how historical contexts and societal dynamics catalyzed this transformation.
Ethics in forensic anthropology: Racial profiles and the obstruction of finding missing persons
Nicolette
Svitenko
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The use of racial biometrics in forensic anthropology poses significant harm in identifying the deceased. Despite the absence of a valid biological basis for race, its persistence in forensic analysis raises ethical concerns. Societal structures perpetuate racial categories, affecting individuals' experiences and access to resources. My research delves into this tension, questioning the ethical implications and consequences for accuracy and equity in forensic investigations, especially for marginalized communities. By advocating for more ethical and evidence-based practices, this inquiry aims to ensure integrity and equitable outcomes in forensic work. Keywords: Forensics, racism, ethics.
The Educational Development Center: A Stepping Stone to Sustainable Development
Jazzmin
Fontenot`
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
At the intersection of anthropology and development, this project explores the efficacy of Participatory Action Research (PAR) through a case study of the Educational Development Center (EDC) and their Basa, Pilipinas! project. PAR utilizes ethnographic methods and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with developers and the community they wish to serve. This is a response to the critiques of educational Development as a method of perpetuating the legacy of colonialism by implanting Western epistemology from imperialist nations into developing countries. While PAR is an attempt to decolonize Development, it is not without critique itself.
Reclaiming Turtle Island: Decolonizing Anthropological Narratives of Migration
Sadie
Neff
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The Western-centric focus on early habitation of Turtle Island (North America) has often disregarded Indigenous oral histories as myths. It is critical to question how migration theories can dismiss Indigenous credibility. This objectification of western science perpetuates oppression of Indigenous peoples and assists in validating settler-colonial narratives. Academia has historically denied, or labeled controversial, North American archaeological sites older than 12,000 years, silencing advocates in the process. My goal is to highlight these injustices and underscore the importance of honoring Indigenous oral histories. I advocate for an inclusive, decolonized approach to archaeology.
Envisioning a Better Future for the Tijuana River Using an Anthropological Approach
Kimberly
Cramer
Anthropology
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The Tijuana River is currently polluted by sewage leaks and other waste which impacts water quality, ecosystems, and human health. The river bisects the U.S.-Mexico border and is controlled by differing policies between the two nations. The poor wastewater infrastructure and binational context of the issue creates concern for environmental and public health. In this poster, I analyze conservation methods to explore the causes and potential solutions for water pollution in the Tijuana River. My findings prioritize a solution focused on community involvement, Indigenous perspectives, and collaboration between national governments to address root problems and advocate for structural change.