An exploration of various spatial phenomena using the Dymaxion Projection (aka Fuller Projection).

According to oceanographic research, trace metals are essential in life of marine phytoplankton, since many trace metals are micronutrients that are essential for biological processes. However, due to extremely low concentrations of trace metals in seawater, it is difficult to measure their concentrations; therefore, specific analysis methods must be performed in order to determine the concentrations of trace metals. Preliminary data on the effectiveness of UV irradiation to the recovery and analysis of cobalt and copper will be presented.

An isochrone map of California depicting the time required to travel from Humboldt State University to the rest of the state.

Hydrogels are water-containing gels that have a hydrophilic polymer network and can absorb a large quantity of water without the dissolution of the polymer network. The current research focuses on producing hydrogels from chitosan, a bio-renewable polymer, and trans-cinnamic acid. The resulting solutions are photo-crosslinked in a catalyst-free environment under broad band ultra-violet (UV) radiation to produce hydrogels. The hydrogels show an average 75% swelling capacity in H2O. Initial cell growth studies have been carried out on sterilized hydrogels. Current efforts are being directed towards optimization of gels towards cell growth.

Use of herbicides by public and private entities throughout the Yurok ancestral territory, has raised concern for the health of Native peoples exposed to these organic residues on plant materials due to the plants significant role within the Yurok culture ( such as baskets, ceremonial, and medical purposes). Using organic extraction followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the herbicides 2,4-D and Triclopyr were identified on plant material collected from the Ah-Pah location. Continuation of this research involves computational research on 2,4-D derivatives and more sampling sites added for herbicide analysis throughout the Yurok territory.

Use of herbicides by public and private entities throughout the Yurok ancestral territory, has raised concern for the health of Native peoples exposed to these organic residues on plant materials due to the significant roles that plants have within the Yurok culture (such as basket, medicinal and ceremonial purposes). The herbicides 2,4-D and Triclopyr are analyzed by using organic extraction followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Additional research was also conducted such as computational calculations on 2,4-D and its derivatives along with more sampling sites added to this herbicide research.

Lead is a particularly problematic environmental contaminant. The peptide sequence GGGTNTLSNNGGG has an affinity for binding lead particles. Utilizing solid phase reaction chemistry the peptoid analog was synthesized. The resin bound peptoid has been evaluated for lead binding affinity using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Initial results show a 27:1 lead to peptoid binding with an average 14% lead decrease in the presence of 1.31× 10-5 per mole of the peptoid. Treatment of peptoid bound lead with hydrochloric acid resulted in release of lead indicating the recyclability of this peptoid modified resin.

This research project explores the feasibility of using UAV´s (drones) to measure the hydraulic gradient in the Yucatán Peninsula Coastal karst Aquifer system. This karstic groundwater system is highly vulnerable to contamination by tourists and the growing local population. Although the hydraulic gradient does not necessarily predict groundwater flow, it is a good indicator as to groundwater flow directions. Determination of the hydraulic gradient is explored through the use of a UAV (Phantom 4), in combination with a DGPS (used to obtain the ground control points). Results using the drone without ground control points give an error that is in the tens of meters range.

This project is an interpretive panel designed to highlight some of the effects of climate change on the Florida Everglades. Multiple consequences have risen, many of which are reflected through decreases in the populations of a number of key species that make up the Everglades ecosystem. In this panel, I selected just some of these devastating effects to help bring light to the horrors that this ecosystem is experiencing. The goal of this panel is to both inform the public about the issues we are facing from the effects of sea level rise, as well as inspire them to want to take actions that could make a difference.

Due to the many industrial processes of modern America, heavy metal contamination of our waterways, specifically in densely populated areas, has become a major issue. The Prokaryotic species Caulobacter vibrioides exhibits a surface layer protein, RsaA, forming a 2-D crystallin array above the cell membrane. RsaA can be modified to exhibit a high binding potential with many of the charged ions, such as heavy metals, which are found in waterways. Here we show through an quantitative fluorescence assay that upon exposure to 39.063nM Pb solution, engineered C. vibrioides strains Hcm 027, and 028 remediated approximately 10% more Pb than the wildtype, Hcm 009.