Due to inconsistencies between General Relativity and the Standard Model, tests of gravity remain at the forefront of experimental physics. At Humboldt State University, undergraduates and faculty are designing an experiment sensitive enough to detect gravitational interactions below the 50 micron scale. The experiment measures the twist of a torsion pendulum as an attractor mass is oscillated nearby in a parallel plate configuration, providing time varying gravitational torque on the pendulum. The size and distance dependence of the torque variation will provide a means to determine any deviation from current models of gravity on untested scales.

An extension of our research conducted during the Mathematical Competition in Modeling (MCM), we examined the effect that species possessing adaptive sex ratios have on their local ecosystem. We constructed a model using computer software (NetLogo) allowing multiple simulations to be run of our digital ecosystem with various parameters. This allowed us to highlight adaptive nature of the gender ratio of the selected species, the sea lamprey, and the consequences on the broader ecosystem. This project included an examination on population dynamics as well as prey-predator relationships using implementations of applied mathematics and the field of ecology.

Current literature indicates the number of Veterans entering higher education is rapidly growing due to the reduction of military size and the availability of financial support through the Post-9/11 GI bill (Lang, et al., 2013; McBain, et al., 2012). Research shows the challenges student Veterans face can be reduced significantly when colleges incorporate support programs specific to student Veterans and provide training about military culture to faculty and staff (Bosari, et al, 2017; Osborne, 2014). The intention of this project was to increase awareness to the presence of military culture on the HSU campus through a training presentation.

Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin (ASR) is a retinal containing membrane protein from the cyanobacteria, Anabaena (Nostoc) PCC 7120. The ASR protein undergoes a conformational change upon absorption of orange light, which causes the all-trans-retinal to be converted to 13-cis retinal and the release of the associated transducer protein (ASRT). In order to facilitate future nanolipoprotein studies we examined the efficacy of the production of ASR in several selected recombinant strains of E. Coli through a light and dark spetrophotometric analysis of the purified ASR protein.

“Appropriate Technology in a University Setting: Table top game for change” Alternative Technology(AT) has the potential to empower communities in the U.S. to explore the possibility of non-capitalist means. This AT board game attempts to be inclusive of varied learning styles and academic disciplines, while providing a baseline understanding of the varied technologies located at CCAT. This encourages the campus understanding of CCAT, further extending the invitation of a interdisciplinary and multi-adaptable resource for the community. Exploring affinities between community leadership and AT’s, reveals areas of overlap among the social and ethical approaches of these dynamics.

Centro Del Pueblo was created in response to the wave of anti immigration rhetoric and the increase of ICE raids in Humboldt County. The organization advocates for immigrant rights, organizing rallies, marches and most recently pushing its own initiative for sanctuary in Humboldt County. The initiative itself wont violate SB54 in anyway or violate the U.S. Constitution, what it will do is add extra layers of protection for the undocumented community from being persecuted by ICE, and promoting a safer community between the county and the immigrant community.

Aleck Tan and Breana Esparza will assist Dr. Marisol Cortes-Rincon in mapping the areas between Dos Hombres and Gran Cacao using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Aleck Tan has been using satellite imagery to analyze the vegetation in the area in order to identify the extent of the causeways by applying remote sensing techniques of calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Breana Esparza has been applying different methods of spatial analysis to create topographic contours of quarries and water features near the site N950. The information gathered would help create a better understanding of how ancient Mayan rural communities lived within their environments.

By 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. Among this age group, falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospitalizations, and fatalities in the United States. Within California, rural community dwelling communities have higher rates of falls than urban. Indigenous populations fall more than the national average (34-40.3% vs. 30%), suggesting the rates of falls, and thus physiological declines, may be greatest among Indigenous rural community-dwelling populations. The purpose of this study is to examine intrinsic, extrinsic, and the incidence of falls among rural dwelling Indigenous older adults and urban dwelling older adults in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

This was a side-project of the Carrizo Ecosystem Project where two observers independently surveyed precincts of the Federally Endangered Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) on 10 plots in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Obispo County, California. The goals were to note the bias between observers, to determine if the number of active precincts correlate with the current population density estimates, and to determine if indexing Giant kangaroo rat (GKR) precincts is a reliable method for determining the current GKR population status.

The scope of this research was aimed toward extracting the most possible information about Longfin Smelt, Sculpin, and Blue Herring out on Humboldt Bay. The primary research was geared toward finding out the distribution limits, abundance, habitat, and spawning limits for the three mentioned species. Work was done directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in which tributaries leading into Humboldt Bay of Salmon Creek, Wood Creek, Freshwater, and others were the leading areas of research. Through laboratory work and field work conducted by boat and by foot, important knowledge of Smelt, Sculpin, and Herring was gained drastically the last three months.