Bird detection data helps inform management on how species might be shifting their distributions due to changes in the environment. This project uses a Python program to create a graphical user interface (GUI) that assists in gathering avian species occurrence data from a number of biological information websites such as Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation (BISON), eBird, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Data is extracted to contain location coordinates of the detection along with the species name. The final data is exported as a comma separated values (CSV) file into a created desktop folder that can be imported into a geographical information system.

In this research we model the distribution of mass in simulated galaxies by solving the Vlasov-Poisson system of equations. We've expanded our simulations to include multiple species of matter. This allows us to visualize the individual spatial density distributions of, for example, stars and dark matter as well as the joint gravitational potential. We have developed a library of computational tools to allow us to investigate a number of the physical properties of these galaxies. In future work we will use these tools to compare the characteristics of our model galaxies to those of observed galaxies.

We have discovered that online teaching is hard, and I am no expert, however I did what to better understand what types of presentations are possible when you have limited funds and even more limited expertise. The simplest solution is almost always the best. I believable this statement and reference it often when I am working on a problem. However I wanted to look at some ideas. In this presentation I will explore, through demonstration several ways of presenting online. My initial focus was to find ways to do home video with better sound, but a little research has shown me that with a some effort and a small investment you can create more interesting and engaging material for students.

Gravity has been tested rigorously at distance scales from 1cm up to astronomical distances. The experiment being run in Humboldt State Universities Gravity Lab seeks to test gravity at previously untested distances below the centimeter level. To do this, a pendulum is suspended by a torsion fiber and oscillates in front of a movable mass. By moving the mass back and forth, one can measure a gravitational force on the pendulum by looking at the twist in the fiber. The data from the pendulum are then compared with well established theories of gravity to see if the accuracy of the theories at large distances translates to smaller scales.

Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized as cholesterol metabolism or storage disorders. Recently, the drug Efavirenz was implicated as a mediator of cholesterol-induced pathology in AD SC- based models. It restores function of MAP, tau, by mitigating cholesterol’s disruption of the UPS, which facilitates tau proteostasis. In this study, we are investigating the mechanistic target of cholesterol leading to UPS dysfunction. We are using human SC-derived neurons to model UPS dysfunction at different regulatory levels and determine which stages can be rescued with Efavirenz treatment. We will use this drug to aid in the complete characterization of cholesterol-mediated tauopathy.

ASR is a cyanobacterial light-detecting transmembrane protein, which communicates to the cell through its soluble transducer ASRT. In this study, we describe a method for cloning ASRT using PCR, vector construction, and transformation for protein expression. We have made progress in cloning and continuing work on purification protocols. We will use immobilized metal affinity chromatography to purify ASRT, and use this protein in subsequent studies on its interaction with ASR. Characterization of ASR’s signal transduction through ASRT has revealed thus far a striking similarity to GPCRs and has potential for use in more cost-effective and precise expression induction in bacterial systems.

In late 2019 a novel coronavirus was identified in China, and over the next 2 months, had spread to over 20 countries; it was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on Feb. 11th. With over 3.2 million cases worldwide, there is tremendous need for a vaccine. This is a daunting task since there are still none commercially available for SARS or MERS. In this review, we analyze the current challenges facing researchers, the technologies for vaccine development which are emerging and promising, and the progress thus far. We found recombinant MHC assays based on SARS epitopes promising for drug development, and anticipate that nanoparticle technology will be the most efficient delivery system.

I am reviewing the current literature on virus detection methods. Fast and reliable virus detection is critical during a virus outbreak. There are now portable rapid real-time PCR devices that accurately identify viruses in as little as 20 min. There is a lateral flow immunoassay for detecting antibodies that is currently being developed that the researchers claim has the accuracy comparable to PCR. Chemiluminescence immunoassays have also been developed that identify and quantify specific antibodies with high accuracy. Devices to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses are being developed to be faster, more sensitive, more accurate, and can be customized to identify new viruses and antibodies.

The California Air Resources Board has set goals for all public transit fleets in the state to be zero-emission by 2040. To meet that target, transit agencies are required to begin shifting to battery electric and fuel cell buses now. In 2019, the Schatz Center developed a model for the system-wide electrification of Humboldt County's public transit. This Battery Electric Bus Optimization (BEBOP) model cost-optimizes a one-to-one replacement of all buses on existing routes, generates recommendations for charging infrastructure, and calculates the electricity consumption profiles for each station. This model significantly expands the available development tools for rural planning agencies.

Offshore wind energy has enormous potential to help meet California’s 100% clean electricity target. The Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University is studying the feasibility of offshore wind farms in Northern California. One project, funded by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), models the power generation from different size offshore wind farms including 50, 150 and 1,800 MW, each located 20-30 miles offshore. The results show that the wind speeds in this region are some of the highest on the West Coast, producing up to 7,540 GWh/year for the largest MW wind farms. This represents 900% of Humboldt County’s electrical needs and 3.8% of California’s demand.