Upwelling in the California Current System (CCS) brings nutrient rich water to the continental shelf. Included with these nutrients are some trace metals. Trace iron (Fe) has been shown to be a control on primary productivity in the CCS. 2014 marked a year of low upwelling along the CA coast. This anomaly provides an opportunity to assess annual variability in processes affecting micronutrient distributions here. In 2014, the IRNBRU research cruise measured surface macronutrient and trace metal distributions in the CCS. Their results show lower nutrient concentrations than found in previous studies, and suggest an unusual uptake ratio of macronutrients by microorganisms in the area.

I have created a specialized handbook for scuba divers interested in diving the north coast. It is a guide for certified divers who are not familiar with Humboldt County's ocean conditions. It provides tips, techniques, as well as locations and how to dive those locations properly. It uses different approaches that can suit both the beginner and the veteran diver alike.

Snyder-Robinson Syndrome (SRS) is a disorder that is characterized by severe osteoporosis. SRS is caused by a mutated gene coding for Spermine Synthase (SMS). SMS converts spermidine into spermine. Therefore SRS patients show increased spermidine/spermine ratios. Using bone marrow-derived Multipotent Stromal Cells, we found that supplementation with spermidine inhibits differentiation. During osteogenic differentiation the polyamine catabolic enzyme Spermidine/Spermine Acetyltransferase (SAT1) is upregulated. Also, inhibition of polyamine synthesis directly promotes osteogenesis. Therefore our results in vitro suggest that reduction of polyamines is necessary for osteogenic differentiation.

Sculpture Walk in the Library - students will display their art work on pedestals on the first floor of the library.

Food insecurity is not being able to have access to fresh, nutritious food and the ability to have stable access to food. Millions of people suffer from food insecurity in the United States alone. This project describes how women are specifically vulnerable to being food insecure and the different factors that have led to this.

Our research investigates the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using an agent-based model (ABM). Microglia cells, which typically act almost as neuronal guardians in the CNS can, under certain conditions, inadvertently contribute to AD progression if they become dysfunctional. By simulating microglia, neurons, and their interactions with signaling proteins, our ABM sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying the progression of AD, and has a the potential to inform therapeutic targets in AD treatment down the line.

For my project I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on muscle growth and pain management among the population of post-operative ACL patients. BFRT is a proposed therapy for combatting quadriceps atrophy following ACLR. This therapy consists of placing cuffs that act as a tourniquet on the proximal part of the lower limbs and inflating them to a pressure that partially restricts blood flow to the lower limbs. Through this review, I found that BFRT is a promising therapy for ACLR patients.

My project studied the effects of sea star wasting disease on sea star populations at Trinidad Beach and Baker's Beach. I surveyed sea stars with the disease and without the disease in approximately half-a-meter quadrant plots. In these plots, I centered the sea stars, counted the number of diseased and or healthy sea stars, and calculated the species biodiversity through point count and percent cover. My point count data results showed a positive correlation between species biodiversity and sea star wasting disease. On the other hand, I found that my percent count data supported a negative correlation between species biodiversity and sea star wasting disease.

Our research project is about pyromania from the perspective of forensic psychology. Ranging from the diagnosis to what could lead to diagnosis. We also talk about there needs to be early intervention programs and can prevent those who suffer from pyromania, ending up in prisons or other facilities.

There is a general sentiment in public discourse that victims are good and innocent, and offenders are bad. This dichotomy is blurred when the victim is somehow socially undesirable, such as people who do not conform to society’s expectation for gender, or victims who are not white. In the case of gender non-conforming victims of homicide, especially transwomen of color, the media often portray the victims as deceivers, or criminal, insinuating the victim is to blame for their attack. This study focuses on the media portrayal of 259 homicide victimizations that occurred between 1995 and 2014. Using content analysis, we explore these cases through the victims, offenders and news media.