This project took place over summer of 2023. We set sensors in Humboldt bay in June and again in August leaving them out for three days. These sensors tracked alkalinity, temperature, and oxygen levels within the water. From this we could look at how summer upwelling changed the water chemistry from June to August.

This project examined the food preferences of backyard birds in Siskiyou County, California in Spring 2024. We used Nature’s Way CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeders at eight different locations. For each trial, feeders presented two food types: nut n' berry mix and sunflower seeds. Feeders were left out for 72 hours. We recorded the weather conditions (i.e. cloudy, windy, rainy, sunny), as well as the minimum and maximum temperature, and feeder height. A combination of direct observation and game cameras was used to determine bird species present. We predicted that birds, on average, will prefer the nut and berry mix due to the higher fat content relative to sunflower seeds.

This study investigates the spatial distribution and habitat preferences of plethodontid salamanders within the Arcata Community Forest in Humboldt County, California. By examining salamander abundance in relation to surface water proximity and soil moisture content during the winter-spring period, I aim to identify key environmental factors influencing their distribution. This research highlights the importance of understanding seasonal variations and the complex interrelationships between salamanders and their habitat within diverse forest ecosystems.

Lethal (2) giant larvae 1 (Lgl1) maintains cell polarity and regulates cell migration. Its dysregulation is linked to gliomas, suggesting a role in tumor development. Glioblastomas may originate from neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) accumulating mutations. Loss of Lgl1 in NPCs leads to cancer-like traits, including increased migration and altered signaling. Scanning electron microscopy can reveal morphological changes. This study compares WT and Lgl1 KO murine brain tissue, aiming to uncover changes associated with Lgl1 loss, offering insights into gliomagenesis.

Undergraduate research project for the Wildlife Department researching to see if being protected or exposed to wave action affects where sea stars are found

Rhodopsins are light-sensitive proteins within the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family that convert photons into intracellular chemical signals that perform downstream biological functions. Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) with a 6x-His tag was isolated and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography after evaluating clones of induced E. coli transformed with a pET15b plasmid. The most viable clones discovered from this study were BU3E and Box A. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis confirmed the protein size of 20.65 kDa. These results indicate that these 2 strains can be utilized for further studies on ASR function in nanodiscs.

A behavioral study on 5 common shorebirds of Humboldt County, California; primarily their vigilance responses in relation to different habitat types and disturbance categories. Primary habitats of interest were marshlands and beaches with 3 sites chosen from the Arcata Marsh in Arcata and two beach locations: Mad River Beach of Arcata and Centerville Beach of Ferndale. Shorebirds observed were Dunlin, Western Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Least Sandpipers. Disturbance categories included weather, tide height, pedestrians, bikers, vehicles, dogs, and raptors. Focal studies of 2 minutes each were conducted for a total of 370 individual shorebirds.

The Entomlomataceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) are a relatively speciose and highly variant family of fungi. They are identified by their salmon-pink pigmented basidiospores that are multifaceted/multiangular in polar or in all views. Known complexities in erecting species concepts and deciphering taxonomic groups exist, including extensive phenotypic plasticity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images portraying basidiospore morphological nuances may serve as a powerful tool in solving the taxonomy of the group.

A behavioral study on 5 common shorebirds of Humboldt County, CA during the non-breeding season; primarily on their vigilance rates in relation to different habitat types and disturbance categories. Two main habitats of marshland and beach habitats were compared with 3 sites chosen from the Arcata Marsh in Arcata and 2 beach habitats: Mad River Beach of Arcata and Centerville Beach of Ferndale. Shorebirds observed included Dunlin, Willets, Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers with a total sample of 370 individuals. Focal studies were performed on defined vigilance behaviors for 2 minute segments per individual with 1 hour of study dedicated to each location.

My study investigates how human disturbances affect songbird diversity and abundance in Arcata, CA. Many songbirds try to adjust their behavior in response to human populated environments; however, adjustments can have intense effects on their survival, and serious ramifications beyond urban settings (Marzluff 1997). My findings aim to better inform conservation efforts of species specific requirements and minimize areas with human disturbances as needed.