A Big Impact in Mentoring

Miguel Saavedra, College Corp Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring non-profit that fosters one-to-one relationships between local youth and adult volunteers, supporting academic success and emotional well-being. Drawing from our academic backgrounds in kinesiology and business, we contributed by organizing mentorship events and leading community outreach efforts, which strengthened youth-adult connections. This experience highlights the importance of consistent support and positive role models. Through kinesiology, we explored the vital role of physical and mental health in fostering well-rounded growth, while business principles illuminated ways to create sustainable and impactful programs that serve the community.

A Novel Interactive Web Map for Campus Accessibility

Astra Mattingly, Environmental Science & Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Individuals with physical disabilities have found that the Cal Poly Humboldt campus is difficult to navigate due to topography, aging infrastructure, and more. In order to make improvements to our campus, we need to have data on barriers that prevent physical accessibility. This map seeks to be a simple way to display physical accessibility data online to both aid navigation and promote physical and social change regarding accessibility.

A PICC Dislodgement and Securement Solution

Judah O'Shaughnessy, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This research project introduces a quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing or eliminating the risks associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dislodgement. While PICCs are a valuable and useful tool at providing safe and effective intravenous medication administration, they do have the vulnerability of dislodgement which can have catastrophic consequences resulting in patient harm or death. Nurse-led implementation of the subcutaneously anchored securement system and interventions at the patient, department, and policy level can reduce or eliminate PICC dislodgement and the risk associated with inadequate PICC securement.

A Survey of Passerine Diversity on Cal Poly Humboldt Campus in Relation to Noise Pollution

Dee Naranjo, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Point count survey of passerine birds on Cal Poly Humboldt campus. Sites revisited multiple times to create a site occupancy model and examine species diversity, abundance, in relation to anthropogenic noise pollution on a landscape. As well, examine detection efficacy of other covariate factors.

Adapting to Autism-Friendly Care in a Rural Hospital

Kelly Wheelock, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This evidence-based quality improvement project reviews solutions for enhancing safety and outcomes in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within rural hospital settings. Through the application of the Revised Iowa Model and systematically reviewing peer-reviewed articles and professional guidelines, the project aims at addressing key challenges and proposing evidence-based solutions. Solutions include patient-tailored care, staff training, and hospital-level policy actions. A SMART goal aims at measurable enhancement in patient safety and satisfaction through a systematic multi-level process for autism-informed care.

Addressing the Full Spectrum of ACL Injury

Delilah Kimble-Gray, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Having torn my own ACL, I understand firsthand the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges athletes face in recovery. Through this research, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of ACL treatment. This includes the need for gender-specific prevention programs and the mental resilience required for healing. While advances in surgery and rehabilitation offer hope, there is still much to be done, particularly in supporting non-elite athletes and integrating innovative technologies. In conclusion, my goal is to create a more holistic approach to ACL injury prevention and recovery, addressing both the body and the mind.

Agent-based Modeling of Microglia Metabolic Pathways: Implications in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abigail Penland, Computer Science Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that destroys memory and other cognitive functions. Several scientific findings have connected dysfunctional microglia, a type of immune cell, to AD progression. We created an agent-based model to simulate the interactions between microglia and their environment, addressing dysfunctional microglia's effect on AD. Our model represents a two-dimensional slice of the hippocampus, depicting microglia's ability to move, metabolize glucose, and interact with the blood brain barrier and amyloid beta plaques. We applied treatments of metabolic boosting and exercise to our model to study how varying treatment intensities can impede AD progression.

Aiding in First Grade - My Experience at Union Street

Kimberly Duck, College Corp Undergraduate Student

Other

Through Humboldt College Corps, I was allowed to work three days a week at a local charter elementary school. Once placed, I quickly connected with the principal, Rae, my host teacher, Katie May, and the 17 students who make up the first-grade classroom at Union Street. As an aspiring educator, I believe this quickly became an invaluable experience. I learned about classroom management, social emotional behavioral techniques, and I got hands-on experiences for the concepts I have been learning about in my classes as a Liberal Studies Elementary Education Major.

Alcohol Use Disorder Humboldt County

Emily Monahan, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Residents of Humboldt County have a higher-than-average incidence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) when compared to the rest of California and the US. Local youth report drinking alcohol at a younger age, and more frequently than average. Alcohol related hospital admissions are frequent for those who have AUD. Addressing the problem starts at early intervention in adolescents and continues through adulthood. Humboldt county lacks resources for those suffering from AUD and a specialized detox facility would decrease the amount of hospital admissions for alcohol related diagnoses. Making these resources and facilities available to Humboldt County residents could help reduce Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alder Grove Charter School: Advancing Equity Through the CEI Community Schools Grant

Ivory Rose, College Corp Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Connected to Alder Grove Charter School through the College Corps program, Fellow Ivory Rose B. serves as a secondary support specialist for high school students. As a hybrid homeschool, Alder Grove blends class support with personalized learning, empowering both families and students. Ivory’s role led her to join the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI), which aims to transform education from the inside out. Through CEI, Alder Grove involves leadership, students, and community members in shared decision-making. Ivory supports this work as both a chaperone and active community member, helping students raise their voices and shape their learning environment.