Precision Measurement of the Universal Gravitotional Constant

Frederick Kuster-Tabares, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In cooperation with Indiana University (formerly IUPUI), the Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University) Gravity Lab is undertaking a project to more accurately measure the value of the Universal Gravitational Constant in terms of SI base units. Gravitational modifications to the torque on the pendulum will be obtained via two methods through sequential experiments with a common apparatus, with the goal to provide a window into the cause of previous discrepancies between the two methods of measurement, resulting in a more accurate determined value for G.

Predicting Phosphorus Retention in Two Volcanic-Derived Forest Soils of Northern California

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Plant available phosphorus (P) occurs in anionic forms which become plant-unavailable ("fixed" or "retained") when iron and aluminum oxides form insoluble phosphate complexes. P-retention is especially likely to occur under acid conditions in soils containing short range order (SRO; poorly crystalline) materials, namely allophane and imogolite. This set of characteristics is common in volcanic-derived forest soils in Pacific Northwest timber regions. We built upon 25 years of research by investigating phosphorus retention on two well-studied sites, Whitmore and Feather Falls. Simple soil assays were used in a mixed-effects model to predict P-retention on these soils.

Predicting Renewable Energy Usage with Linear Regression and Time-Series Analysis

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

For California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, increasing renewable energy production and consumption is important in the face of climate change. We develop a model to analyze these states’ current renewable energy production and future projection. Findings from the model could lead to policy changes in favor of renewable energy.

Predicting Support for Atypical Leaders Under Conditions of Uncertainty

College of Professional Studies

People support leaders who embody the traits of their group (Hogg, 2001). However, previous research suggests that non-prototypical political leaders can also gain support when constituents are uncertain about their identity (Gaffney, Rast, Hogg, 2018; Rast, Gaffney, Hogg, & Crisp, 2011; Hogg, 2001). This can be problematic as identity uncertainty predicts support for autocratic leaders (Rast, Hogg, Giessner, 2013). Therefore, further understanding of the factors involved in support for leaders under conditions of uncertainty is important. The present study attempts to extend previous research by examining support for leaders under conditions of uncertainty.

Predictors of School Connectedness, Self-Esteem, and GPA

College of Professional Studies

Students should experience feelings of belonging and safety on their university campus. We ran multiple regression analyses to identify factors that predict school connectedness, well-being, and GPA among students (n=127, 72% women, 41% white). Overall stress is a risk factor for school connectedness (p<.01) and self-esteem (p<.01). Acculturative stress may be a risk factor for school connectedness (p=.069) and ethnic identity may be a protective factor for self-esteem (p=.059). Marginal significance may be due to the lack of diversity in the sample. Programs that help students manage stress and promote multiculturalism can foster positive school connectedness and self-esteem.

Preliminary Lupinus Nipomensis Surveys Convey Varying Plant Vigor Across Grazing Treatments

Trinity Edwards, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Lupinus nipomensis (Nipomo Lupine) is an endangered endemic species to the Nipomo-Guadalupe Dunes in San Luis Obispo County, California. Scientists have been researching this species for many years to better understand it. Ehrharta calycina (Veldt Grass) is an introduced perennial grass species that outcompetes Nipomo Lupine. Various groups have tried to aid Nipomo Lupine in its survival by manual pulling and herbicide treatment of Veldt grass. We are beginning to investigate grazing as an alternative management tool, which will hopefully prove to better aid this species in its survival.

Preparation and Evaluation of Polylactic Acid-Quinoa Composite Films

Rafael Bernard, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Biodegradable composites were developed by incorporating quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) into polylactic acid (PLA), with varying ratios. The resulting films were characterized using melting points, bomb calorimetry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, water uptake, water permeability, water contact angle, antioxidant assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of differing quantities of quinoa fiber affected the properties of the composites. hese initial studies show quinoa/PLA composites have potential in the development of bio-renewable and biodegradable materials for active food packaging.

Preparation and Evaluation of Polylactic Acid-Quinoa Composite films

David Schmitz, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) was evaluated as a starting material for the preparation of biodegradable composites with polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-renewable polymer. Incorporation of natural plant fibers into composite material has been shown to generate active packaging materials with a variety of benefits as well as increasing the rate at which these materials degrade back into the environment. Films with varying amounts of quinoa combined with PLA were prepared and studied in a variety of methods to evaluate their usefulness as bio-renewable materials.

Preservation of Diatoms Around the January 26, 1700 Earthquake Event, using Core Sample MD.14.03B collected at McDaniel Slough, North Humboldt Bay, Arcata

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Core MD1403B contains a salt marsh soil layer between mudflat material, which was caused by subsidence produced by the 1700 earthquake. Three samples were taken from the core to look at the preservation of the diatoms from each sample and compared to one another to determine if the 1700 earthquake caused a large enough subsidence to produce high velocity water to flow into the area. The samples were examined at using the secondary electron(SE) feature of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Increased occurrence of damaged cells supports the conclusion that there was a fluctuation in water levels that produced a high velocity flow of water.

Preserving Humboldt's Native Biodiversity

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

My project focuses on invasive plant management in Humboldt County. I partnered with the California State Parks Environmental Services division to identify, combat, and manage some of the more aggressive plant species found in Patrick's Point State Park.