Analyzing Food Insecurity at Cal Poly Humboldt: Prevalence, Barriers, and Institutional Neglect

Alex Neel, Social Work Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

An analysis into the different aspects of food insecurity we face on campus, from privatization of our food systems, administrative apathy, and consequences of food insecurity for students.

Analyzing Landslide Susceptibility in Monterey County, California Using MaxEnt

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Landslides are a destructive geological process that can destroy infrastructure, homes, and cause human fatalities. Over recent years there have been many damaging landslides along the California coast. Analyzing areas of high landslide risk potential can allow for preventative measures before the economic hardship of a massive repair or worst case scenario loss of life. This study aims to address the need of accurate predictive maps of landslide vulnerability in the Monterey County, CA. Weight of evidence based on prior landslides and selected triggering factors will be modeled within the MaxEnt software package to create landslide susceptibility maps.

Analyzing Resistance in Carbon Nanotube Networks

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

To inform the applicability of carbon nanotube networks for use as field-effect transistors or as biosensors, we have run computer simulations in order to characterize the electrical properties of these networks, and specifically, how the resistance of these networks changes with the metallicity, or the percentage of metallic to semiconducting carbon nanotubes. When running simulations over networks with varying metallicities, we find a trend where the resistance increases to a peak value then decreases.

Analyzing Soil Quality & Forage Potential of Solar Microhabitats in Coastal Grasslands

Claudia Alfaro Hernandez, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

As the global population grows, ensuring sustainable food and energy systems becomes increasingly important. While solar panels support clean energy goals, they can displace prime agricultural land and critical habitat for native grazers in coastal grasslands. Agrovoltaics—integrating solar infrastructure with land used for agriculture or grazing—offers a promising compromise. However, research on solar microgrids in coastal grassland ecosystems remains limited. This study examines how solar microgrids impact soil quality and forage potential in these sensitive landscapes.

Analyzing Trace Levels of Iron in Seawater: Expanding the Measurable Concentration Range

Brooke Stafford, Geology Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Seawater samples are to be measured for the iron concentration content. We measured standard samples to better understand what concentration ranges we could measure. We are currently working on optimizing the method to measure higher concentrations.

Analyzing Variation in Taphonomic Processes within Artificial Substrates

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This study aims increase understanding of the taphonomic processes associated with the decomposition of nonhuman mammalian remains (as a proxy for human remains) in human altered substrates. Most prior taphonomic research has been restricted to regional studies focusing on the decomposition in environments outside of direct human interaction. This study will focus on temperature, weight, and organic matter fluctuations between the various artificial substrates in the beginning and termination of the decomposition process in order to better understand the effects substrates have on taphonomic processes.

Anatidae Feeding Behavior During Different Tides in a Managed Marsh

Javier Vizcardo Vizcardo, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My research was focused on observing dabbling ducks at the Arcata Marsh, My question was if tide height was a significant factor in determining feeding behavior.

Ancient Costa Rican Incense Burners

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Ceramics and incense are used in cultures all around the world for ritual purposes. In Costa Rica, Potosi Variety ceramics used hollow jaguar and crocodile effigies to diffuse incense smoke as an offering. Potosi Variety vessels have not been subject to much research within the field of archaeology; throughout my project, I will be studying these vessels through experimental archaeology and ethnoarchaeology. In my recreation, I will be using similar materials, methods of ceramic shaping that are or have been used in Costa Rica, and photos of Potosi Variety vessels to inform my process. My methodology will then be compared and contrasted with other possible methods of production.

Angels Camp and The Rhetorical Power of Jumping Bullfrogs

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

My hometown of Angels Camp is a bit bullfrog crazy because the town has various statues, paintings, and plaques of bullfrogs all over the town. There is even an annual fair where people from all over the world compete to see how far their bullfrog can jump. My project would explore the use of the bullfrog as an important rhetorical artifact in Angels Camp as the reason the town has prospered very well. This will be done by taking a look at the history between the town and the bullfrog from the creation of the town, approving the bullfrog as a rhetorical artifact in 1928, and its continuous success today.

Annual Day of Caring - Leadership and Service

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Day of Caring provided me with an awesome opportunity to practice leadership in working for social change and serving the community around us. I was able to work to provide opportunities for a large number of students to give a Saturday in September to working in one of 16 different local organizations that are working hard to serve the Humboldt Community. Every year students provide wonderful feedback about their experience and it was one more opportunity to put what we learn about communities and service into action.