Students’ Experiences with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research Methods Courses

College of Professional Studies

Researchers have noted a historical lack of coverage of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics in Psychology Research Methods courses (RMCs). We hypothesize that Psychology RMCs’ coverage of DEI will be positively correlated with indicators of academic integration and negatively correlated with minority stress, especially for marginalized students (e.g., students of color). DEI in RMCs were associated with greater science identities and networking in white students and perceptions of positive campus climate for all students. However, for students of color, DEI in RMCs were associated with a greater number of social climate stresses. Given the small sample, more research is needed.

Studies of Bio-Sustainable Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Priscilla Gamez, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Biomaterials derived from plants can provide stocks for biofuels and additives for sustainable bioplastic composites. Here, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to image cellulase enzyme-exposed samples vs. controlled samples, which indicated cellulose degradation. SEM examination of PLA-quinoa composites indicated successful incorporation of quinoa chaff into these biodegradable plastics. This study of cellulase contributes to understanding its role in enhancing biofuel feedstock production. Moreover, our PLA-quinoa composites show promise as biodegradable and biorenewable materials. Future studies will analyze cellulase-treated PLA-quinoa composites.

Study of Hornblende Reaction Rims in Regard to Magma Rate Through the Conduit in California's Mt. Lassen's 1915 Eruption

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Interpretation of hornblende reaction rims through the use of a scanning electron microscope to establish accent rate and path of magma through Mt. Lassen's volcanic conduit in the 1915 eruption.

Study of the Dietary Preferences of Collared-Doves Within an Expanded Range of Choices

Daniel Francois, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is an invasive columbiform that has spread across the continent of North America in under thirty years since its first introduction (Smith 1987, Romagosa and McEneaney 1999). Since then, it has competed with and dominated a variety of native passerines (Romagosa and McEneaney 1999, Romagosa and Labisky 2000). Our goal was to further discover its feeding habits and dietary preferences in order to gain a better understanding of its impact on native birds such as the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). We hypothesized that collared-doves would prefer corn over millet seeds, and millet seeds over oats and sunflower seeds.

Studying the Connection Between X-Ray and UV Absorption in AGN Outflows

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Active Galactic Nuclei are still somewhat of an enigma; young, bright galaxies with a large range of redshifts. Our current research is focused on gas outflows from the active galactic nucleus (AGN). These outflows are identified by broad absorption lines in the spectra of AGN. Current multi-epoch observations of many active galactic nuclei (AGN) have resulted in broad absorption lines that appear and disappear over time. Current observations show that these outflows have speeds up to 0.2c. Our team’s ultimate goal is to understand the mechanism that drives quasar outflows and characterize the broad spectral absorption lines, as well as why the outflows are variable

Stylohyoid-tympanic articulation in shrews and its possible implications for echolocation

Silvia Pavan, Biological Sciences Faculty

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Echolocation has evolved in several mammals, including shrews. In bats, echolocation may occur through the larynx via the stylohyoid-tympanic articulation (ST-A). Using CT scans, we studied the morphology of the inner ear to determine if the ST-A is present in echolocating shrews. Of the nine sampled genera, three have behavioral data suggesting echolocation. Six species presented ST-A, including four species not known to echolocate. Given the limited behavioral data and the small data set, a few interpretations are possible, all of which highlight the need for additional research in this understudied mammalian group in order to reveal the role of the ST-A in shrew echolocation.

Stylohyoid-tympanic articulation in shrews and its possible implications for echolocation

Silvia Pavan, Biological Sciences Faculty

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Echolocation has evolved in several mammals, including shrews. In bats, echolocation may occur through the larynx via the stylohyoid-tympanic articulation (ST-A). Using CT scans, we studied the morphology of the inner ear to determine if the ST-A is present in echolocating shrews. Of the nine sampled genera, three have behavioral data suggesting echolocation. Six species presented ST-A, including four species not known to echolocate. Given the limited behavioral data and the small data set, a few interpretations are possible, all of which highlight the need for additional research in this understudied mammalian group in order to reveal the role of the ST-A in shrew echolocation.

Subjective versus objective language proficiency: An investigation of age of acquisition and exposure in multilinguals

Mari Sanchez, Psychology Faculty

College of Professional Studies

Multilinguals can differ in their level of proficiency for each language they speak. Factors that can impact one’s language proficiency include age of acquisition (AoA), which refers to the time point when beginning to learn a language and exposure, which refers to the amount of contact a person has with the language. Proficiency is often assessed subjectively, via one’s self-report of one’s perceived proficiency level and less often objectively, via observed and/or measured performance on proficiency tests. This study investigated the relationship between subjective and objective language proficiency as impacted by age of acquisition and exposure.

Success Factors of Wilderness Therapy Programming

College of Professional Studies

In recent years, non-traditional therapeutic modalities have become increasingly popular options for the treatment of psychological and behavioral issues in youth at-risk populations. Research shows that this model has great promise of rehabilitative pathways for youth involved in the juvenile justice and psychiatric healthcare systems through the use of experiential education combined with traditional talk therapy modalities to improve self-esteem and self-efficacy. This is especially significant for youth at risk individuals who have previously been unsuccessful in other courses of therapy. This project examines success factors of wilderness therapy programs for youth at risk.

Sudden Death Among Athletes

Aleksander Teplicki, Other Undergraduate Student

Other

I preformed a literature review regarding sudden cardiovascular death among athletes. In my review I found that sudden cardiovascular death is primarily caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In my presentation I aim to discuss these two conditions, their prevalence, and why they are difficult to diagnose amongst athletes. I also aim to discuss the current athletic screening protocols in the united states, as well as what can be done going foreward to prevent or limit the cases of sudden cardiovascular death in athletes.