Utilizing PCR to Test Oysters from the Humboldt Bay for Toxoplasma gondii

Porter Ellis, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely ubiquitous parasite that can be found in most terrestrial species, with the potential to infect marine species as well. T. gondii has been found to encyst in bivalve species across the world, with some cases finding market oysters testing positive. This study tested 22 oysters, 11 from 2 different farms in the Humboldt Bay, for Toxoplasma gondii utilizing Polymerase Chain Reaction and Gel Electrophoresis.

V.R. Gaming Could Break Our Sedentary Habits

Tyler Voner, Other Undergraduate Student

Other

My research is on Virtual Reality or "Active Gaming" and how it can indirectly have the potential to reduce Obesity and Heart Disease, by being a leisurely activity with some amount of activity rather than something sedentary.

Validation of FLT3-ITD in CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells using CRISPR-Cas9 editing to investigate pre-leukemic stem cells as therapeutic targets in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow that results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations. The goal of this project is to characterize the mechanisms for the transformation of genetically engineered human primary HSCs to AML. My aim is to validate FLT3-ITD CRISPR-Cas9 reagents to contribute to the sequential editing matrix scheme of the larger project of investigating preleukemic stem cells as therapeutic targets in AML. Understanding the genetic components of preleukemia can help inform clinical decisions of which patients to provide transplants and in what stage of remission this therapy can be most effective.

Variation in Mallard Foraging Strategy in Relation to Group Size

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

It is commonly believed that many animals, especially prey species, benefit from foraging while in a group. Using point-count surveys, I observed Mallard at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in an effort to determine their propensity for foraging at an increased rate while in a group. I also attempted to determine whether or not group size altered the preferred foraging strategy of mallard.

Varying Botanical Perspectives from Indigenous Groups

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Taking the names and meanings behind the certain plants that Indigenous groups gave and comparing them to what scientists have used them for, as well as what properties they posses. Looking at the name Indigenous peoples have given to the plants explains to others what they can do.

Vegetation detection change with NDVI and NBR Analysis Of The Thomas Fire Using Landsat 8 Imagery

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Thomas Fire, drew immediate attention from all across California on December 4, 2017 during a time of year with higher levels of precipitation. Roughly 281,000 acres of land was engulfed by the extent of the wildfire outbreak where typically the native chaparral are known to thrive despite chaparral schrubland have typically evolved to remain fire tolerant. This study was able to determine a variety in vegetation change, further tests involving supervised classification and collection of field data (ground trothing) would provide more information giving way to further suggestions as to what indicators contributed the most to California’s worst wild fire outbreak.

Veteran and Dependent Education Benefits

Lonnie VanMeter, Social Work Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This is a project that was a training to VA social workers to educate them on education benefits for Veterans and their families.

Vigilance Rates in Shorebirds in Marsh and Beach Habitat During the Non-Breeding Season

Jennifer Alvarado, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

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.

Vigilance Rates in Shorebirds in Marsh and Beach Habitat During the Non-Breeding Season

Jennifer Alvarado, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

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.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Characteristics

Sara McCall, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study examines the Virginia rail around Humboldt County. Distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics are determined.