Climate, Competition, and Cavity-nesters, oh my!

Kellie Crouch, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Fluctuations in climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, have the ability to negatively influence the breeding success of birds. This study aimed to determine how these factors impact the breeding success of cavity-nesting songbirds in California. In order to do this, I analyzed relationships between nest box data from the California Bluebird Recovery Program and climate data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Climate, Grasslands, and Policies; The Changing Livelihood of Tibetan Nomads

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The research interviews with nomads have shown that climate, grasslands and policies are changing the livelihood of Tibetan nomads. Tibetan nomads have established a way to graze their livestock and keep the grasslands healthy by moving based on the seasons. Climate change will decrease the grassland quality results in unhealthy livestock and decreases their resistance to winter storms. Herders express that policies that encourage or demand a sedentary livelihood have restricted mobility, decreased livestock conditions, and resulted in an increase in livestock loss. Today, Tibetan nomads are stuck between their traditional ways and the way the government has established for them.

Clinical Peer Educators

Other

College students are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and they are encouraged to get screened regularly. In the fall of 2017 we implemented a peer to peer model to provide reproductive health consultations. Evaluation of the program in 2017 showed it was effective and there was a high satisfaction rate among patients who participated in the program. In the fall of 2018 we had a new set of four peer health educators (PHEs) who were trained to provide asymptomatic STI screenings and birth control consults in clinic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demand, utilization, and cost of the program during fall 2018 semester.

Cloning and Purification of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin Transducer

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

ASR is a cyanobacterial light-detecting transmembrane protein, which communicates to the cell through its soluble transducer ASRT. In this study, we describe a method for cloning ASRT using PCR, vector construction, and transformation for protein expression. We have made progress in cloning and continuing work on purification protocols. We will use immobilized metal affinity chromatography to purify ASRT, and use this protein in subsequent studies on its interaction with ASR. Characterization of ASR’s signal transduction through ASRT has revealed thus far a striking similarity to GPCRs and has potential for use in more cost-effective and precise expression induction in bacterial systems.

Closing the Perinatal Residential Gap

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Humboldt County's Housing and Substance Use crises have intensified in recent years, leaving too few treatment and transitional living opportunities for families in recovery. This project seeks to document the urgency of the gap in services for Tribal and non-Tribal people, and streamline existing referral and resource channels under the new Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System. Long term goals include a comprehensive continuum of integrated dual recovery support and safe housing for parents. Further inquiry and collaboration with county government, NCHIIN, UIHS, Healthy Moms, and Yurok Family Wellness Court are recommended.

Co-Occurring Curriculum in the Criminal Justice System

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The curriculum will be developed for current inmates at the local county jail experiencing co-occurring disorders. Culminating healthier approaches to communication and stress management as well as developing systems of support in regards to personal relationships may provide foundations for increasing overall functioning and wellbeing. The curriculum will be guided by the empowerment process, based on an individual’s right to self-determination; valuing personal perspective, acknowledging difficulties and encouraging self-regulated personal growth. The project will attempt to address current problematic and maladaptive thinking and behavior for current inmates with co-occurring disorders.

Cohort Effectiveness Amongst Criminology and Sociology Freshman

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Research presenting the effectiveness of cohorts as a means for improving freshman retention and academic performance amongst Sociology and Criminology courses.

Collecting seed at the hot, dry margins of a tree species’ natural range: do the progeny of these extreme trees have drought tolerance and water-use efficiency needed for restoration of harsh sites?

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Trees growing in the hottest/driest parts of their natural range may be better-adapted to hot, dry conditions and hold promise for restoration and resistance to climate change. If drought tolerance and water-use efficiency were heritable genetic traits, we could select for these characteristics and raise seedlings for reforestation on marginal sites or in areas where adverse changes in climate were forecast. 3000 redwood seedlings originating from wet and dry locations were planted by HSU students in 2010 and 2011. The experiment provides insights into outcomes of reclamation and “assisted migration” forest conservation/restoration strategies and impact of climate change on redwood forests.

Collections Room Project using Past Perfect 5.0

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Collections Room Project is dedicated to digitizing and organizing the information for the various artifact collections housed in BSS 139. The parameters include using the Past Perfect 5.0 software in order to catalog the data for each individual artifact and create a database in which all the information can be housed and viewed. The final product will include information such as measurements, potential use, and physical characteristics for each artifact; attributes which may be searched, using the query field. The primary use for the compiled database is to allow for a convenient search of artifacts within the collection in order to aid in student and faculty research and study.

College Corps and Arcata House Partnership Combating Homelessness in Humboldt County

Annika Botha , Other Undergraduate Student

Other

College Corps, a collaboration between Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, and Arcata House Partnership (AHP), tackles homelessness in Humboldt County. AHP provides crucial support, offering personalized assistance and essential services to over 1700 homeless individuals, including hygiene products, clothing, case management, food assistance, and empowerment programs. Collaborative efforts like College Corps maximize impact amid resource challenges. AHP's compassionate approach fosters stability and community well-being, striving for lasting change by advocating for safe, affordable housing and continuously improving services.