Comparative Analyses of the Soil Microbiome of Phlox Hirsuta (Polemoniaceae), a Rare Serpentine Species

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Phlox hirsuta, the Yreka Phlox, is a threatened species native to northern California. The species is restricted to five populations, all of which occur on serpentine soil. Given the small number of populations and the edaphic specialization of the species, the viability and longevity of the populations is an important area of study. Multiple factors influence the growth and germination of individual plants , and the amount of growth of an individual plant can fluctuate from year to year. One overlooked aspect of plant growth, in this species, is the soil microbiome, and examining this can shed light on the role of this underground component, in plant growth.

Comparative Analysis of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin in Nanodiscs Containing Various Lipids.

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Membrane proteins (MP) are crucial for cell pathways, but are difficult to study due to hydrophobicity. Nanodiscs (ND) provide a lipid bilayer mimetic enabling MP studies. To improve efficiency, we compared two ND assembly methods for detergent removal, and evaluated how lipid affects the MP, Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin. ND were assembled with purified ASR, various lipids, Sodium Cholate and Apolipoprotein AI. Electrophoresis was utilized to evaluate complex formation. ASR was successfully isolated and assembled into ND. We found that the biobead method was faster and had less risk of loss, showing it to be the better method. ND provide a promising approach to therapeutics affecting MP.

Comparative Analysis of Planktonic Productivity in Trinidad Bay and Nearshore Environments in Northern California During the 2017 Upwelling Season

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study investigated how biological productivity in the shallow waters of Trinidad Bay, located adjacent to Trinidad Head, differed from the productivity in exposed nearshore environments before and after the onset of seasonal upwelling in 2017. Biological and hydrographic measurements were collected prior to the onset of seasonal upwelling (March) as well as after (May and June) to determine if the associated hydrodynamics affected the spatial distribution of planktonic productivity. Measurements suggest that Trinidad Bay exhibited enhanced secondary productivity relative to nearby exposed environments during relaxation events following strong upwelling periods.

Comparative Anatomy of Mouse, Zebrafish, and Trout

Adnan Alyan, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that surround certain neurons in the central nervous system. PNNs are an key component of the closure and onset of critical periods, synaptic signaling, memory modulation and neural plasticity. The current study aims to compare the brain tissue of zebrafish and trout to mouse, the current animal model of choice for PNN research. Imaging with chemical stains revealed structures consistent with the appearance of PNNs in zebrafish and trout. The promising findings of this study have the potential to usher in a new wave of research pursing a deeper level of understanding towards PNNs through a zebrafish model.

Comparing Community Structure of Vascular Plant Species on Nurse Logs and Ground Plots in the Arcata Community Forest

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My study looked at the ecological role nurse logs play in the Arcata Community Forest, and whether they support a different vascular plant community than the forest floor.

Comparing Male and Female Domestic Violence Offender Responses Regarding Experiences Related To Intimate Partner Violence

College of Professional Studies

Historically, male violence has been viewed as a way to maintain power and control over a female partner within an intimate relationship while female violence has been viewed as a response to a male intimate partner’s attacks (Dobash & Dobash, 1979; Walker 1989). This community research project examines differences in attitudes and experiences related to violence among male and female domestic violence offenders. Individual interviews (N=13) were conducted to gain qualitative data specific to this topic. Participants included 5 men and 8 women enrolled in a 52-week batterer’s intervention program. The project findings will help guide a better understanding of family violence.

Comparing Mammalian Presence and Biodiversity Between Different Units of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Erin Konefal, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Comparing mammalian presence and diversity between different units of the Humboldt Wildlife Refuge

Comparing Passerine Presence in an Urban College Town to a Nearby Rural Marsh Sanctuary

Jocelyn Lucente, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

With an ever-increasing push for urbanization, it is necessary to monitor the passerine's ability to tolerate increased anthropogenesis and ensure their persistence among changing habitats. Arcata, California is home to both a lively college campus (CPH) and a restored wildlife sanctuary (AMWS), offering ideally contrasting study sites to sample at. In order to determine if urbanization is affecting the birds’ occupancy, I will conduct a total of 30 point-counts at 15 urban and 15 rural sites to compare the number of individual passerines across land types. I hypothesize to detect a higher abundance of passerines throughout the rural settings.

Comparing Roadkill Abundance Between Urban and Rural Transects

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A study comparing roadkill abundance between urban and rural transects on highway 101.

Comparing Salamander Activity Through Temperature Humidity and Rain

William Jones, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In this project I measured changes in the level of salamander activity based upon the local temperature, humidity, and the presence of rain in the Arcata community forest behind Cal. Poly. Humboldt.