English 103 — HSU Artifacts Project

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Student groups in Jolien Olsen’s English 103 course are presenting artifacts from within their HSU “neighborhood.” You will recognize many of these artifacts from our campus, many of which are iconic to HSU and represent its uniqueness as the rural, vibrant, creative academic community we all know it to be. The purpose of this project was to explore the meaning that these HSU artifacts create, what these artifacts tell us about HSU and its values and identities, and how the artifacts shape community members’ actions and interactions. We hope these projects bring a new perspective on artifacts that you may have passed countless times in your journeys across our shared space, our HSU campus.

Enhanced Learning in Biochemistry Using the Protein Data Bank and 3D Molecular Modeling in ChimeraX

Frank Cappuccio, Chemistry Faculty

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a repository of atomic level resolution biological structures determined by researchers around the world. Protein macromolecular structures have become an essential tool for biotechnology fields. They are used to understand the chemical and biological processes in living systems and disease, and for precise drug design. Here students utilized the molecular modeling software UCSF ChimeraX to visualize 3D PDB protein structures of their choice. Students produced Quad Chart presentations and printed 3D models to allow for deep learning in protein structure.

Environmental Education through Community Support

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization in Manila, California that has various educational programs available for the community to educate younger children about the natural diversity of our beautiful area. As a part of my Service Learning Project, I felt that it was important to show younger generations the value and importance of coastal ecological restoration and the fun that can be had in the process. By showing children the importance and connection we have with the life around us, I believe they will have a better understanding of critically thinking and assessing about how to address environmental problems in the future.

Environmental Impacts of the Homeless Population in Humboldt County

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

There are many attempts to “solve” the homelessness problem in Humboldt County, but most have been unsuccessful, and they have not properly assessed the environmental impact that has been a result of human habitation in urban areas, particularly within riparian zones. Because homeless individuals are not considered within the traditional census boundaries, there isn’t reliable population statistics and the estimates vary widely. Within this research, I will examine environmental and socio-economic relationships within homeless population, including societal cost and environmental destruction.

Environmental Justice & Public Health: Bilingualism in Community Outreach Efforts

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

As a bilingual Environmental Studies student, I am committed to applying my education to address environmental issues and advance environmental justice in Spanish speaking communities. Through my service learning position with the local non-profit, Redwood Community Action Agency, I will utilize my Spanish speaking ability to the RCAA's community outreach efforts aimed at the Latino/a community of Humboldt County.

Environmental Management of Marine Wildlife in Humboldt Bay

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The scope of this research was aimed toward extracting the most possible information about Longfin Smelt, Sculpin, and Blue Herring out on Humboldt Bay. The primary research was geared toward finding out the distribution limits, abundance, habitat, and spawning limits for the three mentioned species. Work was done directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in which tributaries leading into Humboldt Bay of Salmon Creek, Wood Creek, Freshwater, and others were the leading areas of research. Through laboratory work and field work conducted by boat and by foot, important knowledge of Smelt, Sculpin, and Herring was gained drastically the last three months.

Environmental Monitoring for Tests of Gravity Below Fifty Microns

Tanner Hooven, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Reliable measurements of gravitational forces at scales smaller than a centimeter carry significant challenges. The non-gravitational forces that are generally negligible at the scale of everyday objects have a much more substantial effect in the sub-centimeter regime. Due to the nature of precision required in measuring micron-scale gravitational forces and the inherent weakness of gravity, it is important to record, model, and possibly suppress environmental effects in and around the experiment that may affect measurements. Recently, members of the Cal Poly Gravitational Physics Lab have focused on developing these environmental instruments and models to ensure high levels of precision.

Environmental Storytelling for a Hopeful Planet

Deidre Pike, Journalism & Mass Communication Faculty

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Environmental Storytelling for a Hopeful Planet is a website collaboration with original content -- from videos to slideshows -- created by students in journalism and environmental studies. Students met in Spring 2024 to practice a mix of environmental journalism and science communication, devising innovative storytelling modes to communicate verifiable ecological truths -- curated and presented with a healthy dose of hope. Students crafted stories about the removal of the Klamath Dam, the Arcata Marsh as wastewater treatment, Humboldt's Birding Club, composting, foraging for edible native plants, and the bliss of living near the world's tallest carbon sequestering trees.

Environmentalist of the Future

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Humboldt County office of education (in partnership with HSU students is preparing) the environmentalist of the future by integrating their Classroom Aquarium Education Program with their Redwood Edventure Program in an effort to educate K-12 students on the value of aquatic environments. Their lessons speak to the balance that must be met to maintain and preserve California's fisheries and habitats and actively engage students to get up and out into their local environments where they can then see how our personal actions affect valuable resources.

Envisioning a Better Future for the Tijuana River Using an Anthropological Approach

Kimberly Cramer, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Tijuana River is currently polluted by sewage leaks and other waste which impacts water quality, ecosystems, and human health. The river bisects the U.S.-Mexico border and is controlled by differing policies between the two nations. The poor wastewater infrastructure and binational context of the issue creates concern for environmental and public health. In this poster, I analyze conservation methods to explore the causes and potential solutions for water pollution in the Tijuana River. My findings prioritize a solution focused on community involvement, Indigenous perspectives, and collaboration between national governments to address root problems and advocate for structural change.