Epiphyte Diversity and Distribution in an Old Growth Sitka Spruce Crown

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Various epiphytes such as lichens, mosses, leafy liverworts, and ferns are known to inhabit the crowns and boles of old-growth conifers and hardwoods. This study looks at the diversity and distribution of epiphytes on a single old-growth Sitka spruce tree. Data were analyzed to test for significant relationships between species richness, abundance, height distribution, and substrate type.

Epiphyte Diversity in Sitka Spruce Crowns

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We inventoried the epiphyte community in one 87 m tall Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree in the Redwood Experimental Forest north of Klamath, CA. For our inventory, we sampled approximately 5% of trunk, segment, branch, and branchlet area and found over 50 species of epiphytes. Functional groups of these epiphytes include microlichens, macrolichens, leafy liverworts, mosses, and ferns. For all epiphyte samples we estimated percent cover for spatial analyses of within-crown epiphyte distribution relative to crown height and distance from the bole. In this project we showcase some of the impressive biological diversity and introduce viewers to a variety of lesser-known botanical species.

Equity Gaps Among Diverse CSU Student Groups

College of Professional Studies

Crutchfield and Maguire (2018, 2019) completed basic needs assessments of the CSU system and data from those will be analyzed to explore equity gaps among diverse student groups reporting food and housing insecurity with focus on hours worked, and hours of familial obligations. A policy recommendation is for university volunteer and internship hours to count as an eligibility exemption for CalFresh .

Equity Gaps in Basic Needs Security for CSU Students during COVID-19: Preparing for future pandemics and climate crises

College of Professional Studies

University students, along with programs and services that serve them have been deeply impacted by COVID-19. The goal of this study was to explore students' statuses and their ability to access campus programming and supports that helped meet their basic needs such as, food, housing, and financial supports before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate their efficacy. This study had a particular focus on the context of diverse needs of students and campuses. This research adopted a mixed-methods approach to better understand basic needs insecurity, we focused on the survey data for this report.

Eschscholzia Californica Shows Evidence of Fitness Based Local and Home-site Advantage Regardless of Morphological Patterns

Sage Brislen, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the state flower, varies in lifespan and phenotype across its range. It's widely used in restoration, yet local adaptation is poorly understood. We conducted two common garden studies in coastal and inland California using seeds from seven locations. After greenhouse germination, plants were grown in Santa Cruz and Davis. We measured survival, growth, reproduction, and leaf traits. Results show evidence of local adaptation in fitness (survival and seed production), though not always in morphology. This suggests local seed sourcing is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity in restoration amid climate change.

Establishment patterns of Oregon white oak and California black oak woodlands in northwestern California

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) and California black oak (Q. kelloggii) woodlands are unique ecosystems, yet little is known about their tree establishment patterns, nor the variability of stand structure. Research objectives were: to describe age, stand structure, and tree regeneration in 4 mixed oak-conifer woodlands in northwestern California. Most white and black oaks established from 1850-1910 with rare establishment since 1950 (< 0.05%). Most Douglas-fir trees established since ~ 1950. All sites had high proportions of oak seedling mortality in open stands. These trends likely reflect the effects of altered disturbance regimes enabling the transition to conifer-dominant stands.

Etching Patterns of Pyroxene Crystals via Scanning Electron Microscopy Determine the Relative Age of Glacial Moraines in Mohawk Valley, northern Sierra Nevada, CaliforniaC

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Research was conducted in an effort to date the glacial moraines of this area using the degree of etching caused by weathering over time. It was determined that etching of hornblende grains can be used to quantify the age of glacial moraines. Samples were collected from five different glacial moraines from Frazier Falls in the Mohawk Valley of the northeastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fine sand samples were cleaned, sorted and analyzed; using soil science techniques. Thirty hornblende grains from each location were individually chosen and mounted for analysis. Backscatter electrons and secondary electrons in the scanning electron microscope were used to analyze the etching of the hornbl

Ethics in forensic anthropology: Racial profiles and the obstruction of finding missing persons

Nicolette Svitenko, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The use of racial biometrics in forensic anthropology poses significant harm in identifying the deceased. Despite the absence of a valid biological basis for race, its persistence in forensic analysis raises ethical concerns. Societal structures perpetuate racial categories, affecting individuals' experiences and access to resources. My research delves into this tension, questioning the ethical implications and consequences for accuracy and equity in forensic investigations, especially for marginalized communities. By advocating for more ethical and evidence-based practices, this inquiry aims to ensure integrity and equitable outcomes in forensic work. Keywords: Forensics, racism, ethics.

Ethnic Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Role of Childhood Socioeconomic Status

College of Professional Studies

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; e.g., child maltreatment, domestic violence, and other household dysfunctions), have been linked to an increased risk of later social and behavioral problems. Cronholm et al. (2015) found that the prevalence of ACEs was higher in their ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample, as compared to less diverse samples, suggesting that ACEs maybe more prevalent in marginalized populations. Bruner (2017) suggests poverty may play a role in the disproportionate experiencing of ACEs on people of color (PoC). The current study aims to examine links between ethnicity, childhood socioeconomic status, and ACEs in a sample of ethnically diverse (47% PoC) adults.

Ethnozoology in North America

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Exploring what ethnozoology is and how various Native American tribes used traditional ecological knowledge and ethnozoology to learn about animals and apply that knowledge to their way of life. The project will also cover how ethnozoology can be applied to our research, treatment, and conservation of animals throughout the country today.