Exploring the role of JNK/cJun Signaling in Apoptosis in Lgl -/- Tumor Promoting Neuronal Progenitor Cells

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

High grade gliomas are aggressive brain cancers that arise from tumor promoting neuronal progenitor cells. The WD40 protein Lethal Giant Larvae (LGL) may suppress brain tumor formation. Mice without LGL develop brain tumors and have a high level of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is a key feature of many cancers. cJun is an oncogene involved in cell division, organismal development and regulation of apoptosis through its role as a transcription factor. Apoptosis is mediated downstream by intracellular proteolytic enzymes called caspases. We aim to measure caspase activity in cells with and without LGL protein through observation of its effects on cJun expression.

Exploring the Ultrastructure of Rust Fungus Calyptospora columnaris

Michaela Regi, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Rust fungi are obligate plant parasites that exhibit multiple life stages with drastically different physical features depending on the host it infects. While studies in the classification of rust fungi are actively debated, the ultrastructure of this particular rust fungus has been vastly understudied. Using SEM and TEM, images were taken of Calyptospora columnaris to elucidate the fine features of these different stages in an attempt to give this fungus a more comprehensive visual representation.

Expression of a diverse set of olfactory receptors in the California slender salamander

Seanamae Adams, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Vertebrates use proteins expressed in the sensory cells of the nasal cavity to detect odors and chemical signals. The study aimed to characterize the olfactory receptors (ORs) in the California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus). We used standard molecular genetics techniques (PCR and cloning) to isolate 15 partial sequences of ORs from salamander olfactory tissue. We used phylogenetic reconstruction to show that the salamander ORs we isolated grouped with the gamma family of ORs found in many other vertebrates. Our preliminary results suggest that this species has a large and diverse OR family, a finding consistent with their ecological reliance on chemical communication.

Expression of Olfactory G-Protein-Coupled Receptors in Axolotls During Development

Josafath Aparicio, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

G-protein-coupled receptors are responsible for binding to odorants and initiating responses in vertebrate olfactory neurons. These receptors are coupled to specific G proteins, whose expression can be used as markers for olfactory neuron maturation during embryonic development. My project focused on developing a quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay to investigate the expression of the G-protein Golf in an aquatic caudate amphibian (the Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum). The developmental expression of other caudates has been thoroughly investigated, but not in Axolotls. I designed an absolute quantification assay and tested it on late stage embryos and larvae.

Expression of Olfactory G-Proteins in Axolotls During Development

Josafath Aparicio, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

G-protein-coupled receptors are responsible for binding to chemosensory cues and initiating responses in vertebrate olfactory neurons. This poster investigated the expression of one particular set of G-protein-coupled receptors in the aquatic caudate amphibian (Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum). The developmental expression of other caudates has been thoroughly investigated, but not in Axolotls. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we analyzed the expression of G-olf, a G-protein usually expressed in the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) of vertebrates, through the developmental cycle of Axolotls.

Expression of Olfactory G-Proteins in Axolotls During Development

Josafath Aparicio, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

G-protein-coupled receptors are responsible for binding to odorants and initiating responses in vertebrate olfactory neurons. These receptors are coupled to specific G proteins, whose expression can be used as markers for olfactory neuron maturation during embryonic development. My project focused on developing a quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay to investigate the expression of the G-protein Golf in an aquatic caudate amphibian (the Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum). The developmental expression of other caudates has been thoroughly investigated, but not in Axolotls. I designed an absolute quantification assay and tested it on late stage embryos and larvae.

Extending the Work of CHECK IT and SVP into the Animal Rights Community

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Applying the skills I have learned in the Students For Violence Prevention program to real-world animal rights activism has already proven to be highly successful, and it is clear that the work of the SVP and CHECK IT communities may easily have their work extended into that of the animal liberation community. Through close collaboration with local farms and markets, the encouragement of more animal rights groups on Humboldt State University campus, and the formation of educational programs specifically made to reach out to youth, I believe that our students could potentially have a strong impact on the enforcement of animal welfare in Humboldt County.

Exultate Jubilate

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I will be performing a mozart aria.

Factors Influencing Extended Periods of Inactivity in Barred Owls

Emily Mora, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study aimed to understand the factors influencing extended periods of inactivity in barred owls. We analyzed environmental factors, such as temperature and seasonal variations, along with individual characteristics like sex, to better understand their activity patterns. The findings could aid in developing more effective management strategies for barred owls through targeted removal programs, ultimately improving conservation efforts for the threatened northern spotted owl.

Factors Influencing Longevity and Wellbeing for CalSWEC Title IV-E Stipend Recipients Working in County Child Welfare Agencies in California

College of Professional Studies

Social workers employed in county child welfare agencies experience large and complex caseloads, high rates of burnout and consistently high rates of turnover. The California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Project provides BSW and MSW students with additional training in child welfare and a stipend of $18,500 per year in exchange for a year’s work in a county or state child welfare or Tribal agency upon graduation. Data was collected through an electronic survey, completed by county and state child welfare social workers who had participated in the Title IV-E program in order to assess their wellbeing, preparedness and longevity in the position.