ACEs, Perceived Academic Control, and GPA in College Students of Diverse Backgrounds

Brandilynn Villarreal, Psychology Faculty

College of Professional Studies

The purpose of the study is to explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) relate to perceived academic control and GPA for students with racially marginalized identities. We hypothesized: H1) students with higher ACE scores will show lower levels of academic control than students with lower ACE scores, H2) students with racially marginalized identities will report higher levels of ACEs, lower GPAs, and lower academic control than students not from racially marginalized identities, and H3) first-year students will report lower academic control and GPAs than continuing students. The results indicated partial support for the hypotheses. Additional research and student supports are needed.

Activating Creativity in Elementary EFL Writing

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

I served 27 months as an elementary EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher on the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia and found that rote memorization was the dominant teaching strategy. Pohnpeian teachers wanted interactive classrooms that engaged students creatively, but they often lacked the resources or training to create such an environment. The presented activities are the product of collaborative efforts with 4th-through 8th-grade Pohnpeian teachers over a two-year period. Activities could be modified for a range of second-language learning contexts and environments.

Activity of Novel Cellulases from Cow Rumen

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Utilizing cellulase enzymes can enhance the production of biofuels. In this study, 14 cellulases identified through metagenomic analysis of cow rumen were expressed in E. Coli, purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), and then assessed for enzymatic activity versus a control cellulase isolated from Aspergillus Niger. To do this, we evaluated the breakdown of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a plate assay with Congo Red detection. 4 with high activity and 2 with low activity were selected for analyzing the effective pH on the enzymatic activity and expanding the research to kinetic analysis. Our results could inform new cellulase design and enhance biofuel production.

Acts of Uncovering: Compiling Data on MMIW to Address a Hidden Crisis

College of Professional Studies

Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI) maintains the largest and most comprehensive database of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in the US and Canada. Due to the high number of cases and the desire to have comprehensive information on each individual case, we were honored to work with SBI to compile case files for 107 MMIWG in Northern California. SBI will use this information to have a clearer picture of what is known, what is unknown, and what has been written about or publicly shared about each missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls in Northern California.

Adapting to Autism-Friendly Care in a Rural Hospital

Kelly Wheelock, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This evidence-based quality improvement project reviews solutions for enhancing safety and outcomes in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within rural hospital settings. Through the application of the Revised Iowa Model and systematically reviewing peer-reviewed articles and professional guidelines, the project aims at addressing key challenges and proposing evidence-based solutions. Solutions include patient-tailored care, staff training, and hospital-level policy actions. A SMART goal aims at measurable enhancement in patient safety and satisfaction through a systematic multi-level process for autism-informed care.

Addressing Burnout in Registered Nurses

Kacey Meyer, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Burnout is a chronic condition occurring at high rates in Registered Nurses due to working in high stress work environments, often while understaffed and with demanding workloads. The effects of burnout impact the health of not only RNs but can have negative consequences for their patients. This issue should be addressed for the mental and physical health of this critical workforce and for the patients under their care. Mindful practice, self-care, improving resiliency, and organizational culture change can decrease stress and in turn may reduce incidence of burnout for RNs.

Addressing the Full Spectrum of ACL Injury

Delilah Kimble-Gray, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Having torn my own ACL, I understand firsthand the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges athletes face in recovery. Through this research, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of ACL treatment. This includes the need for gender-specific prevention programs and the mental resilience required for healing. While advances in surgery and rehabilitation offer hope, there is still much to be done, particularly in supporting non-elite athletes and integrating innovative technologies. In conclusion, my goal is to create a more holistic approach to ACL injury prevention and recovery, addressing both the body and the mind.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Mitigating Resources among Humboldt State University Students.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The goals of this project is to assess adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)among students who attend Humboldt State University, & to explore campus resources students use to sustain their academic success, despite these challenges. I conducted a survey on HSU students (n=133), scoring their ACEs using the Kaiser Permanente study of childhood experiences, & asking a series of questions about their childhood, adult & HSU experiences. I found various resources & attachments that students reported as supporting their success in college. This research can help bring attention adverse childhood experiences on campus, & can provide a useful insight on resources needed to serve this population.

Advocacy for the Holistic Development of the Gut Microbiota in Young Children

Other

As a plethora of continuing research emerges from projects such as The Human Microbiome Project (NIH, 2008), there is more evidence than ever before on how the health of our "forgotten organ", known as the Gut Microbiota (GM), is linked to our lifelong holistic health. Between birth and 3 years of age, our GM will develop between 40-60% of the 100 trillion microbes that will coexist in balance with our bodies as adults; That is over three times the number of human calls in our bodies. That makes this short window critical to the physiological and mental health of our children. Spreading education while also providing resources for families is the primary goal of this collection of research.

Advocacy Through Art

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

In this service learning experience I worked along side the students at the Eel River Community School in Fortuna. Here, I led students in creating murals throughout their facility. When I began most had admitted to never having engaged in some sort of arts and crafts activity. I observed how impactful artistic expression is to the youth and helps aid in stages of development. Having an interdisciplinary education I was able to consider a variety of lenses that play into the importance of creative outlets in the youth. Knowing this, I focused my attention to point out that at risk youth do not receive these crucial oppurtunities and how that perpetuates inequality issues from a young age.