Habitat Suitability and Selection of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes at Multiple Spatial Scales

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

An investigation into the distribution of suitable habitat for the northern Pacific rattlesnake at multiple spatial scales. Niche modeling techniques were used to determine where suitable habitat for this species actually exists within its known range. Additionally, I examined geological, thermal, and other differences in habitat characteristics between the rocky outcrops rattlesnakes use as hibernacula (i.e., dens) and unoccupied outcrops.

Habitat Use of Pacific Banana Slugs in Natural Recreational Areas in Humboldt County

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The goal of this study was to determine whether factors such as vegetation type, temperature, shrub canopy coverage, and tree canopy coverage contribute to Pacific banana slug habitat use in natural recreational areas in Humboldt County, CA.

Habitat Variation and Shorebird Roosting Flocks: Examining Species Composition Across Arcata Marsh

Karl Vanuska, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project looks at how species composition in shorebird roosting flocks varies across different locations within Arcata Marsh. This research assess how environmental factors, such as substrate type, vegetation cover, proximity to foraging areas, and tidal conditions, influence species richness and diversity at roosting sites. As well as if behavior may change due to species composition within roosting flocks.

Harm Reduction Training for Residential Facilities

College of Professional Studies

This project aims to educate staff and participants in residential facilities about the practices of harm reduction through open dialogue. The essence of having this discussion is to highlight the ways in which these programs already implement these practices and can further develop harm reduction methods to best support their population. The topics are framed around the concepts of self awareness, safety (physical & emotional)concerns, best practices, and lasty defining harm reduction as whole through team building activities. By collectively choosing a harm reduction philosophy we can begin to address the risks and work together in developing safer and healthier ways to minimize harm.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents in Humboldt Bay

Taylor Juchau, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Multiyear time series of current data measured by two horizontal SonTek/YSI Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) placed mid-depth in the water column (~4.8m depth) at two locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California (USA), were analyzed to determine the contributions of the different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The three dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides and variable influences like wind.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents in Humboldt Bay

Steven Gracy, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Currents can shape the structure and ecology of estuarine environments. Multiyear time series of current data measured by two Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) in Humboldt Bay, CA, one near the entrance channel and one at the Chevron Port, were analyzed to determine the contributions of the different harmonic frequencies. Spectral analysis of the time series data revealed that the flow is dominated by several tidal harmonics. The three dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two stations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate interference with topography as well as the more variable wind-induced currents.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents within Humboldt Bay

Caitlin Williams, Oceanography Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Multiyear time series of current data measured by 2 horizontal SonTek/YSI ADCPs placed mid-depth in the water column at 2 different locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California, were analyzed to determine the contributions of different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The 3 dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides, as well as potential interference with topography and the more variable wind-induced currents.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF OPEN PEDAGOGY FOR COLLABORATIVE AND INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

Juergen Riedelsheimer, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This presentation will explore how open pedagogy can transform students from passive knowledge consumers to active knowledge producers. The use of active learning approaches, which emphasize student-centered and collaborative learning, has been shown to improve learning outcomes and engagement. Project-based and experiential learning can equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply in real-world situations. This presentation will provide examples of successful implementations and discuss the challenges educators may face when moving towards a student-centered, knowledge-producing model.

Havasupai Relation to Water: Indian Reserved Water Rights and Water Policy

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The average person’s relationship with water has changed because of the effects of settler colonialism. Some Indigenous people in the Americas have maintained their cultural understanding of the environment. The Havasupai tribe (the people of the blue/green water) have a strong relationship to water that is based in language, culture, and stories. I will analyze the Havasupai relationship and claim to water in regard to Indian reserved water rights and water policy. This includes the Winters Doctrine, on-going mining litigation, and contemporary water policies like the Clean Water Act.

Health attitude change associated with health education among college students

College of Professional Studies

Drawing from stages of behavioral change framework, the goal of this research study is to examine changes in importance and confidence ratings for health behavior change associated with the course ‘Health Psychology.’ We hypothesize that self-efficacy for behavioral change will be associated with greater importance ratings. We further hypothesize that ratings of importance and confidence for diet and exercise change will increase from the beginning to end of the semester. A survey was administered to 227 undergraduate students in Health Psychology during the first and last two weeks of class. Results suggest that health curriculum may be associated with health behavior attitude change.