Affects of Common Fishing and Recreational Beaches on Dead Seabird Abundance Found Onshore

Nikkie Villagrana, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The objective of this study was to determine whether proximity to fishing communities has an affect whether or not I will find more dead seabirds on those beaches. There is evidence to suggest that one of the highest causes of plastic pollution is by commercial fishing litter. Plastic pollution has been one of the leading causes of seabird death and I aim to bridge the gap in knowledge by whether or not I find more dead seabirds onshore on the beaches that are linked to popular fishing communities in Humboldt County.

African Presence in the Ancient New World

Garrett Spruiell, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Within this research project, I’ll be presenting a controversial topic that many today deem as unchallengeable due to the influence from the history books the colonizers of our country wrote to indoctrinate us with. From this investigation, I intend to analyze conflicting theories so as to narrow down the plausibility of pre-Columbian transoceanic travel between Africa and the America’s. My goal with this project is to elevate African voices and perspectives, to show the public the possibility of alternative truths, as well as spread a sense of skepticism towards our Western history books. ​

Agency: Seeds of our Next Generation

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

My service learning project is with the Sunnybrae Middle School after school program. During my time spent at the after school program, I have learned about the process of empowering our youth to become social change agents in our community through support and knowledge of food justice. I facilitated activities with the kids around ideas of growing their own food, the importance of shopping locally, and the implications revolved around food in our community.

Agent-based Modeling of Microglia Behavior in the Context of Alzheimer's Disease

Emmanuel Mezzulo, Mathematics Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our research investigates the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using an agent-based model (ABM). Microglia cells, which typically act almost as neuronal guardians in the CNS can, under certain conditions, inadvertently contribute to AD progression if they become dysfunctional. By simulating microglia, neurons, and their interactions with signaling proteins, our ABM sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying the progression of AD, and has a the potential to inform therapeutic targets in AD treatment down the line.

Agent-based Modeling of Microglia Metabolic Pathways: Implications in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abigail Penland, Computer Science Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that destroys memory and other cognitive functions. Several scientific findings have connected dysfunctional microglia, a type of immune cell, to AD progression. We created an agent-based model to simulate the interactions between microglia and their environment, addressing dysfunctional microglia's effect on AD. Our model represents a two-dimensional slice of the hippocampus, depicting microglia's ability to move, metabolize glucose, and interact with the blood brain barrier and amyloid beta plaques. We applied treatments of metabolic boosting and exercise to our model to study how varying treatment intensities can impede AD progression.

Agisoft PhotoScan an Archaeologists Swiss Knife: Three- Dimentional Reconstructions a Multi-Analysis and Preservation Tool

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Agisoft project contains an extensive repertoire of images obtained through drones, and field photos of artifacts, buildings, and excavations of the Belize Archaeology Project. The project will serve and accomplish many objectives in the academic endeavors of the discipline of archaeology. The visual imagery gained from interacting with the photographs and correlating data is a hands on feature of gaining knowledge and experience of the archaeological field of study. The project introduces a new technological devise and software program that is revolutionary in the field of archaeology.

Agisoft PhotoScan an Archaeologists Swiss Knife: Three- Dimentional Reconstructions a Multi-Analysis and Preservation Tool

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Agisoft project has generated three-dimensional reconstruction of excavation units, stela, and micro-scale cultural landscapes of the hinterland Maya near the large ancient Maya center of Dos Hombres. The components involved in producing such reconstructions include: an extensive collection of images obtained through drone technology, field photos, and Agisoft PhotoScan software. The produced three-dimensional models provide a medium to conduct various forms of analysis that construct and preserve the context of archaeological artifacts, sites, and features. The project has produce a medium to inquire about the Belize archaeological project without being physically present. Innovative.

AHHA, A New Perspective For Addressing Homelessness

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives (AHHA) nonprofit, based in Eureka, California, challenges the dominant approaches used to solve homelessness within the community. They believe everyone has the right to a safe living environment no matter their present circumstances. AHHA aims to build transitional housing in the form of tiny house villages. Their main focus is to highlight the importance of community amongst those that are disadvantaged and to incorporate it into the heart of all proposed solutions moving forward.

Aiding in First Grade - My Experience at Union Street

Kimberly Duck, College Corp Undergraduate Student

Other

Through Humboldt College Corps, I was allowed to work three days a week at a local charter elementary school. Once placed, I quickly connected with the principal, Rae, my host teacher, Katie May, and the 17 students who make up the first-grade classroom at Union Street. As an aspiring educator, I believe this quickly became an invaluable experience. I learned about classroom management, social emotional behavioral techniques, and I got hands-on experiences for the concepts I have been learning about in my classes as a Liberal Studies Elementary Education Major.

Alcohol and Drug Resource List

College of Professional Studies

Social Workers commonly share that there is a lack of resources related to alcohol and drug treatment programs to refer clients to. Based on a review of alcohol and drug services available in the Northern CA region, I created a resource list on how to refer clients to a variety of alcohol and drug services including substance testing, assessment, and treatment in the region for Child Welfare Services. This resource list was developed to improve service delivery, identify services in the region, and to assist social workers in referring people who have court mandated alcohol and drug service requirements.