HSU's River Otter Citizen Science Project

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

River otters are key indicators of the health of northern California's coasts, rivers and wetlands. We collect river otter sightings from the public in order to assess and monitor the health of our local river otter population, and therefore of our local ecosystem as a whole.

Human Disturbance and Anthropogenic Noise Impacts on Foraging Egrets at the Arcata Marsh

Yesenia Cerrillo, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Human disturbance and assessing the effects of humans recreational activities and anthropogenic noise on foraging opportunities of migratory and non-migratory shorebirds needs to be studied further. This study aims at determining how foraging in 2 species of egrets found in Humboldt County in a human used recreational area are impacted.

Human Disturbance and Foraging Behavior of Aleutian Geese

Molly Smialkowski, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Interested in the affect of human presence on foraging behavior of geese, I conducted an observational study of Aleutian geese where I compared their behavior between two sites. Individual geese were chosen at random and observed for 5 minutes as average sound in decibels and human count was recorded. During this period the behaviors displayed were also recorded. The analysis outcome highlights the impact that human presence has on the behavior of Aleutian geese.

Human Disturbance Influences the Long-billed Curlew’s Foraging Behavior (Numenius americanus)

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

There have been a lot of studies done on the Long-billed Curlew around the Humboldt bay (Colwell and Mathis 2001, Leeman et al. 2001, Mathis et al. 2006) however not many on the impact of humans on them. This study looked at whether humans are affecting the foraging behavior of the Long-billed Curlew around Humboldt bay.

Human Impacts on Songbird Abundance and Diversity

Chloe Good, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My study investigates how human disturbances affect songbird diversity and abundance in Arcata, CA. Many songbirds try to adjust their behavior in response to human populated environments; however, adjustments can have intense effects on their survival, and serious ramifications beyond urban settings (Marzluff 1997). My findings aim to better inform conservation efforts of species specific requirements and minimize areas with human disturbances as needed.

Human Perception of Vocal and Visual Beauty in Male Passerines

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Charles Darwin hypothesized that bird song and plumage might replace each other. Other studies have also found a negative correlation in the relationship of song and plumage. I surveyed 40 students in Ornithology and Advanced Ornithology classes at HSU in January and February of 2015. Each survey consisted of a song listening portion and a photo slideshow where each participant rated the vocal and visual attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 3. The results showed a negative correlation and found that more experienced birders on average thought that birds were more attractive than less experienced birders.

Humboldt Cares - Bringing Campus and Community Together for Change

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Serving in the community is a proven way for students to build a sense of belonging on campus and throughout the greater community while applying the things they are learning in their courses. As an intern in the Center for Service Learning and Academic Internships I have been able to put into practice the commitment to social justice and diversity from Sociology and the skills in Social Advocacy, Community Organizing, and service through nonprofit organizations through participation through training in activism at Berkely, creating the Humboldt Cares Club, and recruiting volunteers for the needs of Humboldt County.

Humboldt County GIS Data Archive

Liam del Aguila, Computer Science Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project is a webpage and potentially touch-screen kiosk which displays GIS datasets currently held by the school. This includes student and faculty projects concerning a variety of geographic data about Humboldt County. The Alpha version of this website is currently in development in coordination with the library and geospatial faculty at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Humboldt County Homeless College Student - Photovoice Project

Maia Miglio, Social Work Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

The Homeless College Student Photovoice Project unveils the resiliency of Humboldt students. From living in cars to showering at public campsites, learn about the challenges homeless students face. This digital gallery utilizes various mediums. Photos, recorded stories, and transcripts are available for interaction. Information is disseminated from 2018 research by Pam Bowers and Marissa O’Neill. A submission board for personal stories is available, in light of recent protests and events. This gallery of growth and strength hopes to inspire change within our community.

Humboldt County Population Growth Correlated to Unidentified Flying Object Reports 1920 - 2021

Starsong Brittain, History Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This project looked to see what correlations could be found here in Humboldt county between population changes and annual number of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) repots from the years of 1920 to 2021.