Impacts of the edge effect on avian species distribution in the Arcata Community Forest

Christy Wheatley, Environmental Science & Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our study aimed to discover the impacts of the edge effect on bird species distributions within the secondary redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Arcata Community Forest (ACF). We used the Merlin Bird ID app to record the number of species present at three edge and three interior sampling sites to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the number of species present. We found that edge sites averaged 7.3 species while interior sites averaged 5.5 species. Our results indicate that the edge effect is being represented in bird habitat selection.

Implementing the Classroom Assistant Position to Humboldt State University

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Through extensive on-campus research and personal experience my research attests to the fact that the classroom assistant position, while not widely adopted in many university settings including HSU, has proven to be an effective on-campus support mechanism. By performing functions such as assisting in classroom flow, facilitating in-class group exercises, and checking in on students’ progress on work outside of class, classroom assistants are an understated, invaluable resource that develops students’ work capacities as well as their level of comfort and integration into on-campus resources and events.

Implementing the Sources of Strength program with Indigenous Youth on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

My project will directly serve the American Indian population located on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. The Hoopa community suffers from numerous traumatic issues. I am fortunate to not only to be aware of the issues, but I am dedicated to create positive opportunities for the Hoopa community. My project will be creating a strong group of positive role models to help implement the Sources of Strength program with the Indigenous Youth of the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. Implementation of this program will decrease suicide rates and idealizations.

Improved Measurement of the Newtonian Gravitational Constant

Alexandra Papesh, Physics & Astronomy Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Newtonian gravitational constant, G, is one of the oldest known fundamental constants in nature, and yet it is known with the least precision of all other fundamental constants. The research group at IUPUI, in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt, will use multiple approaches within a singular torsion pendulum apparatus to precisely determine G. Specifically, measurements will be made using the angular acceleration feedback and time of swing methods in the same apparatus, which was carefully designed for reduced error in both techniques. We expect to obtain a measurement at the 2 ppm level using these new methods.

Improving Cardiac Arrest Outcomes in Critical Access Emergency Departments Using the LUCAS Mechanical Compression Device

Casey Vitali, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This quality improvement project, guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, examines the potential impact of implementing the LUCAS mechanical chest compression device in rural hospitals. High mortality rates from cardiac arrest, partly due to inconsistent manual CPR and staffing limitations, have led to a review of the evidence supporting mechanical CPR. Proposed interventions include individual training, department-wide integration, and the development of institutional policies. The anticipated outcomes are increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), improved discharge survival rates, and enhanced staff competency in providing high-quality resuscitation.

Improving Health Outcomes for Rural Parent Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children

College of Professional Studies

The prevalence of developmental disabilities (DD) is about 17% in the United States, with rates higher in rural communities (Robinson et al., 2017). Children with DD (also known as "neurodiverse") have individual strengths and face unique challenges. Due to adversity in accessing specific and much-needed support, parent caregivers often experience clinical levels of parenting stress (Davis & Carter, 2008, as cited in Roberts et al., 2019). Parents in rural communities are particularly affected. Chronic, unaddressed stress can lead to worsened mental and physical health including depression, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (Robinson et al., 2017). The goal is clear: to incr

Improving Postmortem Intervals through Protein Degradation Analysis

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Analysis of protein degradation to assess postmortem intervals in a quantative approach.

Improving Quality of Care for Advance Cancer Patients in Rural Communities

Robyn Jensen, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Numerous obstacles prevent rural residents from accessing high-quality cancer treatment, such as long distances to treatment centers, a shortage of specialized medical professionals, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. To address the challenge of advanced cancer care in rural areas, a comprehensive approach is required that includes improving access to specialized medical professionals, investing in healthcare technology, and prioritizing palliative care services. Palliative care is a critical element of cancer care that focuses on symptom management, enhancing quality of life, and providing support for patients and their loved ones.

Improving The Fostering Of Power For Students With Multi-Dimensional Identities Through Analysis

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Making up around 33% of Humboldt State’s demographics, Hispanic or Latino identifying students share a lack of representation for P.O.C in the community. The Latinx Center for Academic Excellence works to navigate pathways to success for students while at the same time respecting their cultural and historical trajectory. Through the center I have used the technique of surveying and analysis to help strengthen the fostering of power for students with multi-dimensional identities by identifying how the center can enhance their approach of building community, facilitating events, workshops, mentorship programs, and free services for students.

In My Neighborhood: Local News Coverage of David Josiah Lawson's Murder

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This content analysis examines racial discourse in local online news coverage pertaining to the murder of David Josiah Lawson and subsequent, related events. This research utilizes a grounded methods approach to find common racial frameworks and patterns in coverage.