Likelihood of agonistic behavior by gull species in Humboldt County based on relative body size

Conor Somerville, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project is a behavioral study on 4 gull species of Humboldt County. Their agonistic behavior was studied, comparing the frequency of agonistic behavior toward members of other species based on relative body-size. This value was compared with the number of birds of each relative size they had access to. I found that most gulls tended to target members of their own species disproportionately, but Western gulls disproportionately targeted members of other species that were larger and smaller in size. This may have implications on gull behavior and management.

Lineage Tracing of HoxB5 Cells of the Yolk Sac and their Contribution to the Adult Hematopoietic System

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Understanding the origins of hematopoietic stem cells has been a challenge due to the lack of a marker specific to this cell type. Recently, our lab has functionally proven that HoxB5 is a unique marker for long-term HSCs in adult murine models. Whether HoxB5 is also a marker for HSCs in development, has not been studied. Here, we are labeling HoxB5+ cells found in the yolk sac blood islands at E7.5 by using a genetic tool we generated. We will then analyze all marked cells at several time points during development and adulthood. This project will discover if HoxB5+ cells from the yolk sac contribute to the adult hematopoietic system and the LT-HSC pool.

Literacy an Asset Based Approach

College of Professional Studies

With No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Common Core there are misconception on literacy, specifically, false research being promoted for corporate greed. We are not saying that skills based literacy is useless but it should not be the main nor the only approach when engaging students in literacy. In this case study we explored multiple literacies, specifically we implemented side by side sessions where we used a whole language multiliteracy approach through play, creative spelling, drawing, dialogue, and children as authors. We conclude that children love to read when they engage in language play, create their own stories, choose and discuss books.

Live, Love, Latch; An Ethnography of the Breastfeeding Community in Northern Humboldt County

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The biocultural approach to anthropology recognizes that one cannot fully discuss human biology without a discussion of human culture as well, and vice-versa. The socially complex topic of breastfeeding is a perfect example of the intersection between biology and culture; while breastfeeding is a biological process, it has been observed cross-culturally that the way it is practiced and if it is practiced at all, is highly dependent on the culture where the mother belongs. Through this ethnography, an anthropological investigation of the unique culture of Humboldt County will be undertaken to understand if and how a positive cultural atmosphere is created for local breastfeeding mothers.

Load Forcasting in Humboldt County

Other

The objective of our project is the prediction of the electric power usage in Humboldt County in 2017. Load is the amount of power that is being drawn from the electrical grid due to consumer, industrial, and governmental practices. Forecasting load is used to predict future electrical power that is required to meet the short term or long term demand. We have created a linear regression analysis with a moving window to predict energy use for the next hour. Our work is a mathematical model that uses past data to achieve an efficient strategy for forecasting electricity loads.

Lost Luggage and Lost Memories: The Southwest Airlines Meltdown of December 2022

Ara Pachmayer, School of Applied Health Faculty

College of Professional Studies

In this joint project, students from REC 315 Travel Industry Management researched the Southwest Airlines (SWA) flight disruption that happened in December 2022. Considering both the causes and the outcomes of the event, a variety of issues are explored including lost luggage liability, antiquated technology used by SWA, airline structure, customer sentiment, economic impacts, human resources and steps to take to avoid in the future.

Lumbar Discectomy - Treatment - Recover- Rehabilitation Programing

Other

In the Department of Kinesiology we are required to complete a research project in our senior year about any topic in our field. I chose to research treatments for herniated discs and sciatic pain since back pain is highly prevalent in society. I was curious about the various treatment options, complementary and alternative medicine, and psychological factors that affect recovery outcomes. My aim was to present a well rounded perspective in treating back pain and gain knowledge around this topic as I pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy after I graduate.

Lunar Illumination as an Indicator for Black-tailed Deer Activity

Austin Nolan, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This is a study that aims to test a widespread local theory that Black-tailed deer are more active on nights with a full moon.

Macroinvertebrate Abundance Decreases Waterfowl Diversity

Rachel Higuera , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The relationship between macroinvertebrate communities and waterfowl is still an understudied topic. I wanted to know how macroinvertebrate richness could influence waterfowl species and their abundance. I conducted my study at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, setting up random systematic sites 100 meters from each other. Each site was sampled for waterfowl point counts within a 50 meter radius and invertebrates were collected via D-net sweeps and a core sample. Invertebrates collected were then euthanized in 70% ethanol and identified to family in the lab. My results showed a negative correlation between macroinvertebrate abundance compared to waterfowl diversity.

Mad River Fish Hatchery

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

One issue facing fisheries management is communicating with the public in an informative way. Filmography has shown to be an excellent medium for educating the public. A major driving force of education consist of documentaries, giving access of new information to the most amount of people. In collaboration with the Mad River Fish Hatchery I have created an educational documentary that assists in further educating the the local community and students that visit this site. This project will reinforce the necessity of the Fish Hatcheries educational purposes and further continue their mission in fish management practices.