Modeling Pregnant Elk Presence in Alberta, Canada

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The aim of this research is to better understand pregnant Cervus elaphus relationship to climatic and topographic elements.

Modification of Turbulent Pipe Flow Equations to Estimate the Vertical Velocity Profiles Under Woody Debris Jams

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Large woody debris (LWD) in rivers can increase fish and macroinvertebrate habitat, but also increases the risk of flooding and reduces channel navigability. This research aims to better understand the river hydraulics associated with LWD in order to find a balance between the beneficial and detrimental effects. By modifying equations of turbulent pipe flow, we attempt to estimate the vertical velocity profile of flow under LWD jams and compare the estimated profile to measured profiles from flume-simulated LWD jams.

Molecular and Serological detection of Rickettsia species Phylotype G022 and R. tillamookensis in Dogs

Nicholas Woronchuk, Biological Sciences Graduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Rickettsia bacteria cause several human diseases. Ixodes pacificus, a common human biting tick, vectors Rickettsia species phylotype G022 (G022) and Rickettsia tillamookensis. Both species shares an evolutionary lineage with known rickettsial pathogens and have a low prevalence in I. pacificus. Recently the incidence of rickettsial diseases has increased, along with vector borne diseases (VBD). Between 2004-2016 a total of 491,671 cases of tick-borne diseases were reported in the United States (76% of all VBD). The pathogenicity of G022 and R. tillamookensis has never been documented. Here we report that G022 and R. tillamookensis have the capacity to be horizontally transmitted to mammals.

Monitoring the Gonadal Maturation of Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout using Ultrasonic Imaging

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Ultrasonography is a versatile and noninvasive method that can be used to examine the internal anatomy, gonadal maturation, and the reproductive status of various freshwater and marine fishes. The goal of our study is to examine the feasibility of using ultrasound images to sex and determine oocyte maturation for Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Cutthroat Trout (O. clarkii) at the Humboldt State University Fish Hatchery. The objectives were to: (1) determine the most applicable control setting, (2) differentiate between a male and female, and (3) monitor oocyte maturation using ultrasound images. We were able to successfully identify the sex and determine gonadal maturation of fish.

Moonlights Effect on Mesopredators Use of Trails in the Arcata Community Forest

Miranda Jones, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A camera trap study of mesopredator trail use in relation to moonlight in the Arcata Community Forest.

More Than a Store: Culture and Food in Hoopa Valley

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The purpose of this research is to attempt to enhance the sense of culture and place in the interior design of the Hoopa Grocery Store that is currently in the planning process and is to be completed by this summer in Hoopa, CA. This is part of my senior capstone service learning project in support of Greenway Partners, a local project management firm, and their work with the Hoopa Valley Tribe. I am using a combination of historical imagery, Google Earth imagery, contemporary photos, Hupa tribal patterns and language, and maps to incorporate the unique and authentic sense of place of Hoopa Valley into the store as a symbol of the culture revitalization and survivance of the Hupa people.

Morphometric Differences of the Sacramento Pikeminnow (P. grandis) in Non-native vs. Native Habitat

Jessica Calderon, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Invasive species disrupt ecosystems and can lead to complex food web issues and increased probability of extinction for native species. The Sacramento pikeminnow (P. grandis) is invasive in the Eel River of Humboldt county and has contributed to the decline of species that local communities rely on, such as the Chinook salmon and the Pacific lamprey. This study explores the morphometric differences of the Sacramento pikeminnow within native and non-native ranges.

Mothers of children with autism

College of Professional Studies

This research project is about mothers of children with autism. Interviews were conducted with 12 different mothers, and were carefully transcribed and analyzed. The focus of the research is on the way that they see themselves as mothers, either good, ambivalent, or self-critical, in regards to their child's disability. Three components which are looked at are primary caregiver status, degree of sacrifice for the child, and role as advocates.

Motion Sickness: An Evolutionary Analysis

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Motion sickness is a condition that has no apparent evolutionary advantage, yet it persists in many species. Research has revealed the mechanisms that cause motion sickness, but there is no consensus or agreement in the scientific literature regarding its evolutionary origins. Some research suggests that motion sickness is an evolutionary byproduct of our biological response against neurotoxins. Others propose that it functions as some kind of defense mechanism against unfavorable motion and promotes visual-spatial stability. Exploring the evolutionary origins of motion sickness will provide a better understanding of how modern environments can cause physiological miscues.

Motivation Strategies to Facilitate Transfer in Community College Students

College of Professional Studies

There is a growing disconnect between youth’s expectations to attend and graduate from college on the one hand and their ability to follow through on these plans on the other. This discrepancy is pronounced at the community college, especially among low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students. This study examined motivational and self-regulatory strategies in community college students aspiring to transfer to a university. The results suggest that goal engagement strategies, such as persisting when encountering obstacles, avoiding distractions, and seeking outside support, are useful in understanding transfer-related behaviors and outcomes in community college students.