Psychedelic Harm Reduction

College of Professional Studies

The Institute of Harm Reduction Research, Policy and Practice (IHRRPP) seeks to reduce harms associated with alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Such harms affect individuals, families, and the local community. Harm may be the result of problematic substance use, or the laws and policies which pertain to substance consumption. The Zendo Project is an offshoot of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and seeks to provide education on the nature of psychedelic harm reduction. By providing best-practice training for attending to psychedelic crises, Zendo Project reduces harms that can arise from erratic behavior, penal responses, and other negative experiences.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Demoralization Scale in College Students

College of Professional Studies

There is limited research on demoralization in college students. Most research in this domain has focused on medical populations, such as persons with cancer (Mehnert et al, 2011; Mullane et al, 2009) or other health-related problems. The most used measure of this construct is the Demoralization Scale (DS; Kissane et al, 2004). The 24-item DS includes components of dysphoria, feelings of incompetence and loss of meaning, with good reliability and validity in clinical samples (Kissane et al., 2004; Pei-Ling et al., 2015). The current study examined the reliability and validity of the DS in college students.

Public Lands Bill- Drafting of Environmental Bills in the United States' Current Contemporary Political Arena.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This project focuses on my work with Congressman Jared Huffman's office and their efforts regarding the upcoming Public Lands Bill. They are working on restoring and revitalizing forests and watersheds, conserving ecologically significant areas, and expanding recreation opportunities in the North Coast. My internship has allowed me to see the American political system in action and witness local community participation in drafting of bills and has provided a window into the political feasibility of bills around environmental issues in the current contemporary political arena.

Punk Influnce

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

A look at how the echoes of 70s and 80s are still seen today.

Pursuing Perfection: Social Media and the Ideal Self

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Due to the rapid changes to social media studies, I conducted analyses of relevant literature to explore Instagram (IG) users’ motivations and methods used project images of themselves to the world that are seen as ”ideal”. The existing literature suggests IG users’ motivations for cultivating and maintaining online personas correlate with an overall trend of commodification of “self”, and data show that IG users use the platform to manage relationships online and in “real life” (face to face). IG usage highlights changes in ourselves as a result of our choices involving self-identity online, and the ways in which maintaining an IG profile changes the way we perceive and engage with others.

Quality Control Methods for Analyzing Metals in Seawater: Blanks

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Many metals in seawater are key micronutrients, essential in small quantities for the growth of phytoplankton. Analysis of these metals can be challenging due to their low concentration and the complex seawater matrix. Properly quantifying the blanks of the analytical method is critical to obtaining excellent results. In this work, we present preliminary data on accurately and precisely quantifying the blanks due to the analytical process of measuring metals in seawater. Once the blanks are properly quantified and minimized, the method can be used with seawater samples.

Quality of Life and Cardiometabolic Health Indicators in Postmenopausal Women

College of Professional Studies

The negative impact of menopause on cardiometabolic health has been documented, but there is limited evidence regarding the relationship between quality of life and cardiometabolic health indicators (e.g. CVD, diabetes) in postmenopausal women. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of quality of life on detriments to health in postmenopausal women, using 65 questions drawn from validated surveys. Participants were recruited using print and social media and completed the confidential survey online. Results demonstrated that subjects who expressed a greater burden and dissatisfaction with their quality of life showed an increase in risk factors for cardiometabolic disease.

Quantification and Comparison of Microplastic Contents in Wild Mussels and Maricultured Oysters from Humboldt Bay, California using Enzymatic Digestion Methods

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research evaluates the microplastic (MP) contents of commercially maricultured Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and wild mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Humboldt Bay (HB), California. Bivalves were collected from each of three different locations in HB, and oysters were cultivated in HB. All bivalves were digested with proteolytic enzyme complexes, vacuum filtered, and MP's were quantified by microscopic examination. All samples contained MP's, and significantly different concentrations of MP particles were found between bivalves collected from different locations. Results also suggest that Corolase 8000 is a more efficient enzyme complex than Corolase 7089 for this purpose.

Quantify Your Perception: A Portable (And Stylish) Method

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Have you ever wondered how much dopamine your brain releases when you hug your dog? Or how extensive your addiction to caffeine is? Recent advances in brain imaging have allowed us to begin answering such questions, and many more, without the need to insert probes into a person’s head. The use of Electroencephalography (EEG) is one method of measuring brain activity, which is both high in temporal resolution (it’s fast) and possibly the next big fashion trend. This project examines the efficacy of using EEG to measure regional neurotransmitter concentrations, brain-activity pathways, in addition to the feasibility of making such technology aesthetically attractive to wear.

Queers in the Pre-Stonewall Media

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Stonewall Riots in June of 1969 started the modern lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights movement in the United States. It took four more years for "homosexuality" to be removed from the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual (DSM). This study looks at the 20 years before the Stonewall Riots, exploring how LGBTQ people were discussed in the media. Using content analysis on more than 300 articles from the New York Times (1950-1969), we explore the evolution of language used to describe members of the LGBTQ communities, through the McCarthy era (1950-1956), the decriminalization of homosexuality in the UK in 1967, and social movements, like the riots in the summer of 1969.