Environmental Education through Community Support

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit organization in Manila, California that has various educational programs available for the community to educate younger children about the natural diversity of our beautiful area. As a part of my Service Learning Project, I felt that it was important to show younger generations the value and importance of coastal ecological restoration and the fun that can be had in the process. By showing children the importance and connection we have with the life around us, I believe they will have a better understanding of critically thinking and assessing about how to address environmental problems in the future.

Environmental Impacts of the Homeless Population in Humboldt County

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

There are many attempts to “solve” the homelessness problem in Humboldt County, but most have been unsuccessful, and they have not properly assessed the environmental impact that has been a result of human habitation in urban areas, particularly within riparian zones. Because homeless individuals are not considered within the traditional census boundaries, there isn’t reliable population statistics and the estimates vary widely. Within this research, I will examine environmental and socio-economic relationships within homeless population, including societal cost and environmental destruction.

Environmental Justice & Public Health: Bilingualism in Community Outreach Efforts

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

As a bilingual Environmental Studies student, I am committed to applying my education to address environmental issues and advance environmental justice in Spanish speaking communities. Through my service learning position with the local non-profit, Redwood Community Action Agency, I will utilize my Spanish speaking ability to the RCAA's community outreach efforts aimed at the Latino/a community of Humboldt County.

Environmental Management of Marine Wildlife in Humboldt Bay

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The scope of this research was aimed toward extracting the most possible information about Longfin Smelt, Sculpin, and Blue Herring out on Humboldt Bay. The primary research was geared toward finding out the distribution limits, abundance, habitat, and spawning limits for the three mentioned species. Work was done directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in which tributaries leading into Humboldt Bay of Salmon Creek, Wood Creek, Freshwater, and others were the leading areas of research. Through laboratory work and field work conducted by boat and by foot, important knowledge of Smelt, Sculpin, and Herring was gained drastically the last three months.

Environmental Storytelling for a Hopeful Planet

Deidre Pike, Journalism & Mass Communication Faculty

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Environmental Storytelling for a Hopeful Planet is a website collaboration with original content -- from videos to slideshows -- created by students in journalism and environmental studies. Students met in Spring 2024 to practice a mix of environmental journalism and science communication, devising innovative storytelling modes to communicate verifiable ecological truths -- curated and presented with a healthy dose of hope. Students crafted stories about the removal of the Klamath Dam, the Arcata Marsh as wastewater treatment, Humboldt's Birding Club, composting, foraging for edible native plants, and the bliss of living near the world's tallest carbon sequestering trees.

Environmentalist of the Future

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Humboldt County office of education (in partnership with HSU students is preparing) the environmentalist of the future by integrating their Classroom Aquarium Education Program with their Redwood Edventure Program in an effort to educate K-12 students on the value of aquatic environments. Their lessons speak to the balance that must be met to maintain and preserve California's fisheries and habitats and actively engage students to get up and out into their local environments where they can then see how our personal actions affect valuable resources.

Envisioning a Better Future for the Tijuana River Using an Anthropological Approach

Kimberly Cramer, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Tijuana River is currently polluted by sewage leaks and other waste which impacts water quality, ecosystems, and human health. The river bisects the U.S.-Mexico border and is controlled by differing policies between the two nations. The poor wastewater infrastructure and binational context of the issue creates concern for environmental and public health. In this poster, I analyze conservation methods to explore the causes and potential solutions for water pollution in the Tijuana River. My findings prioritize a solution focused on community involvement, Indigenous perspectives, and collaboration between national governments to address root problems and advocate for structural change.

Ethics in forensic anthropology: Racial profiles and the obstruction of finding missing persons

Nicolette Svitenko, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The use of racial biometrics in forensic anthropology poses significant harm in identifying the deceased. Despite the absence of a valid biological basis for race, its persistence in forensic analysis raises ethical concerns. Societal structures perpetuate racial categories, affecting individuals' experiences and access to resources. My research delves into this tension, questioning the ethical implications and consequences for accuracy and equity in forensic investigations, especially for marginalized communities. By advocating for more ethical and evidence-based practices, this inquiry aims to ensure integrity and equitable outcomes in forensic work. Keywords: Forensics, racism, ethics.

Evaluating Adaptive Governance and Social-Ecological Restoration of the Klamath Dams on the Klamath River

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This poster will examine the historical timeline of tribal water rights along the Klamath River, including the various relicensing agreements associated with the Klamath Dams. This poster will also focus on the window of opportunity that the relicensing of the hydroelectric dams by providing a framework to implement an adaptive governance approach by reconsidering socio-ecological values within the tribes along the Klamath River. This poster will also demonstrate the use of socio-spatial formations through indigenous led processes stemming from indigenous knowledge and traditional values.

Every Body Humboldt

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Becoming a 501(c)(3) under the Ink Peoples Dream Makers project, Every Body Humboldt aims to create accessible safer spaces for participants to learn skills and tools for regulating stress, healing trauma, making healthy social connections and creating new patterns. We’re currently working to eliminate economic, physical ability, and social barriers to learning these tools. Every Body Humboldt is working with folks at Humboldt County Correctional Facilities, with the general public at Om Shala Yoga, and Synapsis Nova, with intentions to work with drug courts here as well. I will be sharing some tools and literature for folks, while showing what is currently going on, our mission, and goals.