Relational Aesthetics

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

I am interested in adjusting the paradigm of art in public schools. I want to learn more about how art can affect change in people in regards to themselves and their relationship to the world. I want to move beyond pen and paper sketches of three dimensional shapes in space to strengthen our view of ourselves as agents of our own destiny in the world, as I believe this is arts purpose. My research consisted of fifteen participatory instructional performance art pieces done on or near HSU. I did not always provide services and spaces that were enticing enough to draw many people, but I enlivened a new art form on campus, I gave people an authentic and original experience, and I learned a lot.

Reliability and Validity of the Health-Efficacy Scale for College Students

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Health-Efficacy Scale for College Students (HESCS) assesses an individual’s belief in their capacity to change their own health. This investigation examined the psychometric properties of the HESCS by examining reliability and validity with a sample of psychology major students at a small University in northern California. Reliability was examined by utilizing internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha, rα=.82, and a test-retest separated by one-week on a subsample of 20 participants, rtt=.77. HESCS was shown to have convergent validity, R2=.32, F(2,98)=23.13, p<.01. These results show that the HESCS is a reliable and valid scale for measuring Health-Efficacy in College Students.

Religious Freedom in Northern California: Fighting to Keep Sacred Lands Out of Government Hands

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This Creative Project compiles the different avenues of research I have studied concerning cultural survival and activism in Northwest California. The sacred spaces in the High Country and the communities that joined together to preserve Native Spirituality and sacred spaces. It also, highlights my work in Special Collections documenting the Lyng v NICPA's case archival materials for online public viewing.

Reparations, Reconciliation and Restitution: An In-Depth Look at Local Native Politics on Indian Island

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

In a sociopolitical climate where hate is so clearly permeating through our country, it is important to recognize battles that have conquered evils of the past in the form of reparations. My research looks at the reconciliation process that has occurred on Indian Island and how the 1862 massacre contextualizes the events taking place today. Through a difficult history and unique form of restitution, Indian Island provides insight into current Native Politics unparalleled anywhere else in the United States.

Replicating the Unreplicable: 3D Printing and its Impact on Artifact Ownership

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

I examined the emergence of 3D printing within museum contexts to better understand how it impacts artifact ownership. My review and critique of the literature related museums’ usage of 3D printing technology showed that it is largely utilized as a tool for education as well as a method for preserving cultural materials. While educational benefits are central to 3D printing use, the replication of cultural materials promotes the concept of commercialization which may ultimately deemphasize ethical issues. Recognizing and acknowledging the gap in existing narratives will aid future endeavors and allow 3D printing to function as a relevant and respectful tool utilized by museums.

Resources for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Victims

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Take Back the Night Organization bridges the gap between students and their community to build a support network for survivors. However, this semester, normal operations have been altered due to COVID-19, social distancing, and shelter-in-place which challenged our group to adjust the scope of our project. Using Instagram as our platform, we worked together to address the societal issues of sexual violence and domestic. We built a manual to promote healthy relationship communication. We included information on online services, hotlines, and other local resources available for sexual and domestic abuse aimed towards helping our Humboldt community during the pandemic.

Rethinking Community in Westside Eureka: The Jefferson Project

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

From our time at the Jefferson Center we have been exposed to a new form of community. The Jefferson Project located on the Westside of Eureka is an inclusive space that allows for numerous activities, workshops, events, after school child care, and volunteering. This location has transformed from an abandoned elementary school to a “clean, safe neighborhood dedicated to combatting urban blight” and revitalizing the local environment by fostering a sense community. Our experience at the center has allowed us to expand our academic lenses to applicable social justice scenarios.

Reusables for Waste Prevention

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Seeking to address zero waste and upstream waste reduction by increasing awareness, and providing access to reusable cloth produce bags made from donated and upcycled materials. By volunteering time to handcraft bags and distribute them at farmer's market, engaging shoppers and vendors to collect and disseminate information regarding our relationship to waste. With the support of the North Coast Grower's Association, I hope to reach a better understanding of what we can do as a community to reduce our dependence on single use plastics.

REUSE- REDUCE-REMOVE

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Buying a new water bottle seems easier for some, but harder for our planet. The use of plastic is a global issue and should be concerning. We partnered up with Zero Waste Humboldt (ZWH), a nonprofit organization, to assist in their Refill-not-Landfill Network Project, which is a project that has saved over 100,000 water bottles from the landfill. We assisted in this project by updating their website with an updated map of the 10 water refilling stations that were donated by them through a federal grant. We are presenting at IdeaFest so community members can gain an awareness and interest in being conscious about waste production and mindful about single-use plastic bottles.

Revisiting the Five Finger Discount: Shoplifting as a Reproductive Strategy

Shairy Jimenez Delgado, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Using social media to conduct human ethological research, this study seeks to replicate previous findings that online shoplifting displays are motivated by reproductive strategies to increase mate value. It involves the analysis of 150 Tumblr posts showcasing stolen items, which together feature 1,744 identifiable items. Items with the intended use of improving attraction by enhancing physical appearance, scent, or sexual allure include: personal care items, makeup, cosmetic applicators, and jewelry were categorized as mating relevant. The results of this study replicate previous work by showing a significant difference between mating relevant and non-mating relevant items.