2,4-D Presence in Animal Fur

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly known as 2,4-D, is a widely utilized pesticide in weed control. 2,4-D is considered toxic, and may pose detrimental effects to wildlife if used recklessly. Here we sought to quantitatively analyze for the presence of 2,4-D on the fur of local fauna found in Humboldt county, namely Gray fox, Brush rabbit, and Deer mice. We used purification techniques such as washes, as well as extraction techniques including liquid-liquid extraction, and analysis through gas chromatography (GC) in order to visualize 2,4-D. Positive results could spell trouble for the local wildlife, and have severe consequences.

A Carbon Inventory: Where does HSU Stand?

In our study, an inventory of Humboldt State University's trees was conducted to better understand the current biomass and carbon the campus is sequestering. The goal of the study is to present HSU with an understanding of what trees sequester more carbon so they may make informed decisions on future tree planting projects.

A Comparative Study on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedures and Legal Instruments: A Case Study from Sri Lanka and the United States

This study will compare the Environmental Laws and their corresponding Environmental Impact Assessment processes in developing and developed nations with a focus on Sri Lanka and the United States. The study will involve analysis and comparison of individual EIA components (i.e. screening, scoping, impact analysis and mitigation measures), identification of the strengths and weaknesses of each component under different national laws, and how that influences the effectiveness of the laws as well as how those laws are implemented. This research will serve as a basis on which to make recommendations to improve EIA processes and strengthen environmental policies and implementation.

A comparison of Three Mobile Mapping 3-D Data Collection Techniques

In this project, GSP 330 (Mobile Mapping) students evaluated 3 methods of collecting three dimensional (3D) data at Ma-le'l Dunes Park in Arcata, CA. Data was collecting using 1) Autolevels, 2) Total Stations, and 3) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The XYZ data collected by the first two methods were converted to GIS data and then modeled into a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Aerial images from the UAV were processed with Photoscan's Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm to generate a point cloud and DEM. The point clouds from all methods were then processed into cut-fill rasters and Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) for visualization and comparison.

A Computational Study of the Acidity of Glufosinate Derivatives

Glufosinate is an important agricultural herbicide, and in this project we attempt to use computational chemistry to better understand how modifications to its structure impact the properties of a nucleophilic functional group important to its mechanism of action. Though ultimately the uncertainty of these calculations proved too large to draw useful conclusions about the mechanism, we were able to establish a reasonable range for the functional group pKa that excluded older conflicting literature values and to provide insight into how steric factors may cause the substitutions to behave differently within the active site than they do in solution.

A Geospatial Inventory of the Jacoby Creek Forest & Potential for Restoration Thinning

Second-growth stands of conifers are increasingly being looked to for timber production and ecosystem services across the Pacific Northwest. These stands, regenerated after old-growth logging in the mid-20th century, have the potential to provide timber products, watershed protection and wildlife habitat. However, for these stands to function to their fullest potential, they often require silvicultural treatments such as variable density or restoration thinning. This project conducted a preliminary inventory of the Jacoby Creek Forest using geospatial analysis. Previous silviculture, stand conditions, road networks and watercourses were all compiled to create inventory maps of the forest.

A Home Where the Buffalo Roam, Once Again

The North American Bison once ranged across the Great Plains, but during the era of market hunting, their numbers dropped drastically. These large herbivores are highly valued in the indigenous tribes from their native region. In an effort to restore these culturally significant herds, zoos across the nation have bred them to be reintroduced into their homeland.

A meta-analysis of the variables affecting tick abundance

Curtis Cline, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

I looked the current literature on ticks to determine the different variables that could impact the abundance of ticks

A Multi-Cultural Approach to Lesson Study

Through the collaboration between Humboldt State and the university HEP in Switzerland, we developed lesson study practices for English Language Learners at l'Élysée, a Swiss high school. Specifically, our main areas of interest involved assessing student engagement and learning. Our lesson was taught four times, and after each lesson, it was adapted to better match the needs of our students.

A New Look at Factors Influencing Iron Limitation of Phytoplankton along the California Coastline

While the ocean's upwelling regions bring nitrogen-rich water to the surface, evidence shows that the micronutrient, iron, can be limiting. In areas of low iron, the biological utilization of nitrogen is inhibited, preventing phytoplankton from fulfilling their productivity potential. It is thought that iron concentration of coastally upwelled water is tied to the coast’s geology , but there are more factors involved. To investigate this, we analyzed samples of California’s upwelling coast from published data that were deemed iron replete or limited. By studying the location's sea surface temperature and altimetry, plumes of water were proven an additional factor that influences iron.