A New Ocean Wave Model Applied to Humboldt Bay Entrance

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A new one-dimensional ocean wave model was derived and applied to the Humboldt Bay Channel. This model consists of the continuity equation and momentum equation which describe the incomprehensibility and movement of sea water. This model was digitized on a computer using the Octave programming language and simulations were ran for five different ocean swell scenarios. Wind generated this swell ranging in speed from 10 to 50 nautical miles per hour, yielding wavelengths in the range of 8.5 to 212 meters with wave speeds in the range of 2.8-14.8 meters/second. In all cases the measured speeds agreed the the theoretical shallow water wave speed.

A Search for Triggered Star Formation in the Compact Group of Galaxies NGC 5851, NGC 5852 and CGCG 077-007

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Galaxy interactions provide ideal conditions for triggering star formation, and impact galaxy evolution and the structure of the universe. I present analysis of one compact group of interacting galaxies. Areas of increased star formation are classified by the identification of the most UV bright regions within the galaxies. In order to gain deeper insight into how mergers drive galaxy evolution, star formation histories are determined by fitting ultraviolet to mid-infrared photometry to Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) models.

A Survey of Shrew (Soricidae) and Mole (Talpidae) Mortality in Arcata, CA

Christina Giltzow, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In the Arcata Community Forest, many moles (Talpidae) and shrews (Soricidae) have been found dead along walkways. I investigated starvation, cold temperatures, age and toxin exposure as possible causes for these mortalities. I performed necropsies on 12 specimens including Trowbridge’s shrew (Sorex trowbridgii), shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) and coast mole (Scapanus orarius). and sent tissues as well as 3 additional specimens to UC Davis for toxicological screening. Body condition, cold temperatures and age did not appear to be linked to mortalities. The toxicological screens were negative for tested organic chemical compounds. The mortalities of these insectivores is still a mystery.

Activity of Novel Cellulases from Cow Rumen

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Utilizing cellulase enzymes can enhance the production of biofuels. In this study, 14 cellulases identified through metagenomic analysis of cow rumen were expressed in E. Coli, purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), and then assessed for enzymatic activity versus a control cellulase isolated from Aspergillus Niger. To do this, we evaluated the breakdown of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a plate assay with Congo Red detection. 4 with high activity and 2 with low activity were selected for analyzing the effective pH on the enzymatic activity and expanding the research to kinetic analysis. Our results could inform new cellulase design and enhance biofuel production.

Affects of Common Fishing and Recreational Beaches on Dead Seabird Abundance Found Onshore

Nikkie Villagrana, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The objective of this study was to determine whether proximity to fishing communities has an affect whether or not I will find more dead seabirds on those beaches. There is evidence to suggest that one of the highest causes of plastic pollution is by commercial fishing litter. Plastic pollution has been one of the leading causes of seabird death and I aim to bridge the gap in knowledge by whether or not I find more dead seabirds onshore on the beaches that are linked to popular fishing communities in Humboldt County.

Agent-based Modeling of Microglia Behavior in the Context of Alzheimer's Disease

Emmanuel Mezzulo, Mathematics Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our research investigates the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using an agent-based model (ABM). Microglia cells, which typically act almost as neuronal guardians in the CNS can, under certain conditions, inadvertently contribute to AD progression if they become dysfunctional. By simulating microglia, neurons, and their interactions with signaling proteins, our ABM sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying the progression of AD, and has a the potential to inform therapeutic targets in AD treatment down the line.

American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos ) abundance in relation to different human-altered environments and levels of disturbance

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Examining Corvus brachyrhynchos (American crow) habitat selection is valuable in understanding how this generalist species adapts to human-altered environments. Objectives of the study: Are crows utilizing a specific type of anthropogenic environment significantly more than the other? Is human and vehicle presence at the sites is significantly affecting crow abundance? I recorded observations of crow abundance at four sites in Arcata, CA, USA representing two habitat types; urban and agricultural. Analysis of my results showed that crows are significantly selecting urban sites over agricultural.

American Pikas Responses to Long and Short Alarm Calls During Mid-Summer in Lassen National Forest, California

Thomas Butler, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project is an Honors Thesis conducted on Richard Brown with the CPH Wildlife Department. This project assessed the use of the short and long alarm calls used by American pikas. This project took place in Lassen National Forest NW of Susanville, CA.

Amphibians and The Yurok Tribe's Wetland Restoration

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My poster is about the Yurok tribe's wetland restorations with a focus on amphibian diversity with regard to the ongoing amphibian extinction.

An Analysis of Resin Flow and Growth Characteristics of Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) in an old-growth fire excluded stand in the Western Sierra Nevada, California.

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) represents a culturally, ecologically, and economically important species that is threatened due to impacts from drought, fire exclusion, and beetle-disease complexes. One of the main defensive strategies of sugar pine to bark beetles and pathogens is the production of resin ducts structures, which secrete oleoresin compounds. In this study we look to analyze resin flow and growth traits, assessed as basal area increment (mm2), of older, larger (> 200 years) sugar pine to determine whether there are relationships between tree growth characteristics and oleoresin flow.