Development and Stable Integration of Tetracycline Inducible Tools for Genome Editing and Genome Regulation in Cultured Human Embryonic Kidney Cells

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

At Humboldt State University we aim to create a robust CRISPR/Cas9 toolkit which enables one to overexpress, repress, inhibit transcription and perform double strand DNA cuts allowing one to undertake research on genes associated with cancer, autophagy and neurological diseases. These tools will enable future students, private sector, and academia to investigate a wide range of biological questions. Currently in the CRISPR/Cas9 system there are inherent problems ranging from indel mutations, poor gene locus targeting, low efficiency, and in vivo applications.We built upon the knowledge in Dr. Steele’s lab and chose to perform Hi-Fi assembly to overcome technological limitations that lowered.

Dissolved Trace Metal Depletion Anomalies and Hydrothermal Interaction in South Pacific Deep Water

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The array of metals obtained from the GEOTRACES cruise in 2013 provides evidence for anomalous metal behavior. Trace metals in the ocean can act as indicators of hydrothermal vents, providing evidence for iron and magnesium sources to the ocean. However, anomalies of other dissolved trace metals (DTM) have been observed at theoretical hydrothermal vent sites, specifically depletions of cerium, lanthanum, nickel, and yttrium. Initially, these depletions were thought to be the result of redox reactions, but this only partially explained the DTM deficiencies. Particulate scavenging through the formation of metal oxides from DTM is also a possible cause for anomalous depletion.

Distribution of Microplastics at the Surface and Within the Water Column in Humboldt Bay, Northern California

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study focused on microplastic concentrations in and around Humboldt Bay, CA. Microplastics do not have a universal size class, but for the purpose of this study, microplastics were categorized as any plastic piece from 0.335 mm to 4.75 mm. Samples were taken on Humboldt State's research vessel "Coral Sea", and by foot on surrounding mudflats. Both water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed to find the amount of microplastic particles per mass sampled. Visual microscopy was utilized to create counts for each station.

Distribution of Western Thatching Ant Mounds and Their Effects on Soil Conditions in a Coastal Dune Ecosystem

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Western thatching ant (Formica obscuripes) mounds are a conspicuous feature in the coastal beach pine forests of the local Lanphere and Ma-le’l Dunes. We explored the mounds’ size and spatial distributions, and tested whether their mound-forming behaviors could impact soil nutrient conditions. In a 3-km segment, we found 346 mounds generally situated along the sand–forest interface. Furthermore, from soil samples of seven of the mounds, we found that the ants significantly concentrated the soils with nutrients necessary for plant growth. These findings suggest that the ants could have important implications for supporting plant populations in this nutrient-poor environment.

Diversity in Geoscience: Impact of Project-based Curriculum

Vermilion Walls, Geology Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

An analysis of survey data collected from students in introductory college geoscience courses with heavily project-based curriculum. Pre and post surveys were taken to determine changes in student outlook on altruistic and environmentalist attitudes towards geology content and careers and how this change is different among demographics, which potentially can be used to promote higher racial and gender diversity in the field of geoscience.

Do bears know when trash pickup day is?

Amber Elving, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project aimed to answer whether or not bears frequented homes more often on trash pickup day. I placed 20 trail cameras around Humboldt County and was able to capture thousands of photos. Through the collaborative efforts with homeowners and myself, I was able to capture seventy photos of bears, of which 42 were independent events and 48% of the bears were actively foraging on trash.

Do bumblebees pollinate when they are scared? The Effect of Simulated Danger on Bumblebee Foraging Habits

Audrey Fowler , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A study looking at how bees perceive danger, and if it affects their foraging behaviors. This was determined by the use of simulated dangers, in this case artificial black capped chickadees. These dangers were placed in bushes and the number of bumblebees that visited each bush (either with or without dangers) was counted. The research finds that the presence of danger is significant to bees when choosing which flowers or bushes to forage.

Do Dabbling Ducks Forage More in the Morning or at Night?

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My research project looked at if dabbling ducks forage more in the morning or afternoon. My hypothesis was that they would forage more in the morning than afternoon.

Do Shorebirds Exhibit Mixed-Species Flocking Preferences?

Mason Levy, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study analyzed flocking behavior of shorebirds present at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, examining if any two (or more) species significantly selected to flock with each other over other species, and what may have led to such a flocking preference (similarities in size, foraging behavior, etc.).

Do Song Sparrows Alter Song in Noisy Natural Environments?

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project studied the minimum song note frequencies of Song Sparrows in two different environments. Our results suggest that vocal plasticity arose as an adaptation in response to loud ocean surf, rivers, and wind.