Search for possible trends between quasar outflows and radio properties

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Quasars are supermassive black holes that, through accretion, emit large amounts of radiation and eject large amounts of matter. Spectral emissions from quasars have proven to be highly variable, that is, quasar spectra change dramatically over time. The physical mechanism behind this variability in the accretion disk is not yet completely understood. High velocity outflows of matter have been observed in many quasars and could serve as a mechanism for changing the radiating matter in the accretion disk around the black hole, thus changing the quasar's spectra. Our team has analyzed quasar spectra to search for possible trends between radio properties and outflows.

Search for possible trends between quasar outflows and radio properties

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Quasars are supermassive black holes that, through accretion, emit large amounts of radiation and eject large amounts of matter. Spectral emissions from quasars have proven to be highly variable, that is, quasar spectra change dramatically over time. The physical mechanism behind this variability in the accretion disk is not yet completely understood. High velocity outflows of matter have been observed in many quasars and could serve as a mechanism for changing the radiating matter in the accretion disk around the black hole, thus changing the quasar's spectra. Our team has analyzed quasar spectra to search for possible trends between radio properties and outflows.

Searching for Trends in Atmospheric Compositional of Extrasolar Planets

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in planets outside of our solar system, also known as exoplanets. Our research involves looking for trends in these planets’ potential habitability, through archival information about the planet’s radius, its distance from its parent star, and its atmospheric composition. The latter is obtained using transmission spectroscopy, which shows absorption on different regions of the planet’s spectrum depending on the composition of the atmosphere. We are working in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Kane, the creator of the Habitable Zone Gallery, to include the spectroscopic information in this database, which will allow the community to access it.

Seasonal Change in Foraging Behavior of Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

Elena Adams, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study aimed to measure the proportion of time that long-billed curlews (Numenius americanus) were actively feeding, preening, roosting, walking, flying, or defending their territory. I hypothesized that the proportion of time that curlews were actively feeding would increase as they prepared for migration. Surveys were conducted along Humboldt Bay’s Elk River to determine if the proportion of time curlews were observed feeding increased from February to April 2023. Understanding foraging response is critical to understand the importance of winter habitats for this species.

Sedimentation Risk Assessment in the Lagoa Feia Lake Basin in Brazil using Satellite and Geospatial Data

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Lagoa Feia Lake Basin is located in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil, which historically experienced sedimentation impacts due to channel ditching to manage water resources for agricultural practices. This study models the significance of sedimentation in the lake basin intergraded with land-use, soil types, and DEM data using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The erosion model was built using the above input variables by applying weighted overlay methods, and the vulnerable areas were mapped. Landsat 8 images were utilized for remote sensing analysis, such as image enhancement indices to detect sedimentation changes over time. The results of the study are useful to implement best management practices

Selection Effects on Diversity and Specific Ecosystem Functions in Pitcher Plant Associated Bacteria

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The purpose of the research was to determine if a relationship exists between biodiversity and specific functions. Specifically, if individual organism function influences the broad function of the ecosystem. To test this, a model system was devised using fluid collected from Darlingtonia californica, chosen for having a bacterial ecosystem with the observable broad function of insect degradation. A dilution series was used to modify the biodiversity of this system, expected to alter specific organism function, and by extension influence the broad function of the system. Initial results of the experiment indicated that broad function increased as individual specific functions decreased.

Selective Logging and Mammal Diversity: Evidence of Ecological Stability

Zach Case, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study aimed to investigate the impact of selective harvest logging on mammal diversity and abundance in the Jacoby Creek Forest Tract in Humboldt County, California. The study compared two forest stands: one managed with selective harvest (recently harvested in October 2024) and one unmanaged (a 40-year-old even-aged forest). The goal was to assess how the recent selective harvest affects mammal diversity and abundance, and whether mammals are selective for certain habitat characteristics such as cover availability, understory vegetation, and forest structure.

Self-Determination Theory and Intellectual Disability

Jacquelyn Matthews, School of Applied Health Graduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The purpose of this study was to increase physical fitness skills within adult populations with intellectual disabilities in the areas of walking, push-ups, curl-ups through a self-determination model. This was achieved through collaborative engagements with graduate-level students. Within this collaboration participants chose exercise goals and success criteria. An exercise program was established to increase participant skills over five sessions and teach participants how to be independent in their physical fitness endeavors and environments. The goal was to determine if experiences within this study would lead to increased skill level surrounding physical fitness through SDT.

Shorebird Abundance in Response to Human Disturbance within Protected and Non-protected Beaches

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My study focused on shorebird abundance in response to human disturbance within beaches that are protected or non protected by the county in Humboldt County, California.

Shorebird Displacement in Response to Recreational Human Disturbance along the Humboldt County Coastline

Cindy Chavez, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project focuses on the interaction between recreational use of local coastal beaches and shorebird disturbance patterns. Flight initiation distances and alert behaviors in relation to the proximity of humans, dogs, or other natural disturbances are observed to approximate recreational impact on shorebird foraging.