Spinel Comparison of Deer Mountain Quarry Cinder Cone, California, and the Trinity Ophiolite, California.

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I used the Scanning Electron Microscope in Science B to compare chromium spinels from a volcanic eruption related to Shasta, and spinels from the proximal Trinity ophiolite which has been inferred to lie beneath Shasta by previous authors.

Spotted Banana Slugs, Ariolimax columbianus, and Canopy Cover

Sasha Milstein, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Numerous animal species display diverse colorations as a means of performing cryptic coloration, which protects them from predation. In the case of banana slugs, some individuals exhibit monochromatic hues, while others display spots. The purpose of my study was to answer if some banana slugs are spotted to perform cryptic coloration as a means of anti-predator defense.

Standards for Analysis of Metals in Seawater

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Over the past few decades, trace metals have been shown to have a significant impact on marine biogeochemical cycles. Certain trace metals are essential components in the control of marine primary producer populations. Because of the significant effects that trace metals can have on marine environments, there’s an increasing need for multi-element analytical methods that allow for high sample throughput and quantification over a broad range of element concentrations that reflect the range observed in the oceans. As such, the main objective of this research project is to determine appropriate standards to accurately quantify trace metals in seawater.

Stayin' Alive! How black Grama and Soil Stability Respond to Desert Stressors

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Global climate models predict a more variable climate in the future through increased frequency of extreme wet and dry years. Since water is the most limiting resource in the Chihuahuan desert, investigating how semi-arid plants respond to precipitation extremes is pertinent to understanding how desert ecosystems will be altered in the future. To study these responses, I experimentally applied an extreme precipitation treatment to black grama, a dominant desert grass, during June and July 2018 in the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge before the monsoon season. This experiment supports black grama's ability to survive in the desert with few precipitation events due to its growth response.

Stratigraphic and Mineralogical Characteristics of Cu-Zn-Co-Mn Mantos at Minera Boleo, Santa Rosalía, BCS, Mexico

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This poster documents a REU research project investigating the stratigraphic emplacement of ore minerals in a mining district in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Stream Flow Rate on the Jolly Giant creek and the Strawberry creek

Arthur Frye, Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I decided to do scientific studies on the stream flow rate as well as water depth, width, and terrace height on two separate creeks in Humboldt county. The first creek is called the Jolly Giant creek which is located directly behind founders hall on campus, and the second creek that I decided to do my research on is the Strawberry creek, which is located directly behind my house. I used a measuring road, and measuring tape for my measurements, as well as three distinct objects to float down the creek which was a lemon, a kiwi, and a lacrosse ball.

Structural Determination of the Olfactory Epithelium in Terrestrial Adult Rough-Skinned Newts (Taricha granulosa)

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Taricha granulosa (rough-skinned newt) uses olfaction for feeding, migration, and mate choice. In this study, we are examining the olfactory epithelium with scanning and transmission electron microscopy to determine whether variation in cellular morphology exists amongst seasonally terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae.

Studies of Bio-Sustainable Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Priscilla Gamez, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Biomaterials derived from plants can provide stocks for biofuels and additives for sustainable bioplastic composites. Here, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to image cellulase enzyme-exposed samples vs. controlled samples, which indicated cellulose degradation. SEM examination of PLA-quinoa composites indicated successful incorporation of quinoa chaff into these biodegradable plastics. This study of cellulase contributes to understanding its role in enhancing biofuel feedstock production. Moreover, our PLA-quinoa composites show promise as biodegradable and biorenewable materials. Future studies will analyze cellulase-treated PLA-quinoa composites.

Study of Hornblende Reaction Rims in Regard to Magma Rate Through the Conduit in California's Mt. Lassen's 1915 Eruption

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Interpretation of hornblende reaction rims through the use of a scanning electron microscope to establish accent rate and path of magma through Mt. Lassen's volcanic conduit in the 1915 eruption.

Study of the Dietary Preferences of Collared-Doves Within an Expanded Range of Choices

Daniel Francois, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is an invasive columbiform that has spread across the continent of North America in under thirty years since its first introduction (Smith 1987, Romagosa and McEneaney 1999). Since then, it has competed with and dominated a variety of native passerines (Romagosa and McEneaney 1999, Romagosa and Labisky 2000). Our goal was to further discover its feeding habits and dietary preferences in order to gain a better understanding of its impact on native birds such as the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). We hypothesized that collared-doves would prefer corn over millet seeds, and millet seeds over oats and sunflower seeds.