Using eDNA to Detect Endangered Tidewater Goby, Eucyclogobius newberryi, in Northern California’s Lost Coast

Madison Richardson, Fisheries Biology Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project focuses on detecting the presence or absence of endangered tidewater goby, Eucyclogobius newberryi, in the Lost Coast in Northern California using environmental DNA. If presence is detected, the Lost Coast can be sampled annually in order to gather enough data on the population to study their dynamics for any existence of extinction-colonization dynamics and provide another opportunity to understand metapopulation dynamics in tidewater gobies, thereby aiding in the conservation efforts of this species.

Using qualitative clast and soil descriptions to investigate Tertiary gravels of the Klamath Peneplain erosional surface in Humboldt County, northwestern California

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Southern Cascadia marks the change between the northern San Andreas Fault System, and the subduction of the Juan-de-Fuca and Gorda tectonic plates beneath North America. This area is a region of complex deformation, high rates of erosion, and vertical uplift. A low relief, heavily dissected, relict surface that is visible as gently sloping ridges preserved along the coast of Southern Cascadia is known as the “Klamath Peneplain”, named by J.S. Diller in 1902. Because it represents a time period of extensive fluvial erosion and deposition, its age and origin are crucial in understanding paleogeographic development of what is now Southern Cascadia and was qualitatively described in this study.

Using the California Mussel as a Bioindicator for the Presence of Heavy Metals on the Humboldt County Coastline

Emily Curry, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Humboldt coastline has a long history of industrial development and heavy disturbance. In 1999, the California State Water Resources Board surveyed Humboldt Bay, classifying it as a toxic hot spot. Clean-up efforts have been ongoing since the release of this report. Utilizing California mussels as bioindicators, we can quantify the levels of toxins found in the waters on our coasts with the help of Flame AA and correlate with the visual health of gill tissues. Using this new data, we can better understand the pollution problem and aid in the clean-up efforts.

Utilization of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary by North American River Otters

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

North American river otters are a regular sight to see in the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary and have been observed to exhibit different behaviors and activities in various locations of the marsh. By using ArcGIS Pro, visual observations of river otters made by Jeff Black over the course of two years have been mapped out depending on their behavior and activity. I focused on mapping three main behaviors that otters exhibit in the marsh: fishing for fish or invertebrates, hunting for birds, or traveling to/from or through the marsh.

Validation of FLT3-ITD in CD34+ Human Cord Blood Cells using CRISPR-Cas9 editing to investigate pre-leukemic stem cells as therapeutic targets in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow that results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations. The goal of this project is to characterize the mechanisms for the transformation of genetically engineered human primary HSCs to AML. My aim is to validate FLT3-ITD CRISPR-Cas9 reagents to contribute to the sequential editing matrix scheme of the larger project of investigating preleukemic stem cells as therapeutic targets in AML. Understanding the genetic components of preleukemia can help inform clinical decisions of which patients to provide transplants and in what stage of remission this therapy can be most effective.

Variation in Mallard Foraging Strategy in Relation to Group Size

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

It is commonly believed that many animals, especially prey species, benefit from foraging while in a group. Using point-count surveys, I observed Mallard at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in an effort to determine their propensity for foraging at an increased rate while in a group. I also attempted to determine whether or not group size altered the preferred foraging strategy of mallard.

Varying Botanical Perspectives from Indigenous Groups

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Taking the names and meanings behind the certain plants that Indigenous groups gave and comparing them to what scientists have used them for, as well as what properties they posses. Looking at the name Indigenous peoples have given to the plants explains to others what they can do.

Vegetation detection change with NDVI and NBR Analysis Of The Thomas Fire Using Landsat 8 Imagery

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Thomas Fire, drew immediate attention from all across California on December 4, 2017 during a time of year with higher levels of precipitation. Roughly 281,000 acres of land was engulfed by the extent of the wildfire outbreak where typically the native chaparral are known to thrive despite chaparral schrubland have typically evolved to remain fire tolerant. This study was able to determine a variety in vegetation change, further tests involving supervised classification and collection of field data (ground trothing) would provide more information giving way to further suggestions as to what indicators contributed the most to California’s worst wild fire outbreak.

Vigilance Rates in Shorebirds in Marsh and Beach Habitat During the Non-Breeding Season

Jennifer Alvarado, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A behavioral study on 5 common shorebirds of Humboldt County, CA during the non-breeding season; primarily on their vigilance rates in relation to different habitat types and disturbance categories. Two main habitats of marshland and beach habitats were compared with 3 sites chosen from the Arcata Marsh in Arcata and 2 beach habitats: Mad River Beach of Arcata and Centerville Beach of Ferndale. Shorebirds observed included Dunlin, Willets, Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers with a total sample of 370 individuals. Focal studies were performed on defined vigilance behaviors for 2 minute segments per individual with 1 hour of study dedicated to each location.

Vigilance Rates in Shorebirds in Marsh and Beach Habitat During the Non-Breeding Season

Jennifer Alvarado, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

A behavioral study on 5 common shorebirds of Humboldt County, California; primarily their vigilance responses in relation to different habitat types and disturbance categories. Primary habitats of interest were marshlands and beaches with 3 sites chosen from the Arcata Marsh in Arcata and two beach locations: Mad River Beach of Arcata and Centerville Beach of Ferndale. Shorebirds observed were Dunlin, Western Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Least Sandpipers. Disturbance categories included weather, tide height, pedestrians, bikers, vehicles, dogs, and raptors. Focal studies of 2 minutes each were conducted for a total of 370 individual shorebirds.