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.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Characteristics

Sara McCall, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study examines the Virginia rail around Humboldt County. Distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics are determined.

Virginidad: Concept of Virginity in Hispanic Communities

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Virginity is prioritized highly in hispanics cultures. I want to navigate virginity and sex positivity in Latin cultures. Many young women are raised to think of our virginities as 'flowers' or 'gems', although some people are free to believe this way, the shame that comes after sex or not viewing it as that should be changed. It's a proposal for education that can be used in wide variety of locations and contexts.

Virus Detection and Identification Technology

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I am reviewing the current literature on virus detection methods. Fast and reliable virus detection is critical during a virus outbreak. There are now portable rapid real-time PCR devices that accurately identify viruses in as little as 20 min. There is a lateral flow immunoassay for detecting antibodies that is currently being developed that the researchers claim has the accuracy comparable to PCR. Chemiluminescence immunoassays have also been developed that identify and quantify specific antibodies with high accuracy. Devices to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses are being developed to be faster, more sensitive, more accurate, and can be customized to identify new viruses and antibodies.

Visualization of Broadleaf Cattail Root Biofilm from the Arcata Marsh via Scanning Electron Microscopy

Lillian Caballero, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The Arcata Marsh is responsible for treating the wastewater of the City of Arcata so it is clean enough to release into the ocean. After undergoing preliminary processing, treatment ponds are used to remove organic matter and pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, using the symbiotic work of plants like the native broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), and the nitrogen-fixing and nitrifying bacteria that grow on their roots, to absorb these chemicals from the water. For this experiment, we observed cattail roots and root microbiota at the inlets and outlets of the pond using scanning electron microscopy, looking at the samples with up to 5000x magnification.