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Presenters & Abstracts: 2017
Cannabis Use and Mood on Creativity
- Caitlin ClarkPsychologyGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
This study examines the relationship between cannabis use (infrequent, moderate, and heavy use) and one’s mood (neutral, positive, and negative) on the Alternative Use Task (AUT). Although both mood and cannabis may influence creativity independently, not much is known about their interactive effects. Creativity was measured by the number of alternative uses for common objects produced by the participants. The AUT was followed by a survey that included cannabis use frequency and the Creative Achievement Questionnaire, which has been shown to represent an individual’s creative ability across multiple mediums.
CCAT: Conjoining Social and Natural Systems
- Kelsey SummersEnvironmental StudiesUndergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
As a senior in Environmental Studies I have chosen to complete my service learning capstone project at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) since I am one of the co-directors managing the non-profit organization. CCAT is a student run sustainable living demonstration site that utilizes appropriate technology. While at CCAT I have analyzed and critiqued how social systems and natural systems overlay one another creating a sustainable relationship. Living lighter and in tune with the local environment is not only doable but rewarding and beneficial. My service learning project has helped to fill part of the gap between where I am now and where I aim to be professionally.
Co-Occurring Curriculum in the Criminal Justice System
- Kevin McGeochSocial WorkGraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The curriculum will be developed for current inmates at the local county jail experiencing co-occurring disorders. Culminating healthier approaches to communication and stress management as well as developing systems of support in regards to personal relationships may provide foundations for increasing overall functioning and wellbeing. The curriculum will be guided by the empowerment process, based on an individual’s right to self-determination; valuing personal perspective, acknowledging difficulties and encouraging self-regulated personal growth. The project will attempt to address current problematic and maladaptive thinking and behavior for current inmates with co-occurring disorders.
Collections Room Project using Past Perfect 5.0
- Samantha MurphyAnthropologyUndergraduate Student
- Cori BrennanAnthropologyUndergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The Collections Room Project is dedicated to digitizing and organizing the information for the various artifact collections housed in BSS 139. The parameters include using the Past Perfect 5.0 software in order to catalog the data for each individual artifact and create a database in which all the information can be housed and viewed. The final product will include information such as measurements, potential use, and physical characteristics for each artifact; attributes which may be searched, using the query field. The primary use for the compiled database is to allow for a convenient search of artifacts within the collection in order to aid in student and faculty research and study.
Colorectal Cancer Disparities and Physical Activity Distribution Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites in New Mexico
- Nathaniel McGuiganUniversity of New Mexico-Epidemiology and Biostatistics DepartmentUndergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
We studied changes in physical activity among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) to examine the difference in colorectal cancer (CRC) related risk factors between these 2 groups across time. The UNM ColorectalDisease Prevention Study (M. Gonzales PI) surveyed the intensity of work and leisure physical activity at age 18, 30, 50 and/or year before diagnosis among 176 Hispanic and NHW CRC patients including additional risk factors which are known to differ between Hispanics and NHWs in New Mexico (Gonzales 2012). Due to racial ethnic differences in CRC related risk factors, the need to raise awareness about CRC prevention is essential for the Hispanic communities in New Mexico.
Comparing Male and Female Domestic Violence Offender Responses Regarding Experiences Related To Intimate Partner Violence
- Elizabeth ArcamoneSocial WorkGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
Historically, male violence has been viewed as a way to maintain power and control over a female partner within an intimate relationship while female violence has been viewed as a response to a male intimate partner’s attacks (Dobash & Dobash, 1979; Walker 1989). This community research project examines differences in attitudes and experiences related to violence among male and female domestic violence offenders. Individual interviews (N=13) were conducted to gain qualitative data specific to this topic. Participants included 5 men and 8 women enrolled in a 52-week batterer’s intervention program. The project findings will help guide a better understanding of family violence.
Compiling archived spectral data of exoplanetary systems to search for trends in the atmospheric composition of hot Jupiters
- Troy MaloneyPhysicsUndergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
The study of exoplanets has produced large amounts of data since the first exoplanet was discovered over two decades ago. Much of these data are archival and available online to be reused to search for new results. More specifically, spectral data that has been taken from planet-star systems to detect planets by the radial velocity (RV) method can be reused to perform transit spectroscopy if the RV curves include spectra taken at the primary and secondary eclipses and the observations have sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Our goal is to prepare a compilation of current results on the atmospheric composition of hot Jupiter type planets and extend it by reusing archival data.
Conversations Matter: Mediation Theory, Practice, and Social Change
- Maricela WexlerEnvironmental StudiesUndergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
I am participating in a service learning project through the Environmental Studies’ Spring 2017 Senior Capstone. My emphasis in community organizing has established my curiosity and passion for conflict resolution communication. Conflict is a part of life. How this inevitability takes form and is approached varies and has social ramifications. Working with Humboldt Mediation Services has informed me about the social impacts mediation theory and practice impart and has revealed the need for and power of alternative dispute resolution in personal, social, environmental, and political arenas. This project highlights my involvement with and vision for mediation theory and practice.
Conversations on Transportation- Exploring Transportation Concerns for HSU OLLI Members
- Sara SimonRecreation AdministrationUndergraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
HSU OLLI holds classes all over Humboldt County. With a member population of people aged 50 and better, the accessibility issues and transportation problems getting to all the class sites is a huge concern for the program. This study looks into what exactly are the barriers for members and what transportation options are available in Humboldt County for this population.
County Wide Assessment of Syringe Exchange Programs
- Rachel WaldmanDepartment of Social WorkGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
Intravenous drug usage can lead to multiple detrimental health related risks including the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C, abscesses and infections, and drug related overdose. One of the most crucial interventions proven to reduce rates of these health risks among injection drug users is the syringe exchange program. This project examines the active syringe exchange programs in Humboldt County in order to explore the various practices, policies, and services offered by each. The ultimate goal for this project is to strengthen agency relationships, promote sharing of information and best practices, and maximize our ability to reach people in need.