Using a UAV to Calculate a Very Low Hydraulic Gradient in a Coastal Karst Aquifer System: The Yucatan Aquifer System Example

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project explores the feasibility of using UAV´s (drones) to measure the hydraulic gradient in the Yucatán Peninsula Coastal karst Aquifer system. This karstic groundwater system is highly vulnerable to contamination by tourists and the growing local population. Although the hydraulic gradient does not necessarily predict groundwater flow, it is a good indicator as to groundwater flow directions. Determination of the hydraulic gradient is explored through the use of a UAV (Phantom 4), in combination with a DGPS (used to obtain the ground control points). Results using the drone without ground control points give an error that is in the tens of meters range.

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 thermography to measure stress responses

College of Professional Studies

The the human body undergoes a suite of physiological changes during stress, including changes in blood flow. These changes in blood flow may be detectable using new thermal imaging techniques. The present study was designed to determine the time-course and topography of temperature changes in the face during the experience of a psychosocial stressor. Our results suggest that thermography may offer a non-invasive method for assessing arousal. This study is an important first step in assessing the sensitivity of this technology to various affective states. Additional research measuring different emotions is needed to determine the applicability of this technology in the public sector.

Visions of Empowerment

College of Professional Studies

Utilizing Photovoice, my project supported youth exploration of the causes creating problems faced locally, as well as the ways in which the youth feel we can come together to help find solutions as a community. Through a series of focus groups, photography, and photo analysis, the youth chose a contemporary challenge that either affected them personally, or their community, and took photos of what they felt are possible causes and solutions to these social problems. This method allowed the youth to bridge connections with their community and was a form of empowerment research that supported building their self-esteem, relationship with their community, and their problem-solving skills.

Watershed Base Plane

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Surveying Campbell creek watershed, located in north eastern Humboldt county on the edge of the Hoopa Indian Reservation, implementing mitigation plans for conservation and restoration. There are many environmental impacts that are hazardest to the water runoffs and aquifers such as legal/ illegal cannibus grow, illegal solid waste dumping, and sedimentation from old logging roads. Building maps would provide baseline information for measuring activity that can be harmful to the ecosystem that provides an abundance of resources for a complex bio-diversity and cultural resources for the Hupa Tribe.

We Are Your Community

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

For our project we want to focus on bridging divides between students of color and the community. To address this need, we are designing a media campaign called "We Are Your Community." This media campaign will consist of posters in business windows, short videos on social media and a website, and a community building event where students and community members can interact. The media campaign will highlight the stories of students of color and the nuances of their positive and negative experiences in Humboldt County.

What do the Rising Far Right and Populist Movements Look Like?

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

I am working with a Political Science research fellowship to map the incipient far right and Alt-Right. Finding points of opposition, commonality, and differences between the various groups.

When I Grow Up...

College of Professional Studies

Rural communities often have a limited number of trained and certified healthcare professionals to serve the local population. Additionally, retaining healthcare professionals becomes an added challenge once recruited into the area. The purpose of this project is to create an inclusive and empowering curriculum in partnership with Del Norte Health Career Pathways, to introduce elementary school students to healthcare careers with the goal of promoting the development of local professionals in underserved communities. Each lesson is designed to promote self-reflection and provide age appropriate life skill tools, including mindfulness activities and a reflective journal.

Women's Intrasexual Competitiveness Tracks Changes in Their Testosterone Levels

College of Professional Studies

To investigate the role of hormones in female intrasexual competition, we carried out a longitudinal study of changes in intrasexual competitiveness (Study 1) and assessed intrasexual competition in women using various forms of hormonal contraceptives (Study 2). Study 1: Multilevel modeling of the data revealed a significant, positive within-subject effect of testosterone on intrasexual competition, indicating that women reported greater intrasexual competitiveness when testosterone was high. Study 2: No significant differences were observed for reported intrasexual competition among women using combined oral contraceptives versus women using progesterone-only contraceptives.