Search Presenters & Abstracts
View Presenters & Abstracts by College
Presenters & Abstracts: 2023
Understanding Traditional Ecological Knowledge on Elk Through a Yurok Cultural Lens
Juli Suzukawa, Wildlife Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) research has been implemented throughout various aspects of wildlife management and conservation. However, there is no single definition of TEK that applies to all Indigenous peoples. Wildlife management practiced by Indigenous peoples implements the use of TEK and Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRM) as a way to holistically serve the needs of the environment, animals, and the people. While my thesis focuses on tribal wildlife management of buffalo, eagles, and elk, this poster focuses on Yurok TEK and how personal experiences of Yurok members have shaped their knowledge surrounding Roosevelt elk.
Unraveling the Taxonomic Classification of the Tolowa wallflower (Brassicaceae: Erysimum), a dune endemic of the California North Coast
Cameron Jones, Biological Sciences Graduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Found in Del Norte County, California, in the Tolowa Dunes State Park, there is an Erysimum population that does not fit the species boundaries of E.concinnum Eastw., its current assigned name. A closely related species, E. menziesi (Hook.) Wettst arguably better fits the morphology of the Tolowa Wallflower, with the caveat that it does not adequately depict the population. Because of the endemicity of the two aforementioned species and the Tolowa wallflower, correct taxonomic assessment and a clear definition of species boundaries are warranted. To evaluate the species boundaries and circumscription of the Tolowa wallflower, we would collect DNA samples from Erysimum found on the coast.
Urbanization Impact on Native Avian Species Richness
Makana Kiakona, Wildlife Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
The aim of this study was to focus on the richness of native avian species to determine if they are influenced by urbanization. To measure this, point counts were conducted, in which all birds were counted and identified. A total of 30 survey sites were evenly divided between Arcata, Arcata Bottoms, and Eureka, to encompass a gradient of urbanization.
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 Nature to Nurture: A Forest Based Emotional Support Intervention
Jay Schoenfield, Social Work Graduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Through discussions had between Grant Elementary school Staff and myself, it was established that Grant Elementary’s nature trail, which is located on school grounds was being underutilized in regards to the emotional regulation techniques that were being implemented. In response to this I created a guide sheet grounded in mindfulness through reviewing literature pertaining to forest bathing and the effects of nature exposure. Through discussions had with campus staff I formulated activities that would best support differing behavior and personality types. I then began implementing the guide sheet with small groups of students on the nature trail and on April 6th I lead a staff training.
Veteran and Dependent Education Benefits
Lonnie VanMeter, Social Work Graduate Student
College of Professional Studies
This is a project that was a training to VA social workers to educate them on education benefits for Veterans and their families.
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.
White-crowned sparrow songs not shown to respond to anthropogenic noise pollution in coastal Humboldt County
Keagan Trischman, Wildlife Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
White-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) adjust their songs based on environmental factors. White-crowned sparrows have been observed altering their songs in response to loud anthropogenic background noise. This project sought to establish a link between ambient noise level and song variables such as minimum song frequency and frequency bandwidth.
Wildlife-vehicle Collisions on Highway 299 East
Marco Blancas, Wildlife Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Senior project about wildlife-vehicle collisions on Highway 299 East. I hypothesized that more lanes and lower elevations have more roadkill.
You are not losing your mind. You are losing your estrogen.
Caroline Murphy, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
Menopause is a physical, psychosocial, and cultural transition as diverse and complicated as humans themselves. Every person with ovaries who lives long enough will experience the fluctuation and decline of sex hormones, and about 80% will have symptoms likely to start earlier and be wider-ranging than expected. In this proposed project at a rural health clinic, annual screening will be offered to patients aged 35-55 years. Patient replies will result in offering resources, registered nurse consults and classes, and focused provider visits. Directly addressing perimenopause allows for anticipatory guidance and shared decision-making to improve quality of life in middle-age and beyond.