Recreational Beach Day

Grace Shanahan, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

My project took place in the form of an event. I organized a community event at Clam beach to get others outside and learn the importance of recreating. Various activities were offered, and this event was free for all participants. Different learning resources were provided to highlight the benefits and importance of recreating and spending time outside.

Redefining Career Prep for Environmental Studies

Ashley Keya , Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Previous studies have examined the outcomes of different career development strategies for Environmental Studies students across the country and have found that programs with strong career preparation also utilize the curriculum and community when advising their students. Cal Poly Humboldt’s ENST department has yet to contribute to this research and implement all of these strategies. We conducted research, funded by the LAEP Program (including student surveys, interviews, peer-reviewed journals, and comparative analysis) to determine best practices to support our students in achieving their career goals.

Resistance Training and Kinesiophobia Post Hip Replacement

Ian Blank, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

A research review looking into the role that progressive resistance training plays in improving kinesiophobia outcomes in post operative hip replacement patients.

Revisiting the Five Finger Discount: Shoplifting as a Reproductive Strategy

Shairy Jimenez Delgado, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Using social media to conduct human ethological research, this study seeks to replicate previous findings that online shoplifting displays are motivated by reproductive strategies to increase mate value. It involves the analysis of 150 Tumblr posts showcasing stolen items, which together feature 1,744 identifiable items. Items with the intended use of improving attraction by enhancing physical appearance, scent, or sexual allure include: personal care items, makeup, cosmetic applicators, and jewelry were categorized as mating relevant. The results of this study replicate previous work by showing a significant difference between mating relevant and non-mating relevant items.

Role of Recreational Trailways and Cover Objects in Relation to Terrestrial Salamanders

Anthony Gomez, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Recreational trailways are becoming an ever-present component within community forests, nature reserves and national parks, with the effects on local wildlife just beginning to be understood. Prior research holds that regular trailway maintenance increases microhabitat availability for salamanders and results in increased densities. I conducted a 3-month study in a community forest in northwestern California, and used a standardized nighttime paired-field survey technique to assess for cover objects and salamander surface activity.

Scanning Electron Microscope Imaging of Nitropentaamminecobalt(III) Chloride ([Co(NH3)5NO2]Cl2) Crystal Structure

David Morales, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Inorganic chemistry is the study of molecules that have properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds, such as metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds. Students in organic chemistry lab used knowledge of coordination compounds to synthesize nitropentaamminecobalt(III) chloride ([Co(NH3)5NO2]Cl2) crystals. Imaging of these crystals using a scanning electron microscope was performed to get a closer look at these crystals to characterize them further.

Sea Star Wasting Disease and Species Biodiversity

Lily Green, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

My project studied the effects of sea star wasting disease on sea star populations at Trinidad Beach and Baker's Beach. I surveyed sea stars with the disease and without the disease in approximately half-a-meter quadrant plots. In these plots, I centered the sea stars, counted the number of diseased and or healthy sea stars, and calculated the species biodiversity through point count and percent cover. My point count data results showed a positive correlation between species biodiversity and sea star wasting disease. On the other hand, I found that my percent count data supported a negative correlation between species biodiversity and sea star wasting disease.

Sea Stars and Wave Action

Jackson Gershanoff, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Undergraduate research project for the Wildlife Department researching to see if being protected or exposed to wave action affects where sea stars are found

Seabirds and Their Effects on Plant Growth

Hunter Green , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Seabirds play an important role in transporting nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from sea to land that are vital for both plants and animals. My study investigates how seabird guano effects plant growth using native wild strawberries. I conducted a two-month long study where I transplanted native strawberries to grow in soil that I mixed seabird guano in and soil without guano to compare its impact on plant growth. I found there was no significant difference between the plant growth in the soil with compared to without seabird guano. However, I believe a more extensive study is required to determine the precise impact of seabird guano on the growth of native plants.

Senior Speed Mixer

Charlie Gittings, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Our creative project, the Senior Speed-Mixer, fights social isolation among older individuals while fostering community bonds. Inspired by past events, we've crafted a welcoming program promoting interactions among seniors in Humboldt. With help from local organizations, we secured a venue and gathered support from businesses for raffle prizes. The event will feature one-on-one discussions to cultivate new connections. With a goal of twenty participants, we aim to bring joy and companionship to Humboldt's seniors, showcasing Cal Poly Humboldt's commitment to social responsibility.