Utilizing PCR to Test Oysters from the Humboldt Bay for Toxoplasma gondii

Porter Ellis, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely ubiquitous parasite that can be found in most terrestrial species, with the potential to infect marine species as well. T. gondii has been found to encyst in bivalve species across the world, with some cases finding market oysters testing positive. This study tested 22 oysters, 11 from 2 different farms in the Humboldt Bay, for Toxoplasma gondii utilizing Polymerase Chain Reaction and Gel Electrophoresis.

Water Adsorption on Environmental Metal Oxides Determined by the Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) Technique

Chris Harmon, Chemistry Faculty

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Clouds are a critical component of the atmosphere, which predominantly cools the planet by scattering solar radiation back to space. Particulate matter (PM) are small solids suspended in the air that can initiate the seeding process for cloud formation, where environmental metal oxides (EMO) are one of the dominate types of PM. This process is directly related to the relative humidity (RH) above the PM surface and how much water it absorbs. PM collects sparingly small molecular layers of water before undergoing bulk scale water uptake. Details of water uptake at this level are still lacking in the literature, and we desire to quantify water uptake on atmospheric PM to enhance climate models.

Weather Impacts on Insect and Arthropod Diversity and Abundance

Megan Solimine, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project examines the effects of weather on insect and arthropod diversity and abundance in Arcata, California. Data captured was keyed out to taxonomic family, then Jaccard's Index and beta diversity tests were used to identify differences between sites.

What are the Effects of Weight Management Techniques on Female Athletes' Mental Health in Weight-class Sports?

Paige Cato-Stahl, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This project explored the psychological effects of weight management techniques on female athletes in weight-class sports. Drawing from personal experience in MMA and jiu-jitsu, I conducted a literature review to examine how weight cutting impacts mental health. Findings revealed high rates of anxiety, emotional burnout, disordered eating, and long-term distress. The research emphasizes the need for mental health support, athlete-centered interventions, and policy reform to protect female athletes from the unseen psychological costs of making weight.

What Determines Field Use by Shorebirds?

Samantha Bacon, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

What determines field use by shorebirds? Assessing habitat characteristics of fields used as supratidal feeding habitat by shorebirds.

What Frames A Life?

Marti "McFly" Smith, Other Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

My dad Ricky Wayne Fischer died on September 8th, 2024, after a lifetime struggle with addiction. An estimated 28.9 million Americans had an Alcohol Use Disorder in 2024 (NIAAA, 2024). Families who have a parent with a Substance Abuse Disorder are “characterized by an environment of secrecy, loss, conflict, violence or abuse, emotional chaos, role reversal, and fear.” (Lander, 2013). To tackle the wicked problem of addiction, this paper focuses on the psychological, biological, sociological, economic disciplines, and my own primary source of having a parent with a Substance Abuse Disorder. Additionally explored, are the creative disciplines of photography and writing to honor his life.

Wicked Problems

Sarah Peters Gonzalez, Other Faculty

Other

Wicked problems are complex issues that resist straightforward solutions due to their interconnected nature, uncertainty, and ambiguity. These problems defy simple solutions, are shaped by countless variables and often lack clear boundaries. No single discipline holds the key to addressing them. By integrating diverse perspectives, knowledge, and methodologies, students in the Individualized Degree Program (IDP) explored a range of wicked problems, examining them from multiple disciplinary angles, drawing on insights from various fields: science, humanities, and more. The aim of the project is to showcase the power of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges of our time.

WLDF 495W Senior Project Spring 2025

Justin Packham, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Particular prey preferences observed from the feeding behavior of captive raptors