Habitat Variation and Shorebird Roosting Flocks: Examining Species Composition Across Arcata Marsh

Karl Vanuska, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project looks at how species composition in shorebird roosting flocks varies across different locations within Arcata Marsh. This research assess how environmental factors, such as substrate type, vegetation cover, proximity to foraging areas, and tidal conditions, influence species richness and diversity at roosting sites. As well as if behavior may change due to species composition within roosting flocks.

Harmonic Analysis of Currents within Humboldt Bay

Caitlin Williams, Oceanography Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Multiyear time series of current data measured by 2 horizontal SonTek/YSI ADCPs placed mid-depth in the water column at 2 different locations in Humboldt Bay, CA, a shallow, tidally-driven estuary in northern California, were analyzed to determine the contributions of different harmonic frequencies within the bay. Spectral analysis of the time series revealed that the currents are dominated by several tidal harmonics. The 3 dominant frequencies include M2, K1, and O1, but their contribution varies spatially between the two station locations. Additional frequencies in the data indicate overtides, as well as potential interference with topography and the more variable wind-induced currents.

Hericium Erinaceus (Lions Maine) Effects on Neurogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Memory Retention in Alzheimer's Patients

David Christal, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This research aims to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane mushroom), focusing on its effects on neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and memory retention in Alzheimer’s patients. Hericium erinaceus is rich in bioactive compounds such as erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, reduce oxidative stress, and protect neurons from apoptosis and inflammation. These properties of Hericium erinaceus suggest a potential role in enhancing the treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease.

How Do Anthropogenic Disturbances Affect Marbled Godwits in Humboldt Bay

Emma Leininger, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

How Do Anthropogenic Disturbances Affect Marbled Godwits in Humboldt Bay? I looked into how different types of human disturbances effect responses and vigilance in marbled godwits.

How Does Habitat Ecological Resolution Effect Bat Population in Arcata CA and Trinity CA?

Katrina Maynez , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Bat acoustic survey done in Arcata CA and Trinity CA across 6 different sites. How does habitat ecological resolutions effect bat population in Arcata CA vs Trinity CA?

How Does Restoration Affect Food Web Dynamics Within Quail Populations in the McKinleyville Land Trust Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland?

Zen Godinez, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The McKinleyville Land Trust’s Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland is a 2.55-acre endangered coastal prairie wetland in California, conserved in 2009. Restoration efforts with the Wiyot Tribe and U.S. Fish & Wildlife removed invasives and reintroduced native plants, but coincided with declining California quail (Callipepla californica) populations. This study establishes the first baseline conditions, using wildlife cameras and botanical surveys to assess quail habitat suitability, examining invasive removal, predation, and fragmentation impacts. Findings will guide adaptive management to balance biodiversity and restoration, while honoring the Baduwa’t Wiyot’s ancestral homeland.

How Ecological Restoration Affects Mammalian Species Diversity and Evenness in Coastal Dune Systems

Samantha Lieburn, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I tested the effects of differning landscape management practices at two different coastal dune systems in Humboldt County , California. I did this to see how ecological restoration of native plant compositions affected mammalian species richness and evenness.

How Parenting Styles Relate to Attachment Styles in North and South America

Naomi Huerta-Vazquez, Psychology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This review explores how parenting styles in North and South America influence children later in life. By examining a range of studies from both regions, we analyzed the long-term effects of different parenting approaches on individuals as they grow into adulthood. Parenting styles explored in our research include authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Studies also evaluated additional influences on parenting such as overprotectiveness and patriachal influence. The goal is to understand better how cultural and regional differences in parenting can shape emotional, social, and psychological development over time.

How to Stop Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

RoAnna Petty, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Kidney damage is not reversible, but CKD can be stopped or its progression can be slowed. Diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of CKD. Medical directors, nurse leaders, home care providers, and public health officials must be aware of the risks and take action to screen patients and educate them on how to prevent or manage CKD. Exercise lowers blood glucose and blood pressure and can prevent CKD. Smartwatches can be used by patients and monitored by healthcare providers to adjust physical activity, which can help stop or slow the progression of CKD.

Human Disturbance and Foraging Behavior of Aleutian Geese

Molly Smialkowski, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Interested in the affect of human presence on foraging behavior of geese, I conducted an observational study of Aleutian geese where I compared their behavior between two sites. Individual geese were chosen at random and observed for 5 minutes as average sound in decibels and human count was recorded. During this period the behaviors displayed were also recorded. The analysis outcome highlights the impact that human presence has on the behavior of Aleutian geese.