Agent-based Modeling of Microglia Behavior in the Context of Alzheimer's Disease

Emmanuel Mezzulo, Mathematics Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our research investigates the role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using an agent-based model (ABM). Microglia cells, which typically act almost as neuronal guardians in the CNS can, under certain conditions, inadvertently contribute to AD progression if they become dysfunctional. By simulating microglia, neurons, and their interactions with signaling proteins, our ABM sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying the progression of AD, and has a the potential to inform therapeutic targets in AD treatment down the line.

Alzheimer's Disease as Type 3 Diabetes? Unconventional Methods to Utilize if AD is Seen as T3DM

Frank Tirado, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

In recent years new findings in research have been revealing that Alzheimer’s Disease is endocrine disorder: Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus(T3DM). With new evidence of Alzheimer’s Disease(AD) being T3DM, there are now new methods of preventing or slowing the progression of AD.

American Pikas Responses to Long and Short Alarm Calls During Mid-Summer in Lassen National Forest, California

Thomas Butler, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project is an Honors Thesis conducted on Richard Brown with the CPH Wildlife Department. This project assessed the use of the short and long alarm calls used by American pikas. This project took place in Lassen National Forest NW of Susanville, CA.

Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin Membrane Protein

Jacquelyn Amadeo-Ranch, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Rhodopsins are light-sensitive proteins within the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family that convert photons into intracellular chemical signals that perform downstream biological functions. Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) with a 6x-His tag was isolated and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography after evaluating clones of induced E. coli transformed with a pET15b plasmid. The most viable clones discovered from this study were BU3E and Box A. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis confirmed the protein size of 20.65 kDa. These results indicate that these 2 strains can be utilized for further studies on ASR function in nanodiscs.

ANALYSIS OF ACIDITY, CO2 AND OXYGEN CONCENTRATION DURING SUMMER UPWELLING CONDITIONS IN HUMBOLDT BAY, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Lindsey Fischer, Oceanography Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project took place over summer of 2023. We set sensors in Humboldt bay in June and again in August leaving them out for three days. These sensors tracked alkalinity, temperature, and oxygen levels within the water. From this we could look at how summer upwelling changed the water chemistry from June to August.

Analyzing Trace Levels of Iron in Seawater: Expanding the Measurable Concentration Range

Brooke Stafford, Geology Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Seawater samples are to be measured for the iron concentration content. We measured standard samples to better understand what concentration ranges we could measure. We are currently working on optimizing the method to measure higher concentrations.

Around the Bay in 80 Days: Investigating the Relationship between Bird Diversity and Plants

Quinlan House, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between plant species richness and bird diversity within the area of Humboldt Bay situated in north-western California. Humboldt Bay hosts a unique array of natural areas such as redwood forests, coastal dune forests, and wetlands. We examined the effect of plant species richness and diversity on bird diversity in these three habitats around Humboldt Bay by conducting point counts, plant species censusing, and plant density sampling across 10 plots at each habitat.

Assessing Attitudes Toward Law Enforcement and Civilian Law Enforcement Review Boards in Humboldt, California

Joshua Worthington, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

The current state of policing in the United States is a heavily politicized issue. In response to instances of excessive police force on vulnerable populations, civilian law enforcement review boards (CLERBs) were developed to improve accountability. In this study, we investigated support for CLERBs and attitudes toward law enforcement in Humboldt County. Drawing from the social identity theory framework and intergroup contact theory, our work shows that people’s beliefs about how marginalized communities are treated by law enforcement predicts their attitudes toward law enforcement, and this in turn predicts support for CLERBs. We discuss these relationships and their implications.

Attitudes of Recognizable and Unrecognizable Disabilities in Various Contexts

Mari Sanchez, Psychology Faculty

College of Professional Studies

Some disabilities are apparent (i.e., recognizable), while other disabilities are not (i.e., unrecognizable). Different situational contexts (i.e. dating, marriage, work, classroom) and the type of disability being judged (recognizable or unrecognizable) may impact one’s attitudes towards those with disabilities. In addition, one’s own personal characteristics (e.g. gender, sexual orientation, and disability status) may also impact one’s disability attitudes.

Attitudes of Recognizable and Unrecognizable Disabilities in Various Contexts

Alicia Martin, Psychology Staff

College of Professional Studies

Some disabilities are apparent (i.e., recognizable), while other disabilities are not (i.e., unrecognizable). Different situational contexts (i.e. dating, marriage, work, classroom) and the type of disability being judged (recognizable or unrecognizable) may impact one’s attitudes towards those with disabilities. In addition, one’s own personal characteristics (e.g. gender, sexual orientation, and disability status) may also impact one’s disability attitudes.