The Cultural Significance of Maori Pounamu

Brandon Borba, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

An anthropological investigation of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people and their unique use of greenstone jade.

The Effect of Prescribed Fire in Northern California Dune Habitat for Avian Species

Cameron Morgan, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The objective of my study is to determine relative abundance and species diversity of avian species in dune habitat by comparing point counts conducted in burned sections of prescribed fires that were either treated or untreated with herbicides prior to application of fire compared to unburned areas of invasive beach grass or native dune mat. The prescribed fire event was conducted last fall in Loleta's Ocean Ranch Unit, and I am seeking to inform CDFW and Cal Fire on the potential effects of the burn on birds, with the goal of restoring our dunes to habitat with native vegetation.

The effects of combined oral contraceptives on mood and affect: A meta-analysis

Povheng Yam, Psychology Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills are used more commonly than any other method of contraception, with over 22 million users worldwide. Although many studies have investigated the potential health-related side effects of hormonal contraceptive use, relatively less research has investigated the potential psychological side effects of COCs despite the fact that many women anecdotally report such side effects. The current meta-analysis analyzes mood outcomes in the literature and finds a small but significant mood improvement following initiation of COCs.

The Effects of Self-Determination Theory-Based Exercise Program for Individuals with Disabilities

Guadalupe Cruz, Kinesiology & Recreation Administration Graduate Student

Other

This research aims to explore the efficacy of using Social Determination Theory (SDT) principles with an exercise program for individuals with disabilities. The SDT theoretical framework highlights the importance of social environments to support individuals' basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence as it relates to exercise motivation. In the study, the researcher measured the exercise performance of an adult with Down Syndrome during a 6-week program hosted at a recreation facility in Northern California. The independent variables measured included walking, modified push-ups, and curl-ups.

The Effects of Water Temperature on Bluebird Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis) Behavior

Maddy Frost, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study investigates how water temperature influences Blueband hermit crab behavior from 4 different sites ranging from Southern to Northern California.

The History and Development of the Washoe People

Caroline Blair, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This project is an exploration in the history, development, and reclamation efforts of the Washoe Tribe. This native tribe’s ancestral land centers around Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California. The Washoe people have been adversely impacted by colonial and westward expansion. Currently, The Washoe have proposals for land use within each of their established settlements that will incorporate more agricultural practices and conservation efforts and the Tribe is opening a sawmill within the Tahoe Forest for revenue, jobs, and fire management. These projects represent efforts by the Tribe to reclaim their ancestral lands and promote their own development.

The Impact of Recreational Activity on Staging American Wigeon

Daniel Moore, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study was conducted to determine if human recreational activity, such as birdwatching or dog walking, has any appreciable impact on the amount of time American wigeon spend feeding in preparation to their spring migration. Due to the large energetic cost associated with migration, disruptions to this pre-migratory feeding could delay or impede their departure, potentially lowering the bird's chances of mating.

The Junior Monitors Project

Taevia Salazar , Social Work Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

The Junior Monitor project aimed to promote social and emotional learning and peer conflict resolution at Alice Birney Elementary and Lafayette Elementary through the implementation of an eight-week curriculum consisting of once-weekly 30-minute group sessions. The curriculum was designed in collaboration with my project partner, community partner, and school principals. It was focused on using restorative justice practices, relational accountability, and peer mentoring to address conflict on the playground.

The Kids Will Be Alright: Addressing Teens’ Needs for Connection After Covid Isolation

Megan McCullough, Social Work Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

At Sunset High in Del Norte, I created and implemented several curriculums held as master class “skillshops.” The topics ranged from self-care to media literacy to healthy relationships. I used a mindfulness and Polyvagal/somatic approach, while being multicultural, anti-racist, critically and resourcefully informed. The skillshops were oriented through an alliance with the students, and relied primarily on established relationships and rapport with the students. Students left the skillshops with a deeper sense of understanding the gifts within themselves, along with a more critical, embodied, and curious way of interacting with the world around them.

The Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and Crested screamer (Chauna torquata): An evaluation of enclosure usage within a mixed-species exhibit

Kaylie Adams, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Providing balanced and enriching enclosures is a key part of maintaining the animal welfare standards of zoos and sanctuaries. This study was designed to assess the enclosure usage patterns related to foraging opportunity of both the Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and Crested screamer (Chauna torquata), housed within the same exhibit, at the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California. These results have the potential to be extrapolated towards the betterment of exhibit designs and husbandry practices for mixed-species exhibits in zoos.