Carbohydrate phloem loading mechanism in Nicotiana tabacum via the downregulation of sucrose transporter 1

Jennah Brown, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Food security has become a growing concern as we look to the future. Having a thorough understanding of plant functioning can help predict effects brought to crops under a changing climate. This study seeks to better understand the carbohydrate phloem loading mechanism in Nicotiana tobacum by intentionally downregulating the sucrose transporter gene (SUT1). The phloem loading mechanism transports sugars and amino acids from photosynthetic sites to conducting sieve tubes. Such a process is essential for plant growth, storage, and cellular function. N. tobacum resembles those of major crops, and can be used as a model species for addressing food security concerns in other favorable crops.

Case Study Focusing on ASD, Improving Accuracy in Sports with SDT and Video Modeling

Cassandra Mcmillen, Other Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a teacher selected video model on the performance of the golf putt. The researcher believes a systematic approach of instruction will improve skill development for both participants. For this single subject study a changing criterion design was used. Overall, a changing criterion study provides a structured and adaptive approach to skill development, fostering progressive improvement, motivation, and the transfer of learning, all of which contribute to increased accuracy and technique on the skill of putting. Results indicate that there was a gradual upward trend in both participants' successfully attempted putts.

Challenging Boundaries: Investigating the relationship between human persecution and Coyote behavior in California

Steven Childs, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study seeks to examine the relationship between coyote behavior and proximity to areas of public lands where hunting frequently takes place and cosmopolitan areas where coyotes are generally free from being huntedover time using California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Incident Report data. Insights gained are intended to inform targeted management strategies, aiding in conservation and coexistence efforts between humans and coyotes. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to addressing the pressing challenges of human-wildlife conflict, a pervasive issue with far-reaching implications.

Changes in Motivation and Intention to Change Multiple Health Behaviors Associated with a College Health Course

Joshua Worthington, Psychology Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Drawing from the theory of planned behavior, the present study examined changes in self-reported health behaviors, and attitudes and intentions to change behaviors across outcomes of diet, exercise, tobacco smoking, and stress management before and after a health class. Students in several sections of a Health Psychology course (N=477) were invited to complete an online survey assessing self-reported health behaviors, and importance, confidence. Improved intentions, confidence, and importance were reported most health behaviors observed.

Characterization of a Novel Endocellulase Enzyme for Biofuel Optimization

Amanda Ratcliff, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Currently food crops are used to produce bioethanol production, while plant waste cellulose could be used. However, cellulase enzymes are a limiting factor. We sought to characterize a novel cellulase identified by metagenomic analysis of bovine rumen by the JGI and Hess et al. We performed protein expression, genomic analysis, and characterization by SDS-PAGE, CMC and DNS activity assays, and electron microscopy of cellulose degradation. Our data indicates the cellulase is an endoglucanase with an activity of 6.27 cm2/ug, or 6x higher than commercial cellulase enzymes. These results have implications for creating efficient biofuels from agricultural waste products versus the current methods

Climate Action in Humboldt County : College Corps

Indigo Thorson , College Corp Undergraduate Student

Other

This project delves into the role of College Corps in fostering community engagement and leadership development in climate action. Through collaborative partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, College Corps provides students with opportunities to address pressing social environmental challenges while deepening their connections within the community. This case study follows my journey as a College Corps fellow who, driven by a passion for environmental and social justice, has made significant contributions in waste reduction and community garden initiatives. My experiences illustrate the programs’ efficacy in empowering students to become catalysts for change.

Climate Change and Its Effect on Spring Migrating Waterfowl

Xander Gonsalves, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Climate change is one of worlds greatest threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. Rising temperatures could have increased impact on migratory waterfowl during spring migration periods. I went out a did point counts at three different locations (Arcata Marsh, Hookton Slough, Salmon Creek), measured temperature and other environmental factors and waterfowl abundance. There was no significant impact by temperature on waterfowl abundance. Further Research could be done over a longer period of time to measure the impacts climate change and rising temperatures could have on migration timing during the spring.

College Corps and Arcata House Partnership Combating Homelessness in Humboldt County

Annika Botha , Other Undergraduate Student

Other

College Corps, a collaboration between Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, and Arcata House Partnership (AHP), tackles homelessness in Humboldt County. AHP provides crucial support, offering personalized assistance and essential services to over 1700 homeless individuals, including hygiene products, clothing, case management, food assistance, and empowerment programs. Collaborative efforts like College Corps maximize impact amid resource challenges. AHP's compassionate approach fosters stability and community well-being, striving for lasting change by advocating for safe, affordable housing and continuously improving services.

College Corps Creating Communities Through Change

Malcolm Ridings, Other Undergraduate Student

Other

An informational and interpretive poster that showcase the work we did at Jefferson Community Center. While also showcasing what Jefferson Community Center.

College Corps: Big Brothers Big Sisters College CORP Experience

Ivory Browning, Religious Studies Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

An in depth description of what it means to be a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), a local youth mentoring non profit. Connected to BBBS by the College CORP program, Fellows Ivory Rose, Kai Jones, and Emily Martin share their experiences. They each explain how their relationships with their Littles' have impacted their lives.