Characterization of a Novel Endocellulase to Optimize Biofuel Production

Layla Beck , Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Bioethanol is a biofuel already prevalent throughout industry as a gasoline additive. It is widely considered carbon neutral since the carbon released upon combustion was taken from the CO2 in the air and made into cellulose during photosynthesis. Starchy or sugary food crops are used in bioethanol production when plant waste cellulose could be used instead. Efficient and scalable cellulase enzymes are limiting this switch. 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 and characterization by SDS-PAGE, CMC and DNS activity assays to compare this enzyme’s efficacy to commercial ones.

Characterization of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin Bound Nanodiscs via Western Blotting

Celeste Diepenbrock, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) is a light-sensitive transmembrane protein found in the cyanobacterium Anabaena Nostoc. Membrane proteins have proven difficult to study due to their insolubility and tendency to form aggregates in aqueous environments. Nanodiscs are small protein structures that assist in the study of insoluble proteins. In this experiment, self-assembled ASR-bound nanodiscs were purified by Ni-NTA Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). Native gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and absorption spectroscopy were used to detect Anabaena sensory rhodopsin and the scaffolding protein, ApoAI, in the prepared nanodisc sample.

Climate Anxiety: What Are The Effects Of Climate Change On Young People’s Development?

Benjamin Romo, Psychology Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

We reviewed nine peer-reviewed empirical articles on the effects of climate change on young people’s development. The problem is that climate change is so rapid that not many people know its severity and how it can affect us, our children, and our daily lives. We aim to shed light on the psychological side of climate change and present solutions we have found through the various articles listed.

College Corps: Blue Lake Rancheria Daluviwi' Field Restoration Project

Bella Evenson, College Corp Undergraduate Student

Other

Blue Lake Rancheria’s community garden, Daluviwi’, is dedicated to providing produce for tribal communities across Humboldt County. Tribal employees and College Corps fellows at Daluviwi’ are remediating an acre of field space to increase food production. The project is being completed by hand to ensure sustainable development of the land.

College Corps: Finding Community at Potawat Food Garden

Lulu Voss, College Corp Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

My site is the Potawat Community Garden with the United Indian Health Center. At Potawat, we practice organic sustainable agriculture techniques to provide affordable fresh produce for the native community, specifically clients of the hospital. We also attend and donate our sprouts, plants, and seeds in giveaways to native tribes. We put on community volunteer events and bring people together through gardening. We also educate people in sustainable farming practices, and host many tours for students and organizations. My responsibilities include gardening, tabling events, and leading volunteers in the garden. Potawat has taught me the importance and healing of community.

College of the Redwoods Athletic Hub

Zac Claus, School of Applied Health Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

My project, CR Student-Athlete Hub, is a centralized website that was designed to support student-athletes at College of the Redwoods and their transition after CR. It focuses on five sections, providing key resources and information on recruiting, financial aid, eligibility rules, mental health, and success stories of alumni. The goal of this project is to collect and simplify the vast amount of information on these five topics in order to promote equity, access, and opportunity.

Comparative Analysis of Wildlife Abundance and Diversity in Humboldt County: Historical Baselines vs Modern Observations

Nathaniel Davidson, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study compares historical and modern records of wildlife abundance and diversity in Humboldt County to evaluate long-term ecological change. Using a standardized scoring system based on historical quotes, field surveys, and species data, I’ve quantified shifts in species richness, abundance, and ecosystem services. Results highlight significant declines in native species abundance and diversity, revealing patterns of biodiversity loss and degradation since precolonial times.

Comparing Mammalian Presence and Biodiversity Between Different Units of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Erin Konefal, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Comparing mammalian presence and diversity between different units of the Humboldt Wildlife Refuge

Consistent Insect Abundance Across Temperature, Humidity, and Vegetation Gradient in the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

Shahin Mokhtari, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I measured insect abundance in response to various levels of temperature, humidity, and vegetation density.

Corridor Proximity and Habitat Influence on Mammal Rescue Call Frequency

Fernando Herrera JR, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project spatially analyzes mammal wildlife rescue call data in McKinleyville, Arcata, and Eureka, CA, to understand how wildlife corridors influence location and frequency often wildlife are brought in for rehabilitation.