Equitable Self-Assessment and Intervention Practices in Supplemental Instruction

Isabella Donato, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

To promote equitable learning and assessment practices in Supplemental Instruction classrooms, weekly surveys were conducted in a BIOL 198 SI course linked to a Genetics (BIOL 340) core class. These weekly surveys provided opportunities for students to reflect on the effectiveness of their learning strategies. The Supplemental Instruction Leader then implemented activities during class to focus on reading comprehension and test preparation, the two areas indicated by students as their areas of least confidence. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated improvement in SI student reflections of self-efficacy throughout a non-consecutive six-week period.

Eschscholzia Californica Shows Evidence of Fitness Based Local and Home-site Advantage Regardless of Morphological Patterns

Sage Brislen, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the state flower, varies in lifespan and phenotype across its range. It's widely used in restoration, yet local adaptation is poorly understood. We conducted two common garden studies in coastal and inland California using seeds from seven locations. After greenhouse germination, plants were grown in Santa Cruz and Davis. We measured survival, growth, reproduction, and leaf traits. Results show evidence of local adaptation in fitness (survival and seed production), though not always in morphology. This suggests local seed sourcing is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity in restoration amid climate change.

Evaluating Approaches to changing visitor behavior with the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Nizhoni Kears, College Corp Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Headwaters Forest Reserve, located in Southern Eureka, protects over 7,400 acres of old-growth and second-growth redwood forest, sensitive riparian habitat, and threatened species. As recreation use increases, managing the impacts of pets — especially dogs — has become a growing challenge for both resource protection and visitor experience. In partnership with the College Corps program, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program at Headwaters following a successful student pitch that won funding. This national visitor education initiative promotes responsible pet recreation through positive messaging and public engagement.

Evaluating Samsung SmartTags as a Low-Cost Wildlife Tracking Tool

Daniel Meng, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Samsung smart tags are used as a tool for tracking the location of mule deer and assessing their use in different environments with levels of urbanisation.

Examining Foraging Patterns Between Great and Snowy Egrets

Riyanna De La Rosa, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Examining foraging behavior of Great and Snowy Egrets in wetland environments. Two study sites, the Arcata Bay and the Salt Marsh, were examined in the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Comparisons were made examining their strike rates, success, rates, movement patterns, and location preferences while taking into consideration the wetland composition of the two study sites.

Exercise is Medicine On Campus

Young Kwon, School of Applied Health Faculty

College of Professional Studies

Exercise is Medicine® (EIM), led by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), promotes physical activity as a key part of healthcare. Its campus initiative, Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC), encourages colleges to make movement a daily part of student life. Cal Poly Humboldt is one of only 149 institutions worldwide recognized by EIM® with a Gold Level designation for its efforts, including the Daily 5K and other activities that promote campus wellness and student well-being.

Exploring Public Engagement with the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary as a Third Place

Emry Yount, Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This project examines how the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata, CA, serves as a "third place" for the local community. A "third place" refers to social spaces where people gather outside their homes and workplaces, fostering community interaction and well-being. This study uses semi-structured interviews and observational surveys to assess who uses the Marsh and how the site facilitates this role. The free, outdoor nature of the sanctuary makes it particularly accessible to a wide range of individuals, encouraging community engagement. The project highlights the significance of the Arcata Marsh as a welcoming, open space where people connect, relax, and engage in recreation.

Facilitation and Spatial Association of Common Murres and Brandt’s Cormorants in Northern California

Nathan Simpson, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project set out to examine the hypothesis that Brandt's Cormorant act as a facilitator species to Common Murre. Drone images were taken of the study system during the breeding season of each year to accurately represent the space used by each species. Spatial analysis was conducted on both species to determine if non-random spatial associated occurred at several scales. Additionally an analysis was conducted to examine how the number of Murres associated with Cormorants changed over time.

Facility Needs Assessment At Prasch Hall Community Center

Matthew Cherovsky , Other Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

My senior project is a facility needs assessment of Prasch Hall Community Center in Blue Lake, California. It gathers feedback from community members and facility users regarding their overall satisfaction with the facility, and its programs. The surveys were given out to the public both physically and digitally to ensure accessibility. I then summarized the results in a report with charts, summaries for each of the questions, and both short-term (1-year) and long-term (5+ year) improvement plans. The goal is to help inform the City of Blue Lake’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan while strengthening community engagement and facility operations.

Factors Influencing Extended Periods of Inactivity in Barred Owls

Emily Mora, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study aimed to understand the factors influencing extended periods of inactivity in barred owls. We analyzed environmental factors, such as temperature and seasonal variations, along with individual characteristics like sex, to better understand their activity patterns. The findings could aid in developing more effective management strategies for barred owls through targeted removal programs, ultimately improving conservation efforts for the threatened northern spotted owl.