May 3, 2024 | Digital Showcase | Humboldt Library
All Presenters & Abstracts
Bicycling for Exercise Helps Maintain a Youthful Metabolic Cost of Walking in Older Adults
Presentation Year: 2017
Healthy older adults have been shown to have a 15-20% greater metabolic cost of walking compared to young adults. However, a recent study suggests that older adults who routinely run for exercise have a lower metabolic cost of walking compared to older adults who walk for exercise. It remains unclear if bicycling elicits similar improvements among older adults. PURPOSE: To determine if regular bicycling exercise affects metabolic cost of walking in older adults. RESULTS: Across the range of walking speeds, older bicyclists had a 9-17% lower metabolic cost of walking compared to older walkers. CONCLUSION: Bicycling exercise mitigates the age-related deterioration of walking metabolic cost.
Bio-Renewable Hydrogel Polymers from Modified Chitosan: Progress Towards Three Dimensional Cell Growth Scaffolds
Presentation Year: 2017
The current research focuses on producing hydrogels from chitosan, a bio-renewable bio-compatible and bio-degradable polymer. Hydrogels are used as contact lenses, drug delivery systems, and biomedical applications such as tissue engineering. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, an abundant biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. Amino acid coupling, using 1-Ethyl-3-(3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), is employed to covalently attach trans-cinnamic acid to the free amine of chitosan. Modified chitosan is then cross-linked under UV irradiation to produce hydrogels. The swelling capacity and sterilizability are currently under investigation.
Bridging the Gap: Environmentalism & the Military
Presentation Year: 2017
The United States military has a long and well documented history of environmental degradation, contamination, and environmental injustice. Today, the U.S. military has taken steps to attempt control, regulation, and conservation in a growing environmental sector. Current relations between environmentalists and military personnel are still plagued with contention. This has created a stigma on bases about environmentalists and their contributions to military base lives. By reconciling my knowledge of the military and the environment with the tools of an environmental studies major I hope to show ways in which we can improve the relationship with the military and environment.
California State University System FY 2011-15 Financial Condition & Capacity Assessment
Presentation Year: 2017
The CSU system is the largest public university system within the US. Purpose of this study is to assess the financial condition and viability of the system, as well as individual campuses. We examined four years of independently audited financials presented in a standardized format. Using financial ratios we identify trends, establish benchmarks, and highlight areas of concern. In our analysis, we attempt to identify causal determinants of stronger financial performance, including controllable activities and non-controllable. This study seeks to understand the role management structure and related controls play in the long-term financial condition and solvency of public institution.
Campus Readiness Assessment: Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy at Humboldt State Unviersity
Presentation Year: 2017
In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown received a bill (AB 1594) authored by assembly member McCarthy requesting the prohibition of smoke & tobacco use on all Calfornia college and university campuses. However, Gov. Brown vetoed the bill and stated that the governing boards of public colleges and universities have the authority to revise their own smoke & tobacco policies as needed. Therefore, an online survey was developed to assess the community's readiness to adopt a 100% smoke & tobacco-free policy. The goal of this project is to provide the Humboldt State University governing board with a glimpse of public opinion regarding the possible implementation of a smoke and tobacco-free policy.
Cannabis Use and Mood on Creativity
Presentation Year: 2017
This study examines the relationship between cannabis use (infrequent, moderate, and heavy use) and one’s mood (neutral, positive, and negative) on the Alternative Use Task (AUT). Although both mood and cannabis may influence creativity independently, not much is known about their interactive effects. Creativity was measured by the number of alternative uses for common objects produced by the participants. The AUT was followed by a survey that included cannabis use frequency and the Creative Achievement Questionnaire, which has been shown to represent an individual’s creative ability across multiple mediums.
CCAT: Conjoining Social and Natural Systems
Presentation Year: 2017
As a senior in Environmental Studies I have chosen to complete my service learning capstone project at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) since I am one of the co-directors managing the non-profit organization. CCAT is a student run sustainable living demonstration site that utilizes appropriate technology. While at CCAT I have analyzed and critiqued how social systems and natural systems overlay one another creating a sustainable relationship. Living lighter and in tune with the local environment is not only doable but rewarding and beneficial. My service learning project has helped to fill part of the gap between where I am now and where I aim to be professionally.
Co-Occurring Curriculum in the Criminal Justice System
Presentation Year: 2017
The curriculum will be developed for current inmates at the local county jail experiencing co-occurring disorders. Culminating healthier approaches to communication and stress management as well as developing systems of support in regards to personal relationships may provide foundations for increasing overall functioning and wellbeing. The curriculum will be guided by the empowerment process, based on an individual’s right to self-determination; valuing personal perspective, acknowledging difficulties and encouraging self-regulated personal growth. The project will attempt to address current problematic and maladaptive thinking and behavior for current inmates with co-occurring disorders.
Collections Room Project using Past Perfect 5.0
Presentation Year: 2017
The Collections Room Project is dedicated to digitizing and organizing the information for the various artifact collections housed in BSS 139. The parameters include using the Past Perfect 5.0 software in order to catalog the data for each individual artifact and create a database in which all the information can be housed and viewed. The final product will include information such as measurements, potential use, and physical characteristics for each artifact; attributes which may be searched, using the query field. The primary use for the compiled database is to allow for a convenient search of artifacts within the collection in order to aid in student and faculty research and study.
Colorectal Cancer Disparities and Physical Activity Distribution Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites in New Mexico
Presentation Year: 2017
We studied changes in physical activity among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) to examine the difference in colorectal cancer (CRC) related risk factors between these 2 groups across time.
The UNM ColorectalDisease Prevention Study (M. Gonzales PI) surveyed the intensity of work and leisure physical activity at age 18, 30, 50 and/or year before diagnosis among 176 Hispanic and NHW CRC patients including additional risk factors which are known to differ between Hispanics and NHWs in New Mexico (Gonzales 2012).
Due to racial ethnic differences in CRC related risk factors, the need to raise awareness about CRC prevention is essential for the Hispanic communities in New Mexico.
Comparing Male and Female Domestic Violence Offender Responses Regarding Experiences Related To Intimate Partner Violence
Presentation Year: 2017
Historically, male violence has been viewed as a way to maintain power and control over a female partner within an intimate relationship while female violence has been viewed as a response to a male intimate partner’s attacks (Dobash & Dobash, 1979; Walker 1989). This community research project examines differences in attitudes and experiences related to violence among male and female domestic violence offenders. Individual interviews (N=13) were conducted to gain qualitative data specific to this topic. Participants included 5 men and 8 women enrolled in a 52-week batterer’s intervention program. The project findings will help guide a better understanding of family violence.
Compiling archived spectral data of exoplanetary systems to search for trends in the atmospheric composition of hot Jupiters
Presentation Year: 2017
The study of exoplanets has produced large amounts of data since the first exoplanet was discovered over two decades ago. Much of these data are archival and available online to be reused to search for new results. More specifically, spectral data that has been taken from planet-star systems to detect planets by the radial velocity (RV) method can be reused to perform transit spectroscopy if the RV curves include spectra taken at the primary and secondary eclipses and the observations have sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Our goal is to prepare a compilation of current results on the atmospheric composition of hot Jupiter type planets and extend it by reusing archival data.
Conversations Matter: Mediation Theory, Practice, and Social Change
Presentation Year: 2017
I am participating in a service learning project through the Environmental Studies’ Spring 2017 Senior Capstone. My emphasis in community organizing has established my curiosity and passion for conflict resolution communication. Conflict is a part of life. How this inevitability takes form and is approached varies and has social ramifications. Working with Humboldt Mediation Services has informed me about the social impacts mediation theory and practice impart and has revealed the need for and power of alternative dispute resolution in personal, social, environmental, and political arenas. This project highlights my involvement with and vision for mediation theory and practice.
Conversations on Transportation- Exploring Transportation Concerns for HSU OLLI Members
Presentation Year: 2017
HSU OLLI holds classes all over Humboldt County. With a member population of people aged 50 and better, the accessibility issues and transportation problems getting to all the class sites is a huge concern for the program. This study looks into what exactly are the barriers for members and what transportation options are available in Humboldt County for this population.
County Wide Assessment of Syringe Exchange Programs
Presentation Year: 2017
Intravenous drug usage can lead to multiple detrimental health related risks including the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C, abscesses and infections, and drug related overdose. One of the most crucial interventions proven to reduce rates of these health risks among injection drug users is the syringe exchange program. This project examines the active syringe exchange programs in Humboldt County in order to explore the various practices, policies, and services offered by each. The ultimate goal for this project is to strengthen agency relationships, promote sharing of information and best practices, and maximize our ability to reach people in need.
CR Resource Center and Food Pantry
Presentation Year: 2017
Mission
The CR Resource Center (CRRC) seeks to decrease stigma and barriers and empower students to achieve academic success through increasing access to services and resources in a caring community. The Resource Center provides application assistance and information on CalFresh benefits and Medi-Cal, access to the Food Pantry, referrals to on and off campus programs in a safe and welcoming community space. Collaborations with the Klamath-Trinity campus and other community agencies are an essential part of the development of the CRRC. The CRRC opened its doors on 11/16 and will continue as an added resource on the CR campus.
Creativity and Mood in Cannabis Using College Students
Presentation Year: 2017
This study examines the relationship between cannabis use (infrequent, moderate, and heavy use) and one’s mood (neutral, positive, and negative) on creativity, which is scored by the Alternative Use Task (AUT) and the Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ).
Critical Service Learning and Social Change
Presentation Year: 2017
The major problems we face today are socially constructed and institutionally perpetuated. With the right approach Service Learning can play a critical role in affecting social change. Critical Service Learning informed by the Environmental Humanities offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary model for problem solving, and an effective mode of intervention. These ideas are explored using my Service Learning placement at Northcoast Environmental Center and my experience with the Humboldt State Environmental Studies curriculum.
Cultural Awareness and Education for Military and Veteran Population
Presentation Year: 2017
Current literature indicates the number of Veterans entering higher education is rapidly growing due to the reduction of military size and the availability of financial support through the Post-9/11 GI bill (Lang, et al., 2013; McBain, et al., 2012). Research shows the challenges student Veterans face can be reduced significantly when colleges incorporate support programs specific to student Veterans and provide training about military culture to faculty and staff (Bosari, et al, 2017; Osborne, 2014). The intention of this project was to increase awareness to the presence of military culture on the HSU campus through a training presentation.
Decolonizing Mentorship Programs
Presentation Year: 2017
In the past, efforts to create mentorship programs have been unsuccessful due to the tendency to place the needs of mentors before individuals who are being mentored. The purpose of this project was to lessen the paternalism in mentorship programs by providing space to discuss objectives and barriers for students who may then participate as mentees. Six open ended questions were designed in an effort to include student’s ideas on how to engage with student partners and provide a safe learning environment. Following the focus group, the information will be analyzed and delivered to mentors in the form of a powerpoint. This analysis will also be available to students for review and critique.