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Presenters & Abstracts

May 3, 2024 | Digital Showcase | Humboldt Library

All Presenters & Abstracts

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Short and Long Term Effects of Antibiotic Treatment on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Proliferation of HEK293 Cells

Presentation Year: 2023

Rhiannon

Red Bird,

Biological Sciences

  • Nate
    Krause
    Biological Sciences
    Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Antibiotics are commonly used in modern-day cell culture to prevent the loss of valuable data and cells- useful for protecting valuable cells during long-term studies. Cells are cultured in nutrient rich media, causing rapid proliferation of unwanted contaminants (i.e. viruses/ bacteria). We know that short term treatment negatively affects cell differentiation, proliferation, regulation and metabolism- yet, are still commonly used in cell culture. In this study, we cross-examined the effects of short term antibiotic treatments (96 hours) and long term antibiotic treatments (192 hours) on human embryonic kidney cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and protein expression.

Sorrel Leaf Healing Center Mental Health 101 Training and Coping Skills Toolbox

Presentation Year: 2023

Ashly

Kloiber,

Social Work

College of Professional Studies

This project consisted of two deliverables. The first is a digital Canva presentation that will educate Sorrel Leaf Healing Center non-clinical staff on the basic neuroscience behind trauma and how trauma connects to behavior and diagnosis, in addition to addressing cultural considerations and incorporating mental health first aid concepts. The second deliverable is a toolbox that provides coping skills interventions for staff to use with residents that assist with co-regulation.

Soulmates within Primates

Presentation Year: 2023

Michael

Szyndler,

Anthropology

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This Poster is about the potential future research within the primatology field, specifically within the studies of pair bonding between Titi monkeys, Owl monkeys, and Gibbons. This project shows the conclusive evidence of pair bonding done already and what it entails and what the outcomes are. The project also includes information on these species as well as a breakdown of what pair bonding is and why it is important.

Spectral Analysis of Currents in Humboldt Bay

Presentation Year: 2023

Taylor

Juchau,

Oceanography

  • Karina
    Bernbeck
    Oceanography
    Undergraduate Student
  • Noe
    Camarillo
    Physics & Astronomy
    Undergraduate Student
  • Steven
    Gracy
    Physics & Astronomy
    Undergraduate Student
  • Emma
    Modrick
    Oceanography
    Graduate Student
  • Tamara
    Barriquand
    Oceanography
    Faculty
College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our purpose is to analyze the ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) data from the PORTS Hookton Channel Day Marker 3 station in Humboldt Bay, CA, to compare with the analysis of the ADCP data at the PORTS Chevron Pier station done by Emma Modrick and Isabelle Marcus (Modrick et al., 2022). We want to determine the proportion that each tidal component makes to the mixed semidiurnal tides in the bay, by looking at the dominant frequencies in the tidal currents. We will then compare our results with those of Modrick and Marcus, as well as with the published results of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Spotted Banana Slugs, Ariolimax columbianus, and Canopy Cover

Presentation Year: 2023

Sasha

Milstein,

Wildlife

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Numerous animal species display diverse colorations as a means of performing cryptic coloration, which protects them from predation. In the case of banana slugs, some individuals exhibit monochromatic hues, while others display spots. The purpose of my study was to answer if some banana slugs are spotted to perform cryptic coloration as a means of anti-predator defense.

Strategies to Lower Risk in the Management of Acute Aggression

Presentation Year: 2023

Luz

Gomez,

Nursing

College of Professional Studies

Acute aggression poses a risk of harm to patients and staff in acute care. On one hand, disparities in the management of aggression are well documented, with factors like race affecting the likelihood of restraint use. However, agitation is also a leading cause of staff injury, with the majority of such injuries occurring during the application of restraints. Using the Model for Evidence-Based Practice Change, this project aims to implement an aggression order set modeled after the Project BETA (Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation) guidelines. With this approach, duration of restraint application and incidence of staff injury will decrease by 50% over the next year.

Summative Evaluation for Cal Poly Humboldt's 2022 Summer Algebra Institute

Presentation Year: 2023

Rose

Francia,

Education

  • Christine
    Castro
    Staff
  • Irene
    Gonzalez-Herrera
    Staff
  • Samantha
    Diel
  • Miguel
    Sagrero
    Undergraduate Student
Other

For the second consecutive summer, Cal Poly Humboldt's CSU Summer Algebra Institute's (SAI) goal was aimed at demystifying Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) related projects, majors, and careers, to further increase Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino County BIPOC (6th-12th grades) students’ interests in pursuing majors and careers in STEAM, and minimize learning gaps in mathematics. Students who enrolled in the virtual 2022 SAI, a 4-week program, completed a minimum of 57 hour intensive individualized Mathematics course using EdReady, engaged in 19 days of culturally relevant STEAM curriculum, and participated in workshops on College & Career Preparation.

Surgical Smoke: The Forgotten Biohazard

Presentation Year: 2023

Julie

Wooldridge,

Nursing

College of Professional Studies

Surgical smoke, a byproduct of surgical procedures, poses significant health risks to healthcare workers and patients. However, surgical staff often overlook it as a biohazard in operating rooms. This project highlights the harmful toxins of surgical smoke, including exposure to carcinogens and infectious agents, and the need for policy change to mandate local smoke evacuation. Effective policies and guidelines for smoke evacuation modeled from evidence-based research, combined with adequate education, awareness, and training, can minimize the risks of surgical smoke in the operating room and empower nurse leaders to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients.

Sustainability in Mental Health

Presentation Year: 2023

Meghan

Stanton,

Social Work

  • Angela
    Borge
    Social Work
    Graduate Student
College of Professional Studies

Our community project has been multifaceted as there are several issues impacting Semper Virens. We have been focusing on identifying ways to utilize the physical environment of Semper Virens in more therapeutic ways that would also be more welcoming and nurturing for the clients as well as more positive for the staff. We have simultaneously been developing workbooks of complementary exercises and activities aimed at improving mental health, wellness, and selfcare. The workbooks contain a variety of approaches including one specifically adapted for Native Americans.

Temporal changes in body conditions of wintering waterfowl in Humboldt Bay

Presentation Year: 2023

Amir

Malikyar,

Wildlife

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Overwintering migratory birds may face increased competition for resources than in other seasons due to large influxes of birds arriving and inhabiting shared areas for similar amounts of time. These mechanisms may affect food availability, which in turn is implied to affect body energy reserves. We conducted a study to determine the temporal effects of body conditions of hunted waterfowl carcasses in Humboldt Bay, California, and test whether energy reserves as functions of body condition indices decrease over the winter season.

The Cultural Significance of Maori Pounamu

Presentation Year: 2023

Brandon

Borba,

Anthropology

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Cameron

Morgan,

Wildlife

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Povheng

Yam,

Psychology

  • Amanda
    Hahn
    Psychology
    Faculty
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

Presentation Year: 2023

Guadalupe

Cruz,

Kinesiology & Recreation Administration

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Maddy

Frost,

Wildlife

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Caroline

Blair,

Anthropology

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Daniel

Moore,

Wildlife

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Taevia

Salazar ,

Social Work

  • Nat
    Kubo
    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

Presentation Year: 2023

Megan

McCullough,

Social Work

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

Presentation Year: 2023

Kaylie

Adams,

Wildlife

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.