All Presenters & Abstracts
Effect of Hydration Pack Load Carrying Configuration on Trail Running Energetics and Performance
Presentation Year:2026
Ryan
Giglio,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Lit Review for KINS 492W Senior Seminar, looking at the effects of hydration pack configuration on metabolic cost/energetics in trail running.
Moving For Two: Understanding the Physiological Effects of Prenatal Exercise
Presentation Year:2026
Jasmine
Torres,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Pregnancy is a complex physiological condition characterized by significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal adaptations necessary to support fetal growth and maintain maternal–fetal homeostasis. Despite historical misconceptions that pregnancy should limit physical exertion, current scientific evidence strongly supports that exercise in uncomplicated pregnancies is both safe and beneficial. However, exercise remains underutilized, with up to 90% of pregnant women failing to meet recommended physical activity guidelines. This project examines how maternal and fetal physiology adapt to exercise during pregnancy and how these adaptations influence health outcomes.
During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes substantial physiological changes. Cardiovascular adaptations include increased blood volume, elevated cardiac output, and a higher resting heart rate to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. Blood pressure may decrease slightly in early pregnancy due to vasodilation. Metabolically, pregnancy induces progressive insulin resistance, particularly in the second and third trimesters, which helps prioritize glucose availability for fetal development but also increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Additionally, normal gestational weight gain reflects fetal growth, placental development, and maternal energy storage, though excessive weight gain can lead to long-term complications such as obesity and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Exercise introduces an additional physiological stimulus that interacts with these baseline adaptations. Acute physical activity increases maternal oxygen consumption, cardiac output, and heat production. Early concerns suggested that these demands might compromise fetal oxygenation; however, research consistently demonstrates that in healthy pregnancies, exercise does not negatively affect fetal oxygen supply. Instead, maternal systems adapt efficiently, maintaining a stable intrauterine environment.
Chronic participation in prenatal exercise provides several maternal health benefits. Regular aerobic and resistance training improves cardiovascular efficiency, enhances glucose regulation, and supports appropriate gestational weight gain. These adaptations significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and excessive fetal growth (macrosomia). Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that structured exercise programs can improve maternal health perception and overall well-being, while meta-analytic findings suggest that even higher-intensity exercise, when properly supervised, does not increase adverse outcomes in low-risk pregnancies.
Exercise also plays a critical preventative role. For example, high-intensity physical activity has been shown to significantly reduce the prevalence of gestational diabetes, with research indicating a notable decrease in risk among physically active pregnant individuals. Improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic control are key mechanisms underlying this protective effect. Similarly, exercise contributes to better blood pressure regulation, reducing the likelihood of gestational hypertension and associated complications.
Fetal physiology also responds positively to maternal exercise. Although exercise creates a temporary increase in maternal metabolic demand, fetal adaptive mechanisms maintain stable growth and development. Research suggests that maternal exercise may enhance placental efficiency, improving the transfer of oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, exercise is associated with healthier birth weights and a reduced risk of macrosomia, indicating improved regulation of fetal growth. Rather than restricting development, physical activity appears to promote optimal fetal outcomes in uncomplicated pregnancies.
Importantly, exercise during pregnancy also provides psychological benefits. Regular physical activity is associated with improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, and better overall mental health. These benefits contribute to a more positive pregnancy experience and may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Despite these advantages, adherence to exercise guidelines remains low due to cultural beliefs, safety concerns, and limited education from healthcare providers.
This project utilized a review of peer-reviewed literature, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and review articles published within the past two decades. Sources were selected based on their relevance to cardiovascular, metabolic, and fetal outcomes, with a focus on understanding both physiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Search terms included “exercise during pregnancy,” “maternal physiological adaptations,” and “fetal response to maternal exercise.”
In conclusion, current evidence demonstrates that regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy is a safe and effective strategy for improving both maternal and fetal health outcomes. By supporting cardiovascular function, metabolic regulation, and musculoskeletal stability, exercise helps mitigate common pregnancy complications while promoting optimal fetal development. Additionally, its positive effects on mental health further enhance overall well-being. Increasing awareness, education, and adherence to exercise guidelines is essential to ensure that more pregnant individuals can benefit from physical activity. Ultimately, exercise should be viewed not as a risk, but as a vital component of a healthy pregnancy.
2025 World AIDS Remembrance
Presentation Year:2026
Paul Michael
Atienza,
Faculty,
Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies
The 2025 World AIDS Remembrance was a two-week program of events and displays that brought awareness and learning opportunities about the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis around the world. It was one of several Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Grant Program recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year. Lead organizer, Dr. Paul Michael L. Atienza, collaborated with on and off campus partners to provide a variety presentations from public health professionals, community organizers, film screenings, and the Eureka Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Over 100 community members participated and experienced the events.
2026 MCM Problem A: Modeling Smartphone Battery Drain
Presentation Year:2026
Jonathan David
Juarez,
Undergraduate Student,
Mathematics & Data Science
This study develops a continuous-time model of smartphone battery discharge incorporating activity-dependent current demand and temperature-driven degradation. Simulations evaluate battery performance under common usage scenarios and varying states of health. Results indicate that high-energy activities significantly accelerate depletion, while battery aging and elevated temperatures reduce overall runtime. Model predictions align with benchmark data and observed usage patterns, demonstrating the framework’s ability to replicate realistic discharge behavior. The model provides a practical approach for estimating battery life and assessing the impact of user behavior and thermal conditions.
A Breath of Fresh Dust: Health Costs of California’s Shrinking Salton Sea
Presentation Year:2026
Brendan
Yoder,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Literature review investigating the adverse health effects of the continued drying of the Salton Sea in Southern California.
A Comparative Study of the Presence of Omnivores in Suburban Spaces
Presentation Year:2026
Jazmine
Busteed,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This study will test the daily/nightly presence/absence of raccoons (Procyon Lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and compare it to human presence (an aggregate of cars, humans, and domesticated animals) and temperature. Camera traps will be deployed at 7 sites in suburban neighborhoods in Arcata, CA, with data collection spanning 5 weeks in February and March. The implications include a better understanding of the suburban gradient as a suitable habitat for mammalian species
A Lifetime of Play
Presentation Year:2026
Aaron
Muscarello,
Undergraduate Student,
Other
This is a research poster on play over the span of a human lifetime.
A&E Food Donation Club
Presentation Year:2026
Suki
Frease-Renfree,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
Through the College Corp program, I met and befriended people who wanted to make further impact in the Humboldt community. Together we were able to start a new Registered Student Organization (RSO) called A&E. The mission of A&E is to reduce on-campus food waste while supporting people affected by food insecurity. This is done by creating a food drop-off/pick-up system on campus which will later be delivered to local food banks and our community partners, like Humboldt Soups On . A&E also allows individuals/itself to purchase food specifically for donation, helping expand our reach and impact beyond surplus food. A&E also aims to raise awareness of local food banks and volunteer opportunities, strengthening the connection between Cal Poly Humboldt and the surrounding community through shared service and engagement. We have 5 food collection bins around campus to make it easier for students to donate non-perishables and pet food (Humboldt Soup’s also feeds pets.) To date, we have donated almost 75 net pounds of food to our local community partner Humboldt Soups On. This club was started by College Corp fellows to further bridge Cal Poly Humboldt to the community and to help alleviate food insecurity where we live and learn. We have used our connections that we made through College Corp to find members and community partnerships. We have also used the communication and collaboration skills built through the College Corp program to start ,develop, and further the club.
Abiotic Factors Influences in Marine Mammal Strandings
Presentation Year:2026
Lisa
Leen,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
A study on how abiotic factors such as beach aspect, driftwood coverage, sediment size, and beach shape can influence the amount of marine mammal carcasses stranded per beach per year. With stranding data provided by the Maine Mammal Research and Education Program for 2025 along the Humboldt coastline of pinnipeds and cetaceans. This study can help allocate the effort based beach surveys performed by the Marine Mammal Reseach and Education Program (MMERP).
Abiotic Factors of Marsh Water Affecting Habitat Use of American Wigeons
Presentation Year:2026
Mandy
Garcia,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
My research project is on how the abiotic factors of water at the arcana marsh affect habitat use of American wigeons. This was done by testing water quality for pH, salinity, and temperature and conducting bird counts from several stations around 10 water features at the marsh.
Activity Budgets of Belted Kingfishers in Humboldt County
Presentation Year:2026
Thomas
Pietrowicz,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This study investigated belted kingfisher behaviors in order to understand how they manage their time within the coastal wetland habitats at the the Arcata Marsh. I recorded the total length of time (in seconds) that an individual kingfisher spent perched, preening, and foraging across various wetland habitat types at the Arcata Marsh, in multiple 30-minute observation periods. The number of individual foraging attempts (defined as a dive into the water) and the outcome of each attempt was also recorded during each observation period. The data was used to calculate activity budgets and evaluate their foraging efficiency. A statistical analysis of the data was used to compare behavior durations, and differences across multiple times throughout the day. Overall, the study will provide baseline insights into belted kingfisher behavior, and how it is influenced by environmental conditions.
Adverse Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Athletic Performance
Presentation Year:2026
Armando
Morales,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Sleep is crucial to physical recovery, brain function, and health which contribute greatly to athletic performance. Athletes often find themselves sleep deprived due to training demands, academic or work obligations, travel, and stress related to competition. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can have adverse effects on the body and brain. Endurance, recovery, reaction time, and decision making can all be decreased by sleep deprivation. This article reviews how sleep deprivation as well as sleep quality affect athletes' performance.
AI in Healthcare: Enhancement not Replacement
Presentation Year:2026
Daniel
Pappalardo,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
KINS 492 senior project. Research poster on the future of AI in healthcare, arguing that AI will enhance current healthcare work instead of replacing human doctors.
American College Theatre Festival - Scenic Design
Presentation Year:2026
Amanda
Coorey,
Undergraduate Student,
Dance, Music & Theatre
I traveled to Pasco, Washington to attend the American College Theatre Festival in Region 7 in February, 2026. While there I attended workshops, regional productions and participated in the Design, Technology, and Stage Management Expo where I was awarded the "National Design Excellence Honorable Mention for Scenic Design".
Analyzing Red Panda Behavior as an Indicator of Welfare
Presentation Year:2026
Megan
Kollias,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
My project examines the daily activity budget of a singular red panda at the Sequoia Park Zoo, quantifying how behavior compare to wild red panda datasets as an indicator of animal welfare. Using an ethogram and systematic observations, I analyze how closely these patterns align and identify husbandry features that may influence the expression of natural behavior.
Another Look at the ~950 Year Old Glass Mountain Rhyolite Tephra: New Insights Into Volume, Eruption Column Height, and Geochemistry
Presentation Year:2026
Bodhi
Merrill,
Undergraduate Student,
Geology
This study examines the ~950-year-old Glass Mountain rhyolite tephra at Medicine Lake Volcano (MLV) in northeastern California. I use field observations and mapping of the dispersal of erupted material to estimate the total volume of tephra erupted, the maximum height of the eruption column during the explosive phase, and how the eruption evolved over time in terms of mass flux, vent erosion, and magma supply. In addition, I use the petrologic and geochemical properties of samples to offer insights into the pre-eruptive storage conditions of the erupting magmas. MLV is designated as a "high-threat volcano" by the USGS highlighting the importance of understanding its recent eruptions.
Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity Across Ponds in the Arcata Marsh
Presentation Year:2026
Bree
Gentil-Guijosa ,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
I am collecting samples across different ponds in the Arcata Marsh to compare aquatic invertebrate biodiversity and abundance. Each pond is selected due to the ponds having different management goals and different reasons for their restoration/creation in the marsh back when the city marsh was being created. I will be presenting what invertebrate orders I found, if their presence and diversity was affected based on what pond they were collected in, and what this research can be applied to in the future.
Arcata House Partnership Needs Yout Support!
Presentation Year:2026
Adam
Ibarra,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
We are showcasing the beneficial impact of our College Corps site. - Arcata House Partnership - on the community of Arcata including the Food Bank that operates there every Wednesday. We are also illustrating the obstacles that Non-Profits face while relying on gramt funding and how they need support and inclusion in legislative policy.
Are You Safe from Tsunami, in a Worst Case Scenario, Magnitude 9 Subduction Zone Earthquake in Humboldt County?
Presentation Year:2026
Melanie
Michalak,
Faculty,
Geology
Humboldt County is located above a major plate boundary called the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Every several hundred years, the plate interface ruptures, causing a magnitude 8-9 earthquake, and disrupts the seafloor and water column, resulting in tsunami waves that will surge onshore in low-lying coastal areas. This interactive poster visually explains how tsunamis form, tests participants' understanding about tsunamis, and presents up-to-date tsunami hazard maps in Humboldt County. We seek to debunk common myths and misconceptions, and educate and empower our community to prepare for a local tsunami event.
Assembly of a Saturation Spectroscopy System
Presentation Year:2026
Rodney
Eckler,
Undergraduate Student,
Physics & Astronomy
The Humboldt Gravitational Research Laboratory has partnered with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to assemble a saturated absorption spectroscopy system at Cal Poly Humboldt. The goal with the assembly is to stabilize a laser's frequency to a high level precision in a process called laser locking. Both saturated absorption spectroscopy and laser locking are important skills in many fields of physics from gravitational wave detection to development of atomic clocks.