All Presenters & Abstracts
Bird Response to Dam Removal and Revegetation in the Klamath River Basin
Presentation Year:2026
Izzy
Harrison,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Monitoring wildlife species during ecological restoration can provide insight to ecosystem recovery. In 2023 and 2024 the four lower dams on the Klamath River were removed, marking the largest dam removal project in the US to date. Following the removals, restoration, led by Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), in the former reservoir footprints has been underway. Several restoration techniques were used, which provided the opportunity to examine the effect treatments have on ecosystem recovery. In May 2025, RES installed audio recording devices across sites in the footprints, allowing us to monitor birds, which are considered good indicators of ecosystem recovery. We compared species richness across sites in varying habitats and treatment types to look at how restoration influenced bird communities.
Black Humboldt
Presentation Year:2026
Bailey
Linares,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
This project explores my work as a College Corps fellow with Black Humboldt, a nonprofit supporting Black residents in Humboldt County. Through community events, outreach, and relationship-building, I contributed to creating safe, inclusive spaces in an underrepresented region. This work addresses issues of visibility, isolation, and access to culturally relevant resources. By translating concepts of equity and representation into practice, the project highlights how grassroots efforts can strengthen community connection, belonging, and support.
Blue Lake Rancheria Daluviwi’ Field Restoration Project
Presentation Year:2026
Bella
Evenson,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
Blue Lake Rancheria’s community garden, Daluviwi’, is dedicated to promoting Indigenous food sovereignty by providing a variety of produce to tribal communities across Humboldt County. Over the past two years, tribal employees and College Corps fellows at Daluviwi’ have worked to remediate an acre of field space, increasing crop production and expanding our ability to feed the community. The project has been completed by hand to promote long-term, sustainable, regenerative agriculture.
Breaking the Chains of Oppression: Early Abolitionists, Public Protests, and the Quakers who Led the Way in Igniting the Fires of Freedom for All
Presentation Year:2026
William
Seniff,
Undergraduate Student,
History
When someone thinks of abolition, the first things that come to mind are Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, or the Underground Railroad. However, many of the early abolitionists in the North American colonies were, in fact, Quakers. Quakers were the first to lead the charge in the pursuit of abolition as early as the mid-seventeenth century. There is much more to Quakers and their history than the white-haired, stuffy-looking gentleman in a big hat on the box of your morning oatmeal. One of the main tenets in The Religious Society of Friends is a vow of pacifism, and many Quakers saw slavery as a major affront to this tenet. Early abolitionists brought the concept of anti-slavery to many people who had never even contemplated it before. Although abolition took the entire nation becoming embroiled in a bloody Civil War to become reality, it is only because these pioneers of social justice had led the way for over two hundred years. Clearly presenting these exceptional figures, their efforts to end slavery, and the major events that occurred in the colonies resulting from their actions, in chronological order, is key to understanding their significance in the history of the early abolitionist movement.
The list of Quakers who were early abolitionists included figures with such prominent names as George Fox, the founder of The Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as the Quakers. Fox wrote a letter to England in 1657, titled To Friends Beyond Sea, that have Blacks and Indian Slaves, speaking out against slavery. Some of the key documents and events in this fight against slavery include the first written document in protest of slavery in the North American colonies in 1688, which is titled the Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery. An Exhortation and Caution to Friends Concerning Buying or Keeping of Negroes written in 1693, is the second anti-slavery protest document written by the Quakers and the very first ever printed.
Benjamin Lay was a very radical and vocal Quaker who was in loud opposition to the idea of slavery. He used what became known as “Guerrilla Theater” to protest slavery to the public. Some of these theatrical protest events would be known as the “Bloody Book Stabbing” as well as the “Sit-Down Strike.” He even went as far as kidnapping a local child in an attempt to show the slave owning parents the grief felt by enslaved parents who had their children forcibly taken from them. Benjamin Lay himself wrote a book in 1738 titled All Slave-Keepers That Keep the Innocent in Bondage, Apostates, where he posed many deep societal questions about the concept of slavery itself.
Anthony Benezet, an eighteenth-century Quaker who was a teacher, played a huge part in educating many young Black children and exposing all levels of society to the horrors of slavery by creating his educational pamphlets. Benezet took education very seriously and believed everyone had a right to be able to receive one. He fought very passionately to give as many people as possible the chance to better themselves through studying and hard work.
Another very prominent figure in the early years of abolitionism was the son of a very successful slave trader, but unlike many others discussed, he was not a Quaker; his name was John Laurens. In a letter to his father, Laurens talks about his disdain for the system of slavery so readily accepted in the Southern colonies. A very well-known South Carolina statesman and soldier, Laurens, even fought alongside George Washington and other historically notable figures during the American Revolution. He would go on to be a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery, which was extremely rare in South Carolina at the time. Near the end of the war, Laurens proposed the amazing idea of recruiting over three thousand enslaved men from South Carolina and Georgia to create an entire regiment of enslaved soldiers. The idea was that they would be granted their freedom upon completion of their military service fighting against the British. Unfortunately, the Continental Congress shot down Laurens' idea in the end because many in the South feared arming the enslaved population would cause more harm than good.
Another notable non-Quaker figure in the early abolitionist movement, who was a former slave herself, is the remarkable woman named Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett. She became the first Black enslaved woman to sue for her freedom in the state of Massachusetts and win. This was an extraordinary case and had massive repercussions throughout the colonies that set a precedent in the court of law for years to come.
To present these exceptional figures and events in the early years of the anti-slavery movement that took place in the North American colonies clearly and concisely, it needs to be done chronologically. All this is done in the hope that everyone will see that even when you are outnumbered by many people who oppose your deepest beliefs, if those beliefs are rooted in justice and liberty for all people, you can overcome even the greatest obstacles. Abolition was viewed as completely impossible by many people and even caused America to be split in half and cause the bloodiest war in U.S. history, but in the end, it was successful. All you need to have is determination, an iron will, to never give up hope, and a little luck never hurts either.
Breast Cancer Disparity in Women in Wisconsin
Presentation Year:2026
Jacob
Lewis,
Undergraduate Student,
Mathematics & Data Science
Breast cancer accounts for approximately 25% of cancer cases worldwide and is the most common cancer among women. Wisconsin has an allegedly higher rate of breast cancer compared to national averages, and this analysis aims to investigate that disparity by comparing tumor characteristics such as; radius, texture, perimeter, and area, between Wisconsin and U.S. datasets. Key questions include whether Wisconsin tumors are more aggressive or irregular, and how malignancy rates compare locally versus nationally. The findings are intended to provide insight into the geographic distribution of breast cancer and inform future research into its underlying causes.
Bridging the Gap in Prediabetes Care: Improving Outcomes Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Adults
Presentation Year:2026
Becca
Gilbride,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Prediabetes disproportionately affects low-income adults, yet many remain unaware or untreated due to limited time and resources in community health care settings. Addressing prediabetes is a critical window of opportunity to prevent type 2 diabetes and is essential to reducing disparities and long-term complications. Guided by the Evidence-Based Practice Change model, this project implements multi-level interventions, including motivational interviewing, community education, and clinical decision support tools. Outcomes focus on improving self-efficacy and engagement and achieving at least a 0.5% A1C reduction within one year. These improvements are expected to enhance quality of life, lower the risk of serious complications, and reduce the healthcare burden.
Bridging the Gap: Improving Access to Specialty Care for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Communities
Presentation Year:2026
Sydney
Castil,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Rural communities face disparities in managing Type 2 diabetes due to limited access to specialized care, leading to poor glycemic control and higher complication rates. In rural Northern California, provider shortages hinder timely, evidence-based treatment. This project proposes integrating a diabetes nurse specialist in a local hospital to deliver education, support medication management, coordinate care, and monitor outcomes. The goal is to improve HbA1c levels, reduce complications and readmissions, and enhance self-management, addressing gaps in care and reducing health disparities.
Built by Community: How Serving Others Has Inspired My Future
Presentation Year:2026
Naomi
Garcia,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
As a College Corps Fellow, I served at Centro Del Pueblo (CDP). The projects and work I was a part of allowed me to serve Indigenous, Migrant, and Latinx families and communities throughout Humboldt. Through advocacy, cultural preservation, and decolonial practices, I was able to experience the elements of creating and collaborating on community-led initiatives, as well as learn how to be in service of others as an aid, artist, translator, educator, organizer, and human.
But What If I Hate It? The Intersection of Collegiate and Career Pathways in Kinesiology
Presentation Year:2026
Tyler
Yeo,
Undergraduate Student,
Other
The Progression of Kinesiology Degrees and the Career Opportunities Presented Post Grad: The Evolving Identity of the Study of the Body in Motion. Many students can enter the field without a full understanding of professional opportunities or required qualifications. Inconsistencies in degree structure, professional identity, and career pathways create challenges for student recruitment, workforce development, and professional recognition. Therefore, this literature review examines how kinesiology education aligns with workforce demands, professional identity, and future opportunities.
CA State Libraries Queer Elders Archive
Presentation Year:2026
Sol
McJimsey,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
At Queer Humboldt this spring, us College Corps interns have been working on the Youth-Led Queer Elder Library Archive project, where we lead interviews on the stories of local 2S/LGBTQIA+ older adults and senior citizens, and edit them into interview videos.
One of the biggest challenges in the queer community is the generational divide – older 2S/LGBTQIA+ members lose touch with the younger community’s goals, and youths don’t know how to find predecessors or role models. While not as robust as in big cities, the queer community in Humboldt County has a rich history. This project aims to build bridges between the generations, and to record the history and experiences of queer people here.
Cal Poly Humboldt GIS Archive
Presentation Year:2026
Sahian
Tapia,
Graduate Student,
Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
The GIS Data Archive was created from the need to preserve GIS projects, as well as to make them accessible. Our main objective is to have an organized space for easy access to GIS works of all types for research, student projects, and general use, and to provide a persistent location to the data and scholarship.
Cal Poly Parkless, Critically Examining Commutes in Humboldt County
Presentation Year:2026
Liam
Blackburn,
Undergraduate Student,
Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
Cal Poly Humboldt is experiencing a significant parking shortage. With a clear intent to increase enrollment and expand the campus, demand for transportation infrastructure will continue to grow. While expanding existing parking options may seem like a popular solution to address the issue, studies have shown that it may only further exacerbate parking-related problems. My research project aims to analyze the current public transit system and model students' daily commutes to the Cal Poly Humboldt campus if they didn't have a personal vehicle. With this study, I aim to provide an overview of the public transport situation in Humboldt County, uncover the true extent of the transit crisis, explain why building more parking lots isn't a good long-term solution, and share my own insights from my studies about how Cal Poly Humboldt can travel into the future instead of getting stuck driving in circles.
California's Salmon River - History of Whitewater Paddling Short Film
Presentation Year:2026
Will
Ross,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
My project is a short film that will provide information about the history of private and commercial whitewater rafting and kayaking on California’s Salmon River. It will consist of recorded interviews from people who live in the area, have guided commercially in the area, and who have a long history of paddling in the area. Additionally, I will have historic footage of whitewater paddling on the Salmon River and will record modern footage of people paddling on the Salmon River. It will be at least five minutes long and will include interviews and knowledge from at least five people.
Career Development Through College Corps
Presentation Year:2026
Gia
Gruenhagen,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
As a College Corps Fellow, I served at Coastal Grove for three years. I have assisted in the handwork class for all three years. While working there I have learned many new skills like knitting, and leather work. I have also got to hone my skills in crocheting and sewing. I had the opportunity to work with the second grade class for my final year, and before that worked, with the previous second grade class as well. From this I have learned the basic office skills like printing, and organization. I have gained a compassion for teachers, and admire their work deeply. This work matters because having an extra set of hand and a voice in the classroom is always helpful when trying to manage twenty-five students everyday. It is also important for the students to be able to have another person to help with their learning needs, and someone to lean on and hear them, if they are having a tough day. Through this experience, I have gotten very familiar with patience, empathy and adaptability. These skills will help in my future career and daily life.
Cattle Pastures as High Tide Refugia for Shorebirds in Humboldt Bay
Presentation Year:2026
Colby
Gagnebin,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Shorebirds displaced from intertidal mudflats during high tide inundation often utilize nearby grasslands as alternative foraging and roosting habitats. I hypothesize that shorebird abundance and species richness are higher in pastures located near their primary habitats, and are similarly positively correlated with moist soil, standing water, and cattle presence. To test this, I will conduct surveys during high tides across various pastures in the Arcata Bottoms, measuring shorebird abundance, species richness, and key habitat features such as soil moisture, surface water presence, cattle presence, and proximity to the nearest tidal flat. The relationships between these habitat characteristics and shorebird response variables will be analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings from this study could contribute to a better understanding of shorebird habitat selection, especially regarding their use of agricultural lands and how these areas serve as supplemental habitats. This information can inform conservation strategies in coastal regions where wetland habitats are declining.
Celebrating Black Excellence: The Impact of the High School Sash Ceremony
Presentation Year:2026
LaTasha
Amos,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
The High School Sash Ceremony significantly enhances Black graduates’ cultural identity, community belonging, and educational aspirations. In a study using surveys, interviews, and focus groups with 87 participants, 94% reported increased cultural pride, 89% felt stronger connection to the Black community, and 78% noted positive impacts on their educational goals. These findings highlight the ceremony’s role in fostering belonging, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting educational equity in predominantly white institutions, suggesting that expanding and integrating such culturally affirming celebrations can strengthen support for Black students and their families.
Clarke Historical Museum
Presentation Year:2026
Bo
Bacon,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
I served at the Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka. I helped to assess, photograph, and catalog over 600 maps, documents, and photographs donated to the museum by Oscar Larson & Associates, a local engineering/consulting firm. This work matters because while the museum recieved these pieces in 2022, they have been understaffed and unable to deal with them until now. Also, these pieces would have been thrown away if not taken in by the museum, leading to the loss of a ton of valuable history. Through this experience, I have learned a great deal about Humboldt County and its infrastructure.
Community-Based Approaches to Health: Addressing Food Insecurity Through Open Door Gardens Levit Cantu Castillo
Presentation Year:2026
Levit
Cantu ,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
Open Door College Corps Fellowship
Comparing Carbon Flux Dynamics in Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
Presentation Year:2026
Adam
Wolk,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Engineering
Understanding how ecosystems exchange carbon with the atmosphere is key to predicting climate change impacts. This study examines how drought affects carbon flux (net ecosystem exchange, NEE) in grasslands versus forests using NEON data and climate variables (temperature, precipitation, drought indices). We expect grasslands to respond quickly to short-term changes, while forests show more complex, less immediate responses but greater vulnerability to severe drought. This work explores ecosystem resilience and carbon sink reliability, with implications for ecological forecasting and carbon cycle dynamics.
Comparing Different Lipid Compositions of Nano Discs for Function of ASR
Presentation Year:2026
Riley
Webb,
Undergraduate Student,
Chemistry
This study uses self-assembled nanodiscs with the target membrane protein being ASR to examine how lipid composition affects its function. Three lipids (DMPC, POPC, and DGDG) were used to form nanodiscs, enabling comparison of their influence on ASR activity. A light-to-dark assay was performed to assess functional response under changing conditions, revealing how each lipid environment supports protein behavior. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was also used to measure nanodisc size and uniformity, of each lipid composition. Together, these approaches provide insight into how lipid composition impacts membrane protein function.