May 3, 2024 | Digital Showcase | Humboldt Library
All Presenters & Abstracts
Creativity and Wellness at Winship Middle School
Presentation Year: 2025
MelissaMack
Barker
College Corp
My creative project at Winship was collaborating with the Wellness Center staff to create groups for students. One group is meditative in nature, playing some soothing live instruments for students while they relax and take notes on how the instruments affect them. I also teach them about the instruments and about sound in general. In the other group, students create characters and shape a world in which they go on a quest together. This allows them freedom of expression while building community.
Culvert and Bridge Features Influencing Mammal Crossing Frequency on California U.S. Route 101
Presentation Year: 2025
Patricia
Garrett
Wildlife
An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that influence mammal crossing rates through culverts and bridges on a Northern segment of California U.S. Route 101. This study analyzes mammal crossing rates in relation to structure openness, and proximate vegetation density across forty-six remote camera sites.
Curating an Art Gallery “For The Sake of Leisure”
Presentation Year: 2025
Mila
Turner-Morgan
School of Applied Health
I was interested in exploring the connection between art and leisure. To explore this topic, I showcased the work of many students from a variety of majors in an art exhibition in the Student Access Gallery. I designed the space with the artwork, and the Student Access Gallery coordinators installed the artwork. The gallery was open to the public for 2 weeks.
Diversity in Geoscience: Impact of Project-based Curriculum
Presentation Year: 2025
Vermilion
Walls
Geology
An analysis of survey data collected from students in introductory college geoscience courses with heavily project-based curriculum. Pre and post surveys were taken to determine changes in student outlook on altruistic and environmentalist attitudes towards geology content and careers and how this change is different among demographics, which potentially can be used to promote higher racial and gender diversity in the field of geoscience.
Do Shorebirds Exhibit Mixed-Species Flocking Preferences?
Presentation Year: 2025
Mason
Levy
Wildlife
This study analyzed flocking behavior of shorebirds present at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, examining if any two (or more) species significantly selected to flock with each other over other species, and what may have led to such a flocking preference (similarities in size, foraging behavior, etc.).
Does Having Siblings Affect The Recognition of Children's Emotional Displays?
Presentation Year: 2025
Jasper
Toledo
Psychology
This research study looks into whether participants with siblings are able to understand the emotional display in images of children more so than participants without siblings. We hypothesized that participants with younger siblings will have a greater likelihood to notice emotional responses in children due to alloparental caregiving behavior. Sixty images of children expressing six emotional displays were shown to participants. Overall, there was no difference in emotional recognition accuracy between participant groups. Specific emotional displays were recognized more than others for all groups, with the most recognized emotional display being happiness.
Duplicate - don't print or publish - The Effects of Bodyweight Exercises on Individuals with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Presentation Year: 2025
Evan
Jackson
School of Applied Health
Proprioception is the body's ability to sense where it is in space and in relation to the rest of the body. It is required in many activities of daily living. Most individuals with Developmental Coordination Control (DCD) have a decreased sense of proprioception. This impacts many aspects of daily life. Exercise has been shown to increase proprioception in many populations. This research focuses on the effect of bodyweight exercise has on individuals with DCD.
Duplicate - Preparation and Evaluation of Polylactic Acid-Quinoa Composite Films
Presentation Year: 2025
Rafael
Bernard
Chemistry
Biodegradable composites were developed by incorporating quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) into polylactic acid (PLA), with varying ratios. The resulting films were characterized using melting points, bomb calorimetry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, water uptake, water permeability, water contact angle, antioxidant assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of differing quantities of quinoa fiber affected the properties of the composites. These initial studies show quinoa/PLA composites have potential in the development of bio-renewable and biodegradable materials for active food packaging.
Ecological Interactions in Indigenous-Managed Landscapes: Avian and Arthropod Predation on Artificial Caterpillars
Presentation Year: 2025
Jaime
Lara
Wildlife
Indigenous knowledge systems have long supported biodiversity and ecosystem health. As environmental challenges grow, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is recognized in restorative land management. Colonial expansion has altered habitats, pushing wildlife into agroecosystems. Indigenous-managed spaces, such as cultural gardens and restoration areas, offer critical habitat and influence ecological interactions like predation. This study explores avian and arthropod predation in these areas at United Indian Health Services Potawot Village and Blue Lake Rancheria, California, using simulated prey to assess predator-prey dynamics and ecological functions.
Edge Effects on Salamander Morphology in the Arcata Community Forest
Presentation Year: 2025
Blake
Knapp
Wildlife
This project examines how edge effects influence the weight and snout-to-vent length (SVL) salamanders (Order Caudata) in the Arcata Community Forest. Effects, caused by habitat fragmentation, can alter environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and soil composition, potentially affecting salamander physiology and well-being. The study aims to investigate whether salamanders living near forest edges exhibit different morphological characteristics compared to those in interior habitats. If salamanders in the Arcata Community Forest are impacted by edge effects, then there will be a significant correlation between snout to vent lengths (SVL) and weight and distance from the edge.
Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Waterfowl at the Arcata Marsh
Presentation Year: 2025
Joseph
Meihak
Wildlife
A study was undertaken at the Arcata Marsh to determine how various anthropogenic disturbances affected waterfowl within ponds that have publicly accessible trails surrounding them. The disturbance types observed included walkers, walkers with dogs, bikers, and runners. A bird would be considered disturbed if it stopped its previous behavior to move away from a disturbance or become vigilant and observe the disturbance. The distance between the disturbance and the bird was then recorded to determine if a certain type of disturbance caused a disruption of behavior at further or closer distances. The type of waterfowl was recorded to determine if there was any difference in species or niche.
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Asthma
Presentation Year: 2025
Daisy
Matias-Gutierrez
School of Applied Health
exploring several studies that have looked at the pulmonary function and quality of life effects of a variety of exercises for individuals with chronic asthma.
Effects of Fog on the Intensity and Behavioral Patterns of Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Foraging
Presentation Year: 2025
Lucky
Ng
Wildlife
This project investigates how fog influences the foraging behavior and activity levels of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal northern California. By observing changes in foraging intensity and specific behaviors during foggy versus non-foggy conditions, this research aims to better understand how microclimatic factors like fog affect ant ecology. Findings may inform broader ecological studies on climate adaptation and the role of fog in shaping invertebrate behavior.
Effects of High Screen Time Usage on Social-Emotional Development in Children Under Twelve
Presentation Year: 2025
Morgan
Lopez
Psychology
Analysis of 12 research articles about the developmental and psychological effects of high screen time usage in children under the age of 12.
Effects of Human Development on the Spatial and Temporal Behavior of a Neighborhood Mesocarnivore Guild
Presentation Year: 2025
Amanda
Kanaly
Wildlife
This study researches how urbanization affects the spatial and temporal behavior of mesocarnivore species in the small city of Arcata, California. Specifically, the study tests whether different levels of urban development influence spatio-temporal interactions and the co-occurrence (or lack thereof) of two or more mesocarnivore species, and how habitat characteristics mediate these effects. By analyzing the correlation between habitat features and co-detection events, this research aims to shed light on the dynamics of mesocarnivore coexistence in urban and rural environments, and inform strategies to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on wildlife.
Effects of Non-Invasive Rehabilitation for Baseball Players Recovering from Tommy John Surgery: Optimizing Safe & Efficient Return to Play
Presentation Year: 2025
Lexanee
Inzunza
Other
Baseball pitchers often suffer ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears due to repetitive, high-velocity throws. These injuries are commonly treated with Tommy John Surgery (TJS), which requires a 12–18 month recovery. While TJS is effective, its long rehab has led to rising interest in non-invasive options like physical therapy, PRP, stem cells, and biomechanical training. These methods show promise for moderate injuries, offering shorter recovery and fewer risks. More research is needed, but individualized non-surgical care may support a safer, more efficient return to play.
Effects of Physical Education on Improving Social and Emotional Learning in Physical Education
Presentation Year: 2025
Edgar
Juarez
Education
This research focus on how physical education can benefit the students behavior, social cooperation and interaction with peer and teachers.
Effects of Running Shoe Stack Height On The Prevalence of Ankle Injuries
Presentation Year: 2025
Roberto
Davila
School of Applied Health
The purpose of this research analysis is to (1) examine the effects on a runner’s foot and ankle biomechanics when transitioning to a minimal style shoe and to (2) find an approach to transitioning to minimalist shoes that minimized risks of injuries.
Effects of Sea-level Rise on Marsh Bird Population
Presentation Year: 2025
Alondra
Cardona
Wildlife
The study focuses on the effects of tidal change on marsh bird communities. A positive trend in sea level rise has been detected for the past years with approximately 20 cm increase of sea level rise per century. This can affect bird populations on wetland habitats. This study will provide data on bird species diversity at the study site and determine what bird species are more susceptible to population decrease based on habitat loss from sea level rise. The study results can call more attention on the most vulnerable bird species to prevent species extinction in marsh habitats.
Effects of Strengthening Interventions for Oblique Tears of the Abdominal Muscles for Professional Baseball Players
Presentation Year: 2025
Zheneida
Alvarenga
School of Applied Health
This project explores targeted strengthening interventions for oblique muscle tears in professional baseball players. It aims to develop and evaluate evidence-based rehabilitation protocols focused on enhancing core stability, improving rotational power, and reducing re-injury rates. Through a combination of clinical assessment, biomechanical analysis, and sport-specific training, the study seeks to optimize recovery outcomes and support peak athletic performance