All Presenters & Abstracts
Effects of Weather on Passerine Garden Feeder Usage
Presentation Year:2026
Elise
Edell,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Garden feeders have become a popular appliance used by wildlife lovers over the years, allowing researchers to study responses to novel food sources by bird populations all around the world. However, little is known on how those responses change in accordance with specific weather conditions such as rainfall. This study asks whether small passerine species reliance on garden feeders correlates with precipitation and temperature, with the intent to better inform public usage of feeders throughout urban communities in the future.
Electricity to Motion
Presentation Year:2026
Rachel
Prudhomme,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
This project examines the effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapies for improving motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It compares Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation (TES) using evidence from randomized trials and meta-analyses. Findings show NMES improves strength and walking ability, FES enhances functional movement and neuroplasticity, and TES supports flexibility and reduces spasticity. Results suggest that combining these approaches yields the best outcomes for mobility and daily function.
Emergent Disorder Induced Transport in Active Matter Systems
Presentation Year:2026
Josh
Steimel,
Faculty,
School of Engineering
Creating randomized obstacles for magnetic particles to traverse in varying magnetic fields in hopes of finding immerging patterns. Responsible for creating CAD files in large quantities and making functional resin prints with obstacles on the micro-scale.
Engineering Ionically Crosslinked Alginate-Gelatin Granular Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture
Presentation Year:2026
Marcus
Barela,
Undergraduate Student,
Chemistry
3D cell culture substrates often require complex, costly chemical modifications, limiting accessibility. To address this, we developed a novel granular hydrogel platform using purely ionically crosslinked alginate and gelatin. By exploiting gelatin's inherent RGD motifs for cell integrin binding, we engineered microbeads of varying alginate-gelatin ratios to assess their influence on HEK 293T cell viability, adhesion, and morphology. These 3D granular matrices were compared to 2D hydrogels of identical compositions to evaluate substrate surface effects on cells. This simple, chemical-free gelation method significantly enhances the accessibility of complex 3D tissue engineering models.
Engineering MSC-Mediated Delivery of miRNA-Loaded Nanoparticles for Neuroblastoma Therapy
Presentation Year:2026
Sarai
Tapia,
Graduate Student,
Biological Sciences
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer of the adrenal glands, with high-risk cases causing ~50% of deaths due to relapse and intensive treatment. This project develops a targeted miRNA therapy by conjugating miRNA-loaded, disulfide-crosslinked polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which naturally home to tumors. The goal is to harness/engineer MSCs and evaluate MSC-mediated delivery of miRNA to neuroblastoma to improve specificity and efficacy.
Enhancing Surgical Safety
Presentation Year:2026
Sarah
Moxon,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for 20% of hospital-acquired infections, increasing patients’ risk of disability and mortality and raising costs for hospitals. This quality improvement project, using the Model for Evidence-Based Practice Change, aims to reduce SSIs at a rural hospital by 20% within one year. Engaging key players, proven strategies will be implemented, including preoperative nasal decolonization, reducing operating room traffic, and using an SSI risk tool. These strategies will be evaluated through electronic medical record (EMR) documentation audits, tracking door openings, nasal swab cultures, and surveys assessing the SSI risk tool’s impact on clinical decision-making.
Ensuring Safe Soil for Indigenous Food Sovereignty: Contaminant Screening for Agroecological Health
Presentation Year:2026
Derek
Tremaine,
Undergraduate Student,
Other
Indigenous food sovereignty is a foundational component of human and environmental health.
The Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab and Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute at Cal Poly Humboldt (FSL) foregrounds Indigenous-led approaches to land management and oversees several sites adjacent to campus infrastructure. To ensure that food and basketry materials cultivated at the FSL do not pose a risk to human health, soil samples were collected and screened for contaminants. Heavy metals, phthalate esters, and hydrocarbons were not detected at levels that would affect human health or FSL objectives. This work demonstrates how community-engaged research can inform safe land stewardship while supporting Indigenous sovereignty and continued cultivation of culturally significant foods and medicines.
Entry Surface and Hole Path Deviations in Inclined Bone Drilling
Presentation Year:2026
Trevor
Liepa,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Engineering
This study focuses on improving surgical precision by examining top surface deviation and hole path during drilling across various inclination angles and spindle speeds. By analyzing these geometric outcomes, the study aims to better understand tool deviation and its relationship to drilling forces. A clearer understanding of how these factors influence hole trajectory and entry conditions directly impacts screw hole quality. Ultimately, improving control over top surface deviation and hole path can lead to more accurate drilling and better surgical outcomes.
Erosion Susceptibility Model for L.W. Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm
Presentation Year:2026
Zachary
Knight,
Undergraduate Student,
Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
A model of the L.W. Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm showing areas most susceptible to erosion.
Eureka Silvercrest
Presentation Year:2026
Avyonne
Currington,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
During my College Corps fellowship at Silvercrest HUD housing, I supported low-income seniors and disabled residents as they navigated complex social systems in a rural setting. I provided case management by connecting individuals to vital resources, simplifying documentation, and advocating for accessible medical transit. This work is critical because it builds self-advocacy skills and mitigates the severe isolation associated with rural poverty. This experience bridged my academic theory with real-world practice, synthesizing my BSW education into applied clinical skills as I advance toward my MSW and ultimate LCSW licensure.
Evaluating Sneaker-Wave Warnings for Cal Poly Humboldt Students
Presentation Year:2026
Margaret
Dailey,
Undergraduate Student,
Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
This project examines how effectively sneaker-wave hazards are communicated to Cal Poly Humboldt students, especially non-local students who may be unfamiliar with North Coast beach conditions. Focusing on Big Lagoon, North Jetty, and Mad River, the study combines beach-site documentation of warning signs and site conditions with an anonymous student survey. It evaluates whether students notice, understand, and act on sneaker-wave warnings, and identifies ways local agencies and the university could improve student-focused beach safety communication.
Evaluating the Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Health Outcomes
Presentation Year:2026
Charlie
Musslewhite,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Evaluation the efficacy of GLP-1s on health outcomes, whether or not they actually produce a net positive for overall health.
Evaluation of a Novel Trap Design for Anurans in Genus Hylia
Presentation Year:2026
Francisco
Valdez,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This project tested the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis (AAH) in Pacific tree frogs (Pseudacris regilla) as it relates to shelter selection in the Arcata Marsh using a novel trap design. AAH posits that animal vocalizations evolve in response to the acoustics of the surrounding environment, selecting for vocalizations that travel the farther with less distortion. This project evaluates the strengths and shortcomings of the novel trap design in order to further improve future studies in anuran shelter selection and the AAH.
Evaluation of Novel Cellulases
Presentation Year:2026
Layla
Beck ,
Undergraduate Student,
Chemistry
In partnership with the Joint Genome Institute, genetic sequences from the rumen of the cow that encode potential cellulase enzymes were acquired in the form of engineered plasmids which were transformed into E.coli and overexpressed to produce large amounts of protein. This protein was then purified and tested for cellulose-degrading capability. The ability to enzymatically degrade cellulose into glucose as efficiently as possible is relevant to the biofuel industry, since cellulose in agricultural waste can be utilized to create bioethanol rather than the food crops currently used.
Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!
Presentation Year:2026
Robert
Broadway,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
Kung Fu has an unrivaled ability to motivate children to exercise. I believe that providing a martial arts manual offers the most effective path to achieving accessibility and inclusion in Physical education. The manual will help the martial arts program by offering step-by-step instructions that can be adapted to meet individual needs. The manual's cover will be designed to look like a traditional martial arts manual while the inside resembles a colorful children’s book.
Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC): Building a Sustainable Culture of Health at Cal Poly Humboldt
Presentation Year:2026
Derek
Han,
Graduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) at Cal Poly Humboldt promotes physical activity as a vital component of student health. As a four-time Gold Level recognized campus, the program provides free health screenings, personalized exercise support, and initiatives like the weekly 5K to foster a culture of wellness. EIM-OC aims to improve physical, mental, and academic outcomes by integrating movement into daily campus life.
Expanding Access to Swim Education: A Grant Proposal for Subsidized Youth Aquatic Programs
Presentation Year:2026
Emme
Ryffel,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
This project is the development and submission of a grant proposal requesting $2,000 to support subsidized swim lessons and camp programming for youth in Humboldt County. The initiative addresses drowning prevention, health equity, and youth development by reducing financial barriers to participation. If funded, the program will serve 55 youth with subsidized swim lessons and swim camp positions. This project also highlights the grant-writing process and collaboration with the Sponsored Programs Office.
Exploring Cellular Communication Network Factor 3 for Craniofacial Bone Regeneration
Presentation Year:2026
Priscilla
Gamez,
Graduate Student,
Biological Sciences
Skeletal stem cells (SSCs) are multipotent cells that generate bone, cartilage, and stromal lineages essential for skeletal repair. CCN3 is a bone-anabolic factor that promotes osteogenesis, but its effects on craniofacial SSCs remain unclear. This study uses flow cytometry to characterize SSC populations in mouse mandible versus long bone, revealing site specific differences in bone cartilage stromal progenitors and other subpopulations. Mandible derived SSCs and MSCs will be isolated, expanded, and treated with CCN3 during osteogenic differentiation. Mineralization will be assessed using Alizarin Red S staining to evaluate osteogenic activity. These findings will provide new insight into the unique biology and therapeutic potential of SSCs within the mandible.
Exploring Kelp Forest Dynamics Using Agent-Based Models
Presentation Year:2026
Sela
Raisl,
Undergraduate Student,
Mathematics & Data Science
Kelp forests are important ecosystems due to their high primary productivity, organism recruitment, and biogenic coastal defense. With the creation of multiple urchin barrens along the west coast of North America following a Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) outbreak in 2013, kelp ecosystem restoration has become a growing area of ecological research. Predatory sea stars are important top-down predators that regulate urchin populations, and their loss after the SSWD outbreak has allowed urchin populations to flourish. This project applies a generalized agent-based model of kelp forest dynamics that could be developed into an effective simulation for evaluating restoration strategies in urchin barrens. The model includes agents for kelp, Pacific purple sea urchins, and Sunflower sea stars and can simulate the ecosystem under different conditions to guide policy.
Exploring the Placebo Effect on the Cortisol Stress Response
Presentation Year:2026
Enza
Zeppegno-Mendonca,
Undergraduate Student,
Psychology
The placebo effect is well-studied on pain perception, but not many studies have examined the placebo effect on stress. The current study explores whether a deceptive stress‑reducing tincture (filled with water) influences participants’ cortisol responses and self‑reported stress while undergoing a modified acute stress task: the Sing-a-Song Stress Test (SSST). Given the rise of mental health concerns and misuse of medication, this area of research may provide new directions for developing treatments that incorporate the placebo effect, which may enhance treatment outcomes.