All Presenters & Abstracts
High Appetite: Cannabis and its Relationship with Eating Patterns and Overall Nutrition
Presentation Year:2026
JJ
O'Hara,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
My project is looking into the relationship between cannabis and nutrition. Specifically, disordered eating, diet content, and how it can help individuals who might struggle with undereating.
Holy COWS: Moo-ving the Dial on Complex Pain Management
Presentation Year:2026
Mary
Nickell,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
In the U.S., 8.9 million people misused opioids last year (SAMHSA, 2024). Humboldt County’s overdose rate is 6% above state and national averages (DHSS, 2021). Despite high prevalence rates, many providers lack confidence in managing acute pain for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), while nursing stigma further inhibits care (Raub & Vettese, 2017). Patients with OUD report discharging against medical advice (DAMA), even with life-threatening illnesses, due to inadequate pain and withdrawal management (Babbel et al.,2024). Nurses leaders can reduce DAMA, improve health outcomes/equity through standardized screening, dedicated pain management pathways, and mandatory annual staff training.
How to Get High Off of Exercise
Presentation Year:2026
Quade
Kenison,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
Literature review on the effects of exercise on substance use disorders for my senior seminar class.
How well does Humboldt County incorporate Indigenous values within conservation tourism?
Presentation Year:2026
Ula
Simonsen-Webb,
Undergraduate Student,
Environmental Studies
In what ways and how well does Humboldt County incorporate Indigenous values within conservation tourism? Through this project I applied the term of conservation tourism as a methodology for creating better tourism management strategies. Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives are at the forefront of this project.
Human Disturbance affecting foraging of great egrets
Presentation Year:2026
Michelle
Villalpando,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This project examined how human disturbance influences the foraging behavior of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) in tidal wetlands near Humboldt Bay, California. Observations were conducted at Butcher’s Slough and Elk River Slough during low tides when egrets actively forage. Strike rates were recorded under different disturbance conditions, including the presence of pedestrians and people with dogs near the birds. Results showed that pedestrian activity did not reduce foraging efficiency and, in some cases, was associated with higher strike rates, while dogs had no significant effect. Findings suggest that Great Egrets in frequently visited wetlands may be habituated to regular human activity, informing wetland management and conservation planning.
Human-Mountain Lion Coexistence in a Highly Populated Area of Northern California
Presentation Year:2026
Madeleine
Johnston,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
A survey was taken of Sonoma County residents known to be living within mountain lion ranges. My project analyzed the relationship between mountain lion sightings in the last five years and the number of acres a property was, what percent of an owner's property was covered by natural vegetation, if there was a presence of fencing that blocked deer movement, and if there was livestock on the property, in order to predict what property factors influenced sighting frequency. I also used a Likert scale to analyze attitude and fear levels in relation to mountain lion sightings in the last five years. I explored the relationship between livestock owners with and without mountain lion protection and the difference in their attitudes and fear towards mountain lions.
Humboldt International Film Festival Archive Data
Presentation Year:2026
Sawyer
Chrisman,
Undergraduate Student,
Art + Film
My project examines the Humboldt International Film Festival (HIFF) archive, compiling data on two specific categories (narrative and experimental), the countries that submit to these categories for the festival, and the years. The archive of films dates back to 2015. Then I am writing a paper looking at three countries that have submitted and see the global context of why they submitted and what message is being presented in the film.
Hydrotherapy as an Emerging Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Presentation Year:2026
Monserrat
Rodriguez,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
This project explores cerebral palsy (CP) with a focus on classification, severity, and the role of pain in limiting movement and participation in children. It reviews common land-based interventions used in rehabilitation, highlighting their benefits in improving motor function and independence, as well as their limitations such as fatigue and reduced engagement. The project then introduces hydrotherapy as an emerging intervention, examining its benefits in improving movement, balance, and participation. Current research suggests hydrotherapy can enhance rehabilitation outcomes, especially when used alongside traditional therapies.
I Will Survive: Habitat Associations of the Oʻahu ʻAmakihi (Chlorodrepanis flava) in a Novel Landscape
Presentation Year:2026
Kellen
Apuna,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
The Oʻahu ʻAmakihi (Chlorodrepanis flava) is a Hawaiian honeycreeper that persists on Oʻahu, the Hawaiian island with the most development and habitat disturbance. We examined the habitat associations of this species by leveraging community science data to inform a generalized linear model which evaluates how forest floristics and structure influence ʻAmakihi abundance.
Impact of Early Intervention on Developmental Outcomes in Young Children with Autism in Rural Communities
Presentation Year:2026
Libier
Burgara,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
This poster examines the impact of early intervention on developmental outcomes in young children with autism in rural communities, with a focus on care delivered through a community based rural clinic and a rural federally qualified health center. Delays in diagnosis and limited access to specialized services contribute to poorer developmental trajectories in these settings. This project highlights the importance of early screening, timely referral, and coordinated, family centered care. Key concepts include reducing disparities, improving access to evidence based interventions, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Outcomes demonstrate that early, consistent intervention is associated with improved communication, social functioning, and overall developmental progress in children with autism.
Impact of Environmental Stressors on Pinniped Tags
Presentation Year:2026
Brodie
Lyons,
Undergraduate Student,
Biological Sciences
Please update the abstract to: Marine mammal researchers use tags to track seal and sea lion movements, monitor health, and assess populations. This project supports a collaborative NOAA-Cal Poly Humboldt -CNRS student initiative to improve tag design by comparing injection-molded and 3D-printed tags. Durability was evaluated under ultraviolet exposure, mechanical abrasion, and biofouling using scanning electron microscopy. Injection-molded tags showed greater resistance to all stressors, indicating improved reliability in harsh marine environments and reduced likelihood of tag failure, ultimately supporting more effective marine mammal research.
Impact of Salinity on Symbiotic Communities Associated with Ghost Shrimp in Humboldt Bay
Presentation Year:2026
André
Giraldi,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
The Bay Ghost Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) is a colony-dwelling, burrowing crustacean found across the California coast. Dozens of species of symbiotic animals live and shelter inside dense networks of N. californiensis burrows, forming a unique infaunal ecosystem with many endemic species. N. californiensis is able to tolerate a wide range of salinities, however differences between symbiotic communities associated with N. californiensis based on this range is poorly understood. This study analyzes whether symbiont species composition and abundance differs between brackish and saltwater colonies of N. californiensis in Humboldt Bay and the Elk River Estuary.
Impact of Urbanization on Morning Chorus Initiation in Songbirds
Presentation Year:2026
Ari
Stanley,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
The natural phenomenon of the avian morning chorus is a widely utilized mechanism by numerous songbird species to communicate within and across their habitat (Brown and Handford 2003). Anthropogenic factors associated with urban landscapes can influence songbird behavior and alter the way these species interact with their environment (Marín-Gómez and MacGregor-Fors 2021). Morning chorus initiation serves as a strong indicator of urban habitat quality and suitability for songbird species. This study focuses on the impact of urbanization on the initiation of morning chorus in various songbird species across Arcata, CA. Passive acoustic monitoring is utilized to collect auditory data on the first song of each songbird species across multiple urbanized or unurbanized sites and its relativity to sunrise. This study will result in a better understanding of the impacts of urbanization on avian vocalization behaviors.
Improving Diabetes Outcomes in Native American Populations
Presentation Year:2026
Meagan
Shadle,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Despite organized efforts, Humboldt County tribes have had little improvement regarding diabetes outcomes when compared to county and state data averages. These trends suggest that regardless of advancements in therapy, monitoring and prevention there is still an issue of equity among ethnic groups in Humboldt County. This data highlights the need for an integrative and culturally centered, community based strategy that aims to improve the health outcomes and longevity of the Indigenous peoples within this shared land. By providing individualized care plans and disease process management with community engagement programs focused on relevant and accessible diet and lifestyle education there is a widened opportunity for inclusion in how nurse leaders address health care disparities.
Improving Early Mobility and Family Engagement for Patients in a Rural Intensive Care Unit
Presentation Year:2026
Erin
Sullivan,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Early mobility and family engagement interventions for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit are key components of the ICU liberation bundle (A-F). It strives to reduce patient complications, such as delirium, PTSD, progressive weakness, lengthy hospital stays, and mortality. This quality improvement project in a rural ICU employs a multidisciplinary approach to expanding early mobility interventions, educating the care team, patients, and families, addressing barriers, encouraging family participation, and developing an early mobility standard of care protocol. Key outcomes include consistent use of ICU liberation documentation tools by caregivers, enhanced family participation and education, and increased mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients.
Improving Follow-up for Uncontrolled Hypertension in Humboldt County
Presentation Year:2026
Tammy
Liebl,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
High blood pressure is a leading cause of preventable stroke and heart disease, with rural populations experiencing worse outcomes. In primary care, elevated blood pressure is often identified, but follow-up is not always consistent or timely. Disparities in blood pressure control also exist across racial and ethnic groups. This quality improvement project focuses on strengthening follow-up through nurse-led interventions, including home monitoring support, follow-up calls, and standardized clinic workflows. Improving consistency in care may increase blood pressure control and reduce preventable complications.
Improving Suicide Screening in Oncology: High-Risk Older Adults and Males
Presentation Year:2026
Dezeray
Stevens,
Undergraduate Student,
Nursing
Suicide risk among patients with cancer is often overlooked, despite being significantly higher than in the general population, especially among older adults and males. In many inpatient oncology settings, screening is inconsistent and limited to admission, leaving changes in distress undetected. This quality improvement project proposes a structured, multilevel approach, including standardized screening, improved communication, and policy-driven protocols. Guided by the Johns Hopkins model, the goal is to improve early identification and timely intervention. Expected outcomes include increased screening consistency, better recognition of distress, and improved patient safety.
Influence of Flock Size on Competitive Outcomes in Urban Birds
Presentation Year:2026
Julia
Dewing,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Urban environments provide wildlife with food from human waste, which generalist species exploit, increasing interspecific competition. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), common ravens (Corvus corax), and gulls (Larus spp.) frequent these sources, yet their competitive outcomes remain understudied. This study explores food competition between these species in Arcata and Eureka, California. I hypothesize that crow competitive success increases with group size. Understanding how social behavior impacts these outcomes will contribute to a deeper knowledge of urban ecology.
Influence of Microclimate Conditions on Salamander Abundance
Presentation Year:2026
Seth
Stephens,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This project quantified the relationship between terrestrial salamanders and their microhabitats at a spatial scale. I predicted that salamander encounters will be higher at cover objects associated with higher soil moisture, deeper leaf litter, and greater canopy cover, and lower in drier, more open sites. By finding these similarities or differences between the relationship of salamander abundance and canopy-controlled microclimate this study contributes to a broader understanding of how forest structure can have influence over moisture-dependent wildlife.
Interpreting Burn Severity in Three Dimensions: LiDAR Canopy Height Models Across MTBS Severity Classes in Northern California
Presentation Year:2026
Garrett
Hall,
Undergraduate Student,
Geography, Environment & Spatial Analysis
I’m analyzing what satellite-derived burn-severity classes actually represent in terms of forest structure after wildfire. Using the 2021 Monument Fire (Northern California), I combine MTBS burn-severity maps (30 m classes) with post-fire USGS 3DEP LiDAR to measure canopy height and canopy cover. I generate canopy height models and summarize structure within 30 m grid cells across multiple sample plots representing low/unburned, moderate, and high severity. The goal is to quantify how canopy structure differs by severity class and highlight where severity labels and 3D structure don’t fully align.
The Geography Department will be printing my poster.