All Presenters & Abstracts
Small Mammal Diversity in Coastal Humboldt County Inferred from Owl Pellets and Complementary Trapping Surveys
Presentation Year:2026
Abigayle
Hendon,
Undergraduate Student,
Biological Sciences
Analysis of small mammal diversity and abundance in coastal Humboldt County through the identification of skeletal remains found in owl pellets, supplemented and validated by live trapping to account for local morphological variation.
Small School, Strong Community: Where Support Drives Success
Presentation Year:2026
Elly
Ahumada,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
As a College Corps Fellow, I served at St. Bernard’s Academy as a teaching assistant and tutor. Through this fellowship, I supported a small yet dynamic nonprofit school that offers scholarships to underprivileged students and families, helping bridge educational gaps and remove barriers. Small class sizes foster a hands-on learning environment where students in grades 7–12, regardless of background, can succeed. My work grading, organizing, and tutoring in the classroom supports both teachers and students by freeing up more time for educators to engage directly with their classes, while also helping students catch up and stay on pace with their peers. This experience taught me the importance of community in education, where collaboration and care for others enhance academic success.
Solar Microgrids Effects on Insect Diversity in a California Coastal Prairie
Presentation Year:2026
Bailey
Glashan,
Undergraduate Student,
Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management
Investigating insect diversity and abundance at different microclimates created by solar panels.
Spatial Segregation of Raptor Species Along Utility Line in Northern California
Presentation Year:2026
Isabel
Bunten,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Data analysis of raptors choosing for the same or different perching sections of a continuous line of utility wires along a highway in Arcata.
Species Richness and Composition of Raptors Between Urban and Rural Habitats
Presentation Year:2026
Kellan
Barney,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
As urbanization continues to increase to accommodate a growing human population, there have already been observable consequences for wildlife populations. For wildlife managers, it is important to understand how different species interact and behave across urban landscapes to minimize the negative effects urbanization can have on animals. How animals behave and adapt to urban environments varies widely across the animal kingdom, with some species suffering immense population declines and others seeming to thrive and even exploit cities and towns. This phenomenon has also been observed in raptors. Some species have been observed thriving in urban habitats, while others suffer significant population declines. While these species-specific successes and failures help us draw inferences on which species of raptors might thrive, be unaffected, or fail in urban habitats, they do little to tell us about how urbanization might influence species richness and composition. While there is a significant amount of literature on urban raptors, most of this focuses on specific species and breeding performance. There is currently a gap in the knowledge on how urban environments might influence species richness and composition, especially in northern California. Accurately measuring species richness of raptors is important as it can be an indicator of overall habitat quality and health, as well estimating the degree to which a habitat has been degraded.
Species-specific Responses to Various Cat Food Bait
Presentation Year:2026
Kamiell
Wanner,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
This research project investigates how different flavors of commercially available wet cat food utilized as bait influences wildlife visitation frequency and species diversity. 19 motion-activated trail cameras were deployed within a forested area in Humboldt County to compare wildlife responses. This study aims to assess species-specific attraction and deterrence effects of different bait flavors and test the hypothesis that certain bait flavors will significantly increase wildlife visitation frequency and diversity, while others will have neutral or deterrent effects on specific species. By examining how bait flavor influences visitation patterns, this research will provide insights to optimize bait selection for wildlife monitoring, inform wildlife management and conservation strategies, and contribute to methodological advancements in ecological field research.
Sustainability Employee Educators Developing Solutions (SEEDS)
Presentation Year:2026
Katie
Koscielak,
Staff,
Environmental Studies
My poster shares information, photos, and lessons learned from four years of implementing a campus sustainability program called SEEDS (the acronym stands for: Sustainability Employee Educators Developing Solutions):
Born from gaps identified in the triennial STARS report, SEEDS brings together volunteer staff and faculty to advance peer sustainability education at Cal Poly Humboldt. Now in its fourth year and contributing to EN 3 Staff Engagement & Training points earned in STARS, the program incentivizes the growth of sustainability champions across campus.
Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles for Oncology Applications
Presentation Year:2026
Brodie
Lyons,
Undergraduate Student,
Chemistry
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used in experimental cancer treatments and developed in various shapes and sizes to optimize drug delivery, imaging, and photothermal therapy. In this study, small gold nanospheres (20-30 nm), large nanospheres (50-60 nm), nanorods, and nanostars were synthesized and analyzed. Dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were techniques deployed to determine particle size, level of uniformity, particle absorption of light, and overall AuNP morphology. AuNPs shape and size changed which altered their interaction with light. Our results aid in informing AuNP design for future cancer treatments.
Synthetic EGF Receptor Drives Expansion of HPSC Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells
Presentation Year:2026
Youyuan
Wang,
Graduate Student,
Biological Sciences
The liver can regenerate after injury. However, this unique capacity fails when disease or injury makes the organ hostile to transplanted cells. To address this challenge, we aim to engineer hPSC-derived hepatocytes so they can better withstand this hostile environment and regenerate damaged liver tissue. We combine stem cell biology with synthetic receptor engineering to create hepatocytes with externally controllable proliferation. First, we tested that hPSC-derived hepatocytes respond to epidermal growth factor (EGF). We then engineered an inducible EGF receptor (iEGFR) that activates hepatocyte proliferation in response to the small-molecule AP20187. This creates a tunable "on/off" system, where proliferation is triggered by drug treatment and halted upon withdrawal. This work addresses a critical need: liver failure is a leading cause of death, and donor organ shortages leave many patients without treatment. Engineered hPSC-derived hepatocytes could provide a scalable regenerative therapy for these patients, bridging the gap of limited supply of donor organs.
Take Me Out of the Ballgame: Recovery from Pitching Injuries in the MLB
Presentation Year:2026
Madilyn
Shinn,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
My project looks into studies focused on Major league baseball, specifically pitchers who have obtained a UCL injury. I took data from several different studies to draw a conclusion that pitchers who recover from UCL surgery can return to the MLB.
The Boys and Girls Club of The Redwoods Pacific Union
Presentation Year:2026
Kyle
Sabio,
Undergraduate Student,
College Corp
As a College Corps Fellow, I served at the Boys and Girls Club of The Redwoods (BGCR) at Pacific Union Elementary School as a Youth Development Associate. Working with youth has developed my conflict resolution skills as well as communication skills in this field. I was grateful to be able to work with kids from TK-8th grade and act as a role model for them. BGCR operates an afterschool program on the campus of Pacific Union. The program facilitates care for members TK-8th grade and currently enrolls over half of the school population (approx. 296 members). With the sheer number of attendees on a daily basis, my position exists to fulfill staff/member ratios and provide an added element of safety for attendees.
The Effects of Restoration on Coastal Dune Arthropods
Presentation Year:2026
Markus
Orr,
Undergraduate Student,
Wildlife
Coastal dune ecosystems have been significantly altered through extensive vegetation removal and human development, and through the establishment of European beach grass. Arthropods play an important role in decomposition and nutrient cycling, and are highly sensitive to changes in vegetation structure. Thus, they are strong indicators of environmental changes and restoration success. This project aimed to evaluate the effects of dune restoration on arthropod abundance and species composition through comparison between restored and unrestored dune sites in the Humboldt County, California, which can then be used to evaluate the progress and success of restoration efforts.
The Hidden Lives of Plants
Presentation Year:2026
Adam
Ibarra,
Undergraduate Student,
Psychology
I have attempted to show some of the immense value that Ethnobotany holds for everyone to understand our relationship with plants more deeply. ~ The UAF Ethnobotany Program holds the honor of being one of the only dedicated programs to include Traditional Ecological Knowledge from Local Alaska Indigenous Peoples within Alaska and most of the western U.S. The EBOT Program The program currently is available as a minor or focus under the Anthropology Major. Students are also able to obtain the Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Ethnobotany offered by the UAF Program but there is not a Major offered in Ethnobotany. The program is headed by three professors – Lisa Strecker whom teaches many of the classes and field classes in Bethel, Alaska. Professor Sveta teaches the Ethnomycology class and continues research with her husband and fellow Professor Igor who is one of the chairpersons of the Anthropology Department. The Ethnobotany Program was originally housed under the Native American Studies Department at UAF. The program currently consists of 18? Credits The program has undergone numerous challenges with inclusion, recognition and funding during the X years that it has been offered. I believe it would be mutually beneficial for the EBOT Program at UAF and Native Studies Program - Lou Daligurr Food Sovereignty Lab to work together to further advance the resources available to students from both Universities enriching the work that each program is doing independently by collaborating and working together. There were many ways in which we could help each other, sharing TEK and creating a dialogue between the Indigenous Alaskan Communities and the Indigenous Humboldt Communities. Specifically, the sharing of traditional uses of plants, associated stories and names, can further the preservation and continuation of these traditions and the sacred plants that are still used today. The understanding, preservation and propagation of native plants is deeply connected to preservation of language, traditions, clothing, medicine and of course the foods that we eat.
The Impact of Unique People at Humboldt on Social Justice and Environmental Behaviors
Presentation Year:2026
Lee
Cunningham,
Undergraduate Student,
Psychology
Poster created by Alyssa Iverson, Jesse Linder, and Harmony Switzer-Tryon in Dr. Greg Gold’s Social Influence Research Lab.
The Influence of Dissenters and Social Control on Consensus and Entitativity
Presentation Year:2026
Hunter
Pons,
Graduate Student,
Psychology
This pilot study examines how dissent and social control influence perceptions of consensus and entitativity within groups. Drawing on social identity theory and subjective group dynamics, participants (N = 53) were exposed to varying levels of dissenters (1 vs. 10) and social control (present vs. absent). Results showed that consensus did not vary by condition but significantly predicted entitativity. Findings support the role of consensus in shaping group entitativity; a future study will test the relationship between consensus and group identification, mediated by entitativity and social identity uncertainty. Null effects suggest limitations in sample and contextual relevance.
The Mechanical-Human Mismatch: Fatigue and Injury Prevention In Motocross
Presentation Year:2026
Mark
Rivas,
Undergraduate Student,
Other
A research project into the risks and causes of injury in the sport of motocross. The research is focused on how the athlete can be better prepared through sport specific training for better technique and other factors. The sport specific training can be developed through the perspective of a physical therapist to develop more durable athletes. With more research the perspective can be utilized in the set-up of the equipment on the motorcycle and the protective equipment riders use can be made safer. The practices and methods used by PT's could be very valuable to the growth of the sport by promoting safety and longevity for both competitive and recreational riders. A common saying in the sport is: "Its not if you're going to crash, its when" and with the impossibility of eliminating risk in a sport like motocross, a PT is in constant need by racers to get back to competition.
The Menstrual Cycle, Dual-Hormone Hypothesis, and Competition: Implications for Athletic Performance
Presentation Year:2026
Gaia
O'Neil,
Undergraduate Student,
Psychology
This study examines how testosterone and cortisol interact to influence competitive drive and athletic performance in female collegiate athletes. Guided by the dual-hormone hypothesis, researchers predicted that testosterone would enhance competitiveness when cortisol is low. Results showed a significant interaction predicting competitive drive, but no effect on sprint performance. Additionally, menstrual cycle phase did not significantly impact hormones, motivation, or performance, suggesting that hormonal fluctuations may shape psychological aspects of competition more than physical outcomes.
The Politicization of Performance: How Rome Turned Ancient Greek Ritualistic Entertainment Into Political Propaganda
Presentation Year:2026
Ava
Henderson,
Undergraduate Student,
Anthropology
In this poster the topic of how Ancient Greek ritualistic theater was changed to fit the bloody and politically inclined ideals of Ancient Rome was discussed. It explores different theoretical frameworks such as the Ritual Theory, the Spectacle and Power Theory, and the Performance Theory. It also uses many different methodologies including comparative archaeological analysis, textual analysis, and socio-political contextualization. Using these different methods the poster is able to explore how Rome used both their spectacles and their architecture to promote their idealization of war while Greece used their performances and architecture to honor their Gods, specifically Dionysus who was the God of theater. The poster specifically contrasts the changes in the architecture of theaters that reflect the changing ideals and the switch from comedic plays and tragedies that honor the Gods to violent games to promote the idea that being strong and winning is everything.
The Potential Risks of Carbon Plated Running Shoes on Biomechanics
Presentation Year:2026
Diego
Honda,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Applied Health
The purpose of this research was to look at the potential injury risks caused from Carbon Plated Racing Shoes. It was found that carbon plated shoes have a risk of causing bone stress injuries and exacerbate existing asymmetries in the body similar to fatigue.
The Reproduction and Diet of the White Spotted Ratfish off Humboldt Bay
Presentation Year:2026
Sara
Johnson,
Undergraduate Student,
School of Engineering
Within the Class of Chondrichthyes or cartilaginous fishes is the poorly studied species of the white spotted ratfish, or Hydrolagus colliei. The objective of this project was to study this species’ diet and reproduction by analyzing stomach contents and gonads. We analyzed 8 males and 37 females. Fish were on average 52.48 cm in length with females being 10 cm longer than males. Fish fed on 4 prey groups, with benthic crustaceans being the most common, and females starting to reproduce at 53 cm length. Our data support previous studies suggesting that this species is a benthic feeder with sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males and reproducing after they are 50 cm in length.