Digital Commons Network^™

Living The American Dystopia: Parallels Between Louise Erdrich's Future Home Of The Living God, Leni Zumas's Red Clocks, And Us Abortion Legislation, Erin R. Walden

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This thesis highlights the parallels between contemporary U.S. culture and legislation (particularly after the overturning of Roe v. Wade) and two pieces of feminist speculative fiction: Louise Erdrich’s novel Future Home of the Living God and Leni Zumas’s Red Clocks. Through a rhetorical analysis of political and cultural discourse, legislation, and the two novels, utilizing the frameworks of theorists such as Catharine MacKinnon, Michel Foucault, and Stacy Alaimo, I investigate the similarities in legislation, culture, rhetoric, and atmospheres of reproductive dystopian fiction and our current political environment after the U.S. Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health …

Pestilent Air, Contagious Evil: Infectious Disease In Early Modern Poland, Danielle Marie Airola

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The individuals buried in the cemetery of Czysty Square and the population of the vanished village of Gać lived and died during the early modern period in what is now modern-day Poland. Epidemics broke out repeatedly during this time, and the skeletal remains of several individuals buried in Czysty Square’s cemetery display pathological changes suggestive of infectious disease. These non-specific morphological changes created a need for DNA testing to search for pathogens associated with these lesions. In contrast, Gać’s population declined over time until the village’s abandonment. This has led to a hypothesis of an epidemic having contributed to the …

She's Built Different (Literally), Emma Wilson

IdeaFest 2026

This literature review examines how anatomical sex differences and menstrual cycle–related hormonal fluctuations interact to influence performance, fatigue, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in female athletes. While females experience higher rates of ACL injuries and unique physiological changes across the menstrual cycle, existing research often studies these factors in isolation or relies on male-based models. This review synthesizes current findings on structural characteristics such as joint alignment and ligament laxity alongside hormonal variations in estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin. It highlights how these factors may collectively affect neuromuscular control, tissue integrity, and performance variability, particularly in sports involving cutting …

The Potential Risks Of Carbon Plated Running Shoes On Biomechanics, Diego Honda

IdeaFest 2026

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.

From Mandate To Implementation: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Early Childhood Coursework In Educational Leadership Preparation Programs, Anna Louise Puryear

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Research on principal leadership in the P-3 continuum is limited, even though leadership is second only to teaching in its impact on student outcomes. Most leadership preparation programs emphasize K–12 content, with little focus on early childhood education. Illinois is the only state to codify legislation requiring early childhood content in educational leadership programs, offering a unique case to examine how such mandates are implemented. This study employed qualitative content analysis to investigate how institutions of higher education represent mandated early childhood content in graduate-level coursework. Data sources included program-level documents from 22 Illinois leadership preparation programs and course-level materials …

Promoting Hope And Resilience: Measuring The Psychological Effects Of An Undergraduate Climate Change Education Course, Clare Bridgett Maguire

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The psychological effects of climate change are increasing, which has led to an increase in advocacy to research these effects. Current literature has included a focus on categorizing and understanding the psychological impacts, creating psychometrically sound instruments to measure the effects, and education as a tool to enhance coping strategies. However, limited research exists on measuring the emotional outcomes for students who engage in climate change education at the post-graduate level.

This dissertation explores the effects of an undergraduate-level climate change course on participants’ experiences of eco-anxiety, ecological grief, resilience, and hope to better understand the psychological effects of climate …

Bird Response To Dam Removal And Revegetation In The Klamath River Basin, Izzy Harrison

IdeaFest 2026

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 …

Exercise Is Medicine® On Campus (Eim-Oc): Building A Sustainable Culture Of Health At Cal Poly Humboldt, Derek Han

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Effect Of Hydration Pack Load Carrying Configuration On Trail Running Energetics And Performance, Ryan Giglio

IdeaFest 2026

Lit Review for KINS 492W Senior Seminar, looking at the effects of hydration pack configuration on metabolic cost/energetics in trail running.

How To Get High Off Of Exercise, Quade Kenison

IdeaFest 2026

Literature review on the effects of exercise on substance use disorders for my senior seminar class.

Characterizing Regional Human Necromicrobiome Communities In A Semi-Arid Desert To Inform Postmortem Interval (Pmi) Estimation, Georgia Rane Swelstad

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) remains challenging in forensic anthropology, particularly in arid and high-elevation environments where decomposition processes and insect activity are highly variable. Postmortem microbial succession has emerged as a promising alternative framework for PMI estimation. However, the effects of climate and elevation on microbial decomposition dynamics remain insufficiently characterized.

This study examines skin-associated microbial succession in human remains decomposing at the Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS) in western Colorado, a semi-arid, high-elevation environment. Microbial samples collected from five anatomical sites during the early postmortem interval are analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, and …

Expanding Access To Swim Education: A Grant Proposal For Subsidized Youth Aquatic Programs, Emme Ryffel

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Adverse Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Athletic Performance, Armando Morales

IdeaFest 2026

Sleep is crucial to physical recovery, brain function, and health which contribute greatly to athletic performance. Athletes often find themselves sleep deprived due to training demands, academic or work obligations, travel, and stress related to competition. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can have adverse effects on the body and brain. Endurance, recovery, reaction time, and decision making can all be decreased by sleep deprivation. This article reviews how sleep deprivation as well as sleep quality affect athletes' performance.

What Are You Compensating For?, Nathan Aguilar

IdeaFest 2026

Meta-analysis of muscle compensation and the side effects, both short term and long term. Understanding muscle activation response with induced fatigue, injury, and rehabilitation techniques and methods.

But What If I Hate It? The Intersection Of Collegiate And Career Pathways In Kinesiology, Tyler Yeo

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Public Lands In Public Hands, Adeli Burdeinii

IdeaFest 2026

Sage, Melia, and I were placed with the BLM Arcata field office to work on a variety of ecological restoration projects and public outreach. BLM Arcata Field Office's main mission is to help restore and preserve the natural environment for the good of the public and wildlife. This past year, our tasks included monitoring, upkeep, and outreach on public lands. In our time with the BLM, we educated the public on the resources they are using and how to treat them right so everyone can enjoy them for many years to come, worked on wildlife and plant monitoring projects to …

California's Salmon River - History Of Whitewater Paddling Short Film, Will Ross

IdeaFest 2026

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.

North Coast Growers Association: An Organization For The Community, Ava Colony

IdeaFest 2026

Our college corps placement with North Coast Growers Association (NCGA) has allowed us to have a deeper experience with the broader Humboldt community through the local food system. As a NCGA interns our tasks varied from aiding in the farmers' markets, packing food boxes for the Harvest Box Program, or attending educational outreach events for schools. These programs support food equity, sustainable economic and agricultural practices, and community engagement. Through this experience we have learned the importance and complexities of a robust local food system, and the positive effects it can have on a community.

Food As Good Medicine, Azariah Mohr

IdeaFest 2026

As a college corps fellow, I worked with Potawot Health Village to address food insecurity. I planted and harvested produce and medicinal herbs that were dispersed to tribal members throughout Humboldt county. This careful work promotes holistic health initiatives rooted in eating organically and tending to the land. Through this experience I learned how to harness community with food and traditional knowledge at the forefront.

Sdoh Screening To Advance Breast Cancer Equity, Elizabeth Root

IdeaFest 2026

This quality improvement initiative aims to increase the number of breast cancer patients who receive treatment within 90 days of diagnosis by implementing standardized social determinants of health (SDOH) screening during intake at a cancer navigation community-based setting. Patient navigators will identify health-related social needs and coordinate referrals to community resources to mitigate barriers to care. Process measures include screening and referral rates, and outcome measures include time to treatment initiation and patient satisfaction with the screening and referral process. This intervention seeks to reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes and improve health equity.

Your Brain As A Long Distance Runner, Sebastian Vaisset-Fauvel

IdeaFest 2026

Despite the performance benefits of endurance training, long-distance runners are at risk of declining performance and chronic fatigue when training load exceeds recovery capacity. Acutely, running can increase neurochemicals, blood flow, and neural activity, which temporarily enhances attetion and cognitive function. Chronically, running leads to structural and functional brain adaptations in regions involving memory, motor control, and decision making. However, Excessive training without adequate recovery can lead to Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) This review investigates how endurance running shapes the brain through acute and chronic adaptations, and how excessive training may shift these benefits toward maladaptive neural changes associated with overtraining …

What Is Contributing To Injuries In Adolescent Athletes, And What Are The Physical And Psychological Consequences?, Luis Sandoval

IdeaFest 2026

This review examines recent research covering the factors contributing to injuries in adolescent athletes and the associated physical and psychological consequences. Key contributors include excessive training loads without adequate recovery and early sport specialization. The review also explores how these injuries affect long-term musculoskeletal health, mental well-being, and continued sport participation. Findings highlighted the need for improved training guidelines, reduced early sport specialization, and a greater emphasis on long-term athlete development keeping mental health in mind.

Nutrient Timing For Sprint Performance, Zachary Blood

IdeaFest 2026

Research on current findings related to nutrient timing strategies, and their possible affects on sprint performance and recovery.

Unmuted: An Augmentative And Alternative Communication User’S Experience In Accessing And Engaging In Mental Health Care, Kanbi Faith Knippling

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Communication accessibility is a critical yet underexamined factor influencing access to and engagement in mental health care for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Existing literature suggests that AAC users experience significant barriers to obtaining communication-accessible mental health services, including limited provider preparation, communication-related assumptions, and broader structural inequities. Despite growing recognition of these concerns, little research has explored how AAC users experience and navigate mental health counseling or how communication accessibility shapes participation in care.

This single-case study explored communication accessibility within the context of an adult AAC users' experiences accessing and engaging in mental health counseling. …

Bridging The Gap: Improving Access To Specialty Care For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes In Rural Communities, Sydney Castil

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Prevention Of Escherichia Coli Biofilm Formation Using Slpa Protein Extracted From Lactobacillus Helveticus, Scarlet Renner

IdeaFest 2026

Dental health in pets is often neglected, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis. Probiotics are thought to inhibit oral pathogenic bacteria through surface layer proteins, preventing biofilm formation and occupying binding sites. We explored Lactobacillus helveticus and its protein SLpA in preventing biofilm formation in mCherry expressing Escherichia coli. SLpA was extracted using lithium chloride and centrifugation. E. coli was mixed with L. helvetius and SLpA. Fluorescence values were collected with a sodium alginate and calcium chloride gel in each well to allow bacterial adherence and compared to a blank. Results show L. helveticus and SLpA inhibit biofilm formation of E. …

Shoe-Surface Interaction And Lower Extremity Injury Risk In Sports: Balancing Performance And Safety, Jack Rice

IdeaFest 2026

Looking at the difference in shoe and cleat design on shoe-surface interactions and the role that plays on athlete performance and injury risk.

Hydrotherapy As An Emerging Treatment For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Monserrat Rodriguez

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Growing Agroecology: Two Case Studies From The U.S. Student Farm Movement, Amelia B. Armstrong

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Scholars and activists identify agroecology as a crucial science, practice, and movement to move towards more just, equitable, and sustainable agriculture and food systems. Yet, the exploitative industrial food system, that deepens inequalities like food insecurity (Clapp et al., 2025), reduces farmer autonomy (Rotz, 2015), and contributes to increased carbon emissions (Lin et al., 2011) and biodiversity decline (Rotz, 2015), still dominates. Understanding and mobilizing the different spaces that teach agroecology, then, is a crucial step in challenging the dominant industrial food system. Agroecology education in university settings is an important domain to investigate as potential contributors to this movement, …

Eureka Silvercrest, Avyonne Currington

IdeaFest 2026

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.