Digital Commons Network^™

Water Depth To Body Size Correlation In Dabbling Ducks, Santiago Vera-Buoncristiani

IdeaFest 2026

I wanted to understand the correlation between dabbling duck body size and water depth in tidal exposed environments and how significant these habitats are for smaller species that have less access to deeper food sources.

Wicked Problems Through An Interdisciplinary Framework, Sarah Peters Gonzalez

IdeaFest 2026

Wicked problems are complex issues that resist straightforward solutions due to their interconnected nature, uncertainty, and ambiguity. These problems defy simple solutions, are shaped by countless variables and often lack clear boundaries. No single discipline holds the key to addressing them. By integrating diverse perspectives, knowledge, and methodologies, students in the Individualized Degree Program (IDP) explored a range of wicked problems, examining them from multiple disciplinary angles, drawing on insights from various fields: science, humanities, and more. The aim of the project is to showcase the power of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges of our time.

A Comparative Study Of The Presence Of Omnivores In Suburban Spaces, Jazmine Busteed

IdeaFest 2026

This study will test the daily/nightly presence/absence of raccoons (Procyon Lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and compare it to human presence (an aggregate of cars, humans, and domesticated animals) and temperature. Camera traps will be deployed at 7 sites in suburban neighborhoods in Arcata, CA, with data collection spanning 5 weeks in February and March. The implications include a better understanding of the suburban gradient as a suitable habitat for mammalian species

Influence Of Microclimate Conditions On Salamander Abundance, Seth Stephens

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Paternal Stress As A Contributor To Neuropsychiatric Disease Risk In Offspring, Chris Roberds

IdeaFest 2026

Chronic stress is increasingly common and may have consequences across generations. Paternal chronic stress has been shown to alter sperm small RNAs and influence offspring neurodevelopment and psychiatric disease risk. However, how stress signals from the brain reach the germline and how offspring respond to stress remains unclear. This study examines epigenetic inheritance of paternal stress and its effects on offspring stress responses. We compared offspring of chronically stressed and non-stressed sires and measured corticosterone following an acute stressor. Offspring of stressed fathers exhibited reduced corticosterone responses, with evidence of sex-specific differences in stress regulation.

Moving For Two: Understanding The Physiological Effects Of Prenatal Exercise, Jasmine Torres

IdeaFest 2026

Exercise during pregnancy supports important cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal adaptations that promote maternal and fetal health. Despite evidence showing benefits such as improved cardiovascular function, better glucose regulation, healthy weight gain, and reduced risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, most pregnant individuals do not meet exercise guidelines. Low participation is often due to misconceptions, safety concerns, and limited education. Promoting physical activity during pregnancy may serve as an effective strategy to improve maternal health outcomes and prevent pregnancy-related complications.

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 …

Understanding Microglial Phenotype Switching Through Dimensionality Reduction And Clustering Analysis, Anthony Wolfe

IdeaFest 2026

Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells, capable of shifting between pro- and anti-inflammatory states to regulate neural homeostasis. Disruptions to this balance contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. We analyzed single-cell gene expression data from approximately 600 mouse-derived microglia across six weeks to identify genes that capture cellular variability in both high and low dimensional representations. We also performed unsupervised clustering to identify subpopulations within the dataset based on gene expression patterns. This allowed us to map the known spectrum of functional states these cells occupy and examine how these transcriptional states change over time.

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 …

Breaking The Chains Of Oppression: Early Abolitionists, Public Protests, And The Quakers Who Led The Way In Igniting The Fires Of Freedom For All, William Seniff

IdeaFest 2026

When someone thinks of abolition, the first things that come to mind are Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, or the Underground Railroad. However, many of the early abolitionists in the North American colonies were, in fact, Quakers. Quakers were the first to lead the charge in the pursuit of abolition as early as the mid-seventeenth century. There is much more to Quakers and their history than the white-haired, stuffy-looking gentleman in a big hat on the box of your morning oatmeal. One of the main tenets in The Religious Society of Friends is a vow of pacifism, and many Quakers saw …

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.

How Well Does Humboldt County Incorporate Indigenous Values Within Conservation Tourism?, Ula Simonsen-Webb

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Gold Nanoparticles For Oncology Applications, Brodie Lyons

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Planning Green Infrastructure For Future Drought: Comparing Differences In Urban Tree Water Use For Two Coastal Cities, Raul Cano

IdeaFest 2026

Urban green infrastructure (trees, turfgrass) combined with impervious surfaces can enhance carbon sequestration and cooling. We used a regional eco-hydrologic model with downscaled climate projections to simulate urban configurations under future drought in two California coastal towns. Results suggest certain mixes support environmental benefits and reduce heat, though outcomes depend on drought severity. Strategic design of combined surfaces can optimize urban environmental outcomes.

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 …

Evaluation Of A Novel Trap Design For Anurans In Genus Hylia, Francisco Valdez

IdeaFest 2026

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.

Influence Of Flock Size On Competitive Outcomes In Urban Birds, Julia Dewing

IdeaFest 2026

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.

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.

Assembly Of A Saturation Spectroscopy System, Rodney Eckler

IdeaFest 2026

The Humboldt Gravitational Research Laboratory has partnered with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to assemble a saturated absorption spectroscopy system at Cal Poly Humboldt. The goal with the assembly is to stabilize a laser's frequency to a high level precision in a process called laser locking. Both saturated absorption spectroscopy and laser locking are important skills in many fields of physics from gravitational wave detection to development of atomic clocks.

Pacific Union School Art Club, Avalon Winfield

IdeaFest 2026

I worked with Pacific Union School, a K-8 public school. The issue I addressed was a lack of art and craft opportunities in classrooms. I helped start an Art Club for all grades to be able to participate in during lunch recess. This work matters because art is important to help students build creativity and confidence. Not all kids have access to art supplies at home and rely on school to offer art opportunities. Many students sit alone during recess and offering art club lets them connect with peers while creating art. I have seen art club make a big …

The Mechanical-Human Mismatch: Fatigue And Injury Prevention In Motocross, Mark Rivas

IdeaFest 2026

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 …

A&E Food Donation Club, Suki Frease-Renfree

IdeaFest 2026

Through the College Corp program, fellows and I started a new Registered Student Organization (RSO) called A&E. A&E’ Mission is to reduce on-campus food waste while supporting people affected by food insecurity. We have created 5 food drop-off/pick-up systems on campus which will later be delivered to our community partner. We aim to change how students see the unhoused and engage with the wider Arcata community. By raising awareness of local food banks and volunteer opportunities we can strengthen the connection between Cal Poly Humboldt and the surrounding community through shared service and engagement.

Developing Culture-Based Methods To Assess The Function Of Burkholderia Sensu Lato In Pitcher Plants, Theo Murphy

IdeaFest 2026

Pitcher plants are host to a diverse array of microorganisms, one of which is Burkholderia sensu lato. Burkholderia s.l. is a group of bacteria that is positively associated with function in the pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, though the mechanisms behind this functionality are poorly understood. In this study, I developed a culture-based method to isolate Burkholderia s.l. from a larger microbial community. I then characterized the Burkholderia isolates’ cellular morphology, oxygen requirements, motility, and nitrate reduction potential. I found that the characteristics of Burkholderia s.l. isolated from Sarracenia sp. diverges from that proposed in the literature.

Emergent Disorder Induced Transport In Active Matter Systems, Josh Steimel

IdeaFest 2026

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.

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 …