Digital Commons Network^™

Factors Influencing Extended Periods Of Inactivity In Barred Owls, Emily Mora, Vitek Jirinec, Jon Tenberge, Greta Wengert

IdeaFest 2025

This study aimed to understand the factors influencing extended periods of inactivity in barred owls. We analyzed environmental factors, such as temperature and seasonal variations, along with individual characteristics like sex, to better understand their activity patterns. The findings could aid in developing more effective management strategies for barred owls through targeted removal programs, ultimately improving conservation efforts for the threatened northern spotted owl.

Cannabis Use And Mental Health: A Double-Edged Leaf, Hannah Lyons, Lanna Moore, Izzy Tetzlaff, Adriana Cluver

IdeaFest 2025

Our project entails researching the effects of cannabis on various mental illnesses. We are investigating whether cannabis use impacts mental health disorders—exacerbating them, providing relief, or having no effect—aiming to better understand its role and clinical implications. Using OneSearch through Cal Poly Humboldt Library, we reviewed 12 papers utilizing keywords like “mental illness,” “cannabis,” “anxiety,” and “depression.” Findings show cannabis may worsen symptoms depending on usage patterns and individual conditions, suggesting the need for caution and increased research in clinical use and mental health policy.

Consistent Insect Abundance Across Temperature, Humidity, And Vegetation Gradient In The Arcata Marsh And Wildlife Sanctuary, Shahin Mokhtari

IdeaFest 2025

I measured insect abundance in response to various levels of temperature, humidity, and vegetation density.

Arcata Hs: Ffa Organization, Leslie Mendoza-Avila

IdeaFest 2025

With my College Corps worksite placement, I was placed in Arcata High School working with 2 AG teachers who are part of a national agricultural program called Future Farmers of America. They have heavy positive influences on the students in the chapter, where many pursue entrepreneurships or higher education opportunities to return home to contribute their knowledge in their former chapter or the Humboldt community. The chapter relies a lot on community support, as its resources are limited. The chapter continues to grow by giving back to the community whether it be helping with floral arrangements at events or even …

Edge Effects On Insects In Coastal Redwoods, Sebastian Mendoza

IdeaFest 2025

When it comes to coastal redwood forests, there aren’t many studies that focus on insect abundance being affected by edge effects. The focus of this study is to see what species of insects are being affected by the forest edge. I will assess this question using pitfalls and sticky traps to trap ground insects and flying insects, respectively. I hypothesize that the closer distance from the edge habitat will positively influence insect diversity. This study will allow future researchers to see if there’s a correlation between insect abundance and other species that use insects as a food source.

Bat Biodiversity In Coastal And Inland Habitat, Katrina Maynez

IdeaFest 2025

Bat acoustic survey done in Arcata, CA and Trinity, CA across 6 different sites. How does habitat ecological resolutions affect bat population in Arcata, CA vs Trinity, CA?

How Ecological Restoration Affects Mammalian Species Diversity And Evenness In Coastal Dune Systems, Samantha Lieburn

IdeaFest 2025

I tested the effects of differing landscape management practices at two different coastal dune systems in Humboldt County, California. I did this to see how ecological restoration of native plant compositions affected mammalian species richness and evenness.

Shorebird Size Plays A Role In Mixed -Species Flocking Behavior, Mason Levy

IdeaFest 2025

This study analyzed flocking behavior of shorebirds present at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, examining if any two (or more) species significantly selected to flock with each other over other species, and what may have led to such a flocking preference (similarities in size, foraging behavior, etc.).

Change In Snowmelt Timing And Its Effects On The Green-Up Timing Of Mixed Conifer Forests, Tully Leonard, Rachel Torres

IdeaFest 2025

Shifts in the timing of snow-pack melt influences the phenological cycles of evergreen forest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range; this can lead to potential alterations in the timing and duration of green-up in these forests. This can affect the forest’s resilience to ecological disturbances, like wildfires or insect outbreaks. In order to investigate these patterns this study uses data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which monitors the green-up of the forest and the snow depth. In addition, the snow water equivalent (SWE) data from the National Water and Climate Center (NWCC) was used to approximate the amount …

Modeling Brown Pelican Predicted Abundance In Humboldt Habitats, Gavin Lahr

IdeaFest 2025

I conducted point-count surveys for Brown Pelicans in three different Humboldt County Habitats: Beaches, Bays, and Lagoons. Across nine survey sites I compared Brown Pelican relative abundance and predation frequency to determine what habitat type in Humboldt County was more important to Brown Pelican survival and conservation. Since 2009 Brown Pelicans were delisted from the Endangered Species Act, a momentous achievement for Brown Pelicans and conservationists. However, I believe it is important to continue monitoring species that have been delisted to ensure they remain healthy.

Precision Measurement Of The Universal Gravitational Constant, Frederick Kuster-Tabares, A. G. Papesh, Emily Ord, R. S. Decca, Charles D. Hoyle, M. Hua

IdeaFest 2025

In cooperation with Indiana University (formerly IUPUI), the Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University) Gravity Lab is undertaking a project to more accurately measure the value of the Universal Gravitational Constant in terms of SI base units. Gravitational modifications to the torque on the pendulum will be obtained via two methods through sequential experiments with a common apparatus, with the goal to provide a window into the cause of previous discrepancies between the two methods of measurement, resulting in a more accurate determined value for G.

California At A Crossroads: Saving The Trinity’S Water Future, Chris Koier

IdeaFest 2025

California’s Trinity River faces rising threats from outdated infrastructure, federal overreach, and climate change. This poster distills key findings from the California in the Crosshairs public policy series, analyzing infrastructure failures, collapsing salmon runs, and misguided federal water releases. It proposes local solutions—groundwater recharge, urban water independence, and Sites reform—to secure California’s rivers, ecosystems, and tribal rights before irreversible damage occurs.

Edge Effects On Salamander Morphology In The Arcata Community Forest., Blake Knapp

IdeaFest 2025

This project examines how edge effects influence the weight and snout-to-vent length (SVL) salamanders (Order Caudata) in the Arcata Community Forest. Effects, caused by habitat fragmentation, can alter environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and soil composition, potentially affecting salamander physiology and well-being. The study aims to investigate whether salamanders living near forest edges exhibit different morphological characteristics compared to those in interior habitats. If salamanders in the Arcata Community Forest are impacted by edge effects, then there will be a significant correlation between snout to vent lengths (SVL) and weight and distance from the edge.

Effects Of Human Development On The Spatial And Temporal Behavior On The Neighborhood Mesocarnivore Guild, Amanda Kanaly

IdeaFest 2025

This study researches how urbanization affects the spatial and temporal behavior of mesocarnivore species in the small city of Arcata, California. Specifically, the study tests whether different levels of urban development influence spatio-temporal interactions and the co-occurrence (or lack thereof) of two or more mesocarnivore species, and how habitat characteristics mediate these effects. By analyzing the correlation between habitat features and co-detection events, this research aims to shed light on the dynamics of mesocarnivore coexistence in urban and rural environments, and inform strategies to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on wildlife.

Remote Sensing For Forest Health And Wildfire Mitigation, Jonathan David Juarez, Rachel Torres

IdeaFest 2025

Forest ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity, stabilizing soil, and regulating water cycles. However, frequent wildfires, extended droughts, and declining vegetation health are placing these ecosystems at risk. This research will explore how remote sensing tools and available data such as soil moisture, vegetation indices, and phenology can be used to assess forest health and mitigate wildfire risks.

Making Sense Of Dyspraxic Senses Using Exercise, The Effects Of Bodyweight Exercises On Proprioception In Individuals With Developmental Coordination Disorder, Evan Jackson

IdeaFest 2025

People with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have poor motor coordination which interferes with daily activities of living. One potential reason for the impairment of motor skills that people with DCD have is a decreased sense of proprioception. Proprioception is the sense of where your body is in space and where body parts are in relation to one another. Exercise can increase proprioception. The purpose of this project is to investigate the effects of bodyweight exercise (BWE) on proprioception in people with DCD. BWE have been found to increase proprioception, static and dynamic balance, and motor function.

Effects Of Non-Invasive Rehabilitation For Baseball Players Recovering From Tommy John Surgery: Optimizing Safe & Efficient Return To Play, Lexanee Inzunza

IdeaFest 2025

Baseball pitchers often suffer ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears due to repetitive, high-velocity throws. These injuries are commonly treated with Tommy John Surgery (TJS), which requires a 12–18 month recovery. While TJS is effective, its long rehab has led to rising interest in non-invasive options like physical therapy, PRP, stem cells, and biomechanical training. These methods show promise for moderate injuries, offering shorter recovery and fewer risks. More research is needed, but individualized non-surgical care may support a safer, more efficient return to play.

Addressing A Community In Need The Betty Kwon Chinn Foundation, Dillon Hurley

IdeaFest 2025

No abstract provided.

The Gut Microbiome And The Influences On Emotional State, Sophia Hummel, Payton Tausig, Sophia Vanslambrouck, Nathan Aguilar, Angel Roca

IdeaFest 2025

We reviewed current research articles examining the complex relationship between gut microbiome and mood regulation in people. In order to collect our data, we completed a literature review on this topic. We found that there is a very strong relationship between the gut microbiome and mood in people. We observed mental health factors in relationship to mood such as stress, anxiety, and depression. As a result, worsened gut microbiome led to worsened mood factors. This topic has high importance due to how new the topic and research is, and how it affects human health, leading to future implications of treating …

How Parenting Styles Relate To Attachment Styles In North And South America, Kelly Vega, Lilia Horne, Emily O'Keefe, Naomi Huerta-Vazquez

IdeaFest 2025

This review explores how parenting styles in North and South America influence children later in life. By examining a range of studies from both regions, we analyzed the long-term effects of different parenting approaches on individuals as they grow into adulthood. Parenting styles explored in our research include authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Studies also evaluated additional influences on parenting such as overprotectiveness and patriachal influence. The goal is to understand better how cultural and regional differences in parenting can shape emotional, social, and psychological development over time.

Sweet Molecules, Sour Outcome: Enzyme Kinetics To Discover Allosteric Inhibitor Of Yeast Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Yadh), Dylan J. Harrison, Jenny A. Cappuccio

IdeaFest 2025

Northern Kentucky University conducted a study in which alcoholic drinks mixed with soda & diet soda were drunk, then participants had their BAC measured with a breathalyzer. When the diet soda mixer was used, a higher BAC was measured, indicating faster metabolism. The enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, breaks down ethanol, turning it into acetaldehyde with the use of NAD+. If biochemical pathways such as glycolysis are active, the NAD+/NADH ratio will be offset and will limit the process. Since sugar substitutes don't activate glycolysis like sugar, they are essentially inert. I am in the process of determining if the sugar interacts …

Water Adsorption On Environmental Metal Oxides Determined By The Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (Drifts) Technique, Rachel Sechan, Shane Mcdemos, Skye Ludwig, Alden Walkley, Tobin Thorton, Christopher W. Harmon

IdeaFest 2025

Clouds are a critical component of the atmosphere, which predominantly cools the planet by scattering solar radiation back to space. Particulate matter (PM) are small solids suspended in the air that can initiate the seeding process for cloud formation, where environmental metal oxides (EMO) are one of the dominate types of PM. This process is directly related to the relative humidity (RH) above the PM surface and how much water it absorbs. PM collects sparingly small molecular layers of water before undergoing bulk scale water uptake. Details of water uptake at this level are still lacking in the literature, and …

Male Grouping Behavior In Giant Chacoan Peccary, Finley Gralian

IdeaFest 2025

A behavioral observation of captive male Chacoan peccaries at Sequoia Park Zoo to identify whether the males group by age, genetic relatedness, or personality.

Transportation For Native Youth, Jessa Gomez, Alyssa Huynh

IdeaFest 2025

The Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC), founded in 1976, is a nonprofit organization. They are dedicated to serving the needs of Native communities across Northern California, around 15,000 clients annually. Our youth-focused initiative aims to highlight the importance of transportation and accessibility in connecting Native youth to The Nest Youth Center and community events. We strive to improve engagement by offering culturally relevant activities that strengthen identity and connection to one another. By fostering leadership and providing essential tools and resources, we aim to empower Native youth to grow, thrive, and become strong leaders within their communities.

Culvert And Viaduct Features Influencing Mammal Crossing Frequency, Patty Garrett

IdeaFest 2025

An analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors that influence mammal crossing rates through culverts and bridges on a Northern segment of California U.S. Route 101. This study analyzes mammal crossing rates in relation to structure openness, and proximate vegetation density across forty-six remote camera sites.

The Sound Of Coastal Grove Creating Impactful Connections Through Music, Jaelyn Flores, Heather Garalde, Gia Gruenhagen, Makena Martin

IdeaFest 2025

For our creative project, the Coastal Grove Charter School fellows presented a 2025 Pitchfest proposal in collaboration with Coastal Grove, the Cal Poly Humboldt Music Department, and the broader school community. Our pitch aimed to support a more equitable and engaging learning environment for students in the music program. We proposed acquiring additional classroom supplies, organizing a dedicated classroom setup day, and fostering community involvement to help shape the future of music education at the school. The Coastal Grove staff and administration expressed deep gratitude for our support, noting how these efforts meaningfully enhance the music program and benefit the …

Assembly And Testing Of A Closed Cycle Cryostat, Chris Maguire

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Closed cycle cryocoolers are commonly used in laboratories as they provide long-term, low-cost, low-maintenance operation. This project covers the assembly and testing of an Advanced Research Systems DE-202 closed cycle cryostat to provide a low temperature apparatus for undergraduate research and advanced laboratory projects. This system is useful for many applications including optics, condensed matter physics, spectroscopy, electrical characterization, microscopy, superconductivity, crystallography, and biological studies.

Cryostat assembly involved research and planning to build a custom frame for the cryocooler, assemble vacuum, water, gas and electrical systems, leak test, and fit components to laboratory utilities. Once setup is complete, the actual …

Complexometric Titration Of Terbium(Iii) Compounds: An Analytical Blast From The Past Gives Purity Assurance When Modern Instruments Fail Us., Jake E. Timbes, Cameron Bateman, Justin Stace

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Lanthanide ions have attracted attention for applications in microwave electronics, memory devices, lighting applications, and chemical sensors. Terbium(III)-centered homoleptic complexes show promise as potential fluorescence-based chemical sensing agents. Tb(phen)2(NO3)3 (phen = 1,10-phenothroline) exhibits striking visible emission when excited by short-wave ultraviolet light; this emission is completely quenched by exposure to water or strong acid. However, the luminescence returns under relatively benign conditions. Unfortunately, our array of terbium(III) complexes are notoriously insoluble; rendering standard analytical techniques useless to assess purity, notably, 1H and 13C-NMR. Titration is a useful technique to give us, an assurance of purity—in conjunction with the ad-hoc purity …

Computational Modeling Of Post-Tavr Cardiovascular Dynamics Using Reduced-Order Models, Jo D. Jamullamudi, Anna D. Bui, Daniel Olopade, Kevin Gonzalez

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Patients with aortic valve stenosis often have calcified valve leaflets that impede blood flow. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers patients a minimally invasive option to replace their aortic valve by guiding a catheter through their blood vessels to deploy a bioprosthetic valve. We developed a 0-D model of the left heart to investigate TAVR performance in a patient-specific context. To achieve this, we constructed a lumped-parameter representation of cardiovascular dynamics, incorporating flows, pressures, resistances, and compliances of the heart chambers and valves. These physiological elements were represented through a system of differential equations, which we solved numerically using Backward …

Utilizing Β-Gal To Visualize Selective Transport Of The Ssa4 Gene In S.Cerevisiae, Ian M. Staertow, Rebecca L. Adams Phd

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

In eukaryotic cells such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, protein synthesis begins with the transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In order for mRNA to leave the nucleus, it must first bind to specific transport proteins which can then facilitate transport via the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a selectively permeable membrane within the cell's nuclear envelope. Under environmental stress, such as heat shock, S. cerevisiae cells modulate transport rates. In this case, in heat stress or “heat shock” most mRNA transcripts will remain in the nucleus. The SSA4 transcript encodes for a chaperone protein which facilitates the subsequent export …