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Presenters & Abstracts: College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Characters Influencing Plethodontid Salamander Microhabitat Selection
- Riley RickmanDepartment of WildlifeUndergraduate Student
Work was done studying mirohabitat selection of two local plethodontid salamander species, Batrachoseps attenuatus (California slender salamander), and Ensatina eschscholtzii (common ensatina). Results imply that the most significant factor is the relative humidity of the microhabitat.
Chemical Fingerprinting of Sanidine from Long Canyon Dome, Sierra Nevada, California
- Regina KhouryGeologyUndergraduate Student
The Long Canyon Dome (LCD) is a 185 ka rhyolite dome in south-central Sierra Nevada, California. The rhyolite pumice from the pre-eruption contains less SiO2 and a different mineralogy, than the rhyolite magma erupted from LCD. This suggests the dome was tapping into two different rhyolite magma bodies during one eruption, or a hotter rhyolitic magma intruded into a cooler magma, triggering the eruption. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy’s (EDS) point and shoot method was used to measure the chemical signature of sanidine crystals in pre and post eruption sample. The rhyolite pumices’ at LCD represents similar but slightly different magmas compositions.
Choose to Reuse at Humboldt State University
- Alec HowardWildlifeUndergraduate Student
The project is about plastic pollution in our oceans, the zero waste movement, and the new choose to reuse campaign on campus.
Climate Change and its Correlation to Klamath Salmon
- Kenneth XiongFisheries BiologyUndergraduate Student
- Amber HenshawwildlifeUndergraduate Student
In our presentation, we will be discussing how climate change is affecting the Salmon run in the Klamath River. We will be addressing the how warmer water temperatures can affect the Salmon population. Our purpose is to inform others that a change in water temperatures may affect oxygen levels in the watershed hence making it difficult for salmon to migrate and survive in the watershed. Overall this may affect their process of spawning.
Climate, Competition, and Cavity-nesters, oh my!
Kellie Crouch, Wildlife Undergraduate Student
College of Natural Resources & SciencesFluctuations in climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, have the ability to negatively influence the breeding success of birds. This study aimed to determine how these factors impact the breeding success of cavity-nesting songbirds in California. In order to do this, I analyzed relationships between nest box data from the California Bluebird Recovery Program and climate data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Cloning and Purification of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin Transducer
- Sintra StewartChemsitryUndergraduate Student
- Jenny A. Cappuccio, PhDChemistryFaculty
ASR is a cyanobacterial light-detecting transmembrane protein, which communicates to the cell through its soluble transducer ASRT. In this study, we describe a method for cloning ASRT using PCR, vector construction, and transformation for protein expression. We have made progress in cloning and continuing work on purification protocols. We will use immobilized metal affinity chromatography to purify ASRT, and use this protein in subsequent studies on its interaction with ASR. Characterization of ASR’s signal transduction through ASRT has revealed thus far a striking similarity to GPCRs and has potential for use in more cost-effective and precise expression induction in bacterial systems.
Collecting seed at the hot, dry margins of a tree species’ natural range: do the progeny of these extreme trees have drought tolerance and water-use efficiency needed for restoration of harsh sites?
- John-Pascal BerrillForestry & Wildland ResourcesFaculty
Trees growing in the hottest/driest parts of their natural range may be better-adapted to hot, dry conditions and hold promise for restoration and resistance to climate change. If drought tolerance and water-use efficiency were heritable genetic traits, we could select for these characteristics and raise seedlings for reforestation on marginal sites or in areas where adverse changes in climate were forecast. 3000 redwood seedlings originating from wet and dry locations were planted by HSU students in 2010 and 2011. The experiment provides insights into outcomes of reclamation and “assisted migration” forest conservation/restoration strategies and impact of climate change on redwood forests.
Colorectal Cancer Disparities and Physical Activity Distribution Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites in New Mexico
- Nathaniel McGuiganUniversity of New Mexico-Epidemiology and Biostatistics DepartmentUndergraduate Student
We studied changes in physical activity among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) to examine the difference in colorectal cancer (CRC) related risk factors between these 2 groups across time. The UNM ColorectalDisease Prevention Study (M. Gonzales PI) surveyed the intensity of work and leisure physical activity at age 18, 30, 50 and/or year before diagnosis among 176 Hispanic and NHW CRC patients including additional risk factors which are known to differ between Hispanics and NHWs in New Mexico (Gonzales 2012). Due to racial ethnic differences in CRC related risk factors, the need to raise awareness about CRC prevention is essential for the Hispanic communities in New Mexico.
Comparative Analyses of the Soil Microbiome of Phlox Hirsuta (Polemoniaceae), a Rare Serpentine Species
- Molly CribariBiologyUndergraduate Student
Phlox hirsuta, the Yreka Phlox, is a threatened species native to northern California. The species is restricted to five populations, all of which occur on serpentine soil. Given the small number of populations and the edaphic specialization of the species, the viability and longevity of the populations is an important area of study. Multiple factors influence the growth and germination of individual plants , and the amount of growth of an individual plant can fluctuate from year to year. One overlooked aspect of plant growth, in this species, is the soil microbiome, and examining this can shed light on the role of this underground component, in plant growth.
Comparative Analysis of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin in Nanodiscs Containing Various Lipids.
- Maia StubbsBiologyUndergraduate Student
- Selena DuttonBiologyUndergraduate Student
- Haley HetrickBiologyUndergraduate Student
- Ashley AmadorBiologyUndergraduate Student
- Jacob SmithBiologyUndergraduate Student
- Dr. Jenny A. CappuccioChemistryFaculty
Membrane proteins (MP) are crucial for cell pathways, but are difficult to study due to hydrophobicity. Nanodiscs (ND) provide a lipid bilayer mimetic enabling MP studies. To improve efficiency, we compared two ND assembly methods for detergent removal, and evaluated how lipid affects the MP, Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin. ND were assembled with purified ASR, various lipids, Sodium Cholate and Apolipoprotein AI. Electrophoresis was utilized to evaluate complex formation. ASR was successfully isolated and assembled into ND. We found that the biobead method was faster and had less risk of loss, showing it to be the better method. ND provide a promising approach to therapeutics affecting MP.