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Presenters & Abstracts: 2017
Analysis of Trace Metals in Seawater using Pre-Concentration Techniques and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
- Jeremiah HaysChemistryUndergraduate Student
- Kezia RasmussenOceanographyUndergraduate Student
- Claire TillChemistryFaculty
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Many trace metals are essential micronutrients for phytoplankton, and despite their low concentrations in seawater, trace metals can have large impacts on biological processes. Also due to their low concentrations, the measurement of trace metal concentrations requires precise analytical techniques. One common method utilizes expensive instrumentation that we do not have at HSU. In this research project, we adapted published methods to use the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, an instrument in the HSU Chemistry Department. Results show successful adaptation of the method for zinc and manganese. Current work streamlines the method to allow for 8-fold faster sample preparation.
Arcata Elementary After School Program
- Madison LopezChild DevelopmentUndergraduate Student
- Chase ReddingChild DevelopmentUndergraduate Student
- Francisca SanchezChild DevelopmentUndergraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
All together we volunteered over 60 hours at Arcata Elementary After School Program where we had to chance to interact with the staff and students. During this experience we were able to work one on one with some children as well as work/play with larger groups during "clubs". Being able to give our time to these children and focus on them for the few hours we were there was a very rewarding experience that we would like to share.
Area 1 Agency on Aging Volunteer Driver Program Annual Client Survey
- Alma T. BarbaSocial WorkGraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
In 2012, Humboldt County was the home of just over 25,000 people over the age of 60. By 2050 Humboldt County will be the home of nearly 60,247, more than double documented in 2012. These statistics are alarming and should get the attention of all local (State & National) sectors working with the aging population on track to establish and sustain community resources necessary to allow the elderly to age safely, comfortable, respectfully, and with dignity in their homes and communities. In the efforts of enhancing local social services for seniors, I worked alongside Area 1 Agency on Aging on a client-centered survey geared to enhance local senior programming.
Assessing BDNF Levels over 45 days via Capillary blood
- Sally HangPsychologyGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
Brain health, and the benefits of exercise, have been linked to a biological signaling molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Results have been inconsistent especially in human studies, which may be attributed to incomplete information about normal variation in BDNF levels over time. This study aims to assess BDNF measurements (3 x a week) from human participants under normal life conditions over a span of up to 45 days, a longer span than has been reported in any other study to our knowledge. We will also collect their exercise activity during the study to see if there is a correlation.
Best Practices in Adolecent Alcohol and Other Drug Interventions
- Dylan McClureSocial WorkGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
This project explored alcohol and other drug interventions that could be successfully implemented in our rural community, while also focusing on the special needs of foster and homeless youth. My goal was to focus on interventions for youth that are actively using alcohol and drugs, and to pay particular attention to interventions that focused on rural and indigenous youth. Interventions were screened using 6 key criteria. A total of 17 interventions met criteria to be included. Effective interventions were found to be school-based, peer-driven, built community within the school, and focused on developing positive coping skills among youth who participated.
Bicycling for Exercise Helps Maintain a Youthful Metabolic Cost of Walking in Older Adults
- Daniel Hugo AslanKinesiologyGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
Healthy older adults have been shown to have a 15-20% greater metabolic cost of walking compared to young adults. However, a recent study suggests that older adults who routinely run for exercise have a lower metabolic cost of walking compared to older adults who walk for exercise. It remains unclear if bicycling elicits similar improvements among older adults. PURPOSE: To determine if regular bicycling exercise affects metabolic cost of walking in older adults. RESULTS: Across the range of walking speeds, older bicyclists had a 9-17% lower metabolic cost of walking compared to older walkers. CONCLUSION: Bicycling exercise mitigates the age-related deterioration of walking metabolic cost.
Bio-Renewable Hydrogel Polymers from Modified Chitosan: Progress Towards Three Dimensional Cell Growth Scaffolds
- Tara AlizadehChemistryUndergraduate Student
- Diana SehawnehChemistryUndergraduate Student
- Jordan JacobsChemistryUndergraduate Student
- Mitchell WardChemistryUndergraduate Student
- Frank CappuccioChemistryFaculty
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
The current research focuses on producing hydrogels from chitosan, a bio-renewable bio-compatible and bio-degradable polymer. Hydrogels are used as contact lenses, drug delivery systems, and biomedical applications such as tissue engineering. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, an abundant biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. Amino acid coupling, using 1-Ethyl-3-(3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), is employed to covalently attach trans-cinnamic acid to the free amine of chitosan. Modified chitosan is then cross-linked under UV irradiation to produce hydrogels. The swelling capacity and sterilizability are currently under investigation.
Bridging the Gap: Environmentalism & the Military
- Samantha WeeksEnvironmental StudiesUndergraduate Student
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The United States military has a long and well documented history of environmental degradation, contamination, and environmental injustice. Today, the U.S. military has taken steps to attempt control, regulation, and conservation in a growing environmental sector. Current relations between environmentalists and military personnel are still plagued with contention. This has created a stigma on bases about environmentalists and their contributions to military base lives. By reconciling my knowledge of the military and the environment with the tools of an environmental studies major I hope to show ways in which we can improve the relationship with the military and environment.
California State University System FY 2011-15 Financial Condition & Capacity Assessment
- Vanesa Carillo-SalasMBAGraduate Student
- Thomas SouzaMBAGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
The CSU system is the largest public university system within the US. Purpose of this study is to assess the financial condition and viability of the system, as well as individual campuses. We examined four years of independently audited financials presented in a standardized format. Using financial ratios we identify trends, establish benchmarks, and highlight areas of concern. In our analysis, we attempt to identify causal determinants of stronger financial performance, including controllable activities and non-controllable. This study seeks to understand the role management structure and related controls play in the long-term financial condition and solvency of public institution.
Campus Readiness Assessment: Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy at Humboldt State Unviersity
- Corina MartinezMasters of Social WorkGraduate Student
College of Professional Studies
In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown received a bill (AB 1594) authored by assembly member McCarthy requesting the prohibition of smoke & tobacco use on all Calfornia college and university campuses. However, Gov. Brown vetoed the bill and stated that the governing boards of public colleges and universities have the authority to revise their own smoke & tobacco policies as needed. Therefore, an online survey was developed to assess the community's readiness to adopt a 100% smoke & tobacco-free policy. The goal of this project is to provide the Humboldt State University governing board with a glimpse of public opinion regarding the possible implementation of a smoke and tobacco-free policy.