Stream microbiomes are composed of diverse collection of microbes that play an important role in keeping the surrounding riparian zones and life within the streams healthy and thriving. The Chehalis River provides habitats in favor of fish spawning and juvenile development, but fish return populations upstream haves decreased in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize microbes within the Chehalis River tributaries, in correlation to fish populations, that are causing part of an invisible fish barrier. An invisible fish barrier is an undefined barrier that is blocking or preventing the return of fish. When water conditions are altered by human impacts or water quality is poor, it can result in microbial communities to shift. These communities can become harmful and potentially pathogenic to the surrounding hosts and environment. Microbial identification specifically within the stream in relation to fish populations could help to find ways to improve overall water quality for fish health. This analysis may provide a holistic indicator for necessary renovation and restoration of fish passages. Sites that lack species diversity in their riparian zones, and were closer to urbanization, show diversity in potentially harmful microbes like Camplyobacter, Sanguibacter and Shewanella, in correlation to low fish population. Continued monitoring will help correlate trends that are influencing riparian zones, water quality conditions and fish populations during the process of stream restoration.

Pollution from human influences is a growing problem in the Chehalis River and tributaries causing deleterious effects on stream health. Pollution runoff happens when rainfall or snow melt pick up and carry human-made or natural pollutants and are then deposited into streams, lakes, and rivers. With a better understanding of microbial populations within streams you can correlate the role that the surrounding environment is playing on overall stream health. Stream water has been facing a decline in quality from the leading cause of pollution from agriculture and manufacturer run-offs. Previous studies have linked increasing industrialization to ecological losses. Pollution entering a stream can influence and alter the abundance and diversity of aquatic life, especially at a microbial level. Although there have been many studies relating to run-off pollution affecting streams, there are no in-depth studies done on the taxonomy and functionality of microbes in urban water ecosystems, so it is important for this to be further investigated. For this project, overall stream health was measure by assessing seven locations along Alder and Fry creek. Environmental factors, percentage of man-made covering, and potential pollution runoffs were all considered and analyzed. A stream microbiome analysis was done along all sites sampled using 16s sequencing. The microbes present are a strong indicator of the health of the ecosystem. From this information, future studies can draw how to improve stream restoration efforts based off the abundance and diversity of organisms within streams facing variation in levels of human impacts.

In the Pacific Northwest the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects wild salmonids from commercial fishing. The current commercial fishing gear, including gill nets but not limited to, disrupts the recovery of these species because fishermen can not selectively harvest the hatchery fisheries without wild salmonids as bycatch, which have high mortality rates. Once ESA quotas are met this can effectively shut down commercial fisheries. The exploration of alternative fishing tools that can select for certain species will lower bycatch mortality rates of ESA species, and in turn allow commercial fisheries to operate longer. On August 26th through September 29th of 2017 Wild Fish Conservancy conducted follow up research, to a 2016 pilot study of Pound nets, in the Lower Columbia River Sub-Basin. Post release survival rates were evaluated in a modified stock selective pound-net. Using Mark Recapture methodology, with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags, and genetic clippings for later analysis. Survival rates of control specimen to treatment specimen were captured as they traveled past dams upstream. Data analyzed were total catch, catch per unit effort and covariates of recapture probabilities. The preliminary results show that fishing with stock selective nets can effectively target hatchery fisheries while successfully releasing ESA listed species, reducing mortality rates. In 33 days WFC and a local fisherman captured and released 7,129 salmonids with a post release survival for steelhead and trout ( Oncorhynchus Mykiss) of 94.0%, and 96.6% for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha) listed as ESA species. Hatchery fisheries of these species along with coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were effectively selected with viable commercial quantities. Future subset data of genetic clips and a Jolly-Seber analysis will give more precise information of these post-release survival estimates.

The rising cost of attending four-year colleges and universities concerns students and parents across the nation, calling for an explanation and possible educational alternatives. One such alternative may be trade schools, which offer a shorter path from secondary education to the workforce. In deciding which post-graduation path to pursue, students (and their parents) may be interested in the rate of return to each of these options. Many estimates have arisen calculating the rate of return to a four-year degree, but comparatively little has been done for trade schools and short-term professional programs. This study is a preliminary attempt to fill this gap. I focus on beauty schools as a specified form of trade school, and compare tuition and early-career salaries from twenty-three beauty schools in the state of Washington to pre-calculated Washington averages for four-year universities. If the labor economy is operating at maximum efficiency, the rate of return for trade schools should be equal to that of four-year universities, i.e. the same benefit to cost ratio. An efficient labor market that includes beauty schools at a higher rate of return than four-year universities could indicate an occurence of social stigma, encouraging unprepared high school students into a longer program than would be economically efficient. The expected result would be an increase in students capitalizing on the program with the higher rate of return. While preliminary results suggest a higher rate of return for four-year programs, I plan to continue the study with expanded data sets.

From November 2015 through March 2016, the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX) field campaign was conducted on the Olympic Peninsula to study how wintertime precipitation is modified as it passes over coastal mountains and to validate satellite-derived precipitation measurements from the U.S.-Japan Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. This project uses OLYMPEX data to explore the topographic effect on these Pacific frontal systems by examining cloud and precipitation structure on the leeward side (usually northeast) of the Olympic Mountains, where there is typically a minimum in precipitation relative to the windward side. While most research has focused on the structure of the windward side, this study uniquely examines the leeward side of the mountains. A radar managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada on Vancouver Island provided measurements of the vertical structure of the frontal systems over the northern Olympic Mountains, including intensity inferred from radar reflectivity. Using environmental data from NCEP North American Regional Reanalysis on the windward side (usually southwest) of the mountains, this study classifies the leeward radar data based on upstream synoptic conditions. It then examines the cloud and precipitation structure on the leeward side of the mountains in various atmospheric environments. Preliminary findings of this study reveal, for example, that the intensity of cloud systems on the leeward side is dependent on upstream stability. Locally, these findings will inform studies of snowpack and water supply as many reservoirs depend on precipitation that occurs on the leeward side. Outside of the Pacific Northwest, these findings can be applied to other midlatitude coastal mountain ranges on the west side of continents around the world.

This research focuses on obtaining a better understanding of people’s knowledge regarding the US Civics Test or more commonly known as the Citizenship Exam. The US Citizenship Exam is taken by individuals who are in the process of becoming US citizens, meaning naturalized citizens. The purpose of this research is to survey individuals of different documentation status about their knowledge regarding the US Citizen Exam in order to obtain a better understanding of people’s interpretations of citizenship and Americanness, and to observe the correlation between key demographics and participants' beliefs. This research was conducted through an interview of 15 participants. The survey used to interview participants comprised of three parts: 1) demographic information about participants’ backgrounds, 2) five questions from the US Citizenship Exam, and 3) five conceptual questions about citizenship. This meant observing if participants knew the correct answers to questions from the Citizenship Exam, or were knowledgeable about the process to become a US citizen. Through the responses to the conceptual questions about citizenship, we obtained a better understanding of participants’ interpretations of citizenship and Americanness. With this data, we observed correlations between the demographics (identities) and the results (knowledge and beliefs). As a result, we find that the US Citizenship Exam neither efficiently nor accurately captures the meaning of citizenship. In addition, we also find that citizenship is not synonymous with feelings of being American. One may have legal status but may not feel American, while one may feel American and not have legal status. Overall, the findings complicate the concept of citizenship, and question about what it means to be American.

Prolonged wakefulness is the root cause of significant incidents and accidents across numerous shift-working industries. Laboratory research has indicated that exposure to short-wavelength (visibly blue) light enhances alertness and performance, and shifts circadian phase. The strategic use of short-wavelength light may be a suitable fatigue countermeasure to decrease the risk of accidents in demanding occupations. Despite many laboratory studies demonstrating the efficacy of blue light, little work has been done to investigate the translation of such strategies in an occupational setting, where workers are more likely to experience confounding factors that could dampen the effectiveness of lighting countermeasures. One area where lighting countermeasures could be useful is among pilots who must awaken early to begin flying in the early morning hours. Our research aims to investigate the efficacies of integrating fatigue countermeasures in time-sensitive operations to bolster work safety and performance. We conducted a randomized, cross-over study to determine whether blue-enriched lighting could be used to shift circadian phase and sleep, and improve performance among airline pilots working early shifts using 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) concentrations as a default for circadian cycle. Volunteer participants working for a short-haul airline completed a fixed-pattern design (FPD) roster schedule and aMT6s collection protocol outlined in the methods section. The aMT6s data were subjected to a best-fit cosinor analysis to determine the acrophase. Analyses are underway to determine whether circadian phase shifts occurred following the blue-enriched lighting condition.

A greater understanding of snow accumulation patterns in our mountains has proven critical in predicting water supply, preventing floods, forecasting avalanches, and generating hydropower. One way to improve this understanding is through study of the melting layer, or the layer within a cloud where falling snow and ice begin to melt into liquid during a precipitation event. The upper bound of the melting layer is the 0°C temperature level, and the lower bound the altitude at which snow has fully melted into rain. This project aims to improve understanding of the melting layer and its variation in thickness and elevation on the windward (southwest) versus leeward (northeast) side of the Olympic Mountain Range. Hypotheses are explored through the analysis of radar imagery on opposing sides of the mountain range, weather balloon profiles of temperature, wind and humidity, and ground observation data - including hourly temperature values from sites throughout the mountains. Results of these data are compared to snow and weather models and reanalysis products such as WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting Model), NARR (North American Regional Reanalysis) and ERA-Interim, to explore the predictability of melting layer behavior for use in hydrologic forecasting. Through analysis of preliminary results, the occurrence of a lower leeward melting level has been captured through vertical temperature profiles that reanalysis products failed to account for. One hypothesized process contributing to this melting layer variability could include the trapping of cold air at lower elevations from continental sources on the lee-side thus lowering the melting layer, and further altering the thickness of the melting layer as this trapped air mixes with the air modified over the windward slopes originating from the Pacific Ocean.

This project explores the relationship between anxiety and stimulant misuse. Both hormonal and social factors influence the prevalence rate of anxiety among females, which has consistently been higher than those of men. We hypothesize that anxious women are more likely than anxious men to take stimulant drugs in order to minimize the dysphoric feeling and relieve pressure. College students across 9 campuses who had previously reported at least one non-medical use of prescription stimulants in the last 12 months were invited to participate in a research study. Correlation analysis between anxiety and stimulant misuse and a moderation analysis were conducted. Consistent with our hypothesis, results revealed that women who experience symptoms of anxiety have a higher likelihood of misusing stimulant drugs compared to men who experience symptoms of anxiety. As gender moderated the relationship between anxiety and stimulant misuse, more attention needs to be paid to women with anxiety symptoms. Family members, friends and the society could provide more help and care for stressed females, preventing them from taking more stimulants.

Central Argentina in the lee of the Andes Mountains experiences some of the most intense thunderstorms on earth. These storms produce large hail, flash floods, and tornadoes, and adversely affect the people living in this region. The initiation, growth and hail production processes in these storms are poorly understood due to the lack of sufficient observations in this region. Currently, the only way to study the climatology of these events is through satellite remote sensing observations. This project examines spaceborne radar data from the Precipitation Radar (PR) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite for the November and December period for the years 1998-2013. The purpose of this project is to better understand the temporal and spatial evolution of these convective systems near the Sierras de Córdoba in the lee of the Andes. The PR radar observations from TRMM were classified into 4 categories: 1) deep convective cores; 2) wide convective cores; 3) intermediate convective cores; and 4) broad stratiform regions. These categories are based on the height, area, and reflectivity of the storms. Reflectivity is the signal reflected back to the radar by the hydrometeors. It was found that initiation and rapid upscale growth occur in the vicinity of the Sierras de Córdoba. These results are crucial for the planning and execution of the upcoming field campaign in Argentina called RELAMPAGO (Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations). Knowledge about how convective storms behave in Argentina applies to other regions, such as the lee of the Rocky Mountain in the United States. Another benefit of this study is that legacy computer code that was written in the IDL programming language is now updated to a more structured format with Python making it easily used for future research.

People all over the world use forecasts from various sources such as the National Weather Service, local TV/radio stations, or apps on smartphones for a variety of applications. Examples include preparing for routine activities, such as planning outdoor events, or preparing for rare, yet hazardous scenarios like a thunderstorm passage near a sporting event. The most common quantities of interest are maximum/minimum temperatures, wind speed, and rainfall (chance and amount). To approximate these quantities, weather information sources utilize forecasts made from numerical weather prediction models of which there are about ten used in the United States. Numerical models of the atmosphere consist of equations that describe the current state of the atmosphere and how it changes with time and location. These equations are solved on powerful computers as the number of calculations are immense. Using the information from these models, individual forecasts can be made. Atmospheric Science students at UW are practicing forecast techniques through participation in a national competition called WxChallenge—a contest where participants from various academic institutions predict these quantities for selected US cities. For help with forecasting, the UW team has developed a website that holds a suite of model information which easily analyzes and compares that data and assesses the skill of each individual model. This website, however, needs updates and improvements. Therefore, I am converting the existing system to an object-oriented format by creating Forecast objects for individual weather models. For example, I have written a Forecast object for the DarkSky weather model using Python code. This type of improvement will reduce redundant code and allow for future developments to be implemented with ease. I am confident that this updated system will help the UW team improve the accuracy of their forecasts.

Individuals experiencing homelessness show higher rates of substance abuse than housed individuals, and religious organizations provide many of the recovery services available to these populations. Religious affiliation has reduced substance use, helped individuals manage stressors, and allowed individuals to build relationships around common values. This study investigated the role of religion in recovery in homeless populations. Fourteen individuals (9 men, 5 women, ages 23-69) in recovery programs completed 40-60 minute interviews. Participants answered questions about their substance history, recovery process, religious beliefs, ideas of self, and community. Interviews were transcribed and coded, and emerging thematic frameworks were created. Three raters re-coded interview transcripts according to the frameworks. Participant responses suggest that religion played an individual and social role in supporting recovery. Participants’ descriptions of their substance use history revealed issues behind their addiction and how their faith may have resolved those issues in recovery. Most individuals began using at a young age, and were motivated to use to cope with life stressors. In discussing positive aspects of faith, participants mentioned improved ideas of self, including newfound gratitude and sense of purpose in helping others. Participants credited their religion with providing a new set of coping skills, sense of structure, and set of morals for making decisions; some mentioned being able to “rely on God’s timing” and others mentioned being able to focus on “obedience to God.” Community appeared to play a significant role, within and outside the religious context. Participants stated that their faith community provided an ingroup of people sharing common values, enhancing their ability to trust. They noted that community offered opportunities for mentorship and mutual support. Other positive factors outside of faith included the opportunity for self-reflection. Themes in participants’ responses align with existing literature on individual and social benefits of religion, suggesting that protective aspects of religion extend to homeless populations.

Conventional farming techniques involve large quantities of chemical fertilizers, which often leach into bodies of water causing eutrophication. The influx of excess nutrients from fertilizer results in rapid increase of aquatic algal populations followed by dissolved oxygen depletion. This process creates regions of low oxygen that negatively impact the water quality of many major lakes and coastal regions. To address this problem, the sensitivity of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to excess fertilizer was investigated. We hypothesize that the addition of high amounts of fertilizer will result in smaller, less productive plants and diminished rhizosphere colonization of the PGPB, Bacillus subtilis. A modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test was performed as an initial assessment of the effect of varied fertilizer concentrations on B. subtilis. Roots of romaine lettuce seedlings were then inoculated with B. subtilis and grown in soil treated with the same range of fertilizer concentrations. The effects of each treatment on plant growth were determined using total leaf area, quantification of the rhizosphere colonization by B. subtilis, and carbon assimilation measured with a LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System. These results are an important step towards establishing guidelines for appropriate application of agricultural fertilizer in order to mitigate the frequency and severity of eutrophication events in aquatic systems.

In the US more than 100 million people are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The economic burden caused by these conditions, including medical costs, is approximately $322 billion annually as of 2013. Conventionally, transgenic Escherichia coli has been the primary source of commercial insulin production, a process that requires extensive purification to ensure shelf stability and complete removal of contaminants. This study seeks to establish an alternative mode of insulin production using polyethelyne glycol (PEG) to transform the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, with the human insulin gene. P. ostreatus is a valuable target for genetic transformation due to its lack of endotoxins and fully sequenced genome. P. ostreatus was transformed using PEG with a plasmid containing the human insulin gene and a carboxin resistance gene. Transformed cells were selected using carboxin, extracted, and regenerated on plates composed of yeast extract, malt extract, and glucose (YMG). Integration of the human insulin gene in to the mushroom genome was confirmed through PCR analysis of the transformants. Successful PEG transformation of P.ostreatus offers a new avenue for insulin production, potentially diversifying the market and treatment options for diabetics.

The overuse of antibiotics by the health and agriculture industries has resulted in an increase of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, leading to a wide range of untreatable illnesses. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least two million illnesses and 23,000 deaths each year have been caused by antibiotic resistance. Understanding the mechanisms and potential reduction of fitness associated with antibiotic resistance is therefore essential for addressing the ongoing battle with disease-causing bacteria. This study investigates streptomycin resistance in E. coli and explores how resistance may affect the bacteria’s fitness under two stresses, temperature and pH. Mutant strains of E. coli were isolated and exposed to a range of temperatures (30-42°C) and pH levels (4.0-5.0). The results suggest that while antibiotic resistance is a beneficial mutation in the presence of streptomycin, it may impact fitness under environmental stress. Understanding the potential costs of antibiotic resistance could ultimately help us create better models to predict and combat the rapid evolution of drug resistant bacteria.