The Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (~84–72 million years [Ma]) was a dynamic interval for North American ecosystems including the evolution of angiosperm plants and the regression and transgression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). These dynamics likely impacted terrestrial fauna across the continent. Most studies investigating biodiversity in western North America during the Campanian focus on a single group (e.g., dinosaurs or herpetofauna), whereas few investigate diversity patterns of multiple taxa. This approach is imperative because comparing diversity patterns among taxa can provide rare insight into the synecology of animal communities. Vertebrate microfossil sites are ideal for such a study because they preserve large sample sizes, multiple taxonomic groups that likely coexisted, information about environmental conditions, and they sample multiple stratigraphic intervals. The Judith River Formation (JRF) of north central Montana preserves ~4 Ma of the Campanian (~79–74 Ma) and large regressive and transgressive cycles of the WIS. This formation, which is contemporaneous with the Dinosaur Park and Two Medicine formations, is also rich in vertebrate microfossil sites. To examine vertebrate diversity patterns through this critical interval, we compared taxonomic richness and relative abundances of Dinosauria, Squamata, and Lissamphibia from the JRF from three temporally distinct microfossil sites: Makela-French 1 (~77.5 Ma), Milkshake (~76.5 Ma), and Clamfetti (~75.2 Ma). Over four years, we collected and screenwashed fossiliferous, bulk-sediment samples from these sites. Thus far, we have recovered 998 and aim to recover 1,200 specimens total. We use our data and knowledge from the literature to evaluate the extrinsic factors (e.g., seaway regressions) that drove diversity changes in the JRF fauna.  Our preliminary results suggest a connection between diversity patterns and WIS cycles. We observe shifts in relative abundances and richness near the onset of the WIS transgressive cycle. 

The Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (84–72 million years [Ma]) was a dynamic interval for North American ecosystems and included the zenith of dinosaur diversity and the regression and transgression of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). Most studies that investigate vertebrate biodiversity during this interval focus on dinosaurs, whereas few focus on changes in herpetofauna (lizards, frogs, and salamanders). Herpetofauna are important indicator species of ecosystem dynamics, because they are fragile to ecosystem change. Vertebrate microfossil sites are ideal for studying herpetofauna diversity dynamics through time because they can produce large sample sizes, sample aquatic environments, and are plentiful through stratigraphic intervals. The Judith River Formation (JRF) of north central Montana is rich in vertebrate microfossil sites, preserving ~4 Ma of the Campanian (~79–74 Ma). Here we aim to document patterns of herpetofauna diversity change in the JRF by quantifying herptile taxonomic richness and relative abundances using specimens from three temporally separated microfossil sites: Makela-French 1 (~77.5 Ma), Milkshake (76.5 Ma), and Clamfetti (~75.2 Ma). We collected sediment samples from these sites over four years and processed them via underwater screen-washing techniques. Presently we have studied 470 herptile microfossils (600 planned). Our preliminary results show changes in the taxonomic diversity across the sampled sites. Taxonomic richness of herptiles varies through the formation, first increasing and then decreasing. Salamanders have the highest relative abundance, lizards decrease in relative abundance, and frogs fluctuate. We hypothesize that taxonomic patterns are influenced by the impact of WIS cycles on water supply in ecosystems: amphibians thrive in wetter environments, whereas lizards are more terrestrial. These preliminary results reflect a connection between diversity patterns and extrinsic drivers not observable through the analysis of dinosaur fossils. Our continued analysis will provide more fine-scale resolution of herptile diversity during the Campanian.

The world’s oceans are witnessing a surge in plastic pollution, a consequence of human activities and the growing urbanization of coastal regions. Urban estuaries are complex habitats that are especially good at trapping sediment, carbon, and pollutants, such as plastics. However, our understanding of the extant of plastic accumulation within estuarine sediments remains limited. We determined the first quantification of the total amount of microplastics (>5 mm) in Main Basin Puget Sound, WA – a heavily urbanized estuary – and identified deposition hotspots related to current hydrodynamics. To measure plastic concentrations, we collected both shoreline and shipboard sediment samples and density extracted microplastics using an NaI solution. Extracted plastics were counted and categorized under a microscope. To complement these plastic analyses, energy of the environment was determined using both grain size analysis and extraction of current velocities from LiveOcean, a hydrodynamic model of Puget Sound. We found that plastic concentrations are the highest near land-water interfaces, which are correlated with human population. A range of 50-716 particles per kilogram of sediment was recorded in bottom samples and as much as 1180 particles/ kg were found in shoreline samples. The dominant source of microplastics came from fibers shed from clothing, giving a well-sorted particle size distribution. Furthermore, using the plastic concentration data we developed a predictive model of plastic distribution that relies on Puget Sound currents and could be adapted for other estuarine systems. Providing a comprehensive analysis of the sources and sinks of microplastics in main basin Puget Sound that can be used to inform preventative management on the negative impacts of urban waste.

Skin-to-skin (STS) care, in which a baby is held directly against a caregiver’s bare chest, has health benefits. However, preterm newborns born before 32 weeks of gestation commonly do not receive STS in the first two weeks after birth in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Research suggests that early STS reduces adverse outcomes such as life-threatening sepsis and mortality within low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Yet, evidence demonstrating the importance of early STS within high-resourced NICUs is limited. To develop evidence-based guidelines for NICU care, it is necessary to examine the relationship between time until first STS and outcomes such as sepsis and mortality. We hypothesize that earlier STS is associated with lower rates of sepsis and mortality. To investigate this, we conducted a retrospective study of very preterm neonates admitted to a level III NICU in Washington state. Newborns were categorized into three groups based on time until first STS: (1) STS within 72 hours of birth, (2) STS between 72 hours and 7 days, and (3) no STS within the first week. We statistically compared the rates of culture-positive sepsis and mortality rates between these groups while also assessing associations with potential confounding variables such as gestational age, birth weight, and fluid intake. Preliminary findings suggest associations between timing of first STS and outcomes of sepsis and mortality, although confounding factors may bias these results and, thus, require future multivariate models to account for confounding variables and their impact on outcomes. Thus, we are conducting an ongoing study to expand the sample size to overcome these limitations. We plan to evaluate the impact of STS on newborn outcomes among other sites to expand generalizability of findings in the future. Ultimately, research on STS care can help improve hospital documentation policies, neonatal care guidelines, and neonatal health outcomes.

Premature neonates are particularly vulnerable to electrolyte and fluid imbalances due to their increased insensible fluid losses and immature kidney function. Clinicians carefully monitor and document electrolyte and fluid intake. However, research suggests that saline flushes, small volumes of sodium chloride solution administered to clear intravenous lines after medication delivery, are a source of electrolytes and fluid in the NICU that are often unaccounted for. In the first week after birth, frequent medication administration leads to multiple flushes, and the relative contribution of flushes to total sodium and chloride intake may be substantial for the smallest newborns. Particularly, sodium imbalances contribute to pathologies and have been associated with adverse health outcomes, including intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and all-cause mortality. Understanding the impact of saline flush administration on fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for developing evidence-based neonatal care guidelines. We hypothesize that saline flushes in the first have greater relative contributions of sodium, chloride, and total fluid intake for smaller and more premature newborns. To investigate, we are conducting a retrospective study of very preterm newborns admitted to a level III NICU in Washington state. We will statistically compare sodium, chloride, and total fluid intake before and after accounting for saline flushes, and we will descriptively analyze the amount of each in relation to gestational age and birthweight. We will additionally evaluate via univariate models how sodium intake with and without inclusion in total fluid intake correlates with serum sodium daily values. This ongoing study aims to expand the sample size to increase our ability to perform multivariate regression models to account for confounders which may bias our findings. Ultimately, results from this research can improve neonatal care guidelines, helping clinicians optimize sodium, chloride, and fluid intake. 

As the native range of key timber species in Western Washington, such as Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) and Thuja plicata (Western redcedar), contracts due to climate change, land managers who rely on these species face increasing challenges. Assisted migration (AM) of Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood) has been proposed as a strategy to sustain working forests in Washington while supporting the conservation of redwoods, which are also vulnerable to climate-related stressors within their native range. However, for AM to be a viable management tool across Washington’s forests, it is critical to assess not only the species' projected future performance but also how mature redwood stands currently fare under existing climatic conditions. This study evaluates the timber volume, site index, and carbon sequestration of coast redwoods in comparison to Washington’s native timber species. I conducted forest inventories using 29 variable-radius plots across 10 stands in Western Washington, encompassing both redwood and non-redwood sites. To estimate potential timber volume, I measured tree height and diameter, calculating average tarif numbers to derive cubic volume estimates. Site index was created through core sampling, with average annual basal area increments analyzed to assess growth. Preliminary results indicate that coast redwoods exhibit strong potential for timber production in Washington. At age 30, redwood stands at two sites averaged diameters of 19.8 inches and heights of 104.9 feet, while non-redwood species averaged diameters of 16.4 inches and heights of 90.6 feet on adjacent sites. These findings will help inform land management strategies, supporting adaptation to shifting climatic conditions and promoting resilient working forests.

Anthropogenic climate change is expected to shift the range of numerous species, including coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) at a rate faster than natural migration patterns. Assisted migration (i.e., human movement of species) is one strategy proposed to maintain survival of coast redwood, which are limited to a native range of approximately 50 km stretch on the west coast of California. To determine survival of the crucial seedling stage in the Pacific Northwest, 845 seedlings were planted in a controlled greenhouse experiment to test the survival of redwoods against drought and competition with implications for range expansion into Washington. I recorded seedling height, stem length, root length, root collar diameter, vigor and dry biomass of stems and roots of 694 seedlings included in this study. I then analyzed data to determine if differential investments in aboveground versus belowground biomass alter survivability in drought and competition of different native and non-native species; coast redwood, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata). We predict that an increase in relative root investment, categorized as relative mass of root compared to stem mass, will correlate with longer survival of redwood seedlings in drought conditions. Douglas-fir were found to have significantly higher root:shoot ratios than redwoods and western redcedar  with further variation within species genetic identifications. Prolonged redwood survival compared to Douglas-fir and western redcedar was observed and may provide survival implications for planted conifers in the Pacific Northwest.

Antibiotic treatment is commonly used to manage bacterial infections in very preterm infants (defined as born before 32 weeks of gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Because immediate treatment is crucial to treat life-threatening sepsis, antibiotics are often administered empirically before microbiology test results confirm infection. As a result, it is common practice that some infants without confirmed infection receive multiple days of antibiotics, which can disrupt the newborn’s developing microbiota. Research suggests that empiric antibiotic therapy is associated with adverse long-term outcomes, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a disease of the eyes, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic disease of the lungs. Understanding the implications of empiric antibiotic use is essential for developing evidence-based guidelines for preterm infection management. We hypothesized that empiric antibiotic exposure is associated with higher rates of ROP,  BPD, and mortality after adjusting for confounding variables. To investigate this, we are conducting a retrospective study of very preterm newborns admitted to a level III NICU in Washington state (N = 55). We statistically modeled the association between the number of days exposed to antibiotics within the first 14 days after birth and the incidence of ROP, BPD, and all-cause mortality after 2 weeks from birth. Preliminary findings indicate a non-significant trend toward higher rates of ROP, BPD, and all-cause mortality (after 2 weeks) with longer duration of empiric antibiotic therapy within the first two weeks. We are conducting an ongoing study to expand the sample size and refine statistical models to account for additional confounding variables. Research on the effects of empiric antibiotic use can improve clinical practice guidelines for treating unconfirmed infection and reduce potential harms associated with early antibiotic exposure.