Ecological data from the Green River College main campus trails have recently shown a significant increase in fungi observations in recent months compared to previous years. In addition, the diversity of these fungi vary greatly in comparison to previous years, raising concerns of identification errors. This project works to manually sort fungi observed on Green River College into their proper taxonomic groups to observe the species abundance and diversity of September 2023-December 2023 compared to September 2024-December 2024. Results show that, although there were several errors with the initial identification of several species, the abundance, distribution, and variation of fungi had significantly increased in Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023.

Fluoride intake is essential for dental health, yet excessive consumption can lead to fluorosis, a condition negatively affecting teeth and bones. Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, naturally accumulates fluoride, making it a significant but often overlooked dietary source. Black tea is the most popular type of tea consumed in the U.S. In this study we compared fluoride levels across six brands of black tea and investigated how brewing conditions and water sources affect fluoride concentrations in tea. We brewed black tea from six locally popular brands (Lipton, Tazo, Fortnum & Mason, Twinings, Tetly, and Harney & Sons), using two water sources (distilled water and Seattle tap water), with four samples for each brand using both water sources. We brewed 50 mL of water at 100°C, then we let each sample of the tea sit for 5, 10, and 20 minutes. Ion chromatography was used to measure fluoride concentrations at each time interval. We compared these values to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommended fluoride level of 4.0 mg/L. Our results help characterize the variation between brands and the influence of brewing duration on fluoride release. These findings contribute to a better understanding of fluoride exposure from tea consumption, helping consumers make informed choices about their dietary fluoride intake.

Low-income communities are often disproportionately exposed to air pollution. High concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter under 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and human aerosol emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), have been linked to various health and cognitive issues. Performance arts, including singing and playing instruments, produce human aerosol emissions and are considered high risk for airborne disease transmission. Our study evaluated the accumulation of CO2 and PM2.5 in high-risk environments (band classrooms) in low-income public schools in King County (WA), to determine whether there is a correlation between accumulation rates and Title 1 designation. Title 1 designation, which provides government funding for schools with a high percentage of students from low-income households, was used to represent low-income communities. We compared four middle schools that qualified for Title 1 designation to one school that did not qualify. Concentrations of CO2 and PM2.5 were measured using the Aranet4 Home CO2 sensor and a PurpleAir Classic sensor for PM2.5. We took a baseline measurement of both concentrations when the classroom was unoccupied. We then analyzed the change in concentration rates when classes were in session, taking into account classroom size and number of students. Our data showed concentrations above recommended levels at 1,370 ppm (parts per million) for CO2 in one of the Title 1 schools suggesting that Title 1 schools may be at greater risk of poor indoor air quality, though additional studies are needed. This additional exposure to pollutants and human aerosol emissions in already high-risk environments like band classrooms may lead to increased airborne disease transmission, highlighting the disparity in healthy learning environments. These classrooms require additional measures to maintain healthy concentrations of CO2 and PM2.5 to reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission particularly in low-income communities. 

The balance of ions in soil and water directly impacts sustainable agriculture, human health, and livestock well-being. Small family farms, such as the one in this study, often depend on well water for household and agricultural use, making water quality essential for both food safety and long-term farm viability. This study investigates the spatial distribution of key anions, including nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), and phosphate (PO₄³⁻), in soil and well water across a small family-operated farm in Woodinville, WA. These ions were selected due to their roles in plant growth, soil chemistry, and potential health effects on humans and animals. The farm sustains 68 animals, including chickens, cows, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, sheep, quails, and horses, and provides food and water for seven residents. Soil and water samples were collected from distinct zones, including livestock pens, vegetable fields, and tap water from the farm’s well, to evaluate how land use influences ion distribution. Soil samples were collected at multiple sites; ions were extracted from the samples using a  common water extraction method. Ion chromatography (IC) was employed to quantify anion concentrations and assess spatial variability. While this study does not determine definitive sources of the ions, analyzing variations in these ion concentrations near crop fields and livestock areas can help assess potential nutrient leaching and runoff. This type of comparative analysis of soil and well water samples helps quantify potential risks to both farm operations and the health of residents and livestock. This research underscores the importance of ongoing water and soil quality monitoring to ensure the sustainability of small-scale farms that rely on well water and homegrown food, while offering insights for improved land and resource management practices

As climate change increases temperature, Pieris rapae caterpillars' feeding habits may be affected. As their feeding habits are altered, P. rapae may begin to migrate to different plants; this can be detrimental for agriculture because these defoliating caterpillars are pests. P. rapae caterpillars are known to feed on Brassica species, including collards and kale. It is also shown that caterpillars increase their feeding rate at higher temperatures (Kingsolver 2000). However, little is known about how temperature influences their feeding preferences. In this experiment, we find the consumption rate of P. rapae 4th instar larvae eating kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) and collards (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) to find consumption preference between these two plants at 14°C, 23°C, and 35°C. Larvae were placed on a moist filter paper in petri dishes containing 2 collard and 2 kale leaf disks placed in an alternating fashion. Petri dishes were placed in three separate incubators set to the three temperatures. We predicted that P. rapae would have a preference for collards since they are reared on collards in the lab and they would increase their consumption of the preferred plant. We also examined the percentage per hour of each leaf eaten and compared this data between types of leaves and temperatures. The data showed that as temperatures increased, the consumption rate of P. rapae caterpillars also increased. Though, there was no change in preference as the P. rapae caterpillars consistently preferred collards over kale. This suggest that higher temperatures from climate change will increase the rate at which caterpillars eat, but will not affect preference. It is important to consider the change in consumption rate of caterpillars with temperature when aiming to prevent crop damage in the face of climate change.

Safe drinking water in schools is crucial for children's safety and academic performance. While Seattle Public Schools has tested for some contaminants, such as lead, the district's responsibility for ion-specific testing for anions such as phosphate, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, chloride, sulfate, and sulfite is less clear. High concentrations of anions pose potential health risks, including reduced oxygen in red blood cells, higher risks of tumors in children, and diarrhea. This research investigated the anion concentration in water fountains across seven high schools in the Seattle Public Schools. Twenty-one water samples were collected from seven public high schools and analyzed for anion concentration using ion chromatography. Results were compared to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL). All test samples were below the EPA's MCL. These results suggest that the drinking water in these schools does not pose potential risks to students from anion contamination. While regular monitoring and management are still necessary to maintain safe drinking water, Seattle Public Schools have met the safety requirements for anion concentration in their drinking water. 

Forest management systems have a dramatic impact on Puget sound ecosystems. Not only does lumber-focused forest management reduce habitat for animals, but the disturbance of the forest floor and removal of canopy cover also impacts many plants and fungi. This study compares moss communities under different states of forest management, exploring how the loss of shade and impact of human management affects the diversity of moss species. I have designated several sites based on their current conditions and state of management and have surveyed moss communities in each site for species richness and diversity. By comparing the data between sites, we can see trends in how moss communities respond to forest management and logging. All sites are based in the Green River College learning forest, which is managed by the college’s forestry program. This is a small fragment forest, but it is extremely diverse with well over 100 flower and bird species. It’s vital that we understand the effects of management on these smaller fragments as well as larger plots. Here we report the differences in moss communities based on taxonomy, sun exposure, and management treatment. By understanding trends in how moss communities are impacted overall, as well as seeing which species of moss are disproportionately affected, we can identify species that are more at risk from human impact. Moss is a vital part of our forests, from maintaining soil moisture and temperature to slowing erosion, it’s important for us to understand how these diverse plants are affected by forest management systems so we can better protect our forests and all the things living there.

The focus of this research was to test the effectiveness of a silicone-based paint in the marking of Pieris rapae in a manner that was non-invasive and durable. Previous studies have tested other marking methods but have faced challenges such as harm to the organism. By using a paint made from red cabbage (Brassica oleracea), I aim to minimize the harm to larvae in current marking methods while retaining durability under moist conditions. This experiment examined both the durability and health effects of cabbage-based paints on P. rapae caterpillars. Preliminary experiments tested a water-based version, which did not appear to affect survival but faded under moist conditions, and a silicone-based version, which withstood moisture but raised concerns about potential effects on health due to the additional ingredients required for the silicone base. My research continued testing the cabbage paint with a cosmetic-grade dimethicone base and aimed to determine the extent that the cabbage paint may have on caterpillar health and survival. Survival experiments were conducted on 4th and 5th instar caterpillars to determine larva mortality rates when exposed to the pigment. Weight change experiments were conducted from the 4th instar to pupation to be used as a metric of the overall health of the larvae. I conclude that the silicone-based cabbage pigment is a promising marking method for larger caterpillars, offering improved durability and minimal impact on overall health compared to many conventional methods. These findings contribute to the development of safe durable marking techniques suitable for ecological research on soft-bodied insects.

Biodiesel, "an alkyl ester of fatty acid" and type of biofuel, can be used for fueling vehicles and can be produced via transesterification, the process of using the alcohol methanol along with a base catalyst (usually sodium hydroxide) to break down oils and fats that have many triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and glycerol. The viscous triglycerides are broken down into ester bonds and free fatty acids (FFAs), which are not ideal for biodiesel synthesis because FFAs have high melting points, unlike FAMEs. Thus, biodiesel synthesis should be conducted in a manner that reduces the number of FFAs while having a high breakdown of triglycerides into ester bonds. Transesterification that involves alkali/alkyl (like the bases sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)) as a catalyst can cause soap-FFA reactions, resulting in "emulsification" challenges (Cheng et al 2013) (Hasan et al 2017). KOH and NaOH both can cause soap formation if they interact with triglycerides and esters. Furthermore, KOH produces more soap that NaOH, but KOH also helped produce more biodiesel than that from NaOH at 0.2 mol concentration (Van Gerpen et al 2006). What are the effects of NaOH and KOH on the fuel value of the biodiesel produced over the course of eight weeks? If KOH is used to synthesize biodiesel, then the biodiesel's fuel value form KOH will be higher than that form NaOH. Although the research project is currently in progress, the anticipated result is that KOH better catalyzes transesterification (via causing more heat combustion of ethanol) than NaOH for producing biodiesel. The results' significance determines which catalysts are used to produce more biodiesel. This is because the amount of biodiesel produced can be used for daily life purposes like faster transportation without having to refuel automobiles as frequently.

Our brains have evolved to navigate survival and respond to danger, but trauma dysregulates these systems, causing the brain to misinterpret everyday experiences as threats. This dysregulation results in hypervigilance, which can manifest as panic attacks, dissociation, and other debilitating symptoms. Current treatment options for trauma often focus on symptom management, overlooking the physiological impacts of trauma. These treatments can be expensive, inaccessible, and may have side effects. This literature review examines holistic, non-pharmaceutical, neuroplasticity-based (NPNB) approaches, such as breathwork, nutrition, exercise, and sleep, to challenge traditional methods and advocate for integrating holistic interventions into mainstream trauma care, emphasizing accessibility and autonomy for trauma survivors. As we explore the increasing need for mental health care, we look at the interplay between psychological trauma and physical health by exploring the mind-body connection and trauma-induced inflammation. Additionally, this exploration aims to understand how these treatments can reshape neural pathways, improve emotional regulation, and enhance psychological and physiological well-being. It also examines potential paradigm shifts in trauma care and advocates for increased accessibility to alternative treatments, particularly for individuals who cannot access conventional therapies. We expect to find that NPNB treatments are underutilized in the treatment of trauma and, if expanded upon, would have the potential to improve accessibility, reduce or eliminate side effects, and help survivors regain a sense of autonomy.

Gray whales in the North Pacific annually migrate north to the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea, and their migration route bypasses the Salish Sea. Roughly a dozen of these whales, commonly called “the Sounders,” have detoured their migration into North Puget Sound since the 1990s. These whales have been observed feeding on ghost shrimp in the intertidal area of sediment beaches in North Puget Sound, using a high risk strategy of feeding on shrimp at high tides. This feeding strategy leaves large indents, or “feeding pits”, in the sediment that are revealed at low tide and can provide insight into the Sounders’ feeding habits and contribute to a deeper understanding of the North Pacific gray whale population. My research focused on locational trends of gray whale feeding pits on Jetty Island West beach, and I observed longitudinal locations of specific pits in the intertidal zone to investigate feeding patterns. I observed feeding pits with drone imagery collected at low tide and compiled into aerial maps, or “orthomosaics,” and I compared feeding pits in different longitudes to observe where on the beach whales are feeding. Two seasons of feeding pit imagery were collected from late winter and spring of 2024 and 2025, and I have analyzed the imagery using ArcGIS pro. Survey site area ranged from approximately 0.09km² to 0.4 km² for different maps. The non-invasive nature of drone photogrammetry has recently increased its use in marine and biological research, and this method of data collection is ideal for surveying gray whale pits on Jetty Island. Because of the increased risk of feeding in higher tidal zones, I expect to find higher concentrations of feeding pits at lower tidal zones.

The analysis of microbial communities in compost can help identify key microbes necessary for the breakdown of organic materials into nitrogen and carbon which may help to optimize the decomposition process. We chose hot composting because it efficiently produces richer compost in 2-3 weeks at elevated temperatures in contrast to cold composting alternatives which take a longer time. With pre-established workflows already generated, nanopore sequencing technology will provide a detailed examination of bacterial diversity. This study will consist of three compost piles with samples taken every two days for DNA extraction until the composting is completed. PCR amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA from these extracts and nanopore sequencing of the amplicons will show the types and abundance of microbes in the compost over time. By monitoring shifts in microbial populations across composting stages in different composting materials, we aim to pinpoint crucial bacterial strains that drive organic matter breakdown and the recycling of nutrients. We expect to see thermophilic bacteria (e.g., Bacillus stearothermophilus and Thermoplasma acidophilum) because their enzymes thrive in high-temperature environments. In the future, we hope to culture these microbes and sequence their whole genome through nanopore technology in order to identify key genomic markers that may contribute to composting efficiency.

Phytophthora ramorum is regarded as a devastating pathogen to many plant species, so its detection and extermination are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. At Clark’s Creek Park in Puyallup, WA, within a stream adjacent to the dog park, P. ramorum was searched for. Rhododendron leaves were used as bait to attract Phytophthora species in various soil samples and the running water of Clarks Creek. Phytophthora from infected leaves was cultured and used for DNA extraction, PCR (with ITS4 and ITS6 barcoding primers), electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the preponderant species present was Phytophthora gonapodyides. P. ramorum was not detected at the location we surveyed. However, due to our small sample size, the presence of P. ramorum should not be ruled out, and future experiments should continue exploring its potential habitation. If P. ramorum were identified, we would report this data to the USDA for subsequent intervention.

Assessing one’s circadian phase is important to both clinicians and researchers. The gold standard method of estimating circadian phase involves identifying the clock time when melatonin levels increase when under dim light (<5 lux), called Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO). This method involves collecting 8 hourly saliva samples, starting in the afternoon and finishing one hour after habitual bedtime. As external conditions can mask markers of circadian phase, such as bright evening lights inhibiting melatonin production, this method requires strictly controlled conditions (i.e. no eating, drinking, standing 30 minutes before each sample). This increases money and time cost of studies assessing circadian phase, and it reduces the accuracy and accessibility of DLMO assessments. The current study (n=17) attempts to validate a new method of estimating circadian phase, developed by Dr. Achim Kramer at Charité University, based on a one-time collection of hair follicles (HFs). Participants collected their own HFs in the morning before arriving at the lab to complete an evening DLMO assessment. I verified dim light levels via lux meter, ensured participants did not stand, eat, or drink 30 minutes before providing each saliva sample, and recorded the exact time of individual participants’ sample collection. I assayed saliva samples for melatonin levels to estimate DLMO. HF samples are processed at Charité University using the RNA levels of different relevant genes. We predict the circadian phases calculated by this method will significantly correlate with those of the DLMO assessment. If validated, this method would reduce the time burden on participants from ~8 hours to a matter of minutes. Reducing the cost of circadian phase studies will benefit researchers and clinicians alike, including for those living in remote areas or in areas with less healthcare access.

Human activity continues to significantly affect nature, expanding its area of influence via multiple sources. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a major source of this human interference, originating from urban areas, roadways, and streetlights. Its influence is widespread, disrupting not only ecosystems but also the development, population size, life expectancy, and reproduction of plants and animals. We worked with house crickets (Acheta domesticus) to test whether and how exposure to ALAN throughout juvenile development altered behavior, development, and reproductive investment in the form of maternal hormone provisioning compared to crickets that experienced no light pollution. Here we report that lifelong exposure to ALAN affects cricket development and may influence the hormone provisioning to eggs by female crickets. However, ALAN had no effect on the behavior or movements of crickets. While our result is consistent with some previous findings in animal systems, it contradicts others: we conclude that the influence of light pollution on animal physiology and behavior is likely nuanced, and its effects are dependent on life history, development stage, and ecology.

Recent studies have reported that certain tampon brands contain traces of various metals, raising public safety concerns about regular tampon use. Exposure to metals such as lead may pose detrimental effects on cognitive function, the nervous system, and reproductive health, yet little is known about the extent to which these metals are absorbed into the bloodstream from these products.  This project aims to investigate the presence of heavy metals within tampons. We hypothesized that tampons made from cotton would contain higher traces of metals compared to ones that are made with viscose rayon. We selected five widely available brands of varying absorbances and material, categorizing them as either organic (cotton) or non-organic (viscose rayon). To quantify the total lead content, 0.300 g of each sample was digested using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. To determine the extractable quantity of lead, each sample was submerged in a simulant solution for 24 hours, replicating the acidity of vaginal fluids. To ensure the presence of lead within the sample, tampons with measurable lead concentration were spiked with known amount of lead quantity. Using AA Spectroscopy, quantifiable total lead contents were found in three out of the five tampon samples; Tampon C exhibited the highest lead content of 1.363 µg/g of tampon. Additionally, only one in five tampon samples was found to have significant extractable lead content, with Tampon C containing 0.2184 µg/g of tampon. Our results indicate a higher proportion of detectable traces of total and extractable lead in non-organic tampons compared to organic tampons. Despite these findings, further research is needed to establish whether there are adverse health effects to lead exposure from tampon use.

We explore the Earth in order to discover and understand the ecosystems present on it. Representing 70% of the surface of the globe, the oceans are arguably the place we struggle the most to explore due to their size and depth (we know more about space than we do about our oceans). Dissolved organic compounds, produced by diverse marine organisms for a wide variety of reasons, are present in very low concentration in the oceans. This research was done in order to develop, design, and ameliorate existing techniques to detect and analyze dissolved organic compounds (amino acid in this case) present in seawater. Cation exchange chromatography, derivatization and gas chromatography mass spectrometry were used. The results were not as expected but the methodology is very promising. With some ameliorations, that methodology will be able to help us detect and analyze known and unknown particles at very low concentration in our vast oceans.

Nitrogen is often a limiting resource in marine ecosystems, and its availability is heavily influenced by human activities, sometimes causing eutrophication. The study of phytoplankton metabolism under nitrogen-limited and replete conditions is of interest due to eutrophication's ecological and economic implications and the prevalence of nitrogen limitation on marine primary productivity. To investigate the metabolic effects of rapid nitrogen addition on phytoplankton metabolism, 15N-nitrate was traced into polymerized and free amino acids in two treatments of the microalgae Tisochrysis lutea with either initially limiting or replete nitrate concentrations. Using acid digestion, derivatization, and GCMS analysis we found that the culture with a lower initial nitrate concentration incorporated more 15N into alanine, valine, serine, and threonine. This suggests that phytoplankton under nitrogen-limited conditions exhibit greater increases in metabolism than those under replete conditions following rapid nitrogen influxes. Heavy nitrogen incorporation into other metabolites was also detected. This work provides a foundational method for future studies into phytoplankton metabolism under varying environmental conditions.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 and Escherichia coli K12 are gram-negative bacilli that produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Gram-negative bacteria have a cell wall composed of an inner and outer membrane with a layer of peptidoglycan. OMVs are spherical buds that bleb and detach from the outer membrane of bacteria, and contain material that was previously within the periplasmic space, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and virulence factors. OMVs are produced for various reasons, including nutrient acquisition, signaling, protection, and horizontal gene transfer. Other work has aimed at identifying the structure and function of these vesicles, as well as mechanisms of their production. This study concentrates on the creation of methods to produce and isolate OMVs, with a particular focus on ensuring separation from extracellular substances that inhibit direct quantification. To test how biogenesis could be increased, growth conditions were changed. Results indicated that media had a larger influence than temperature or incubation period on OMV biogenesis. In addition, a direct quantification method of OMVs was developed using spectrophotometry, whereas previous studies relied on indirect quantification methods, like protein or lipid assays, or incredibly expensive equipment for direct quantification assays. Gel electrophoresis was used to optimize and identify biological molecules by being able to separate them based on size and charge throughout the gel. Our work will contribute to the research methods of OMVs, and support the potential for them to be used biomedically for mechanisms of drug delivery.

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants globally, yet its effects on explicit memory remain an area of active research. This literature review examines how caffeine influences explicit memory, particularly in short-term recall and recognition memory in young adults ages 18-22. By synthesizing findings from recent peer-reviewed studies, we explore the neurochemical mechanisms, focusing on caffeine’s role in modulating adenosine receptors, enhancing neuronal activity, and affecting hippocampal-dependent memory functions. Some studies indicate that caffeine improves attention and alertness, which can indirectly support memory formation. However, other studies suggest that excessive intake or habitual use may lead to adverse effects, particularly if it disrupts sleep patterns or increases anxiety—both of which are known to impair memory. These conflicting findings highlight the complexity of caffeine’s effects and the challenge of drawing definitive conclusions. Beyond individual consumption patterns, methodological differences across studies like varying dosage intake and testing periods also contribute to conflicting findings. Variations in participant characteristics, experimental designs, and memory assessment methods make direct comparisons across studies challenging. Some studies focus on immediate recall, while others examine delayed retrieval or recognition memory, further adding to the variability in reported outcomes. By critically evaluating existing research, we aim to clarify the relationship between caffeine and explicit memory while identifying research gaps that future studies should address. Given the widespread use of caffeine among young adults, particularly for academic performance, a deeper understanding of its cognitive effects is essential. Investigating how caffeine influences memory under different conditions—such as varying levels of stress or sleep deprivation—could provide valuable insights. Future research should also refine methodologies to isolate caffeine’s specific effects on explicit memory in young adults.

Students often face academic pressure, interpersonal issues, and employment challenges during the transition into college. While 48.9% of undergraduate students face depressive symptoms (Luo et. al, 2024) and 52% of students report anxiety significantly inhibiting their academic performance (Crosswell et al), only 15% of students with mental illness utilize college mental health resources (Jaisoorya, 2021). To overcome conflicting schedules, stigma, and limited accessibility, we investigate whether self-regulated mindfulness practices would reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in college students. Participants were instructed to practice guided meditation videos daily. Depression and anxiety were measured through Qualtrics using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck et al., 1996) and Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (APA) (Spitzer, et al., 2006) before and after a 2-week meditation practice. We hypothesize that regular mindfulness meditation practices moderately reduce anxiety and depression in college students.