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.

Climate change has affected every part of the world. However, nowhere is affected more than the Arctic. More and more arctic ice melts every season, and while the environmental implications are disastrous, it may open up positive new opportunities for trade and recreation, bringing life into small, dwindling Arctic economies. One area of the Arctic that will see increased use in the future is the Northwest Passage (NWP). The once icelocked and barely usable trade route has the potential to influence the economy of all territories it touches, primarily Alaska. Current data indicates that the melting ice along the NWP will have a positive impact on the Alaskan economy. This Literature Review predicts the possible quantitative impact on the region. Strategically positioned Alaskan communities, such as Nome, have fragile infrastructures which will have to adapt to increased commercial demand from cruise ships and recreational vessels. While it is unlikely that trade will have much of an impact economically as most of the ships will not stop along the route, it is likely that the increase in cruise ships will stimulate forced economic and infrastructural growth for these communities. Additionally, as this region of Alaska is mostly undisturbed, there needs to be more study into the environmental impacts of economic growth in the area. Considering the possibility of the NWP becoming a well traveled route is essential in order to help prepare small towns for potential economic booms. An overview of the research suggests that while trade in general may not impact the overall Alaskan economy, the potential increase in tourism via cruise ships and other recreational vessels has the potential to overwhelm the infrastructure of smaller Alaskan cities, even as it jump-starts their economies.

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.