The basic biology of amphibians includes their highly permeable skin which makes them sensitive to their environments. It has been shown for decades that amphibians are restricted to specific habitats that would not harm them from the moment they are developing eggs to when they are grown adults. In previous studies, saline environments have deterred amphibians from inhabiting these habitats. However, heavy rains form temporary pools in sand dunes. Not only does saline water deter most amphibians from occupying those types of habitats, but water quality is another factor that can affect amphibian occupancy. Based on the variety of aquatic habitats found in Humboldt County, California, this study will conduct visual surveys of amphibians of varying life stages in brackish to saline waters within local wetlands and coastal areas. After recording visual observations, water quality samples will be tested for salinity, pH, and turbidity alongside other variables. Statistical tests will be used to determine if any of these abiotic factors are associated with amphibian presence in the selected sites. After analyzing this data, it is expected that coastal amphibians will occur in a greater abundance within areas of low salinity levels and decreased abundance within areas of high salinity levels.

Physical therapy students (SPTs) experience high stress due to demanding curriculum and performance expectations. High stress has been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors, which may be mitigated through exercise. Few studies have investigated the role of exercise in cardiometabolic health and stress in SPTs, especially in students at a public university. The purpose of this project is to investigate exercise-related indices of cardiometabolic health in SPTs compared to undergraduate students (US). We hypothesize that SPTs will exhibit higher stress scores and lower aerobic fitness, decreased muscular strength, and lower physical activity levels, compared to US. Currently enrolled SPTs (n=45) and US (n=8) between 18 – 45 years were recruited and tested on the following outcomes: 1) stress as measured by perceived stress scale (PSS), 2) 7-day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) through accelerometry, 3) strength as measured by isometric hand grip strength, 1-rep max leg and chest press, and aerobic fitness as measured from VO2peak, 4) blood pressure and fasting glucose. T-tests were used to compare group means. US were younger and had higher BMI compared to SPTs (p<0.05). No differences in stress score, strength, blood pressure or fasting glucose were observed between groups. Compared to US, SPTs demonstrated significantly lower MVPA but higher aerobic fitness (p<0.01). Our results suggest that SPTs and US did not differ in stress, strength or cardiometabolic health, while SPTs demonstrated higher aerobic fitness. Future work is needed to identify the role of social determinants of health in stress and cardiometabolic risk factors in SPTs.

Current research indicates that muscles that function to abduct and externally rotate the hip, affect knee joint health. This study was created to analyze the movement pattern and muscle activation of a side step activity using four different resistance band positions on the legs, above the knee, below the knee, on the ankle, and around the feet. This exercise is typically performed to strengthen the hip abductor and hip external rotation muscles. The muscles analyzed for the study are the Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, and Tensor Fasciae Latae, on the stance leg of both male and female subjects. Subjects will be performing a side step activity across two force plates, and their movement is analyzed in the frontal plane. The usage of a motion analysis and motion capture system, electromyography sensor devices, force plates, and retroreflective markers, will allow for kinematic and kinetic variables to be compared and evaluated across subjects. The subject's height and weight are measured, and they are asked to do a 5-minute warmup on a treadmill, walking or running at a self-selected pace. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) tests are performed to record the activation the muscle produces to maximally contract. As the resistance band is moved proximally after the initial placement of the band for the side step activity, subjects will maintain a neutral head posture. Five successful trials will be recorded, with a focus on the stance leg stepping onto each force plate.