ICP-MS operation and application to agricultural wetland samples Senior Project

My role in the laboratory was diverse and the nature of my work changed over the course of my internship. My main objective was to assist Chris Paradis with his pesticide research. To investigate the effects of Imidacloprid and its associated relationships with metals on wetland ecology, mesocosm tubs were dosed and observed. To parse the effects from the various treatment groups, many parameters were recorded, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis. To collect data in the field, a YSI probe was used. Biologically and experimentally relevant measures like temperature and conductivity were recorded. Samples to analyze later on laboratory equipment were carefully transferred to vials

Otolith-based Determination of Rainbow Trout Life Histories in the Skagit River Basin

In 2007, the population of Rainbow Trout/Steelhead native to the Skagit River Basin was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since then, research has been conducted to assess population dynamics and migration history using trace elements in otoliths––the “ear stones” found in the inner ear of fish. Otoliths are mostly made up of calcium carbonate and are used for hearing and balance. They grow in proportion to the growth of the fish and incorporate elements from the ambient water and diet. Microchemical analyses were utilized to identify early life history stages, such as hatch and button-up of Rainbow Trout in the Skagit River basin. Juvenile Rainbow Trout were collected from five tributaries of the Skagit River and from the Marblemount State Fish Hatchery. Otoliths were extracted, mounted to glass coverslips, and polished. Elemental analysis was conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), where 23 isotopes of 22 elements were analyzed. Daily ring counts reflected differences in age at hatch and button-up between wild and hatchery fish. Additionally, nearly all wild fish showed an increase of 88Sr in the otolith core, indicating maternal anadromy. Results identify a means to potentially distinguish hatchery v wild origin, maternal anadromy, and point to fundamental early life history differences that may be reflected in later life stages. Ultimately, these results contribute to a deeper understanding of early development in Skagit River Rainbow Trout and emphasize the utility of otolith chemistry in informing management and conservation efforts

Redefining Success: A Case Study of the Lived Experiences of Big Picture Learning Graduates

This qualitative, phenomenological study investigated the influence of the Big Picture Learning (BPL) high school model on graduates\u27 perceptions of success and upward mobility. Traditional comprehensive high schools often narrowly define success through standardized metrics, potentially alienating students with diverse interests and learning styles. In contrast, BPL emphasizes personalized learning, real-world experiences, and student agency. This research explored how the BPL model differs from traditional education, its impact on students\u27 educational experiences, post-secondary pathways, and personal fulfillment. Using semi-structured interviews with BPL graduates, the study revealed five prominent themes: dissatisfaction with traditional education and BPL\u27s appeal, personalized and interest-based learning, development of real-world skills, the importance of relationships and community, and a redefined understanding of happiness and success. Findings indicate that BPL graduates perceive their educational experiences as profoundly influencing their upward mobility, attributing this to the cultivation of essential skills, real-world exposure through internships, and personal growth fostered by the BPL model. They often prioritize career paths aligned with their passions and a sense of purpose over traditional metrics. While some graduates felt less prepared for conventional academic rigor in college, they consistently reported an advantage in workplace readiness and practical problem-solving. This study suggests that BPL fosters a holistic view of success, intrinsically linking it to personal fulfillment, genuine contentment, and positive community impact, advocating for a broader definition of success in K-12 education

Pillars of Sustainability: Connecting People, Business, and the Environment

This is a visual art project that uses paintings to explore the relationships between business, human, and environmental sustainability—three deeply interconnected concepts that shape our daily lives and experiences. Through ten paintings, the project investigates how we view and value each of these three dimensions of sustainability and how these perspectives shift as these ideas are put in conversation with each other. A color palette is assigned to each theme, and as the series progresses, the palettes become increasingly intertwined, visually expressing the growing connections of the themes. The final, tenth painting brings all three ideas together, symbolizing their connection. Alongside the visual work, the project reflects on my evolving understanding and perspectives of sustainability, from personal experiences from childhood through Running Start and into college at Western Washington University. This project aims to spark conversations and deeper thinking about how sustainability is perceived, practiced, and represented through art

Stop and Smell the Lilies: A visual exploration of Pacific Northwest native lilies through acrylic paint

A compilation of 1 drawing and 9 acrylic paintings that show the variety of native lilies in the Pacific Northwest and the complexities of flower parts under a microscope. A single pen drawing introduces the subject and each subsequent painting shows my improvement using acrylic paints. I wanted to grow my art skills and color theory while demonstrating the beauty I have witnessed while studying botany. The time it took to complete each piece ranged from around 3 to 6 hours

Unwelcome Mat: Mapping Displacement Risk--Tracking Gentrification in Northwest Washington as Land Use and Affordability Shift

Populated regions in Washington state face increasing growth pressures that present challenges for people struggling to find and afford housing. As the Growth Management Act regulates Urban Growth Boundaries in planning counties across the state, the demand for real estate within these boundaries rises rapidly. As a result, many residents face displacement pressures that force them out of their homes for economic, physical, or cultural reasons. Housing displacement poses threats to the wellbeing and safety of the community and the character of rapidly changing neighborhoods. To address and mitigate displacement, jurisdictions must first determine what areas and populations are at risk. This project uses methodology adapted from the Puget Sound Regional Council’s 2019 Displacement Risk Mapping to determine displacement risk by census tract in Whatcom and Skagit counties, the two northwesternmost counties in Washington State. It weighs 19 indicators across 6 different categories to create a displacement risk index score for each census tract. The index includes factors related to socio-demographics, transportation, housing, neighborhood amenities, employment, and civic engagement. Comprehensively identifying displacement risk helps under-resourced jurisdictions identify where to allocate resources to mitigate displacement and can help guide planning and policy decisions

LEAD Native Plant Specialist Intern

LEAD internships provide an extraordinary opportunity to gain practical and applicable experience in the environmental field, build connections, and build a sense of community all while furthering personal academic goals. The Native Plant Specialist intern position focused specifically on using ecological knowledge to contribute to LEAD projects. My experience with this internship was valuable and rewarding

City Sprouts Farm Food Systems Intern

As a food systems intern, I completed tasks such as harvesting produce, planting cover crops, and putting away supplies for the season. At this point in the year, the farm is finishing up the growing season and preparing for winter. Harvested foods included carrots, broccoli, squash, beets, tomatoes, and beans. Work on the farm also focused on sustainable practices. Planting cover crops protects the soil from wind and rain throughout the winter. It allows for nitrogen fixation in the soil and ensures that the beds will be ready for produce in the spring without the use of tilling. Additionally, we participated in a compost workshop. At the workshop we made a thermophilic compost pile. Heat created by reproducing bacteria killed pathogens and weed seeds. This created soil that would not require the use of fertilizers and chemicals while effectively using plant waste from the farm. At the end of the internship, tasks included rolling up drip tape, cleaning tools, and deconstructing tunnels in final preparation for the winter

The University in the Crossfire: Quandaries over Neutrality, Moral Responsibility, Corporatization, and the Protection of Free Speech in Difficult Times

For the first time in nearly 20 years of publication, the Journal of Educational Controversy is dedicating an entire issue to the university. This focus comes at a pivotal moment for democracy, as universities face mounting governmental interference. When we first issued our call for papers, student protests were erupting across campuses, and congressional hearings were placing college presidents under intense scrutiny. Our journal has always engaged with pressing contemporary issues, inviting scholars to offer insights that help the public navigate complex debates. Yet, the unfolding events have surpassed the scope of our initial focus. Attacks on diversity and equity initiatives have intensified. Fears of student visa revocations over speech-related concerns have grown. Harvard University has come under fire, prompting a countersuit against the federal government. Despite these rapidly evolving events, the theme of this issue was still able to capture the broad set of concerns confronting our universities today

Databases Save Time: Turning inconsistently formatted data into digestible analytics while learning the do’s and don’ts of CS project management

This paper dives into the WWU CS Senior Project experience and provides some tips to follow for future students. First, I walk through the basic overview of the CS senior project. It will talk about how one gets a project, what the 3 basic sections of the project are and what the timeline for those sections is. Once the basic overview is covered, I will walk through my project. This includes a basic description of what it was and how it went in terms of sticking to the timeline. From there, I reflect on my own experience. I will discuss what I would change about my team’s methodology, including more clear communication and better meeting structure. The paper concludes with a discussion about the need for efficiency in working and how it is often misconstrued, and how students have an opportunity to embrace it