California State University, Monterey Bay
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Senior Citizens & Community Engagement
No full textSenior citizens that live in the City of Gonzales battle the challenge of health insecurity because there is a high percentage of residents who have health issues and senior citizens are not taking advantage of the community based services that are available to them. The City of Gonzales is the learning site for this project and The Recreational and Community Engagement Department is the division that assisted in clearing access for this project and promoted awareness to the community. The community served here is the senior citizens of Gonzales and the community as a whole. The purpose of this project is to improve the physical health of senior citizens by creating circuit training classes and engage the community more with the City in order to enhance this relationship. The project had a positive impact on the community and exceeded the outcome of participants but is looking for ways to engage more male participants. Possible recommendations for this gap is to find activities that are gender neutral and include incentives that draw the attention of the community
Strengthening Communities: Resource Fair Promoting Education and Supportive Services
No full textLimited access to essential community resources and support services continues to affect individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. In response to this need, a community resource fair was implemented at Youth Alliance, a local nonprofit that offers case management, drop-in services, and life skills programming. The population served primarily includes adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 24 who face barriers related to mental health, employment, transportation, and navigating community systems. The project involved planning and coordinating a multi-agency fair designed to increase awareness of available services and strengthen collaboration between Youth Alliance and local providers. Key components included partnership outreach, event logistics, participant engagement, and informal evaluation through observation and feedback. The event created a supportive environment where individuals could explore resources, ask questions, and form connections with service agencies providing resources in a variety of human service areas. The fair contributed to greater visibility of community support and enhanced relationship-building between organizations serving individuals experiencing instability. Recommendations moving forward include implementing consistent follow-up with participants and maintaining ongoing collaboration among partner agencies
Mental Health Education for Latinx Students in High School
No full textMental health has become a significant concern for adolescents, especially high school juniors and seniors who are getting ready to transition into adulthood. At this age, students often face academic pressure, uncertainty about their future, and the challenge of balancing increased independence with family and cultural expectations. These stressors can be even harder for students from immigrant, low-income, or bilingual backgrounds because they may face extra barriers when trying to seek support. National data show that mental and behavioral health conditions are common among teens, with anxiety and depression standing out as leading concerns (Sappenfield et al., 2024). To address these issues, I partnered with GEAR UP at Seaside High School to present a one-time workshop on three key areas related to adolescents\u27 transition to adulthood: the prevalence of common mental health concerns, the impact of stigma in creating barriers, and the importance of culturally responsive resources
Genome-Wide Identification of Essential Genes for Microbial Insecticide Bioremediation
No full textInsecticides pose a threat to ecological, wildlife and human health when they are carried in runoff water from agricultural fields to surface and ground waters. Microbial bioremediation provides a promising avenue for degrading and removing these pollutants from runoff water before they dissipate into downstream ecosystems. While effective bioremediators for various target pesticides have been identified, we do not yet understand exactly how microbes degrade insecticides in most cases. In this study, I examined three bacterial strains with the ability to metabolize imidacloprid (strain Imidl Y) or malathion (strains Mal4 and Mal6), both common insecticides, and used transposon-mediated mutagenesis to answer the question of which genes are essential for this ability. I introduced the tn5 transposon to the study strains to create libraries of random knockout mutants, and subjected these mutants to selective conditions in order to eliminate any bacteria that lost the ability to metabolize insecticide. I then sequenced and mapped mutation sites in this selected population, identifying unmutated genes as essential for metabolism of insecticide. I identified 1603 conditionally essential genes for growth on insecticide in Mal6, 252 in Mal4, and 18 in Imid1 Y. Identifying these genes helps us understand the metabolic pathways used by these microbes when metabolizing insecticide. It also gives us a framework for future functional genomics work in these and other microbes. All of this will help us understand the evolution and diversity of insecticide metabolism and help design safe and effective systems to remediate insecticide pollution, making agricultural runoff water safer for ecological and public health
Exploring the Experiences of Higher Education Students With Invisible Disabilities
No full textThis research analyzes textual data derived from Reddit communities to examine the lived experiences of higher education students and alumni with invisible disabilities (swID). The application of concepts and models of critical disability theory (CDT) are adopted to contextualize student experiences. This study answers two research questions, the first being: R1 - How do reported barriers impact swID in higher education? I find that barriers faced by swID relate to inequities of systemic ableism, with difficulties being a direct side-effect of the inflexible nature of academia. These barriers impact swID in the following ways: The demands of higher education causes stress that contributes to declining physical and mental health over the semester/quarter, and puts swID at higher risk for taking leave and or dropping out. The choice to disclose their invisible disability is often contingent on their desire to seek accommodations, but often acts as a social barrier among their non-disabled peers. With this, though many swID struggle to access academic accommodations, they generally have positive experiences if they are able to successfully acquire them. SwID navigate these barriers by practicing various forms of self-care, aiding in their academic success, and improved holistic health outcomes. The second research question addresses the implications of systemic ableism: R2 - What role does ableism and internalized ableism play in the experiences of swID in higher education? I find that the invisibility of the disability is a driver of ableist behavior and unequal treatment, and is often accompanied with the observer’s disbelief of the student’s disability status. This is often experienced in tandem with individual and institutional ignorance of the struggles faced by swID, and contributes to ableist perceptions and unequal treatment from staff, faculty, and their peers. These experiences can create a negative self-perception (internalized ableism) that contributes to their social, academic, and health outcomes
Examining Barriers to Accessing Substance Use Treatment: An In-Depth Analysis of High Rates in Monterey and San Benito Counties
Full text linkThis project explores barriers to effective substance use disorder treatment in Monterey and San Benito counties, and was implemented by Valley Health Associates, a nonprofit agency that provides prevention and outpatient treatment services. The organization primarily serves both youth and adults affected by substance use disorders, including those facing systemic obstacles that limit access to care. Contributing factors include limited transportation options, high client-to-counselor ratios, and a lack of community awareness regarding available resources. The initiative gathered client input through interviews and surveys to identify challenges and suggest solutions. Expected outcomes include improved service accessibility, enhanced community outreach strategies, and recommendations for reducing disparities in treatment access. The project emphasizes the importance of holistic, culturally responsive, and community-based approaches to care. These findings contribute to broader efforts aimed at fostering recovery and long-term wellness. Findings showed clients face internal and external barriers such as relapse, emotional struggles, housing instability, and lack of transportation or service awareness. Substance use often began early in life and was largely driven by mental health challenges, trauma, and chronic pain. Clients identified Medication-Assisted Treatment, counseling, and supportive relationships as the most helpful aspects of care, highlighting the need for expanded services, youth-focused outreach, and trauma-informed support
Cocina 1932 Cali Mex BBQ: A Collaborative Food Truck for Increased Access to Healthy Food
No full textSignificant health disparities occur in Salinas as a result of limited access to wholesome, culturally appropriate food, especially in communities with a large number of Mexican Americans. Through helpful methods, the Blue Zones Project, a community health program aimed at improving longevity and well-being, aims to address this problem. Cocina 1932 Cali Mex BBQ, a culturally rooted food truck that serves healthier versions of classic Mexican-American dishes at reasonable costs, was launched and approved with the help of this capstone project. By expanding access to wholesome food and improving public knowledge, the project aimed to lower diet-related diseases including diabetes and obesity. A culturally sensitive menu, engagement activities, and permit approval were all part of the implementation process. Analysis of sales statistics and distribution numbers of the healthy eating guides were used for assessment. Results show great community response with 20 great responses to our survey, increased knowledge and improved availability of healthy foods by scanning our QR codes 50 times. While further research is needed to assess long-term health benefits, early results indicate that Cocina 1932 is a promising model for culturally appropriate health interventions. To ensure long-lasting effects, it is suggested that the Blue Zones Project maintain community-centered tactics, grow collaborations, and track long-term health results
Incorporating Science into the Moderate/Severe curriculum
Full text linkScience education is often absent from the high school, moderate/severe special education classroom curriculum. When students in moderate/severe special education classrooms do not receive science instruction, they miss out on a key learning opportunity like the other curricular subjects and life skills. Increasing science education for students with disabilities may provide them with opportunities for critical thinking skills, problem solving, and creativity. In order to address this issue, I will create a three day lesson for 9 to 12 graders in a moderate/severe classroom setting at Soledad High School in Soledad, California
Educating Athletes on Mindset and How it Affects Athletic Performance
Full text linkMany young athletes may be unaware of how a fixed mindset could affect their sports performance. A fixed mindset is when people think their abilities or knowledge cannot be changed or improved, which can lead to lack of confidence in their sports abilities. When young athletes move to a growth mindset, they can focus more on the process rather than the ability to do the task and have the potential to show improvement in their attitudes towards sports performance. In order to address their fixed mindsets, I have created a one day lesson on fixed and growth mindsets for 8 to 12 year old players affiliated with the Monterey Bay Pirates in Monterey, California
Increasing Knowledge of the Benefits of Adaptive Exercises for People with Autism
No full textParents and educators of children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often lack education on how to get individuals with ASD engaged in adequate physical activity and beneficial exercise specifically for individuals with ASD. People with Autism benefit from exercise, which promotes emotional regulation, improved cognition, self-efficacy, and other physical benefits (Carey et al., 2022). Typical exercise activities may not be practical for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder because they often lack coordination and can get overwhelmed by the stimulation involved with exercise. When parents and educators learn how to provide an environment suitable for safe and adaptive physical activity, individuals with Autism will have health and behavioral benefits, and parents and educators may see social-emotional and psychomotor improvement in the individual with ASD. Therefore, I have created a 90-minute workshop on practical exercises and adapted physical activities for people caring for individuals with ASD, families affected by Autism, and Special Education professionals at the Salinas Adult School in Salinas, California