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Coyote (Canis latrans) and Non-target Wildlife Responses to Livestock Guardian Dogs at Sheep Grazing Sites on the California Central Coast
No full textLivestock depredation is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of human-wildlife conflict. The coyote (Canis latrans), a midsized canid, represents a significant proportion of domestic sheep depredations in the United States, costing livestock producers an estimated 24.6 million dollars annually. Management strategies for coyote-sheep depredation vary widely in their effectiveness and in their level of public support. Identifying appropriate strategies for farms, ranches, and other sheep grazing sites remains a pressing need due to the potentially negative consequences for surrounding ecosystems and socioeconomic outcomes for sheep producers. The livestock guardian dog (LGD) is a nonlethal control tool that has a long history of worldwide use but warrants further study due to the site-specific success of predator control methods and the potential for LGDs to influence the behavior and distribution of nontarget species. I aimed to explore the mechanisms by which LGDs deter coyotes and assess their impact on coyote and non-target wildlife species behavior at sites in a novel study region, the California Central Coast. I monitored coyote and non-target mammal species behavior and activity using camera traps at three study sites featuring different levels of LGD presence: completely absent, sometimes present, and always present. The following variables were measured and analyzed by period (as defined by LGD presence) and distance from LGDs: species richness, detection rate, and diel activity patterns. I found that LGDs are associated with short-term changes in wildlife behavior, notably in coyotes, represented by reduced species richness and detections and altered diel activity patterns. These results support the idea that LGDs function as a disruptive stimulus and generate a localized landscape of fear, consistent with previous studies on LGD impacts on non-target wildlife. Observed effects varied by site, highlighting the continued need for context-specific evaluations of sites employing predator management tools in this region and beyond. Despite constraints related to LGD deployment length and control site data, this research fills a critical gap in understanding LGD-wildlife interactions in a previously unstudied region, the California Central Coast. This study offers a foundation for future work on nonlethal predator management, helping livestock producers and wildlife managers make informed decisions about implementing predator management amid a declining sheep industry
Hands-Free Balance Protocol and Development of an iPhone App for Self-Assessment
No full textFor many clinical populations, the measurement of balance is a critical task. Previous studies have agreed that smartphone IMUs provide a valid measure of balance that can be significantly correlated with force plate measurements and is sensitive enough to distinguish between various balance poses, but many balance assessment protocols require uncommon equipment or the use of hands during assessment. These limit accessibility of balance assessment. To eliminate the need for hands or any additional equipment, this study assessed the use of a smartphone recording the root mean square of 3D acceleration magnitude. The goal of the study was to determine if acceleration recordings taken from a pants pocket or shirt pocket were sufficiently sensitive to identify differences in balance poses of increasing difficulty, and if those measurements were correlated with previously validated methods. An iPhone app was also developed to allow future users to self-assess balance without any additional equipment. Results collected from a shirt pocket were found to be significantly different between all three balance poses tested (p \u3c 0.0237) and results collected from a pants pocket were significantly different between two of the three poses (p \u3c 0.0006). All differences matched expected order based on difficulty of poses. For each pocket, at least two of the three poses produced results that were significantly and either moderately or strongly correlated to the previously validated method (0.45 \u3c ρ \u3c 0.70, p \u3c 0.0410. As an exploratory finding, there was also found to be no significant correlation between participant height and acceleration results. The iPhone app developed alongside this study produced results strongly correlated (r = 0.9991, p \u3c 0.0001) with the measurement technique used for the rest of the study. Overall, the hands-free balance assessment protocol provided a valid measure of balance, able to identify small changes and mostly correlated with previous techniques, particularly when measured with the phone in a shirt pocket. The iPhone app developed alongside this study produced similar results and will allow future at-home assessment
Keep Searching for Stories: The Importance of Student Historical Research in the AI Era
No full textThis critical commentary interprets the risk that increased reliance on AI will disrupt student researchers’ direct engagement with historical primary sources. Close analysis of primary source details supports feminist history and digital history approaches, helping researchers contextualize histories of marginalization and interrogate scholarly and popular narratives about the past. Search engines and databases can promote access to digitized documents. By contrast, large language models reflect contemporary biases and communication patterns, manufacturing general declarations about historical significance that do not prioritize digitized primary source materials. I experimented with AI queries about participants in the 1977 National Women’s Conference (NWC), a topic that undergraduate students research as contributors to the Sharing Stories from 1977: Putting the National Women’s Conference on the Map digital humanities project (https://sharingstories1977.uh.edu). Reflecting on experiences teaching students to write biographies about previously under-researched NWC participants, I encourage continued instruction in strategies for accessing and analyzing primary source details
Restoration of 6-Axis Industrial-Grade Robotic Arms
No full textThe Staubli TX60 and TX60CR are industrial-grade, six-axis robotic arms originally designed to perform complex automation tasks in manufacturing environments. Following their retirement from active industrial use, both units were restored to full operational status. As part of this project, they were reprogrammed to execute a pick-and-place routine using kids shape-sorting toys that mirrors typical workflows found in factory settings. The six degrees of freedom afforded by each robot enable a wide range of motion, making them well-suited for tasks such as material handling, product sorting, and repetitive operations typically carried out by human workers. Each model is equipped with a fully functional controller and a teaching pendant, enabling users to create and execute automated routines with precision. Despite their age, both the Staubli TX60 and TX60CR remain in excellent working condition and continue to perform their intended functions reliably with repeatable precision of ±0.01mm. Comprehensive documentation supports the operation and programming of the robots, making them valuable tools for educational purposes, particularly for students studying robotics and industrial automation
ExOPG Maturation and OWL Interface
No full textThe maturation of the ExOPG buoy generator consists of an interface to facilitate remote data acquisition of an existing battery charge controller. This module telemeters battery controller data including voltage, temperature, and state of battery charge. The data is transmitted to a communication system and is able to be viewed by humans on a 24/7 basis for continuous operation and human usage. The module works seamlessly as an addition to the existing ExOPG generator, and it does not interfere with any existing and planned components of the generator. The module is highly efficient and draws minimal power from the existing 33.6V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It also has power protection in order to ensure regular operation under potential extreme weather circumstances and/or mechanical shock due to tidal waves. This module consumes on average 2.2 watts and has a transmission interval of 30 minutes
Mastering Undergraduate Algorithms: Improving Problem-Solving Skills and Fluency through Scaffolding Learning Modules
No full textThe primary objective of the undergraduate algorithms course is to equip students with the ability to design and analyze algorithms, prove theorems about computation, and effectively communicate these algorithms and proofs to a human audience. In addition, the course aims to help students foster their fluency in the process of formulating and solving computational problems. Scaffolding exercises and activities that focus on these aspects could serve as useful learning tools in providing targeted feedback and helping students develop their confidence and fluency. To address the challenges that students encounter when solving algorithmic problems -- particularly in regard to problem decomposition and solution structuring -- this proposed project seeks to develop and implement scaffolding exercises that offer structured and adaptive guidance as students progress in their proficiency. The goal is to assist students in breaking down complex problems into manageable components, developing systematic solution approaches, and improving their problem-solving confidence. The research will involve designing and integrating various scaffolding interventions into course assignments, such as structured hints, step-by-step breakdowns, and guided exercises. We will assess the effectiveness of these scaffolding techniques by analyzing student performance metrics, gathering survey responses, and collecting qualitative feedback. A comparative analysis of students’ problem-solving strategies before and after scaffolding implementation will be conducted to measure improvements in understanding and solution quality. By refining and optimizing scaffolding approaches based on the collected data, this project aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of theoretical computer science education. The anticipated outcomes include increased student engagement, enhanced problem-solving skills and fluency, and the development of best practices for incorporating scaffolding exercises into undergraduate algorithms instruction
Machine Unlearning: The Right to Be Forgotten
No full textThe objective of this SURP proposal is to investigate machine unlearning as a viable approach to support the right to be forgotten in artificial intelligence (AI) systems, many of which rely heavily on personal data. The capability to selectively remove user-specific information upon request—without necessitating full model retraining—is critical for safeguarding individual privacy and enhancing computational and energy efficiency. This project will undertake a systematic review of state-of-the-art unlearning techniques, evaluate their performance using standard benchmark datasets, and assess their feasibility in real-world applications. In addition, the project will provide participating students with practical experience in implementing and analyzing machine unlearning methods. The outcomes will include a comparative analysis of different approaches and the development of recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of unlearning in privacy-sensitive AI systems
Tettoia Iperbolica
No full textTettoia Iperbolica (Hyperbolic Canopy) is a multidisciplinary senior project created to revitalize an underutilized outdoor space next to the Architectural Engineering Building 21 at Cal Poly. The project responds to needs identified by faculty and staff, including limited gathering space, inadequate shading for the adjacent conference room, poor drainage, and a lack of ADA accessibility. Building on two previous senior project efforts, the 2025 team advanced the concept into a fully designed, structurally stamped, permitted redwood canopy supported by existing concrete columns and one new steel column.
The work included extensive site investigation to verify subsurface conditions, concrete strength testing, and a lengthy iterative design process. The team refined design flaws through several mockups that proved connection details and confirmed the constructibility of the angled canopy. Structural analyses carried out by the team verified the capacity of the existing columns, validated the canopy design, and addressed unexpected issues such as the discovery of an unmarked underground pipe that required an eccentric footing redesign.
The project required coordination with Cal Poly Facilities for permitting, collaboration with LPA Design Studios to obtain a structural stamp, and the acquisition of funding and materials through grants and donations. The partial construction during the last phase of the project included concrete curb and column removal, excavations, and placement of the new footing, preparing the site for future teams to finish the build.
The project produced a complete, ready-to-build design package and will transform the site into an accessible, inviting space. The work reflects Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy by providing direct experience in engineering design, project coordination, and construction. Dedicated to ARCE student Sean Hillman, the Tettoia Iperbolica project establishes a functional and lasting gathering space to be used by the ARCE community
Prefabricated Timber Living: A Modular Sustainable Solution
No full textThis senior project is part of the Gateway Decathlon, a two-year, multidisciplinary design-build competition focused on innovative, sustainable housing solutions. Our team designed and constructed a one-story dwelling using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels to promote low-carbon, industrialized building practices. The structure features a modular layout with sloped roofs and exposed timber interiors, combining environmental responsibility with architectural flexibility. Emphasizing prefabrication and off-site construction, the design supports efficient assembly and disassembly, reduced material waste, and minimal environmental impact. The result is a scalable, adaptable housing prototype aligned with the competition’s goals of creativity, sustainability, and innovation in residential construction
Being Radical Community: “Pleasure Activism” in Higher Education
No full textThis paper argues for the necessity of pleasure in abolitionist pedagogy as a condition for sustaining movements toward collective liberation. Grounded in abolition feminism and radical pedagogy, it introduces the “Pleasure Activism Lineage” (PAL) as a tool for cultivating campus movement communities through joy, care, and collective resistance. Drawing on adrienne maree brown’s framework of pleasure activism, the PAL assignment invites students and educators to trace transformative influences, reclaim subversive forms of joy, and build solidarities rooted in liberatory traditions. By centering pleasure as a site of resistance, this project disrupts the pitifully punitive logics and pessimistically professionalizing ethos of academia and reimagines education as a space of radical possibility, healing, and shared power