Graduate Student Spotlight
The Office of Graduate Studies wants to recognize Cal Poly Humboldt’s outstanding graduate students. To nominate a graduate student for a graduate student spotlight, email hsugrad@humboldt.edu. More nomination details can be found here at https://pmc.humboldt.edu/portal/outstanding-student-awards-nominations
Patricia O. McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student
2023 Winners
The McConkey Awards are given in Memory of Patricia McConkey and her many years of service to Graduate Studies, and to graduate students, at Cal Poly Humboldt.
The McConkey Award recipients are selected by the faculty of their graduate programs, in recognition of excellence in their fields. McConkey Award recipients graduate with distinction on their transcript and are recognized in their commencement program.
Romel Robinson
MA in Engineering & Community Practice
Thesis Title: Indigenizing Engineering at Mouralherwaqh: An engineering project with the Wiyot People
Advisor: Dr. Qualla Jo Ketchum
Sydney Sawyer
MA in Psychology (School Psychology)
School Psychology Professional Portfolio
Advisor: Dr. Francis J. DeMatteo
Crystal Mckinney
MS Kinesiology
Thesis Title: Intergenerational Yoga Intervention On Mind Body Spirit Connection
Advisor: Dr. Whitney Ogle
Nathan Boone
MA in Psychology (Academic Research)
Thesis Title: Testosterone Reactivity and Parental Care Motivation as a Function of Parental Status in Men
Advisor: Dr. Amanda Hahn
Jae Smith
MA in Public Sociology
Project: Cannabis and Labor in Humboldt County
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Meisel
Arianne Nova
Project Title: K-12 Educator Experiences with Whole-Child Education: A Survey of Teachers in Northern California
Advisor: Dr. Mary Virnoche
Sophia Effa
MA in Psychology (Counselling Psychology)
Advisor: Dr. Carrie Aigner
Emmett McMahon
MS in Kinesiology
Thesis Title: Evaluating Critical Speed as a Predictor of Performance in Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes
Advisor: Dr. Justus Ortega
Ali Pickering
M.S.W
Thesis Title: Gender Affirming Care Resources for Behavioral Health Clinicians: Open Door Community Health Centers
Advisor: Dr. Yvonne Doble
Mark Taylor
M.S.W
Thesis Title: System-Impacted Students’ Experiences and Supports
Advisor: Dr. Yvonne Doble
Emily Lavrador
MA in Applied English Studies
Project Title: Teaching Dystopia in Dystopian Realities: Trauma-informed Pedagogy and the Dystopian Novel after COVID-19
Advisors: Dr. Janelle Adsit and Dr. Marianne Ahokas
Josefina Barrantes
Project Title: Food Justice and Edible Landscapes at Cal Poly Humboldt
Advisor: Dr. Nicholas Perdue
Fall 2024 Graduate Student Spotlights
Each semester, the Graduate Studies Office highlights nominated students and thier current research. Here are our Spring 2024 Graduate Student Spotlights!
Povheng Yam
Academic Research Psychology
Povheng’s research explores the factors that influence human stress responses from a neuroscience and endocrinology perspective. He is also interested in studying and developing interventions that enhance human emotional regulation. He joined the MA in Academic Research via the blended program path which allowed him to take part in the Graduate program early. The Academic Research Program helped him develop skills in many important areas for example research methodology, statistical analysis, and research communication. This program is perfect for those who want to pursue a PhD program and a career in teaching. During the pandemic, he co-founded a Cambodian student association remotely with colleagues from all around the United States.
Regina Khoury
Environmental Systems-Geology
Regina is a second-year graduate student in the Environmental Systems – Geology program and the 2023 recipient of the Alistair and Judith McCrone Graduate Fellowship. Results of her MS project will advanced our understanding of how and where magmas were stored beneath Medicine Lake volcano in NE California prior to their eruption ~12,000 years ago, which can help us monitor and predict future volcanic eruptions.While a graduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt, Regina has also taught GEOL 109 Physical Geology labs, worked in the Geology Stockroom, volunteered on geology field trips and in geology labs, helped with new student orientations and student tours, and tutored numerous geology majors.
Caleb Chen
Public Sociology
Caleb was awarded a $25,000 Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) NEXTGEN Fellowship to support his MA in Public Sociology thesis research on changes in cannabis genetics.
In addition to his MA thesis research, Chen will continue as a senior graduate research assistant on the Department of Cannabis Control Legacy Genetics Grant with Dr. Dominic Corva. He is also a journalist and cannabis judge under the moniker “The Highest Critic.” As part of the ARI NEXTGEN Fellowship, Chen will participate in Leadership and Communicating Science Workshops both virtually and in Sacramento.
“The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) exemplifies the mission of the California State University system by working for California and its citizens through partnerships across the agricultural industry and beyond. Through the colleges of agriculture on four CSU campuses and allied disciplines across the CSU, the ARI conducts applied research to ensure the sustainability of California agriculture.”