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Our research examines several taxa of benthic foraminifera (e.g., Trochammina inflata, Siphotrochammina lobata, Entzia macrescens, Miliammina fusca) from six surface samples retrieved in March 2025 from Carpinteria Salt Marsh in Carpinteria, California. At each sampling location we collected water quality parameters (i.e., temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, salinity, pH, and turbidity) and noted the proximity to sources of human impact, namely the train tracks that run behind the marsh. Foraminiferal numbers (foraminifera/g) have a positive relationship with dissolved oxygen levels and a negative correlation to salinity levels.There is also a negative relationship between grain size and foraminifera/g. Preliminary results show that there are seven different taxa in the marsh channel, with high numbers of Trochammina inflata and Siphotrochammina lobata. Both of these species thrive in low salinity levels (Walker et al., 2020). By studying the composition of benthic foraminiferal assemblages, analyzing water quality at the sampling sites, and evaluating the sources of human impact, we are able to gain a better understanding of how human impact and changes in water quality affect foraminifera in Carpinteria Salt Marsh. 

Collision sports athletes perform repetitive tasks that place high loads on joints including the hip,knee, and ankle. However, there is limited information on how athletes who participate indifferent collision sports vary biomechanically. Thus, the purpose of this study was to comparelower-extremity strength and range of motion (ROM) measures between rugby and Americanfootball athletes. Thirty collision sport athletes (15 rugby athletes and 15 American footballathletes) completed a single laboratory session that included body composition assessment andlower-extremity strength testing using an isokinetic dynamometer. Independent t-tests andMANOVA were used to assess differences between rugby and American football athletes ondependent variables including joint ROM (hip, knee, ankle), peak torque at angular velocities of60, 120, and 180 degrees per second (deg/s), and strength ratios (e.g., hamstring/quadriceps).Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated for all variables analyzed. It was expected that therewould be significant differences between rugby and American football athletes on most outcomemeasures due to physical demands unique to each sport. Results from this study may revealsport-specific neuromuscular and flexibility characteristics of rugby and American footballathletes. This information could potentially be used to modify strength and conditioning, injuryprevention, and rehab protocols for each population. Additionally, as this is a pilot study, resultswill provide effect size estimates and information on study feasibility for future research.Ultimately, developing a better understanding of sport-specific biomechanics may allow athletesto perform better and decrease their risk of injury both now and in the future.