This thesis consists of three studies to better understand the environmental sustainability potential for algal-based biofuels. Initially, a comparison of recent life cycle assessments (LCA) of theoretical full-scale algal biofuel facilities was developed. These studies include varying boundaries and scope, functional units, and technology maturity assumptions. The comparison converted results...
The European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a tree nut crop that is important in Oregon, which produces 99% of the United States’ hazelnuts but only 5% of the world’s supply. In order to maintain this market share, farmers in Oregon need cultivars that produce high quality nuts, mature early,...
Cannabis sativa L. is emerging as an economically important crop, particularly for its high levels of cannabinoid production. One of these cannabinoids, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), is the precursor to many well-researched cannabinoids such as the psychotropic delta-9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA i.e., THCA) and the medically relevant cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). CBGA has...
The immobilization of chelators to solid supports has recently gained renewed interest due to the increasing biomedical and environmental applications made possible by these molecules’ ability to bind Fe(III) and other metal ions. The uses of immobilized chelators have expanded to include the treatment of metal overload in serum, the...
Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.) is a US Pacific Northwest specialty crop prized for its unique flavor profile and nutritional attributes. A major obstacle for the raspberry industry is Black raspberry necrosis virus vectored by the large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora agathonica). Market expansion depends on production, which is currently hindered...
Small hydroelectric development, the construction or reconstruction
of small scale hydropower systems, has become a much discussed alternative
for the future supply of U.S. energy. In the Pacific Northwest,
the greatest potential for small hydro application is in the development
of new dam sites. Although much is known about the...
The goal of this project was to write a children’s book featuring same-sex and interracial families for children to both see themselves represented as well as to expose others to diverse, and increasingly common, family types. The creation of the book was guided by an analysis of the books available...
The management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) around the world is facing increasing demands for reformation given ecological, social, and economic vulnerabilities. The governance of SSF is particularly important to foster the sustainability of these systems given that it combines regulatory instruments, interactive participation of diverse stakeholders, and the guiding values...
Decision-making is a highly complex process influenced by the values, attitudes, and cognitive biases of the decision-maker. The classical model of decision-making fails to fully incorporate how decisions are made in situations of uncertainty, where having complete knowledge of all possible outcomes and alternatives is not always possible. In highly...