student profile
Lyle studies headwaters of Appalachian Kentucky Senior biology major Krista Lyle participated in a research experience for undergraduates at the University of Kentucky examining the impact of coal mining on streams in Appalachia by Megan Hall ’10
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enior wildlife biology major Krista Lyle participated in a prestigious summer research program through the University of Kentucky in Lexington called “In the Headwaters of Appalachian Kentucky: Coal Mining’s Impact on Soil Carbon Storage and Erosion in Appalachian Headwater Streams.” “Dr. Craig, director of the honors program, sent an email to all the honors students with summer research and scholarship opportunities. I saw that the University of Kentucky was offering a summer research program in which the students would help conduct a study of the effects of coal mining on soil, erosion and the water shed. I knew that program was something I wanted to do, so I figured there was no harm in trying. “The program was very competitive, more than I initially expected. I am very lucky to have been accepted. (More than 60 students applied for eight available positions.) I had to submit an application, an essay about myself, a proposal for my mini-project, three letters of recommendation and a résumé,” said Lyle. The focus of the 10-week program was to examine carbon activity in soils and water in terms of aquatic and environmental health especially in relation to residential development, mining, and mining reclamation practices. In order to do this the students compared various samples from four areas: an old growth, nevermined forest of Lilley Cornett Woods near Eastern Kentucky University; an area that was mined 30 years ago but not since; an area of active mining; and an area reclaimed about a decade ago. “Most of the combined research gathered this summer will go toward helping a graduate student finish their degree… it was nice to be able to help. I learned so much while I was there, from how to give a poster presentation to how much work really goes into a research project like this one. “Although I spent plenty of time rain-soaked in the woods, I learned how to work in different circumstances and with the people around me. It was a wonderful experience!” said Lyle. “I would recommend a research experience for undergraduates to everyone in the field of science. Learning in the classroom is very different than experiencing it first hand in the field. I think it’s very beneficial to get out there and learn hands-on.” After the completion of her senior research project, Lyle will graduate and plans to continue using the knowledge she gained both at Lees-McRae and during her time at the University of Kentucky.
“After graduation I hope to do field research in Wyoming and Colorado. This program gave me opportunities for experience and networking. Also, in wildlife biology we don’t study too much about the ecology side of the equation, so this was a wonderful experience to broaden my knowledge. This way I can better understand every facet of my field. The state-of-the-art equipment was fun to work with as well!” said Lyle with a grin. Lyle, 20, a native of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, joined the LeesMcRae family in the fall of 2006 and is set to graduate in May 2010 with a degree in wildlife biology. “I have always had a passion for animals and their habitats, which made my major the natural choice for me. The way I look at it is if the animals go, we go; therefore, I wanted my life’s work to focus around field research to help ensure the continuation of the animal populations,” said Lyle. Although the summer research program didn’t directly relate to animals, Lyle hopes to tailor her senior research project to relate to the findings of the project and how animals in the area are affected. Lyle recently received approval to incorporate her summer research in her upcoming senior research project, which will be due in May. The program at the University of Kentucky’s lasted 10 weeks and participants were given free on-campus housing and a $450 per week stipend to help with other expenses. “It was a great summer job!” Lyle said. Top Center: Dr. Alice Jones, Director of the Eastern Kentucky University Environmental Research Institute, and student participants Lee Penwell and Krista Lyle outside an exhibition coal mine. Above: Lyle in the field gathering research data. The Pinnacles Fall 2009 | 15