Impact on Ecology Benjamin Delle Donne, Senior (Pictured with Dr. Cynthia Walter) Major: Environmental Science My project is focusing on the potential physical, biological and chemical impacts of abandoned coal mine refuse piles on terrestrial and stream ecology. I will be taking water samples for a long period of time. I will also be leeching chemicals from coal samples from different depths in the piles and comparing this study with an abandoned mine near my house to a study at the coal mine near the Nature Reserve.
Brazilian Water Study Matthew Lomire, Senior Major: Environmental Science Over the summer, I went to Brazil and did a comparative study of water in Pennsylvania and Brazil by studying chemical, biological and some physical properties. Although the results aren’t final, Pennsylvania is higher in water quality than some of the towns in Brazil. Working in this top-of-the-line facility was great.
Buggy Soil Elizabeth Miller, Junior (Pictured with Dr. Cynthia Walter) Major: Environmental Science Minors: Biology, Chemistry and German My research project includes studying soil invertebrates and the effects of lead on them. I am going to be sampling different invertebrates from roadside soils and measuring the amounts of lead in the soil and the biodiversity of the insects that I collect. I am also going to be sampling some of the insects themselves to see if there is any biological uptake of lead.
Duckweed Needs Beth Anne Wieber, Sophomore Major: Environmental Chemistry I am growing duckweed and I had to figure out what kind of solution to grow it in. I made a solution from several chemicals based on what it would need if grown in the wild and what it would need in our greenhouse. I also will grow some in lake water to compare the difference. Based on my findings, I will try growing duckweed or other aquatic plants that could be used as a biofuel.
Growing Vegetables without Soil Megan Blake, Freshman Major: Environmental Science I became interested in hydroponics – growing without soil – while I was in high school. I am using the new greenhouse to continue learning about this more energy efficient way of gardening. I am growing peas, beans, corn and some wetland plants known as Typha angusifolia and T. latifolia (cattails) . We hope to grow some plants to full maturity in water.
Searching for Safe Water Michael Duffy, Senior Major: Environmental Science Minor: Criminal Justice I will be going to lakes, streams and ponds to look for those that are highly used for recreational activities such as fishing and swimming and those which are not. I will determine the quality of the water, what is in it, if it is safe for people, and then looking at the big overview to see what may be causing these factors. I will be looking for any kinds of bacteria, such as E.coli, pathogens and anything that may disrupt the water quality and damage it.
Studying Snake Behavior Alexandria Klofta, Senior (pictured left) Majors: Environmental Science and English I have done two snake research projects. The first was designed to survey the population and species in western Pennsylvania using a coverboard system. The second is an ethogram which is a behavioral study of snakes when they are used in an educational setting. I filmed snakes for 24 hours prior to using them in an educational presentation at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve or here in the Environmental Science Center. Then I film them for 24 hours afterward to see if their behavior has changed. As of now, I am still collecting data but it does seem like the snakes behave differently after the educational experience. This will help future researchers and educators using wild animals.
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