Life Sciences Commons^™

Tree Canopy Cover Influences Habitat Use Of Breeding Birds At Jack Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Kaleigh Thomas

Scholars Day Conference

Across the United States, bird populations have declined due to habitat loss. To better understand habitat use by birds, researchers observed populations at Jack Mountain Wildlife Management Area in southwest Arkansas. Students at Ouachita Baptist University surveyed 94 point count locations to estimate species diversity (total number of species observed) and species abundance (total number of individuals observed). At each point, students recorded the percentage of tree canopy cover, ground cover, midstory cover, and shrub cover. These variables were used as explanatory variables in multiple regression analyses to determine which variables were influential in explaining variation in species diversity and …

Arkansas Soil Erosion And Conservation Methods In Ornamental Landscapes, Abby J. Cutsinger

ATU Research Symposium

This study will attempt to identify the best soil erosion mitigation methods for Arkansas ornamental landscape settings by comparing the strengths and weaknesses of known techniques. Since soil is not a renewable resource, we must apply conservation practices wherever possible, not just in agricultural settings. To determine the most effective erosion prevention techniques, this study will review soil studies conducted by the NRCS and NASA, as well as articles on best practices observed in ornamental landscape and agricultural industries. These are analyzed by comparing and contrasting techniques against known problems with Arkansas soil to determine which methods are most effective. …

Assessing The Spatial Variability Of Soil Physical Properties Under A Corn Field In Kentucky, Usa, Sai Neela Kesumala

Scholars Week

Analyzing soil physical properties is crucial for advancing sustainable and precision agricultural practices in today's world. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes responsible resource utilization and preservation. Precision agriculture utilizes technology, data, and targeted decision-making to optimize resource usage and minimize environmental impacts. Assessing soil property variability aids in efficient input application, irrigation adjustment, nutrient runoff reduction, and fertilizer management. This approach prioritizes soil conservation, boosts sustainability, and supports long-term agricultural productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of specific soil physical properties across the four border rows, central corn field area, and sod area. Seventy-two soil samples were collected from …

Globalization, Climate Variability And Food Security In Pakistan: The Moderating Role Of Population Density, Shazia Kousar, Muhammad Afzal, Adeel Nasir

CBER Conference

The aim of this study is twofold; first, this study examined the impact of globalization and climate variability on food security. Second, this study examined the moderating role of population density on the relationship between globalization, climate variability and food security. This study utilized the data for food security from FAO, while the data for globalization related to the KOF globalization index.

Cadmium And Planaria: How A Toxic Metal Can Slow Down Flatworm Tissue Repair, Natalie Gonzalez, Cassandra S. Korte

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Solving Plant Survival Challenges: A Study On Enhancing Plant Growth During Tough Conditions, Khelia Gihozo, Wayne Law

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Is Forensic Science Affected By Environmentally Friendly Products?, Emily Pintilie, Erika L. Doctor

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Natural Area Site Characteristics On Resident Gopher Tortoise Populations, Taryn Lagor, Alanna L. Lecher, Wayne Law

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Mortality Index Analysis Following Traumatic Brain Injury In A Fruit Fly Model, Megan N. Ashworth, Kimberly D. Rowland

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Quantifying Diagenesis Of Florida Fish Scales Using Ir Spectroscopy, Ivett De La Rosa, Alanna L. Lecher, Erika L. Doctor

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

2023-24 Women In Science Conference Schedule (Pdf), Lynn University

Women in Science Conference

2023-24 Women in Environmental Science Conference Schedule (PDF)

Estimating Blue Carbon Stocks In Native And Non-Native Seagrass Beds Of Jobos Bay, Pr, Michael Chapman, Raven Winant, Kayla Gonzalez-Boy, Mark Mccarthy, Ángel Dieppa-Ayala

Symposium of Student Scholars

Seagrasses are keystone species that support coastal biodiversity, but not all species of seagrasses provide the same ecosystem services. Although seagrasses occupy a small area of marine habitat, they provide many ecosystem services. They stabilize sediments, remove nutrients, provide habitat and food for diverse marine life, and promote carbon storage in sediments. Jobos Bay is the second largest estuary in Puerto Rico and contains salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds. The native seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, is the most abundant seagrass in the bay; however, a seagrass species from the Indian Ocean, Halophila stipulacea, began invading in recent years. The impacts …

School Of Stem Poster Session, Keith Schimmel

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Location: Reed 2^nd floor Tech Center and lobby

This poster session will include displays of work from the School of STEM - Engineering Senior Design and Freshman Design Projects along with Undergraduate Research.

Senior Design Projects

(1) Holland - Shear-Die [Nathan Marks, Nolan Paape, Seth Beyer]

(2) Aginno - Solar-Powered Fish Pond Aeration System [Hoai Do, Bella Lopez, Kendyl Clark, Megan Schroeder]

(3) Peddinghaus - Tube Conveyor [Carson Caldwell, Alisha Wright, Michael Rollberg, Rebecca Witvoet]

(4) American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Student Design Problem [Marissa Anderson, Brady Chambers, Cam Steele]

(5) Kankakee Elks Country Club and Golf …

Utilizing Macroinvertebrate Communities And Chloride Levels To Evaluate Water Quality In Three Streams Near Winona, Minnesota, Amelia Engman, Izabella Setla

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Certain water quality and chloride levels are ideal for specific macroinvertebrate species. This study evaluates the water quality of three streams in and around Winona, Minnesota, using the macroinvertebrate communities present and chloride levels as indicators. Three upstream samples were taken and thoroughly examined at three different locations: Garvin Brook, Gilmore Creek, and Pleasant Valley Creek. During the snowmelt season, four sets of upstream and one set of downstream water samples were taken from each. The samples were analyzed using a Vernier chloride ion-selective electrode. The Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams invertebrate classification system was used to …

Air Pollutants Around An Animal Feed Processing Facility In Nacogdoches, Tx: A Study On Their Effect On Local Outdoor Air Quality, Reyna Burns, Remigio Casanova, Cari Mitchell, Caroline Moore, Kaylee Zirlott

Undergraduate Research Conference

In this exploratory study, different odorous compounds were measured near TFP Nutrition to better understand the impact of odor on local outdoor air quality. TFP Nutrition produces pet feed, livestock feed, and agricultural fertilizer for local brand Lone Star Feeds. It is known in the Nacogdoches area for producing powerful odors near its facilities. It is in the downtown area of the city and in proximity to an elementary school, recreational softball fields, and residential homes. Odors can be connected to the presence of air pollutants. This study on air quality was performed to quantify this data on odors for …

Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix Movements In The Lower Cumberland And Lower Tennessee River, Miranda Belanger

Scholars Week

Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are an invasive species making up a large portion of the fish biomass in the lower portions of the Tennessee River and the Cumberland River. This species is expanding its range throughout the upper portions of these rivers, beginning with Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Silver Carp rarely spawn in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, but they can enter these reservoirs through the lock chamber. Thus, the bottleneck created by lock chambers can be used to control expansion of invasive Silver Carp. Although Silver Carp movement patterns have been studied in other portions of the Tennessee …

Margalefidinium Polykrikoides Cyst Resuspension In The Lafayette River, A Sub-Tributary Of The Chesapeake Bay, Gabrielle Greaney, Eduardo Perez Vega, Katherine Crider, Dreux Chappell, Kimberly Powell, Richard Hale, Peter Bernhardt, Margaret Mulholland

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Harmful Algal Blooms are a collection of algae in a body of water that can cause serious environmental issues and health problems in both people and aquatic organisms. Dinoflagellates are microscopic, unicellular, and eukaryotic organisms that are well known for forming harmful algal blooms because of eutrophication. Coastal Virginia suffers from HABs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. A common species of dinoflagellate, known as Margalefidinium polykrikoides exists in the Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of this study is to determine if sediment resuspension produced by wind generated surface gravity waves cause cysts (dinoflagellate resting stages) to be suspended into …

Research Talks And What It Means To Be A Woman In Environmental Science, April Watson, Cassandra S. Korte, Deborah Williams, Marchéta Wright, Maria De Almeida

Women in Science Conference

Dr. April Watson, Archaeologist Everglades National Park
Dr. Cassandra Korte, Associate Professor, Scientific Literacy and Biology
Dr. Deborah Williams, Assistant Professor
Dr. Marcheta Wright, Professor, International Relations
Ms. Maria De Almeida, Lynn Graduate Student, M.S. Biological Sciences

2022-23 Women In Environmental Science Conference Schedule (Pdf), Lynn University

Women in Science Conference

No abstract provided.

Dual Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Cellulosic Materials: Thermal, Mechanical And Conductive Properties, Elizabeth Mcgrew, Kevin M. Miller Phd

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Cellulose, an inexpensive and renewable biomacromolecule, represents an intriguing synthetic foundation for new materials with task-specific properties. Here, we wish to report a synthetic route for functionalizing cellulose with a side chain containing two ionic liquid functional groups using azide-alkyne ‘click’ cyclization strategy, followed by quaternization of the two resulting heterocycles (1,2,3-triazole and imidazole). Through this functionalization strategy, the resulting cellulosic materials exhibited significant softening, with several glass transition (T_g) values observed below room temperature, indicating the amorphous nature of the materials, with the T_g dependent on both the length of the side chain and the …

A Qualitative Look Into Repair Practices, Jumana Labib

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

This research poster is based on a working research paper which moves beyond the traditional scope of repair and examines the Right to Repair movement from a smaller, more personal lens by detailing the 6 categorical impediments as dubbed by Dr. Alissa Centivany (design, law, economic/business strategy, material asymmetry, informational asymmetry, and social impediments) have continuously inhibited repair and affected repair practices, which has consequently had larger implications (environmental, economic, social, etc.) on ourselves, our objects, and our world. The poster builds upon my research from last year (see "The Right to Repair: (Re)building a better future"), this time pulling …

Exploring The Use Of Covellite As A Proxy For Corrosion Of Native Copper By Sulphur Reducing Bacteria, Manan K. Joshi

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

We are analyzing the effect of sulphate reducing bacteria on native copper, and using that evidence to further support the initiative of having a deep geological repository to store nuclear material. Sulphate reducing bacteria are a concern for the deep geological repository as they cause the corrosion of regular copper. However native copper has gone billions of years without corrosion, which could either mean that it had not been exposed to sulphate reducing bacteria over the billions of years, or native copper is able to withstand corrosion despite the contact of sulphate reducing bacteria. We can find out by trying …

Bioeconomic Analysis In A Predator-Prey System With Harvesting: A Case Study In The Chesapeake Bay Fisheries, Iordanka Panayotova, Maila Hallare

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Animal Care Observation Internship, Chandler Carr

Student Symposium

Zoos contain a wide variety of animals that each have idiosyncratic behavioral patterns, personalities and preferences. Unlike scientific literature, which tends to focus on the population, zoos take the wants and needs of individuals as priority. It would, thus, be beneficial for the zoo to have a detailed account of individual behavior throughout the day so the zoo knows how best to care for individuals. However, it is very likely that a few zookeepers watch over several animals at a time and have tasks to perform throughout the day. Watching and documenting specific behaviors at a specific time is a …

Promoting Ecosystem Services By Implementing Agroforestry, Martin L. Emerson

Ideas: Exhibit Catalog for the Honors College Visiting Scholars Series

A recent proposal to enhance the sustainability of agriculture is agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees into farmland. This technique can be analyzed through the ecosystem services model, which describes the interrelatedness of natural land, managed land, producers, and consumers. Agroforestry could shelter crops from the adverse weather conditions as well as provide habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, implementing agroforestry would also entail the drawback of a substantial upfront cost. Environmental scientists propose that efforts to reinforce ecosystem services could play a significant role in mitigating the effects of global environmental change on agriculture.

Urbanization Increases Isolation Of A Threatened Fish Species In East Texas Streams: A 20-Year Perspective, Zachary Hutchens

Undergraduate Research Conference

We conducted monthly surveys of fish and in-stream habitat conditions from August 2020 to August 2021 in reaches along Banita Creek and La Nana Creek to investigate ecology and population status of the Sabine shiner (Notropis sabinae) within these streams. On average, Banita Creek had shallow water with low flow, more diverse instream habitats, and lower values of salinity, conductivity, and turbidity compared La Nana Creek. The movements of Sabine shiners were tracked monthly using Visual Implant Elastomer tags. Over a year-long survey, we collected 267 Sabine shiners from Banita Creek and 10 individuals from La Nana Creek. Out of …

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates As Sentinels Of Changes In Local Stream Conditions In East Texas, Courtney Plummer, Erin Shepta

Undergraduate Research Conference

Study objective: To use aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess the habitat quality and biological conditions of a stream, La Nana Creek, impacted by different land use.

Halfway: The Legacy Of Civilian Conservation Corps Company #704, Maxibillion Thompson

Student Academic Conference

Civilian Conservation Corps Company #704 began operations in 1933 approximately 10 miles southeast of Ely, MN, based at the site known as Halfway Camp F-1. This presentation explores some of the legacy they left in the region in the form of ecological projects and recreational structures, as well as the few remaining signs of their former camp on the shores of Birch Lake.

Evaluating Gizzard Shad Dorosoma Cepedianum Populations In Two Kentucky Reservoirs Recently Invaded With Silver Carp Hypopthalmichthys Molitrix, Nathan Klein

Scholars Week

Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum are an ecologically important fish species found in many reservoirs throughout the southeastern United States such as Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. One current challenge that Gizzard Shad may face in these two reservoirs is competition with the invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. However, quantifying the impacts of this competition may be difficult because of limited baseline population data for Gizzard Shad in these two reservoirs. The objective of this study is to describe size structure, condition, age, growth, mortality, and spawning potential of these two populations. Gizzard Shad were collected by boat electrofishing and …

Wastewater-Based Estimation Of Substances Discharged At The Rest Areas Along The State Highways In Kentucky, Katherine E. Gray, Eugene Shin, Tyler Whitt, Andrew Windhorst, Houston Hampton, Chris Delcher, Bikram Subedi

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The availability of licit and illicit stimulants and its adverse consequences on public health has emerged as a major drug threat to communities in the United States. Despite several drug-involved traffic incidents along the interstate highways, this report represents the first comprehensive and quantitative report of drugs discharged at the rest areas along the interstate highways. In this National Institute of Justice-funded study, the amount of several discharged drugs focusing on stimulants but also including opioids and prescription antipsychotics are being measured in raw wastewater collected from five rest areas and a truck servicing facility using a state-of-the-art mass …