Digital Commons Network^™

Full Issue

Colby Magazine

Colby Magazine vol. 88, no. 4 (Fall 1999): full issue

Gifts & Grants, Stephen Collins

Colby Magazine

Environmental excellence attracts attention; besting 50 percent.

The Natural, Jeff Clark

Colby Magazine

Just before Thanksgiving Day last November, Kent Wommack '77 got the classic good-news, bad-news, worse-news call. Wommack is head of The Nature Conservancy in Maine, and the caller was a timberland manager who had asked Wommack to back a client in acquiring prime acres of Maine forest on the upper St. John River, one of the most unspoiled waterways left in the United States. The good news was that the owner had agreed to sell the breathtaking chunk of land in the first place. The bad news was that the client was no longer interested in the deal. The worse …

Student Life, Kevin Cool

Colby Magazine

Green Thinking: Environmentalists learn to surmount obstacles

Mopping Up in Grossman

Play Things

Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk

Full Issue

Colby Magazine

Colby Magazine vol. 87, no. 2 (Spring 1998): full issue

From The Hill, Kevin Cool

Colby Magazine

Art in a New Light: $1.3-million museum addition will showcase hidden treasures

Online, Not In Line

Colby Loses a Good Friend

And in the Category of Best Lecture Title

wit and wisdom

Canvasing the Neighborhood

In Their Footsteps, In Their Words: Special Section, 1964-2013

Colby Magazine

Civil rights, the Vietnam War, end of fraternities—Colby explores the past 50 years.

Biotransformation Of Halogenated Flame Retardants, Stefanie Lai

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

At the end of a computers life cycle, its final destination is often unknown to the average consumer. Consumers unwittingly contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) pollution, even if they attempt to recycle old monitors, televisions, gaming consoles etc, in an environmentally friendly way. In recent years e-waste has become an emerging global issue as electronics usage increases and questionable methods of disposal are exposed. Approximately, 70% of the worlds e-waste is shipped back to China, where it is often disposed of using hazardous methods. These include open-flame burning and acid digestion directly into the soil causing a widespread presence of …

From The Depths Of Great Pond (Maine): Anthropogenic And Natural Influences On Bottom Sediments And The Implications For Local Sustainability, Sara George, Clara Bicher

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

As part of a Maine EPSCoR grant focusing on sustainability in the Belgrade Lakes watershed of central Maine, current research consists of collecting bottom sediment samples from Great Pond. Samples were analyzed to create a sediment map of the lake basin in regards to depth, grain-size distribution, organic content (%C), C:N ratios and phosphorus concentration. Results will aid in the understanding of the glacial formation of the lake, distribution of sediment within, and human impact on the lake. Additionally, knowing the distribution of phosphorus within the sediments may allow development of a strategy to avoid accelerated eutrophication. This research will …

The Relationship Between Local Food And Food Security In Maine, Erin Love

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

There is a food systems paradox in Maine: the State has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the nation, while simultaneously experiencing a local agriculture boom. Maine has some of the largest percentages of young farmers and women farmers in the country and is home to the second highest number of artisan cheese makers of any state in the country. Amidst this exciting, sometimes quirky agricultural activity, there is a critical need for food systems development in the state, especially in the context of serving vulnerable populations. This presentation aims to examine the relationship between local food …

The Historical Ecology Of Sharks In New England, Elizabeth Schell

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Sharks are important predators in marine ecosystems, and recently, there has been a documented loss in abundance of these animals across the globe. Although the trends are clear, there has been no study of their decline in New England. The goal of this project was to explore the historical abundances of sharks in New England, including any declines over a century. I used historical documents concerning fisheries to catalog incidental sightings and captures of sharks, which then allowed me to determine how species abundance changed over a period from 1820-1920. Ten species of large sharks were present in New England …

The Impact Of Dams On Nitrogen Cycling In The Messalonskee Stream, Rebecca Forgrave

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

The Messalonskee Stream in central Maine has five hydroelectric dams on 16.6km. Each dam drastically changes the flow regime of the stream, dividing it into segments with different patterns of sediment settling and organic matter retention. We investigated how these disruptions impact nitrogen cycling, specifically nitrification rates above and below each dam. We expected higher nitrification rates above the dams, where levels of organic matter are higher, and lower rates below the dam where scouring removes organic matter and fine sediment from the streambed. We measured sediment nitrification rates with a nitrapyrin-inhibition assay and potential drivers of nitrification including sediment …

Weighing The Cost And Benefits Of Ecotourism: A Quantitative Evaluation Of Six Preserves Around The World, Andrew Newcomb, Tianyang Zhou, Savannah Judge

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Ecotourism is considered an effective way to preserve biodiversity, educate ecotourists, economically benefit local communities, and foster respect for different cultures. The ecotourism industry is booming, yet this growth may result in the degradation of local ecological systems while contributing little to local communities socioeconomically. Our study aims to assess the relative impact of ecotourism by comparing negative effects of the operation on the environment and positive socioeconomic effects for local communities in three pairs of large and small parks in Canada, Chile and China. While the conservation benefits of ecotourism are important, we do not attempt to measure these …

The Conservation Implications Of Climate Change On Predatory Mammal Distributions In North America And Europe: A Three Case Study, Carla Nyquist, Elizabeth Elliott, Helaine Linden

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

As the impacts of anthropogenic-induced climate change become more pronounced around the globe, the implications on specific species and ecosystems are increasingly becoming areas of concern. Changing temperatures and vegetation patterns suggest alterations of species distribution and global biomes altogether. These predicted changes may have a negative impact on large predatory mammals, as they will most likely need to alter their ranges in order to adapt to the changing temperatures and habitats. In this study we focused on three predatory mammals: the wolf (Canis lupus spp.), the lynx (Lynx spp.), and the brown bear (Ursus arctos). We made predictions regarding …

Spatial Variation, Institutional Structures And Forest Composition In Northern Ethiopian Church Forests, Ellen Evangelides, Jacob Wall

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Studies conducted in Northern Ethiopia to date have found that a majority of Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox Church followers believe in the importance of protecting forests. Indeed, many of the forest fragments still in existence in Ethiopia today have survived only due to conservation efforts by priests and followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has a tradition of retaining patches of native trees around churches. Access to church forests by outsiders (including scientists) has been limited in the past which in part explains how these stands of native trees have survived in spite of widespread deforestation. Today however there is …

Historical Baselines For Large Sharks In Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Usa): Putting Recent Observed Increases Into Context, Elizabeth Mccormack

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Over the last decade, observations of sharks in the waters around Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) have increased, possibly related to increases in seal populations. However, historical data are needed to put these recent increases into a long-term context. Using newspaper articles, photographs, and fishing tournament records, we compiled historical data on sharks in the waters around Cape Cod from approximately a one hundred year period, from 1830 to 1939. We compared these to trends in modern observations to establish baselines. As well, we document trends in commercial and cultural value of sharks in New England since the early 19th century. …

The Effects Of Climate Change On Food Borne Diseases And Nutrition, Erin Griffin, Hannah Twombly

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Despite the need for more research in order to assess fully the effects of climate change on human health, there is significant evidence to suggest the implications of climate change on food- and waterborne diseases and nutrition are significant. This study assesses the extent to which increasing temperatures and extreme weather events are increasing the incidence of foodborne disease and malnutrition in humans. Our study will focus on current research illustrating the connection between the incidence of these diseases with periods of high temperatures and rare weather patterns. We will also assess current policy in place governing climate change and …

The Effects Of Anthropogenic Nitrogen On Public Health, Grace Fowler, John Sears

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Human activities that add nitrogen to the environment are dramatically affecting the nitrogen cycle. Advancements in the production of reactive nitrogen in the 1950s rapidly increased the production of nitrogen fertilizers used in agricultural food production, a significant source of nitrogen in the cycle. Increased crop yields have been tied to the rapidly ascending human population and associated environmental impacts, and the alteration of the nitrogen cycle itself is associated with documented environmental detriment. A review of the history of ascending anthropogenic nitrogen production in agricultural and industrial processes also reveals its role in negatively altering greenhouse gas levels, spreading …

Maine's Eelgrass Habitat Loss Between 1997 And 2010, Mary Parks

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Maines eelgrass meadows serve as an important habitat for many marine organisms. The sea grass, Zostera marina grows in beds anchored to the marine floor and reaches lengths of up to five feet. The unique structure of the beds provides protection to a large span of marine invertebrates and juvenile fish, prevents erosion by stabilizing sediment layers, and improves water quality by filtering nutrients and sediments. It is also consumed by various marine invertebrate species as a primary food source. However, eelgrass meadows have been subject to significant environmental degradation over the past century due to boat traffic, mooring, docking, …

People, Plants, And Places: A Spatial Study Of The Relationship Between Vegetation And Demography, Mackenzie Nichols

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This study examines the relationship between demographic factors and vegetation abundance and change in the SNNP and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. Regressions were run using the 2007 Ethiopian Census and satellite imagery in order to identify potential relationships between a variety of demographic factors and the change in NDVI (normalized differential vegetation index) in various weredas (municipalities) in Amhara and SNNP.

Critical Reef Fish Habitats, Fishing Regulations, And Active Drilling Lease Sites In The Gulf Of Mexico, Tierney Dodge

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Human activities have been increasingly impacting the Gulf of Mexico negatively. The Gulf of Mexico is a biological rich ecosystem, with coral reefs providing a unique habitat for a diverse array of fish and other marine wildlife, including turtles. However, the increasing use of nutrient rich fertilizers in the Mississippi River Valley have created a growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico: a large area where there is no available oxygen due to extreme eutrophication. Overfishing has also depleted the stocks of many fish in the Gulf, further depleting the ecological health of the area. However, The National Oceanic …

An Analysis Of The Proximity Between Organic Farms And Schools In Maine, Olivia Avidan

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This analysis will focus on determining the number of organic farms within a 10 mile driving radius of schools in Maine. Both public and private schools are included in the study, but all higher education institutions are omitted. The farms are certified organic by MOFGA. All data will be analyzed using ArcGIS software, specifically the Network Analyst tool.

Anthropogenic Effects On The Arctic, Sara Miller, Sarah Large

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

The Arctic is a sensitive location that has been affected greatly by climate change and the anthropogenic factors that contribute to global warming. It is critical to research the Arctic because the effects are significant and can be seen globally. The average temperature in the Arctic is increasing twice as fast as the rest of the world, which is causing the ice caps and permafrost to melt. Permafrost traps carbon and methane, and as permafrost melts these elements are released into the atmosphere. Since the conditions of the Arctic are changing local species are affected due to their altered habit. …

Does Alcohol Consumption Lead To Increased Cancer Rates?, Samantha Draper, Amara Weiss

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Using research grounded in empirical studies, we will synthesize statistically significant correlations between alcohol consumption and cancer rates in adults. We aim to analyze which cancer types alcohol is most correlated with. Additionally, we will analyze the strength of programs that attempt to bring these findings to light.

Hydraulic Fracturing: The Neurological Effects, Shannon Oleynik

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Hydraulic Fracturing, a natural gas extraction method also known as fracking, requires the use of a fracking fluid containing a number of highly toxic chemicals known to cause severe health problems to humans. The toxic wastewater produced as a byproduct of fracking leaches into and pollutes the surrounding groundwater. Among the health concerns caused by contact and ingestion of these toxic chemicals are cancer, acute respiratory issues, and severe neurological damage. This poster summarizes the current literature on the known neurological effects of the toxic chemicals produced by fracking, as well looks at case studies to examine the health of …

The Effect Of Climate Change On Respiratory Diseases, Sarah Arvidson, Eda Reed

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, causing global climate change and severe weather patterns, research is being conducted to determine possible effects on human health. Climate change effects the concentration of pollutants in the air including ambient pollen and other allergens with the potential to trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory distresses. This issue is affecting humans on a global scale and the resulting damages to human health are expected to rise in the coming decades and continue well into the future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making efforts to reduce respiratory health impacts, and reduce a major …

Does The Occupational Exposure Of Ski Wax Technicians To Perfluorinated Chemicals Result In Cardiovascular Disease?, Sarah Brockett, Jefferson Tucker

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Fluorinated organic compounds are used in ski waxes because of their water resistant surfactant properties which reduce friction between the skis and snow. One of the most common fluorinated organic compounds found in ski wax is perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA. Because of its water resistant properties it has been manufactured for use in various materials including Gore-Tex and Teflon. Thanks to relatively recent scientific studies the dangers of PFOA have become apparent. PFOA is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. There exists a considerable amount of animal data on the health impacts of PFOA. Studies show that exposure to PFOA …

Environmental Justice In The Us: Fracking And Nuclear Plant Site Location And Their Spatial Relationship To Low-Income Communities, Tianyang Zhou

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

In the United States, communities with a large percentage of minority or low-income household appear to be disproportionally exposed to environmental pollutants. The intersection of race and socioeconomic status may results in this inequality of rights to an adequate living standard and human health. This project intends to explore the extent to which underprivileged communities are disproportionally affected by environmental degradation problems. The environmental problems are represented by fracking sites location and nuclear plants location across the country. The spatial distribution of the most affected counties with various environmental problems will be mapped. Spatial analysis suggests that a large portion …

Recreating Ground-Truth Land-Use Classifications From Landsat Images, Alexa Junker

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

This study attempts to recreate existing datasets of land-use classifications for Brevard County in east-central Florida from Landsat 5 satellite images using two different classification tools provided by the GIS program ArcMap. After acquiring the Landsat images from the USGS for the years 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2009, the unsupervised classification tool was used in order to identify 6 different land-use classes: urban, agriculture, non-forested land, forest, water, and wetland. Then, 6 sample polygons for each class were used as a basis for the software to recognize different land-use types, and the classification was repeated. In order to measure the …

Colony Collapse Disorder: An Assessment Of Causes And Their Pervasiveness, Anne Schechner, Beatrice Smith, Olivia Collins

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a widespread condition throughout honeybee populations across the globe, resulting in either partial or total failure of Apis mellifera hives including death and/or hive abandonment. Many factors, either independently or concurrently, contribute to CCD, making it difficult to establish a singular cause of collapse. Research was performed to evaluate several prevalent causes and establish a singular most pervasive one based on four major criteria. These included: potential to expand, frequency of threat, geographic range, effectiveness of treatment. This study tested the hypothesis that a singular predominant cause could be identified based on the results of …