Digital Commons Network^™

Turning Farm Waste Into Energy: Pragmatic Approaches For Cleaner Midwestern American Communities, Rebecca Gaisie

Selected or Submitted Student Research Papers/Projects

Mismanagement of farm waste in the Midwest of the United States has resulted in significant methane emissions, water contamination, and public health concerns. The present manure management rules are still inconsistent, underfunded, and insufficient to motivate individuals to behave in a way that benefits the environment, despite increasing concerns about the environment. This policy study investigates anaerobic digestion as a potential means to convert waste into energy that could support rural and environmental development. Some of the problems with the federal and state legislation examined in this study under an EPI framework are a lack of incentives, inadequate technical support, …

Wrack Lines Spring-Summer 2025, Volume 25, Number 1, Megan Bard, Ronald Goldberg, Clayton Mcgoldrick, Judy Benson

Wrack Lines

Spring-Summer 2025 issue of CT Sea Grant's biannual magazine focuses on the theme of, "Finding their niche: Unique ways of serving people and the environment," with profiles of six standouts in various environmental fields.

Bylaws Of The Associated Students Of The University Of Montana As Of March 4, 2025, University Of Montana--Missoula. Associated Students

ASUM Governing Documents, 2019-present

Bylaws of the Associated Students of the University of Montana as of SB32-24/25: Resolution Amending Article V, Section 5 of ASUM Bylaws. This resolution passed during the February 26, 2025 ASUM Senate Meeting during a Roll Call Vote 18-0-0.

The Renewable Divide: Examining The Impact Of Renewable Energy On Pollution Across Development Levels, Andrea Ortiz Mieses

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

This paper uses linear regression to analyze the relationship between renewable energy and environmental quality in both developed and developing countries. Developed nations often have stricter regulations and lower pollution levels, while developing nations prioritize economic growth, leading to rising pollution. Using data from the World Bank, World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the International Monetary Fund, this research aims to identify how renewable energy consumption in these contrasting contexts impact environmental outcomes. The analysis explores the effectiveness of various environmental conditions, using regression analysis to assess the impact of renewable energy on air pollution. …

Program: Virginia Academy Of Science 103rd Annual Meeting, 2025, Virginia Academy Of Science

Virginia Journal of Science

Full program of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science. Held at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia on May 22, 2025.

The Faculty Notebook, April 2025, Provost's Office

Faculty Notebook

The Faculty Notebook is published periodically by the Office of the Provost at Gettysburg College to bring to the attention of the campus community accomplishments and activities of academic interest. Faculty are encouraged to submit materials for consideration for publication to the Associate Provost for Faculty Development. Copies of this publication are available at the Office of the Provost.

Daily Announcements April 2025, Wofford College. Office Of Marketing And Communications

Communications Office Daily Announcements

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Boise State University Undergraduate Catalog, Boise State University Office Of The Registrar

University Catalogs

This catalog is primarily for and directed at students. However, it serves many audiences, such as high school counselors, academic advisors, and the public. In this catalog you will find an overview of Boise State University and information on admission, registration, grades, tuition and fees, financial aid, housing, student services, and other important policies and procedures. However, most of this catalog is devoted to describing the various programs and courses offered at Boise State.

Justicia Ambiental Y Extractivismo: Un Análisis Del Conflicto Petrolero Offshore En Mar Del Plata, Lily Hui

Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

No abstract provided.

Butterflies And Climate Change Evaluating Biodiversity Through Bioindication In A Western Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, Ashley Schlinger

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Ecuadorian cloud forests are crucial water sources and biodiversity hotspots, often inhabited by various butterfly species. However, as telltale bioindicators, butterfly populations react to changes in their environment by demonstrating fluctuations in their abundance (Horn, 2017). Changes to the environment are often induced in the present day through human impact, such as the installation of agricultural land, deforestation, ecotourism, and the residual effects of climate change caused by these activities. This study aimed to investigate butterfly abundance and species diversity in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve in the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes and the response of butterfly assemblages …

Pollinator Networks In Ecosystems Edges: Structural Differences And The Role Of Vegetation Characteristics In The Ecuadorian Chocó, Megan Kamper

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Because of the importance of pollination for both natural ecosystems and the global food system, many studies have been conducted to understand plant-pollinator networks and how they respond to disturbances. This study compared network structures of edge areas of three habitats in the Ecuadorian Chocó-Andino región: a road, river, and forest and evaluated correlations between vegetation characteristics and pollinator richness. In each site, plant species and floral abundance were recorded along a 50m transect. Each flowering plant was observed for five minutes for insect visitors and data was used to construct bipartite networks. Results show that, as is characteristic of …

Brother Nature: Pursuing Zero-Waster At Casa Maria, Isaiah Charles, Giuliana Porzio Cuenca, Tatiana Flores, Isabella Lopez, Antonio Martinez, Kelly Sawyers

Presentations - 2025

This presentation focuses on evaluating waste production and management at Casa Maria, a Marianist community on campus, with the goal of establishing baseline data and offering sustainability recommendations grounded in the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Insights from this initiative aim to inform broader sustainability efforts across the university.

From Trend To Trash: Unraveling The Waste Issue In Fast Fashion And Its Impact On Ghana, Rowan Kilbridge

Student Theses 2015-Present

Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and low-cost clothing, is significantly worsening the global waste crisis by driving overconsumption and excessive garment disposal. This thesis examines how fast fashion's business model contributes to the escalating problems of textile waste, microplastics, and chemical pollution, with a specific focus on Ghana. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's impact on Ghana’s ecosystem services, supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. Chapter 2 offers a historical analysis of fast fashion, highlighting the evolution of consumer culture and the increasing emphasis on overconsumption driven by marketing strategies and the constant demand …

You Can Never Have Too Many Flowers: Nature As A Support For Survivors Of Genocide, War, And Conflict, Adam Hettler

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

One in five children around the world are surviving war or other violent conflicts. The trauma of disruptions to community, safety, and loss of friends, family, and home can have wide-ranging and life-long impacts on children who survive. While impacts will vary from individual to individual, the trauma can impact mental health, feelings of safety, relationships, ability to learn, and many other aspects of their lives. Many educators in the US and globally are working with refugee students or other students who are navigating the impacts on their brains and bodies of different traumas. This project seeks to answer the …

Ecological Restoration And Ecosystem Memory Of Wildlife Forage And Understory Diversity In A Young Pine Monoculture Plantation In Central-Interior British Columbia, Julia Claire Bizon

Aspen Bibliography

Ecological restoration has recently taken center stage in the rehabilitation of degraded forest ecosystems to improve multifunctionality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat conservation. The research summarized herein assessed the efficacy of variable stand density thinning (200, 400, and 600 stems/ha) and artificial canopy gaps (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 ha in size) as potential restoration treatments to enhance wildlife forage and native biodiversity in a young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.) forest in central-interior British Columbia. Field data collection was conducted from May-August, 2023 to assess the early response (1-3 years post-treatment) of the forest …

Otterbein Towers Spring 2025, Otterbein University

Towers Magazine

Around the 'Bein; Brandon Koons '94, MAT'98, P'23: Coach, Role Model, Author; The Otterbein Advantage; Become Here: Graduating Seniors are READY; Forever Friends: The Cardinal Legacy; Coalition for the Good of Otterbein; Philanthropy; Alumni Matters; Class Notes.

Spatial And Temporal Trends Of Reburns In Western Us Forests, Jackson M. Boyle

Student Publications

In the Western United States, understanding the role of reburns, or repeat wildfires, has become a topic of increased interest as the damages caused by wildfires have risen. While some forests are adapted to frequent burns, others have fire regimes characterized by few or infrequent burns. While all fires alter ecosystems, reburns have been found to specifically lower seeding probability and accelerate or start the shift from forests to shrublands. Despite these ecological impacts, the temporal and spatial trends of reburns remain understudied. Using Google Earth Engine, I analyzed the Composite Burn Index (CBI) dataset to see if reburns are …

Bridging Climatology And Energy: Understanding Michigan’S Wind Speeds For A Sustainable Future, Carson Evans

Masters Theses

This study investigates Michigan wind speeds by combining climatology with wind energy, identifying wind drivers and applying them to wind farm infrastructure. Using eXtreme Gradient BOOSTing (XGBoost), this thesis develops a highly accurate predictive model for wind speeds. Coupled with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, it is found that proximity to the nearest Great Lake is the ultimate influencer of wind speeds, followed by local environmental variables and finally remote climate phenomena. Other analyses find wind speeds are greatest near the Great Lakes and during fall and winter, while inland summer wind speeds were lowest. Wind energy infrastructure is assessed …

Climate And Crop Modeling For New England Agricultural Climate Change Adaptation, Madeline K. Wolfe

Geography Undergraduate Senior Theses

As climate change brings increased temperatures and precipitation variability to New England, it is imperative to understand the ways that farmers make decisions about agricultural climate change adaptation for their corn farms. Dairy farming is the largest agricultural industry in New England, with corn being a primary crop to feed these cattle. This project seeks to understand how climate modeling and crop modeling are and are not useful for these corn farm decisions, and contributes research about what types of information are useful and available to farmers making adaptation decisions. Crop modeling over New England reveals that corn farming in …

Perceptions Of Internship Experiences For Environmental Science Undergraduates, Sydney Brock

Senior Theses

Internships are widely recognized as valuable components of undergraduate education, yet their accessibility, impact, and role in shaping student development vary significantly across disciplines and individual experiences. This thesis investigates the undergraduate internship experience within the School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment (SEOE) at the University of South Carolina, drawing on survey data and reflective responses from students who participated in internships between 2022 and 2024. The study explores the professional, academic, and personal benefits of internships, with particular attention to how these experiences influence students' career direction, confidence, and skill development. Findings indicate that regardless of format, duration, …

Forum, Volume 49, No. 1, Spring 2025, Florida Humanities, Pam Daniel

FORUM: The Magazine of Florida Humanities

Contents: Letter from the Executive Director -- Letter from the Secretary of State -- From the Editor -- Humanities Live -- Treasure -- Florida Seen -- Oral History -- Q&A -- The A&E Collection -- Close Encounters of the Presidential Kind -- The Fun Factor -- A Taste of Florida -- Environmental Humanities -- Quiz

Tracking Phenological Shifts Of Black Guillemots Cepphus Grylle In The Gulf Of Maine, Jocelyn L. Little

Student Publications

Rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine has coincided with changes in phenology across trophic levels. Phenological change has yet to be studied in black guillemots (Cepphus grylle), a widely distributed benthic forager that is showing population decline in the region. Because black guillemots nest in burrows, their phenology can be challenging to study. I developed methods to track black guillemot phenology on Petit Manan Island, a seabird breeding colony in the Gulf of Maine. Specifically, I asked Q1) Can daily tower count data be used to predict black guillemot breeding phenology? Q2) How is black guillemot breeding phenology shifting …

Common Terns (Sterna Hirundo) As Bioindicators For Atlantic Herring (Clupea Harengus) Distribution In The Gulf Of Maine, Logan R. Becker

Student Publications

Effective fisheries management is increasingly challenged by climate-driven shifts in species distribution and by a lack of data on early life stages of key forage fish species. In the Gulf of Maine, Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), a once economically dominant fishery species and a key prey species for many dependent predators, has declined due to poor early-stage recruitment and warming waters. Despite this decline, current trawl surveys do not inform early-stage Atlantic herring distribution due to mesh size limitations, leaving critical gaps in our knowledge. To address this knowledge gap, I used common terns (Sterna hirundo) …

The Role Of Sustainable Human Resources Management On The Effectiveness Of The Organization: An Analytical Study At The University Of Anbar, Saja Saleh, Mohammed Yaseen Raheem

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This research aims to examine the influence that sustainable human resource management (HRM) has on organizational effectiveness at the university level. In view of that, the research debates sustainable HRM practices, such as selection, participation, and empowerment, which have a stake in the success of the institution by harmonizing employee development with the long-term goals of the organization. This study used a quantitative survey method to collect data from 169 university employees and analysis through the use of statistical techniques using SPSS. The outcome suggests that sustainable HRM positively and directly affects organizational effectiveness. The evidence supports employee empowerment as …

Lawn Nutrient Availability And Run-Off During Establishment Under Enhanced Biodiversity, Masami S. Kanyuk

Environmental Studies Honors Theses

Biodiversity has consistently been found to have positive ecosystem effects, including erosion mitigation and stability of nutrient cycling. For lawns, this can translate to reducing the need for fertilizer application, and reducing soil loss and leaching that can impact water quality. This paper investigates the effects of biodiversity and plant community establishment in a lawn ecosystem on soil erosion, nitrate leaching via porewater sampling, and plant available nitrogen.

In the first growing season of PLEDGE (the Pastures and Lawns Enhanced Drought and Global-Change Experiment), we hypothesized that three-species lawns (tall fescue, dwarf white clover, and creeping thyme) would experience higher …

Black Mothering And Environmental Justice Activism: A Black Ecofeminist Framework, Kayla N. Miller , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

No abstract provided.

Ursinus Magazine, Spring 2025, Robyn E. Hannigan, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Brad Drexler, Alyssa Kratz, Connor Donohue

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Students named campus sustainability champions • It's On Us grant awarded • APEX to redefine the student journey • Trustee appointments • New academic offerings • Scholarships awarded for study abroad • Gordon Ramsay spotted at Cafe 2020 • Voices soar in the Big Easy • Exploring the world • New graduate partnerships • Ursinus joins Cost Transparency initiative • Ursinus voted a 2025 "Philly Favorite" • Alumni Awards celebrate outstanding achievement • Class of 2025 embracing joy and awe • Faculty research • Defender of the deep • Delivering a dream • Where art meets architecture • The new …

Environmental Geography And Law: Toward A Synthesis, Michaela Anang-Hadjicostandi, Sophia Borgias, Karrigan Börk, Ann M. Eisenberg, Guadalupe M. Franco, Cinnamon Carlarne Hirokawa, Keith H. Hirokawa, Jonathan London, Melinda Morgan, Jessica Owley, Shannon Roesler, Sonya Ziaja

Articles

This Article introduces the new interdisciplinary field of Environmental Geography and Law, which has deep roots in ecology, social science, and law. Environmental and natural resources laws are situated in specific times and places where the climate, ecosystems, history and political economy influence both the land and the law. These places drive and constrain the way law develops. In turn, the law shapes places, from the dispossession and forced migration of indigenous groups, to land development via railroad land grants, to patterns of resource extraction and infrastructure development. Past efforts to integrate law and geography have focused more on critical …

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why It Is Important For Children With Autism To Go Outside And How To Do So Safely, Holly Vigil

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Going outdoors contains a multitude of benefits such as improving physical and emotional/mental wellbeing. Unfortunately the outdoor space is not always accessible to children with autism spectrum disorder due to the common symptoms related to the disorder as well as potential challenging behaviors these individuals may display. This capstone considered the research question: How can caretakers create safe outdoor access for children with autism? A guide book was created to help caretakers feel more comfortable taking their child with autism outdoors. The guide includes sections that focus on the symptoms of autism, environmental factors, and planning considerations to keep in …

Implementation Of Storylines In Science Education, Jacob Cooper

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

State standards are constantly changing and it is the job of the teacher to keep up with those changes. Science standards have recently gone through a major change, shifting toward storyline based education models. This had led to confusion among educators. This research and subsequent professional development sessions seek to answer the research questions: Why are we moving to the storylining model? How is the storylining model best implemented in the classroom? The literature review covers the where and why surrounding the origins of storyline based education models, both within traditional education settings and within indigenous communities. It then analyzes …