Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Environmental Racism In A Growing City: Investigating Demographic Shifts In Salt Lake City's Polluted Neighborhoods, Emma Nathel Jones

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Studies investigating the spatial distribution of environmental hazards have repeatedly demonstrated the existence of environmental racism -- the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color. We aim to contribute to research on environmental racism by asking how relationships between race and hazard exposure change over time. Our study area, Salt Lake City (SLC), UT, USA is one of the largest cities in the intermountain west and is expected to see continued population growth. SLC was 99% white from 1860-1950. 2019 census estimates indicate that SLC is becoming more racially diverse with 35.6% of the population identifying as racial …

Stomatal Differences In Western Aspen And Linkage To Drought Tolerance, Brianne Palmer

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the most widely distributed broadleaf forest tree in North America. However, aspen are declining rapidly in areas of the Intermountain West. Aspen in this area are prone to experiencing limited moisture and high temperatures. An important aspect of plant physiology when dealing with these stressors is stomatal function. Stomata control the rate of photosynthesis, therefore, the size and frequency of the stomata is likely to influence the survival of the species in this environment.

An unusual feature of aspen is the high frequency of triploidy in the southern portion of its range. Stomata! size …

Application Of Habitat And Occupancy Modeling To A Wood Duck Next Box Program, Jason D. Carlisle

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Programs to augment wood duck (Aix sponsa) nesting habitat by providing artificial nest boxes are commonly implemented. In northern Utah, where such programs are relatively new, I proposed a method to identify sites suitable for deployment of next boxes through a combination of habitat and occupancy modeling using site-specific, biotic, and abiotic, data collected from 105 next boxes over one nesting season in Cache County, Utah. An inductive habitat model was first developed which identified possibly suitable habitat (8.74% of county) based on proximity to hydrologic features. Next, based on comparing competing single-species, single-season, occupancy models using a modified Akaike's …

Open Space Changes: A Formal Analysis In Cache Valley, Utah, Cameron Scott Bodine

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Open spaces are a valuable amenity that people often overlook. Open spaces allow for a system of water treatment, wildlife habitat, agricultural production, and recreation destinations. Too often, however, open space systems are systematically devoured by development with little regard of what that can mean for the future of a community. This thesis suggests that when open space systems are analyzed as having structure, shape, and a dynamic nature, interconnected with development, then an explanation of how it transforms and evolves can emerge. This thesis seeks to present a new method of describing open space change through understanding development trends …

Extending The Season For Sustainability In Utah, Britney Hunter

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The importance of providing fresh produce on a local level is becoming a widespread consideration among people concerned with the character of their food. For regions without an opportune growing climate, extending the growing season can drastically advance productivity. High tunnels are one way to effectively and profitably extend the growing season in cold climates. The benefits of growing in a high tunnel go beyond raising the temperature. High tunnels contribute to higher quality small fruits and vegetables. The benefits of growing in high tunnels have been explored in other states and could be exploited by Utah growers. Utah's climate …

Managed Health Care And Its Effects On Health Care Access In Box Elder County Utah, Douglas Sean Linford

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Since 1994 the issue of how access is impacted by managed care in rural Utah has been the focus of State advisory groups, the Utah Health Policy Commission, and the legislature. The Health Systems Improvement Act (1995) formalized the concern with a request that the Utah Department of Health study this impact (Sinclair et. Al., #2, pg. 1). In focus meetings around the state, the perception that managed care can negatively impact access in rural communities is generally accepted without significant controversy. Such comments often assume that rural residents will be forced to travel further or will receive fewer services …