Image
2023 Symposium Abstract Catalog
The two institutes were blown away by the depth and creativity of all the research presented on Thursday, April 13th at the poster session. Thanks to all who participated and attended the fascinating event. We hope to see you all next year!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Mollie Stadlin
Food Waste and College Major
My research looks to see if there is any correlation between the amount of food waste a student has in the on-campus dining hall and their declared college major. Education can play a role in people's awareness of different issues and the behavior they display. I will collect data on students' college major, year of study, and gender along with a qualitative assessment of the food remaining on their plates.
Mollie Jo Stadlin
Presenting Author:
Mollie Jo Stadlin | Department of Geography, Kent State University
HONORABLE MENTION: Grace A. Watson
Phosphorus in Coastal Wetland Vegetation Patches
Wetlands can act as a filter between the terrestrial land and a body of water, regulating nutrient fluxes. An overabundance of nutrients, such as phosphate, can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can deplete oxygen from aquatic ecosystems and produce toxins. Our goal was to determine the effect of different vegetation patches on the amount of bioavailable phosphorus, measured as soluble reactive phosphate (SRP), in the surface water and sediment. We sampled Turtle Creek Bay located in Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio, where we identified four distinct vegetation patch types: grasses, hardwoods, typha (cattail), and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). We sampled once in the early growing season and once in the late growing season. We used water to extract the most mobile form of phosphorus from sediments, which represents phosphorus potentially available to vegetation. The SAV patch exhibited significantly less SRP than the other patches (10.15+/-1.72 ug/L for water and 12.01+/-0.88 ug/g for sediment compared to an average of 27.24 ug/L for water and 16.74 ug/g for sediment in the other patches; p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in sediment SRP for other patches or between sampling dates. Possible explanations for this may be the presence of SRP-absorbing algae in the open water, the absence of rooted vegetation, or the uptake of phosphate into the floating vegetation.
Grace A. Watson, Michael P. Back, Erica E. Horton, and Lauren E. Kinsman-Costello
Presenting Author:
Grace A. Watson | Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University
HONORABLE MENTION: Myron J. Lard Jr.
A Community-engaged Study of Toxic Particulate Matter Near an Open-burn/Open-detonation Hazardous Waste Thermal Treatment Facility
The focus of this research is around the community of Colfax, Louisiana. This small town of primarily low-income, minority residents is home to the nation’s only open burn/open detonation waste disposal operation. This operation handles the disposal of dangerous objects such as military waste, propellants, and even contaminated soil. This thermal remediation of waste can lead to the generation of dangerous products including particulate matter and environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). The open disposal taking place increases the potential for exposure related illnesses to the surrounding community. Through community engagement, modeling, and air/soil sampling we aim to determine any connections between the open disposal activities taking place at the facility, and any potential health or environmental effects throughout the area.
Data collected from air samplers placed around Colfax indicated increased concentrations of particulate matter for more than half the sites. Air and soil analysis also identified the presence of metals proven to be EPFR generative, and when tested for EPFR presence, radical signals were observed. Due to the increase in public awareness brought on by the research done by our group, the facility has announced that it will be ceasing open disposal operations inside this year.
Data collected from air samplers placed around Colfax indicated increased concentrations of particulate matter for more than half the sites. Air and soil analysis also identified the presence of metals proven to be EPFR generative, and when tested for EPFR presence, radical signals were observed. Due to the increase in public awareness brought on by the research done by our group, the facility has announced that it will be ceasing open disposal operations inside this year.
Myron L. Lard Jr.
Presenting Author:
Myron L. Lard Jr. | Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University
Poster presenters (alphabetical):
Vertically Stacked ZRA Sensor Array for Real-time Water Quality Monitoring
Fine-scale biological, geochemical, and physical processes underlie environmental system function. Many fine-scale biogeochemical processes are coupled reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions. Microbes that mediate chemical transformations experience conditions at much smaller scales than those that we typically measure, limiting our ability to properly predict microbial processes. Without proper prediction of biogeochemical redox cycling, it is difficult to predict water quality and overall “health” of the ecosystem. For example, it is difficult to predict iron reduction, methane production, or deoxygenation.
Iron reduction, for example, can be a predictor of phosphate release resulting in harmful algal blooms. The diversity of microbial processes that could influence phosphate solubility and release makes in situ monitoring the process difficult. No specific metabolic process is associated with phosphate release from sediments. Rather, a suite of sometimes competing microbiological processes can induce or limit phosphate release. A clear limitation on current ability to predict internal P loading is the inability to monitor microbiological activities in lake sediments and determine their outcomes with respect to P flux. Given these concerns a sensitive, reliable, and easily deployable approach to detecting the microbial activities is needed. on this basis, we have developed a technique to monitor the electrochemical signals associated with microbiological activities in benthic sediments in real-time using a vertically stacked zero resistance ammetry technique (ZRA). The strength of the ZRA approach to monitoring microbiological activities: it does not rely on detecting a specific chemical species. ZRA detects electrochemical evidence of microbiological activities, like geophysical approaches to detecting microbial metabolism.
Iron reduction, for example, can be a predictor of phosphate release resulting in harmful algal blooms. The diversity of microbial processes that could influence phosphate solubility and release makes in situ monitoring the process difficult. No specific metabolic process is associated with phosphate release from sediments. Rather, a suite of sometimes competing microbiological processes can induce or limit phosphate release. A clear limitation on current ability to predict internal P loading is the inability to monitor microbiological activities in lake sediments and determine their outcomes with respect to P flux. Given these concerns a sensitive, reliable, and easily deployable approach to detecting the microbial activities is needed. on this basis, we have developed a technique to monitor the electrochemical signals associated with microbiological activities in benthic sediments in real-time using a vertically stacked zero resistance ammetry technique (ZRA). The strength of the ZRA approach to monitoring microbiological activities: it does not rely on detecting a specific chemical species. ZRA detects electrochemical evidence of microbiological activities, like geophysical approaches to detecting microbial metabolism.
Bukola M. Adesanmi, Sai Prasanna Chinthala, Chelsea Monty-Bromer, John Senko, Lauren Kinsman-Costello, and Tim Morin
Presenting Author:
Bukola M. Adesanmi | Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University
Sediment-surface Water Nutrient Exchange in Vegetation Patches of a Managed Freshwater Coastal Wetland
Wetland biogeochemistry varies spatially within distinct hydrologic units. Coastal wetland management efforts typically aim to control invasive vegetation and encourage native species, yet do not always recognize changes in nutrient cycles associated with these actions. We aimed to estimate whole ecosystem sediment-surface water nutrient flux based on weighted measurements in vegetation patches. We asked: 1) Are patch scale measurements of sediment-surface water nutrient flux representative of ecosystem flux? 2) Do complementary methods of measuring sediment-surface water nutrient flux yield similar results? To answer these questions, we collected intact sediment cores and deployed stacked resin bags at the same locations in a coastal wetland of Lake Erie. We delineated four vegetation patches: grasses, open water, hardwoods, and Typha spp. We then randomly collected three intact sediment cores within each patch and deployed triplicate stacked resin bag cores to retrieve after 14 days. We found that measurements of flux from intact sediment core incubations and stacked resin bag core deployments did not always align regarding direction and magnitude for ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate. Average nutrient flux was more variable within than among patches for both methods. Underlying wetland processes unrelated to dominant vegetation may determine sediment-surface water nutrient flux rates.
Michael P. Back, Grace Watson, and Lauren Kinsman-Costello
Presenting Author:
Michael P. Back | Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University
Road Salt and the Effects on Plants
This experiment will be looking at how the salt used to melt ice in the winter affects the growth of plants. Specifically, the primary goal of this experiment will be to investigate whether the UltraPro Premium Ice Melt allows plants to grow more than competing ice melt brands. This will be done using Bee Balm.
Emily N. Beach
Presenting Author:
Emily N. Beach | Department of Geography, Kent State University
What Deer Population Effects In Ohio
Deer population in Ohio has been growing through the years. So has the popularity of hunting the animals. The amount of Ohio deer Hunters in Ohio has grown substantially from the mid 1900's up to recent times. Not only does this growing deer population effect hunting, but it affects the automobile collisions with deer. The more deer there are, the more deer are going to get hit on the road. Similarly, more deer will result in more people going out to hunt them.
Garrett Boczar
Presenting Author:
Garrett Boczar | Kent State University
The Design Process for a Sustainable Urban Forest?
The project presents a sustainable design process for an urban forest project in Cleveland that seeks to revive the city's riparian corridors and provide environmental justice for a vulnerable neighborhood. The history of urban forestry in Cleveland reveals a significant decline in canopy cover, from 40% in the 1940s to just 19% today. The goal of this project is to create a long-lasting and impactful urban forest that will serve the city for 100 years, with an emphasis on ensuring equitable access to its benefits for all residents. The primary design element focuses on the riparian corridors that provides structure for the site and integrates the site's function as a training center with the natural systems of the surrounding area. The proposed training center is an arboretum and provides educational opportunities for the surrounding communities and offers a sustainable and equitable solution for enhancing the ecological, social, and economic benefits of Cleveland. A sustainable design process for urban forestry related projects should enhance the quality of life for all residents, foster environmental justice, and increase the overall health of urban ecosystems.
Asmita Dahal
Presenting Author:
Asmita Dahal | College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University
How Do College Students Use Parks?
A study that includes the intersection of college students and their perceptions, uses, and biases towards local parks. The understanding of how we can improve the local park experience for the newer generation.
Cody A. Dean
Presenting Author:
Cody A. Dean | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Municipal Care and Environmental Reflection
My research will be focused on how local governments and their methods reflect in the physical environment. I will be performing observational data studies in multiple cities in Columbus, Ohio, and comparing and contrasting the physical attributes of the cities. I will also be researching literature that could support my topic.
Allyicia C. Diggs-Hall
Presenting Author:
Allyicia C. Diggs-Hall | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Analysis of Microorganisms in Indoor Air
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern for schools, industries, and residential communities. This study detected and analyzed indoor circulating microorganisms, including thousands of different microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and alga. Proteobacteria is the major group circulating in indoor air, even with filtration and air conditioning. Chlorophyta is also a significant component that may contribute to the establishment of ecosystems in the laboratory setting.
Qunxing Ding
Presenting Author:
Qunxing Ding | Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University
Learning and Place: Exploring the Outdoor Classroom
Children deserve to connect with nature but are not always able to do so for a myriad of factors, including urban settings, guardians’ busy schedules, and lack of safe and clean outdoor spaces to occupy. Studies report that access to green spaces has been related to higher rates of emotional connectedness, reduced issues of environmental justice, and better educational outcomes.
This research investigated how children (n=43) aged 8 to 14 years attending summer camp retained information when learning in outdoor and indoor settings, in the context of a lesson plan about Indigenous Peoples. A crossover study design was used, allowing each participant to serve as their own control. Participants completed a quiz after each lesson, as well as a questionnaire asking them to rate their experience with each learning environment, and results were compared.
Findings show that subjects had, on average, better quiz scores from their outdoor lesson. Overall, they enjoyed being outside more than they enjoyed being inside; furthermore, their peer-to-peer interactions were more positive in nature. Teacher observations of the subjects included sharper focus overall when outside, as well as more in depth responses to questions on the quizzes.
Our results suggest that non-traditional learning environments thrive in a camp educational setting, and that children enjoyed it more. Future research should investigate the use of outdoor spaces as a method to improve learning outcomes in a more traditional setting.
This research investigated how children (n=43) aged 8 to 14 years attending summer camp retained information when learning in outdoor and indoor settings, in the context of a lesson plan about Indigenous Peoples. A crossover study design was used, allowing each participant to serve as their own control. Participants completed a quiz after each lesson, as well as a questionnaire asking them to rate their experience with each learning environment, and results were compared.
Findings show that subjects had, on average, better quiz scores from their outdoor lesson. Overall, they enjoyed being outside more than they enjoyed being inside; furthermore, their peer-to-peer interactions were more positive in nature. Teacher observations of the subjects included sharper focus overall when outside, as well as more in depth responses to questions on the quizzes.
Our results suggest that non-traditional learning environments thrive in a camp educational setting, and that children enjoyed it more. Future research should investigate the use of outdoor spaces as a method to improve learning outcomes in a more traditional setting.
Olivia C. Eader and Aimee Ward
Presenting Author:
Olivia C. Eader | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Trail Impacts on Movement in Wildlife Corridors: A Cleveland Metroparks Case Study
Wildlife corridors promote biodiversity, abate landscape fragmentation and – in areas of urban development – are often refuges for fauna. Yet, they appear at odds with their main goal of conserving wildlife’s natural habitat, especially when applied to a real-world context, because they are typically located in areas prone to anthropogenic disturbances. The literature varies over how concurrent use affects wildlife. One such space where this occurs is urban parks where wildlife movement overlaps spatially with recreationists. Park visitors utilize formal trails and depart from them to create informal trails. Many negative consequences toward wild biota have been attributed to informal trails, which contribute to anthropogenic-induced fragmentation and, indirectly, disturbances within the matrix. The overlap of trails with wildlife corridors begs the questions: are wildlife using the shared corridors within the reservations or should landscape, resource and trail managers be directing their efforts elsewhere to facilitate wildlife movement? Also, to what degree, if any, will wildlife move through corridors shared with humans?
To answer these questions, baseline and biodiversity data needed to be established first. Scenarios were tested along a continuum of wildlife-anthropogenic interfacing that occurs on trails. Formal and informal trails in Cleveland Metroparks were studied, in addition to an area with restored informal trails. Examining the majority of terrestrial, animal wildlife, likelihood of Verified Use was established for each species, guild, and as a whole. Verified Use was defined as any species being detected on both cameras in the pair within a +/- five minute window. I found that non-consumptive, anthropogenic use of trails did not necessarily hinder terrestrial wildlife’s movement as suggested in the literature. In situ, not all terrestrial wildlife used the four trails uniformly to facilitate their movement. Thus, landscape and natural resource managers would be best served to assess informal trail restoration and formal trail creation on a case-by-case basis. By incorporating a second study area, I captured a snapshot of how biodiversity, animal movement, biotic presence and concurrent use may change when an informal trail is restored to its natural habitat.
To answer these questions, baseline and biodiversity data needed to be established first. Scenarios were tested along a continuum of wildlife-anthropogenic interfacing that occurs on trails. Formal and informal trails in Cleveland Metroparks were studied, in addition to an area with restored informal trails. Examining the majority of terrestrial, animal wildlife, likelihood of Verified Use was established for each species, guild, and as a whole. Verified Use was defined as any species being detected on both cameras in the pair within a +/- five minute window. I found that non-consumptive, anthropogenic use of trails did not necessarily hinder terrestrial wildlife’s movement as suggested in the literature. In situ, not all terrestrial wildlife used the four trails uniformly to facilitate their movement. Thus, landscape and natural resource managers would be best served to assess informal trail restoration and formal trail creation on a case-by-case basis. By incorporating a second study area, I captured a snapshot of how biodiversity, animal movement, biotic presence and concurrent use may change when an informal trail is restored to its natural habitat.
Michelle Escalambre
Presenting Author:
Michelle Escalambre | Environmental Science and Design Research Institute, Kent State University
Applications of Dendrochronology: When Did a Living Forest Become a Ghost Forest?
Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) dominated swamps are highly ecologically significant, yet sensitive to salinity, thereby the species is an important indicator of rising sea levels. Standing dead trees that have been killed from exposure to saltwater, known as ghost forests, are especially prominent in Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) marshes due to their ability to remain upright for extended periods of time. In recent years, it has been hypothesized that Hurricane Sandy contributed to a large wave of tree mortality in New Jersey coastal ecosystems. This research is supporting a broader question that seeks to quantify the current extent of ghost forests in the southern New Jersey freshwater-mash ecotone. Here we utilize dendrochronology methods to determine if tree cores extracted from dead AWC trees can be cross-dated with live tree cores. Few studies have cross-dated AWC tree cores and none of them have utilized the methods presented here. However, if we are successful, our results will provide another line of evidence of hurricane induced ghost forest formation.
Our team is using AWC tree cores collected during the summer of 2021. Our primary objective is to develop a tree ring width index by using high resolution digital photographs and image processing software (ImageJ) to measure the annual ring widths of each core. The indices will then be detrended to develop a tree ring chronology across sites. We will then attempt to cross-date the dead cores with live cores using statistical analyses available through several R packages (dplR and XdateR). In addition, this is an open-source workflow that will provide a new proof of concept for the lab.
Our team is using AWC tree cores collected during the summer of 2021. Our primary objective is to develop a tree ring width index by using high resolution digital photographs and image processing software (ImageJ) to measure the annual ring widths of each core. The indices will then be detrended to develop a tree ring chronology across sites. We will then attempt to cross-date the dead cores with live cores using statistical analyses available through several R packages (dplR and XdateR). In addition, this is an open-source workflow that will provide a new proof of concept for the lab.
Renae Gizzo, Ana Murray, and Grace Michael
Presenting Author:
Renae Gizzo | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Environmentally Conscious Consumerism
Does a person’s diet affect how environmentally conscious they are as a consumer? To address this question, I will be collecting data through surveys. The surveys will evaluate age, gender, college major, level of sustainable activity, and diet type. The goal of this study is to draw relation between diet and sustainability. My hypothesis is that if the less meat a person’s diet includes, then the more likely they are to make environmentally conscious decisions and purchases.
Courtney Hrubik
Presenting Author:
Courtney Hrubik | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Deer Management Methods in Urban Areas
Population changes in the Ohio deer herd have a very rich history of decline and growth. As this population increases so does its impact on the environment. Overtime we have observed several different influences that control the growth of the deer herd. As Ohio continues to develop urban areas the impact deer have on these areas intensifies. However, the methods that urbanized areas take to control their internal deer population can heavily vary based on their own unique situations.
David M. Kupka
Presenting Author:
David M. Kupka | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Water Use Varies across College Campuses in Similar Buildings with Different Sustainable Practice
Water is a resource that is vital to life on Earth. While many people seem to think that water supply is inexpensive and unlimited, this could not be farther from the truth. Water is slowly becoming a resource that is more scarce and harder to come by as time goes on. As a result, it is extremely important to manage this resource properly. Accounting for roughly 6% of commercial and institutional water use, universities play a key role in water consumption. With over 20 million students attending institutions of higher education, universities can play a key role in reducing water consumption. Preliminary research has been done to analyze past reduction studies with much research supporting the idea that different sustainable practices play a role in reducing water consumption. I plan to measure monthly water use across different residence halls, and compare with different sustainable practices each university has in place. I expect to see lower water consumption in residence halls with more sustainable practices in use.
Alyssa Lortie
Presenting Author:
Alyssa Lortie | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Invigorate Hough: Community Vacant Lot Charrette
During current post-industrial times, vacant lots are scattered across the urban landscape and serve as reminders of a previously dense, energetic neighborhood that has been impacted by the closure of major industries and a decrease in population as residents move out of the city in search of new employment. Each year, Kent State University’s ASLA Student Chapter partners with a community organization to create a sustainable, community-driven design for vacant or underutilized areas. In November 2022, landscape architecture students from Kent’s Cleveland Studios, working with OHM Advisors and Invigorate Hough, organized an intensive three-day design charrette to create a vision for a vacant lot in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Through the analysis of existing plans and context, community engagement, and site visit, two concepts were developed, featuring performance areas, repurposed shipping containers, streetscape enhancements, rain gardens, and flexible art galleries. The project seeks to create a unique gathering space for community members, in an area where programmed open space is limited, as well as an opportunity for natural education and urban tree canopy expansion.
Morgan Mackey
Presenting Author:
Morgan Mackey | College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University
The Impact of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Propaganda by Comparing the Usage of Russian Derived and Ukrainian Derived Words.
Social media provides 4 billion users with the ability to share and access information at unprecedented speed and reach. Despite its benefits, the nature of social media has created an environment conducive to the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda. With the high volume of information available, social media users may struggle with determining the validity of information, which may impact their real-world beliefs and behaviors. To understand the impact of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda on user sentiments, we used the Google Trends of searched keywords related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Google Trends provides the volume of interest and percentage comparisons of keywords. User sentiments can be partially inferred through their usage of Ukrainian-derived or Russian-derived spelling of words, such as Kyiv versus Kiev. Usage of spellings were compared using Google Trends’ R package gtrendsR. From 9/2021, 9/2022, 2/24/2022 - 3/17/2022, and 1/1/23 - 1/7/2023 global and state-level spelling usages have changed, with the frequency of Ukrainian spelling increasing over time. Comparisons of spelling usage were mapped to states within the US and global countries, providing insights into the range of possible user sentiments towards the war. Our analysis suggests that the interpretation of information - such as using the correct spelling or place name - may be potentially associated with various socio-economic factors and signals a need to provide education on the interpretation of information within the social media spaces.
Caroline A. Nitirahardjo, Evelynne Morgan, Brendan Lawler, Eliza Aimone, Anika Puri, Johnattan Ontiveros, Robyn Correll, Helen Piontkivska, and Maimuna Majumder
Presenting Author:
Caroline A. Nitirahardjo | Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University
Cooperrider Kent Bog Tamarack Population Mortality Rate Since 1997
From 1987-1997 the Ohio department of natural resources (ODNR) monitored the health, growth rate, and mortality rate in a sample population of 30 tamarack (Larix laricina) trees within the Cooperrider Kent Bog state nature preserve. In their final report they found that over the 10 year monitoring period 5 of the 30 had died, a nearly 17% mortality rate. If this mortality rate is correct we would expect 26 years later that there would be approximately 17 to 14 trees of the original 30 remaining. The goal of this project is to determine if that mortality rate is accurate by entering the preserve and finding which of the 30 trees remain. A count of sapling tamaracks and recently fallen tamaracks will also be recorded as a general measure of new growth rates and death rates within the last few years. This data is being collected to answer the question of how the tamarack population's mortality rate and population growth rate have changed in Cooperrider Kent Bog since 1997. The results will be used to speculate at the overall health of the bog and tamarack population within.
Haydn Palmer
Presenting Author:
Haydn Palmer | Department of Geography, Kent State University
How Well Do Freely Accessible Science Resources Address the Social Justice Component of Climate Change?
Climate change is a prominent issue for developing students’ science literacy, critical thinking, moral/ethical reasoning, and citizenry. An important way to teach this is through the socioscientific issues (SSI) framework, where students consider the complexity of science issue as well as their entanglement with society. It is also imperative that science issues, such as climate change, be presented with awareness of the entanglement with social justice. This instruction encourages students to reason over the complexity as well as consider the perspectives of others. Teachers need strong support including educational resources to effectively teach such SSI based topics. We present an SSI analysis of all K-12 climate change lesson plans freely available through the NGSS Hub, an online resource center sponsored by the National Science Teaching Association and aligned with national science standards. Of the 162 climate change resources, only 16 were vetted for quality by site coordinators. From those, 12 were active and available. These lesson plans span grades 3-12 and were evaluated based on seven components identified for quality and representation (controversial, social connectedness, problem solving, moral/ethical consideration, character development, argumentation, reasoning). Six lessons scored high with elements explicitly attending to key SSI components such as moral and ethical reasoning as well as addressing crucial elements of social justice. Two plans scored average. Four plans scored low with implicit or no inclusion. These findings indicate that resources exist with some support for SSI-based climate change instruction but there is a need for additional quality SSI-based climate change educational resources.
Jeff Papa and Bridget Mulvey
Presenting Author:
Jeff Papa | College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Kent State University
Wetland Restoration and Mitigation
I wanted to ask how the permitting process actually works in wetland Restoration and Mitigation. I currently work for the H2Ohio project which works with organizations that help recreate or restore historical wetlands. The project wants to better understand how the permitting process works and how they can better use it to their advantage in future projects. For scale, I wanted to look at all the H2Ohio sites in northeast Ohio. However, with the limited amount of time, we have I’ll only be looking at our Tumble creek restoration site and H2Ohios Bird Bog site.
Mitchel Pozwick
Presenting Author:
Mitchel Pozwick | H2Ohio
Harmful Algal Blooms Effects on Environment and Human Health
How have algal blooms in Lake Erie affected the water quality and does climate change have an impact on algal blooms? Since algal blooms occur in large bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, research shows that the harmful algal blooms can affect the water quality. Detecting algal blooms can be useful in order to advise residents of the affected area to not swim or use the water for drinking. To further and fully understand algal blooms, being aware of the issues people face when dealing with them is important. Regarding health, there is conflicting research on whether or not algal blooms can cause direct impacts on human health.
Hannah V. Schmid
Presenting Author:
Hannah V. Schmid | Department of Geography, Kent State University
3D Printed Green Wall for Sustainable Food Production
Over the past two decades there has been a significant push towards green integrated building technology, specifically with regards to green roofs and green walls. Not only have these systems proven to help mitigate serious environmental issues such as carbon emission and urban heat island effect, they can also boost biodiversity, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution (Oberndorfer et al., 2007), and create new spaces for food production (Davis-Sikora, 2014). Due to increasing demand for food and the subsequent decrease in resources such as land (Kalantari et al., 2017), green walls are of particular interest because of their vertical orientation and potential for abundance within urban settings. Advancements in 3D printing technology are also of interest to this study, and it is proposed that 3D printed forms can be used as potential growing substrate for use in vertical green walls. Initial phases of the study focus on fabrication of the substrate, using composite filaments composed of PLA (polylactic acid) and organic material (e.g., wood, or stone powder). As the research pertaining to the performance and tendencies of these composite materials is relatively new, this study proposes a parallel investigation of composite filament characteristics for their specific use within green walls.
Madeline Shaub
Presenting Author:
Madeline Shaub | College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University
Sokol Community Project
The Sokol is a community engagement project to establish social and environmental justice. This project's site is in Cleveland, Ohio's Slavic Village neighborhood. In this outdoor design project, an effort has been made to create the open space adjacent to the Historic Bohemian National Hall building to promote social engagement and interactions, aiding in the growth and cohesion of the Czech community there. The design seeks to preserve and protect the community's heritage while accommodating neighborhood expectations and stakeholder priorities. This initiative delivers urban forestry services as part of the neighborhood's sustainable development while also responding to social and cultural aspects.
Saba Tajali
Presenting Author:
Saba Tajali | College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent State University
Multi-flora Rose and Its effects on White-tailed Deer Traffic
The goal of this study was to determine whether or not Multi-flora Rose would attract deer and determine how it affected their traffic. This study was conducted on a rural 55-acre property in Salem, Ohio. Two study areas of approximately 625sq. ft. were chosen then one was cut, sprayed, and cleared of multiflora rose. Then after clearing it was replanted with native plants that are known to attract White-Tailed deer. The second study site was left untouched as it was largely covered with Multi-flora Rose. Using trail cameras over the two study areas over 20 days it was determined that the study area that was planted with oats, clover, and turnips had much higher traffic than that which was left with only multiflora rose. Deer counts were made every 24-hrs, and most of the deer observed were seen at night likely due to unexpected human interference.
Cody A. Ulbricht
Presenting Author:
Cody A. Ulbricht | Department of Geography, Kent State University
Shared Sanctuaries: The Growing Community Gardens of Kent, Ohio
Community gardening offers opportunities to foster local food security and community cohesion. This research aims to understand how and why citizens of Kent, Ohio participate in local community gardening initiatives. Numerous shared growing spaces exist throughout Kent, each one unique in organization, operation, and success. These differences are examined via direct observation and semi-structured interviews with garden organizers and participants. Findings suggest that citizens participate in Kent’s community gardens due to a variety of perceived benefits at both the individual and community levels. Despite their many potential benefits, community gardens face challenges regarding organization and consistent engagement. Identifying key garden differences as they relate to differing levels of garden success highlights important considerations for both current and future growing initiatives.
Kyote Youst
Presenting Author:
Kyote Youst | Department of Geography, Kent State University