Name: Anderson, Brian
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Liz Olson
Title: Allegheny College Students in the Context of Community Development
Abstract: At a local, national, and global level Allegheny College students actively participate in the communities that they live in. College sponsored service-learning opportunities provide students with the ability to engage in community development work, from a single day to multiple years. However, this student engagement has different levels of efficacy and impact, especially when one considers how the identity of a college student can be interpreted through multiple lenses.
As a result, this project used individual interviews to examine how well Allegheny students were prepared to participate in community development work and what their experiences were. From these interviews, it became evident that students felt adequately prepared to do professional tasks and think critically, but did not feel well-equipped to face issues of global identity and to create structural social change. By combining interview results with the wider realm of academic research on service-learning, a series of recommendations was provided to Allegheny College’s Center for Experiential Learning (ACCEL) along with two training modules. These modules address preparatory gaps in global identity and social change.
Name: Arbab, Sahar
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Jim Palmer
Title: Green Deeds in the Mead: A Service-Oriented Environmental Education Program for Lower-Income Youth in Meadville, PA
Abstract: Environmental education has become increasingly more popular in recent years. This can be seen with the increase of the subject in many schools’ curricula. In addition, various out-of-school programs have developed to reconnect students with nature and prepare them to solve difficult environmental problems that the future will present. However, despite these bold initiatives, many young people are still not being reached. Economically marginalized communities, due to the constraints of time, money, and location, are not as capable of enrolling their children in programs like these. Furthermore, environmental education is often presented from a narrow perspective to a homogenous demographic. Many environmental education programs are not culturally or locally relevant and thus do not connect to lower-income communities.
The following is a proposal for a program intended to reach lower-income parents and children in Meadville, PA. The program seeks to combine environmental stewardship, environmental justice, and citizen science in order to foster environmental awareness and civic engagement. The design contains a literature review, a program design (lessons, budget, timeline, evaluation, etc.), and reflections on a three-week pilot run. The program will be fully implemented in the Creating Landscapes for Families after-school program based in Meadville, PA in the Unitarian Universalist Church in the fall of 2013.
Name: Balakoff, Max
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Environmental Studies / Spanish
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Wilfredo Hernández
Title: Between the Water of the Sea and the Colloquial Water of a Gentle River: A Cross-disciplinary Navigation of Afro-Ecuadorian Land Use Narratives in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador
Abstract: In Ecuador, the ongoing national discourse declares that it is a multicultural country that respects the rights of the natural world. Although representation of indigenous cultures in this discourse is evident, representation of Afro-Ecuadorian vision remains largely out of view. This work explores the Afro-Ecuadorian identity, the history of land use in the Afro-Ecuadorian region of Esmeraldas Province, and the vision of land use as is expressed in two Afro-Ecuadorian novels, Juyungo by Adalberto Ortiz and When the Guayacans were in Bloom by Nelson Estupiñán Bass. This work has concluded that decisions regarding land use in Esmeraldas Province need to be more intentionally renegotiated between the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Esmeraldas and external actors through bilateral relations rather than oppressive or paternalistic ones.
Name: Biswas, Aman
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Terry Bensel
Title: Exploring the Wilderness: Lessons Learned from Community-Based Conservation
Abstract: The poor conservation outcomes of oppressive colonial conservation policies gave way to community-based conservation (CBC). CBC aims to fulfill the dual objectives of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation through empowering communities and utilizing local skills and knowledge. Despite its widespread popularity, community-based projects often treat the “community” as a homogenous group and often do not achieve meaningful participation and empowerment it promises. Citing the failure of community-based approaches, “resurgent protectionists” advocate a return to a more traditional, people-free approach to conservation. By addressing criticism from opponents and advocates of CBC, this project aims to explore ways to redress community-based approaches. Therefore, I conduct a case study analysis of the Masaai pastoralists in Tanzania, the Terai Arc Landscape project in Nepal, and the wolf restoration program in Yellowstone, USA to find lessons learned for community-based wildlife conservation. I conclude by emphasizing the necessity of public participation, the importance of external institutions, and recognition of human-wildlife conflicts.
Name: Blyth, Elizabeth
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Caryl Waggett
Title: Explaining Local Food Consumption Behaviors in Allegheny College Students
Abstract: Scientists have recently been studying determinants of food consumption behavior with a focus on sustainable food systems. This stems from increased consumer demand of products to sustain our growing population. The current food system is not sustainable and we must recognize and implement other food systems, such as local food, to help reduce the damaging environmental impacts we already face. Changing food consumption behaviors is difficult because it is greatly influenced by habit. It is important to understand the determinants of behavior both individually and holistically. A survey was conducted to gather information from about 200 Allegheny College students regarding food consumption. This study looks at five behavioral determinants, based on relevant literature, that were tested to assess their predictability of local food consumption behavior among Allegheny students by means of a behavioral model. “Attitude” variables were found to be significant predictors of grocery purchasing behavior, while other variables (Knowledge, Behavioral Control, Subjective Norms, and Situational Factors) did not show any significant correlation. Two behaviors (Grocery Index and Consumed Meals Index) were tested using a multiple regression. Only the regression model on the Grocery Index was significant (p<0.05). Since only one studied variable proved to be a noteworthy predictor, this study shows that the behavioral model created to predict local food consumption is not adequate. Based on the results from this study, it is recommended that the College utilizes an experiential learning program geared toward facilitating positive attitudes toward local food consumption. The Allegheny College community could be an innovator of sustainable food programs. Through the use of education as well as a focus on strengthening consumer attitudes, we can promote local foods and create a change in the food consumption paradigm.
Name: Bradley, Abigail
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science / Philosophy
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Steven Farrelly-Jackson
Title: An Ethical Analysis of Marine Aquaculture: Sustainability, Responsibilities to Producers and Consumers, and the Moral Status of Fish
Abstract: As the oceans undergo rapid changes and face alarming new threats, aquaculture, or fish farming, has become the fastest growing sector of agriculture. Farmed fish now account for the majority of the seafood consumed by humans and demand is only continuing to increase. This makes it important to look at the ethical implications of aquaculture practices. In order to examine common industrialized practices for rearing finfish in marine systems, I break my ethical analysis into three sections. First, I consider the value of nature and argue that we need to rethink sustainability to include recognition of the value inherent in all living organisms. In doing so, I suggest that we are forced to see current practices in marine aquaculture as unsustainable, for these practices threaten ecosystem health and biodiversity. Next, I argue that there are moral obligations to other humans, separate from a concern for nature. Because fish farming fails to consider the welfare of humans and often puts profit first, it fails to meet these obligations. Finally, I argue that fish ought to be accorded moral status because we have reason to believe that they can feel pain. In virtue of this moral status, the unnecessary suffering of fish raised in ocean pens may be seen to be unethical. I conclude my analysis with recommendations for better alternatives that are sustainable, consider the well-being of consumers and producers, and preserve the moral status of fish.
Name: Branthoover, Casey
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Environmental Studies / Psychology
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Elizabeth Ozorak
Title: A Pilot Study on Body Image and Self-Esteem: Implications for Creating Landscapes for Families Afterschool Program
Abstract: My study assessed body image and self-esteem of individuals in grades three through six at East End at Second District Elementary School. I compared children who participated in the Creating Landscapes for Families Afterschool Program (n= 7) to children who did not participate in the program (n= 21). The participants completed two surveys, one in December and one in February, in order to conduct a longitudinal study of the long-term changes in body image and self-esteem. My two hypotheses were: (1) those children in the Creating Landscapes for Families Afterschool Program would have an increased body image and self-esteem compared to those who do not participate in the program; and (2) body image and self-esteem would increase over time for those individuals in the Creating Landscapes for Families Program. Due to the nature of this pilot study and the small sample size, no statistically significant data was found, but some important patterns were identified. No difference in body image and self-esteem occurred between the two groups (p = 0.452), but participation in the program could positively impact body image and self-esteem, and how they interact, over time (p= 0.06). Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that it is important to look at how body image and self-esteem change as children enter their adolescent years, and how the afterschool program combats body image and self-esteem issues. Overall, this study demonstrates that the Creating Landscapes for Families Afterschool Program has the possibility to target children at risk of self-esteem and body image problems.
Name: Burke, Chris
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Political Science / Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Brian Harward, Terry Bensel
Title: Successful Mechanisms for Policy Adoption & Diffusion in Local and State Governments in the Realm of Public Health Policy: to Address the Obesity Epidemic
Abstract: The growing obesity epidemic, in the United States particularly, has become cause for alarm. With life expectancy predicted to decrease along with an increase in diet related diseases associated with poor diet, the need for action to prevent this trend is evident. Thus the issue of government intervention is investigated on both the state and local levels to determine if these lower levels of government can address the stated concerns. Using mechanisms for policy adoption and diffusion a list of effective mechanisms for policy adoption are explored. The result is a list of apparently successful mechanisms to drive change in these lower levels of government specifically in the realm of public health in respect to obesity.
Name: Christensen, Nicholas
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Environmental Science / English
Thesis Committee: Matthew Ferrence, Kate Darby
Title: The Future of Meadville: Some Potential Effects of the Production of Unconventional Fuels
Abstract: Northwest Pennsylvania is an area that has a long history with extractive industries. In 1859, the first commercial oil well was drilled in Crawford County, which led to an oil boom that caused huge economic growth in the region. The oil industry left almost as soon as it had developed however, and less than twenty years after the first oil well was drilled, the region’s economic boom had gone bust. Given this history, and given Meadville’s steady decline since heavy manufacturing largely vacated the region in the 1980s, there is a pressing necessity for some type of development to take place. This being the case in many localities within Pennsylvania and Appalachia, the recent development in the past 5 years of the region’s extensive unconventional shale resource—due to the adoption of new technologies (horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing) that enable producers to extract those resources—has largely been seen as a godsend. Just as soon as development of these resources started however, many individuals and communities have reported various degradations of social, economic and environmental resources as a result of the rapid and untrammeled growth of the oil and gas industry. Crawford County and the rest of northwest Pennsylvania are likely to see in coming years a heightened development of these unconventional oil and gas resources, but the potential effects it may have on the Meadville and surrounding communities remain uncertain. With respect to Meadville’s history, the importance of future planning in providing stakeholders with a perspective on the potential effects of future uncertainties, and with respect to my literary background and the efficacy of the creative approach in diffusing information about complicated events, I have taken an interdisciplinary approach in revealing many of the potential effects of oil and gas development. Through conversation s and interviews I conducted with a variety of key stakeholders in Meadville and around, I was able to ascertain many of the current effects that oil and gas development in other areas, as well as to a small extent already in Crawford County, has had on local industry.
Name: Copenhaver, Andrew
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Mark Neff
Title: Seeing the Forest for More Than the Trees: The Conservation of Pennsylvania’s Most Threatened Plant-American Ginseng
Abstract: Non-timber forest products have a long history of use in many parts of the world and they continue to be hugely important resource for rural populations. They have often been neglected in forest management plans and a result of their poor management many non-timber forest products are at risk of overexploitation. In the eastern United States American Ginseng has been a particularly important non-timber forest product and as a result of a long history of economic importance and subsequent overcollection, wild plants have been increasingly difficult to find and it has even led to the plant being listed on the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species as a threatened plant. Current regulations for the conservation of American Ginseng have had little effect at taking harvest stress off of wild populations and as a result plant stocks continue to fall. One method that has been offered as a means to conserve American Ginseng populations is known as conservation through cultivation, which encourages plantings of nursery raised Ginseng seeds on private forestlands as a means to increase the amount of harvestable Ginseng and subsequently take pressure off of native stocks. In order to assess the costs and returns of this type of conservation method, I have created a situation in which I envision myself as a prospective practitioner of conservation through cultivation Ginseng husbandry. I found that over a 20 year period, that an initial investment of $13731.14 would yield $93,368.84 with an annualized rate of return of over 10%.
Name: D’Amico, Jillian
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Scott Wissinger
Title: Assessing stream impacts from hydrofracking: Biotic and abiotic indicators upstream and downstream of existing well pads in northwestern Pennsylvania
Abstract: The deep hydraulic fracturing “hydrofracking” process injects thousands of gallons of water mixed with chemicals into Utica deep shale wells in order to fracture the horizontal well and rock to obtain oil. Hydrofracking fluid returns as wastewater, which is comprised of chemicals such as KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, and NaCl that alters pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and macroinvertebrate assemblages if not disposed of properly. Four newly constructed Utica shale wells are located in Crawford Co. and Venango Co., Pennsylvania. Upstream and downstream sites adjacent to the well pads were analyzed by measuring baseline pH, TDS, DO, turbidity, quantitatively and qualitatively identifying macroinvertebrates, and evaluating riparian zones (RCE) and water quality network assessments (WQNHA) in December 2012, February 2013, and March 2013. The average pH at all stream sites significantly increased downstream compared to upstream sites and also significantly correlated with TDS (ppm) at all sites. RCE total showed a significant increase in the quality of habitat downstream from the well pads. The Allam and Lippert well pads were the most active with wastewater semi-trucks entering and exiting the well pad and burning hydrocarbons, respectively. These data will be used as a baseline for future water quality testing and habitat assessment at the eight stream sites by the four well pads.
Name: DeLand, Stuart
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Gordon Whitney
Title: The Influence of Deer Browse on Regeneration Potential in Differently Harvested Timber Stands
Abstract: The successful reintroduction of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations to the eastern United States in the 1930’s has resulted in a variety of ecological conflicts. In Northern and Allegheny Hardwood forests, deer densities have risen to the point where they negatively affect understory dynamics through tree rubbings, trampling, selective grazing, and over browse. Furthermore, different logging techniques induce ecological changes within tree stands. Heavy logging has occurred in the Allegheny Hardwoods in Pennsylvania since the late 1800’s. Depending on the method of removal, and what species and amount of tree are removed, stands’ ability to recover will vary. Two harvest techniques were examined in this study: single-tree selection and diameter-limit cutting. Single-tree selection is a method by which harvesters choose trees ready for harvest, of low values, or in competition with other trees. Diameter-limit cutting is the practice of harvesting all merchantable trees larger than a certain diameter. I hypothesize single-tree selection timber stands will resist deer browse, in terms of regeneration potential, more effectively than diameter-limit cut stands. The results indicate that there is no association between single-tree selection or diameter-limit cutting and deer browse regarding regeneration success of a given tree stand.
Name: Devlin, William
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Howard Wurzbacher
Title: Deer Browse Following Forest Management Practices: Clear-Cuts, Shelterwood, and Timberstand Improvement (T.S.I.)
Abstract: Browsing by the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can effect forest regeneration. By browsing on tree seedlings, deer are likely to reduce stem density, growth, composition, and foliage density. Forest management can decrease the effects of browsing and increase regeneration. I examined the impacts of deer on seedling regeneration at four different forest management stands (shelterwood, timber stand improvement (T.S.I), clear-cut, and previously fenced clear-cut). Results showed that browsing rates in the previously fenced clear-cut (34.6%) were significantly less than the control (63%), whereas the browsing rates in the shelterwood (61.3%) were not. The T.S.I (48.1%) and clear-cut (47.2%) did not have significantly different browsing rates than their control (52%) as well. Nonetheless, the shelterwood and clear-cut produced over twice the amount of non-browsed seedlings than their controls. A prior deer enclosure and high seedling density likely allowed the previously fenced clear-cut to be the most successful management practice. However, I suggest that future studies consider the optimal time fencing should remain intact to maximize regeneration, and at the same time, provide ideal habitat and food sources to support desired deer populations and other wildlife.
Name: Dosch, Emma
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Janyce Hyatt
Title: Building a Hoophouse with Creating Landscapes for Families
Abstract: Creating Landscapes for Families is an educational venue in Meadville, PA with a large vegetable and flower community garden supported by member families and friends. This senior project is a collaborative process working critically and inclusively with Creating Landscapes for Families to build a hoophouse and design a guidebook to accompany the hoophouse. Unheated greenhouses or hoophouses are simple structures that can extend the growing season. Vegetable crops produced with a hoophouse are valuable for sustainable agriculture in this region and the Creating Landscapes for Families program itself. Similarly, a hoophouse serves as a unique resource for multi-season educational opportunities. I worked with a “hoophouse guiding group” to tour other greenhouses in the region and to offer advice on the hoophouse design and guidebook content. The guidebook is included at the end of this written project and bound copies are available at various locations accessible to the Creating Landscapes for Families community. The hoophouse was constructed at the Ackerman Farm in April 2013. This project may serve as an example of a project-based senior project that works critically with the needs and voice of a community partnership.
Name: Dowling, Jacob
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Rich Bowden
Title: Path to Sustainability: Reducing Northern Tier’s Energy Footprint
Abstract: Conventional economic theory states that environmental responsibility is often antithetical to profit. Companies then, operate in the most cost-effective manner as opposed to the most environmentally responsible one. However, as new technologies develop, investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency can actually help a company to save money. This project uses information from an energy audit conducted for Northern Tier High Adventure base to calculate and compare the environmental and economic benefits of some energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. In particular, it examines lighting and heating efficiency upgrades and the potential for Northern Tier to take economic savings from those upgrades to invest in renewable energy technologies such as solar PV, solar hot water, and wind. The project found that there are opportunities for savings throughout Northern Tier’s lighting and heating systems and renewable energy generation could be economically beneficial for Northern Tier. It suggests a long-term plan for Northern Tier that allows the base to accumulate savings and reinvest them in other renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Name: Fisher, Kiley
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Environmental Studies and English/Creative Writing
Thesis Committee: Matthew Ferrence, Eric Pallant
Title: Strange Attractors
Abstract: The intention of this project was to write original fiction stories shaped by the same social tensions that shape environmental activists as well as non-associating people who are nevertheless shaped by our current environmental crisis. Examining these tensions and motivations within the bounds of human social systems, as well as noting what makes us different and what makes us the same, is a necessary personal journey for me both as an activist and as a writer. While the stories should in part demonstrate my knowledge of specific subject matter, the true focus is on the meditative process and communicative medium of fiction writing. After all, fiction writing flourishes in a metaphysical setting where the trite arguments and tasks of the everyday might be solved in a different context, a different setting, that make the journey towards resolution easier and enjoyable and perhaps even unexpected. The main body of work, both on and off the page, consists of collecting raw data via participant-observation, understanding the trip (and tropes) of environmental writing, learning from writers of the past and the stories themselves.
Name: Fletcher, Jodi
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Thomas Eatmon
Title: A Consumer’s Guide to Incorporating Solar, Wind, And Geothermal Systems into New and Existing Homes in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Abstract: This paper examines the vast and complicated information a consumer must navigate in order to learn more about alternative energy systems. The internet has an endless supply of useless misinformation that is confusing and sends the searcher around in circles. Much of what can be found on the internet for alternative energy may come from manufacturers, suppliers, and experts, however many of these can be misleading and inaccurate. This paper waded through the advertisements, government websites, and dead ends, to pull together the most relevant information a consumer needs for incorporating alternative energy into an existing or new home in Northwestern Pennsylvania. As energy efficiency and a healthy living environment are also important, an aspect of ways to improve home energy efficiency and the home environment were incorporated into this paper. The inclusion of the LEED for Homes certification program and home energy audits was done to show that there are standards for incorporating green building into homes, and that a consumer has the choice on which areas of improvement he/she wants to work towards.
Name: Ford, Daryl
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Mark Neff
Title: Green Jobs Programs: Applying Best Management Practices to Connect Disadvantaged Populations to Green Industries in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Abstract: Though workforce industries have been on a steady decline due to the national and global recessions, many industries within the green sector are witnessing increases in economic growth, innovation, job creation, and opportunities for employment. Despite the existing opportunities for increases in employment and economic growth within the green industry, many historically marginalized populations in the United States continue to face economic hardships. This has sparked the development of a number of green jobs programs across the country, which work to educate individuals about environmental issues and fields, to train individuals for work within the green sectors, and to prepare individuals to receive family-supporting jobs within green industries. A series of case studies of green jobs programs across the United States including: YouthWorks in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Limitless Vistas in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Sustainable South Bronx in New York City, New York, were conducted in order to determine the best management practices for starting and running an effective green jobs program that succeeds in training, placing, and retaining at-risk individuals with jobs in the green industry. These practices have been used to provide suggestions for how the Partners in Education organization in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and the Bayfront Maritime Center in Erie, Pennsylvania can improve their current efforts to link low-income and other at-risk communities to jobs within the green sectors.
Name: Giel, Justin
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Jim Palmer
Title: Pleurotus ostreatus: Mycoremediator of E. coli
Abstract: Fecal coliforms are a poorly managed byproduct of agriculture and cattle farms. E. coli is particularly harmful when it enters watersheds from agricultural sites and can lead to adverse human health effects. The edible species of fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus:, is able to paralyze E. coli bacteria and digest their cells from the inside. Small-scale “bunker spawn” experiments were conducted where an E. coli solution was filtered through four test units. This experiment compares two growth media (wood chips and sawdust), and two containing units (burlap and plastic mesh) to find which has the highest E. coli removal rates once inoculated with P. ostreatus: mycelium. Exposure time was manipulated to represent different surface flow conditions. Inoculated burlap and wood chips showed the highest rate of E. coli removal for each exposure time. E. coli removal rates increased with exposure time. The results could aid restoration ecologists in developing the most efficient “bunker spawn” barriers between agricultural point sources of fecal coliforms and nearby bodies of water. These mycological barriers could be placed in areas where runoff collects and pools. They could also be placed within constructed wetlands where manure runoff could be channeled before entering surrounding streams.
Name: Hamblen, Joshua
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Gordon Whitney
Title: White-Tailed Deer and Forests Located Adjacent to Agricultural Crops in Northwestern, PA
Abstract: Browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in agricultural crops is a major problem in Pennsylvania and also the United States. I examined the impact deer have on the tree seedlings in forests located next to these crops at 9 different intervals (10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m) on three different transects. I found that there was a difference (30-55% overall mean browsing rate) where the deer browsed in the forest. The browsing rate was more intense when it was closer to a crop than when the distance was increased away from the crop (P=.0103). White-tailed deer are constantly going to cause crop damage due to the fact that they need the nutritional intake for their diet.
Name: Hanafin, Maggie
Date: January 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Effect of Trophic Status on Unionid Mussels in the Outlets of the 11 Finger Lakes
Abstract: North America supports the richest fauna of freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Unionidae) in the world, with about 300 species and subspecies recorded throughout history. However, unionid mussels are sensitive organisms and have declined rapidly due to pollution, habitat destruction, and exotic mussel invasion. Due to their reliance on suspended particulate matter as food, unionid mussel growth in lake outlet streams should be correlated with lake productivity. To date, there have been no studies that demonstrate a relationship between outflow unionid populations and lake trophic state. The objective of this project was to compare the mussel populations in the outlet streams to the trophic states of the 11 Finger Lakes in western New York. I predicted that lakes with mid-level trophic states would have the highest density and diversity of outlet stream mussels because mid-level trophic lakes should export high amounts of seston, but not so much as to overwhelm the mussels.
Lakes were classified using Carlson’s Trophic State Index based on Secchi depth, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a levels. Mussel surveys in the lakes’ outlets were conducted and live or recently dead unionids were found in six lake outlets. Live mussels were found in Otisco and Honeoye Lakes’ outlets (one and 9 live Elliptio complanata specimens, respectively). None of the trophic state data explained variation in the total number of mussels (p>>>0.05), even when the outlier (Honeoye) was excluded. Additional mussel surveys in the lakes should be completed to draw conclusions regarding trophic status effects on unionid mussel populations.
Name: Hayes, Matthew
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Terry Bensel
Title: Somalia Drought and Pirates
Abstract: Life in Somalia has always been a harrowing experience, basking in the unforgiving heat of the desert, this nation has rarely lasted an extended period of time without experiencing varying degrees of environmental wrath. Early survival was largely based on a mutual respect with the environment as a spiritual and powerful force. Western development paradigms implicitly employ initiatives that, however noble in spirit, endorse a philosophical disconnection from the environment.
Scientists more or less resoundingly agree that the climactic patterns our species has evolved, civilized, and inhabited according to are undergoing a monumental though ambiguous shift. The seas will rise and the climate we know will change. Also part of this hypothesis is that humans or anthropogenic activities are at the root or at least exacerbate these climactic shifts. If we agree that industrial and other environmentally exploitive activities at least exacerbate these climactic shifts, than why, if it assumes the peril of our species, do we continue to do them? The easy though difficult to digest answer is that our entire understanding of civilization and, that, which is civilized, rests on exploiting the environment.
Nations not evolved within the confines of the West’s understanding of progression may serve as a source of hope and a library of knowledge as we try to unravel the paradox of climate change and understand the complex ethical dilemmas therein. This comp seeks to explore that hypothesis using possibly the least developed and most conflict-ridden nation as an example from which to draw from.
Name: Juodisius, Elena
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Caryl Waggett
Title: School Garden Design: A Plan for St. John Nottingham Lutheran
Abstract: School gardens can provide a place for hands-on learning in science, nutrition, art, and writing. Gardens also provide health benefits including a supply of nutritional foods, and can support urban renewal and sustainable agriculture. St. John Nottingham Lutheran School in Cleveland, Ohio was interested in creating a school garden. Elizabeth Stiles, Allegheny class of 2013, and I worked with the school to design an educational garden. We gathered ideas from the principal, teachers, and students. I based the plan on their primary goal of education as an outdoor classroom and a model for future backyard gardens for students and parents. The final product is a guide to the garden, including a design for vegetable and pollinator beds, an infrastructure construction plan, a budget, and a schedule for garden maintenance. The garden was designed to fit the goals while still staying within cost and time limitations. The easiest way to accomplish these goals was to connect with available resources, such as school and church members and local garden experts, who provided materials and guidance, and hopefully long term support for the project.
Name: King, Megan
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, River Branch
Title: Water Fluoridation in Meadville, Pennsylvania: An explanation of what is at risk through film
Abstract: When it was discovered in the early to mid 1940s that there was a positive correlation between increased fluoride amounts in drinking water and better dental health of populations drinking the water, a movement towards fluoridation of public drinking systems became enormously popular (Center for Disease Control, 2001). As of 2010, 72.4% of the US population on community water systems consumed fluoridated drinking water (Center for Disease Control, 2010). The topic of water fluoridation, however, has been and remains to this day a controversial topic. This controversy is rooted in the fact that fluoridation challenges the notion of a public’s right to choice. Additionally, those who dissent water fluoridation often articulate concern of adverse health affects allegedly caused by consumption of fluoride, such as increased cancer rates and fluorosis (Levy and Leclerc, 2012; Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council, 2007). Despite the many endorsements that water fluoridation has achieved on both a local and national levels, skepticism remains.
In the 1960s, Meadville, PA had a public discussion on water fluoridation. This discussion ended with the public water supply remaining unfluoridated. Because of this lack of exposure to fluoride, the entire Meadville community, but specifically the children of Meadville, are placed at unnecessary risk. This increased risk comes from a combination of a lack of exposure to fluoride and limited access to preventative dental care. In turn, the community’s oral health suffers. Access to fluoridated water would decrease the pain associated with the oral health of the Meadville community, specifically the children.
Based on this, it is critical for Meadville’s community members to recognize what is at stake in their community by not providing families with access to fluoridated drinking water. Due to fluoridation’s shaky history in the Meadville community, there is contention as to how to best bring this topic to the public’s attention again. The answer to this is film. Film generates a platform for both debate and conversation. Based on this, this paper asks: can film effectively convey to the Meadville Community what is at risk if their water remains unfluoridated?
Name: Licina, Catherine
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Kelly Boulton
Title: A Guide for Meat Chickens At Ackerman Farm Community Garden
Abstract: Community gardens have been springing up to provide locally and community-produced food. After these vegetable gardens become situated, other additions can be incorporated to diversify production. Meat chickens are an option for an addition to community gardens because of their size, lower cost investment rate compared to other animals, and short production period. There are many guidebooks for raising chickens, but none that are specifically for meat chickens or for community gardens. I compiled information from guidebooks and interviews with local producers in the area to create a how-to guide specifically for Ackerman Farm Community Garden, a satellite program of Creating Landscapes, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. I additionally described the current food system and present lesson plans specifically for raising chickens. I anticipate that this project and guidebook will be used as a resource for the Ackerman Farm Community Garden to provide a source of protein for the families who participate at the garden and an amendment for soil fertility.
Name: Loyacona, Nicholas
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Effects of Land Use On Stream Health Within the French Creek Watershed: Are Macroinvertebrate Indices of Biotic Integrity Indicative of Litter Decay Rates?
Abstract: Biodiversity is a key environmental indicator often used to measure the health, structure, and function of an ecosystem, hence ecosystem services provided to society. It is evident that the diversity, and presumably food-web dynamics and energy metabolism, of detritus-based stream communities are inherently linked to watershed land use. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of catchment-scale land use on species composition of benthic communities in headwater streams. Macroinvertebrates have been shown to respond negatively to catchment degradation, therefore I hypothesized that (1) species diversity (richness) would be greater for reference sites with high catchment forest cover and (2) higher levels of biotic integrity would show greater rates of detritus processing (litter decay rates). During the fall of 2012 – January 2013, leaf packs were secured within streams belonging to separate forest cover categories (high/reference and low/degraded) in order to measure rates of detritus processing and to quantify benthic invertebrate communities.
Although reference sites were shown to differ significantly from degraded sites, there was no observed variation in measured levels of biotic integrity based on total IBI scores. Contrary to expectations, decay rates were negatively correlated with total richness, and did not vary between forest categories. The finding that the biotic integrity of degraded sites was comparable to reference conditions for this particular study suggests that either (1) factors other than (%) percent catchment forest cover have a greater influence on the species diversity, or (2) the land use gradient was not large enough to capture conditions of deteriorating stream health and to observe a catchment-scale land use effect on invertebrate assemblages. Litter decay results of this study are difficult to extrapolate because it is unclear whether k- rates were similar between forest categories due to corresponding biotic integrity (i.e. scores varied between sample types), or an interaction of additional species’ attributes (e.g. identity/abundance).
Name: McCarthy, Rachel
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Eric Pallant
Title: A New Lease on Life: Documenting the Relationship Between Low-Income Landowners and Their Fracking Lease Agreements
Abstract: Hydrofracking has exploded onto the political scene in recent years due to the invention of fracking methods that allow drills to mine for natural gas in places that were, before, inaccessible. This fracking surge has particularly impacted Pennsylvania residents due to the presence of the Marcellus Shale underneath much of the state. Landowners possessing the mineral rights to their land have been approached by hydrofracking companies that seek to lease their land in order to search for and/or drill for natural gas.
This project seeks to understand the leasing agreements between landowners and companies and critically assess the benefits and drawbacks to the formation and implementation of these agreements. It will do so by examining the process of forging a lease agreement, examining common aspects that reappear within leases and by speaking with the leaseholders themselves. Interviews were conducted with the landowners who were leasing or thinking about leasing their land; these personal testimonies were then incorporated into my final project. A website was then created to host my findings. This website serves to provide potential leaseholders with basic information regarding the process and more general information about fracking.
Name: McNary, Kelsey
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Rachel O’Brien, Chris Shaffer
Title: Recommended Surface Casing Depths to Help Prevent Groundwater Contamination from Hydraulic Fracturing in Western Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Abstract: Domestic natural gas exploration has increased significantly in recent years as the United States tries to move away from foreign energy sources. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is an unconventional method commonly used to release natural gas from shale bedrock below the earth’s surface. While there are clear economic benefits from fracking, it also has the potential to cause significant environmental problems, including groundwater contamination. The main way groundwater is contaminated during this process is from fracking fluids and natural gases directly entering the aquifer when oil and gas wells are not cased deep enough to protect freshwater resources.
Fracking has yet to reach Crawford County, Pennsylvania but is expected to do so in the near future. It will be important to protect the Cussewago Sandstone, the most important bedrock aquifer in the region, from contamination once oil and gas exploration resumes within the county. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to combine several geologic maps to show safe casing depths that meet state regulations to prevent groundwater contamination within the study area. The final map provides a method for oil and gas drillers and homeowners to verify if well construction design complies with state regulations.
Name: Mistry, Vira
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Ishita Sinha Roy
Title: Social Media Tactics for Environmental Campaigning to Foster Corporate Social Responsibility: A Greenpeace Case Study
Abstract: The study looks at Greenpeace’s incorporation of social media with its traditional Guerilla activist tactics that strengthens campaigning by creating participatory cultures and as a result cultivating CSR among companies. Looking at Greenpeace’s use of Social Media Activist Tactics, Culture Jamming, Alternative Computing, Commons Knowledge, and Participatory Journalism to mobilize Internet users. In addition, applying Henry Jenkin’s concept of Participatory Culture to understand the user’s role in social media usage to facilitate the campaigns. The success of Corporate Social Responsibility will depend also two criterion, the first being the type of product being sold by the company and second the region that is being affected by the company’s negligent practices. The two campaigns in the study, target Nestlé’s rapid deforestation of Indonesian rainforests and Shell’s Arctic oil drilling projects campaigning. The two campaigns were very successful in creating awareness and rallying users, however while Nestlé’s corporate ethos changed, Shell’s remains intact as they continue their drilling projects.
Name: Morgan, Sarah
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Matt Jadud
Title: Healthy Air in the Home: determining how fine particulate matter disperses within a home
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to (a) determine if the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were raised above ambient air standards inside of a home as a result of several point sources of particulate matter (i.e. tobacco smoke, wood burning stove, and cooking) and (b) how the PM2.5 that was produced by these sources dispersed throughout a home.
Particulate matter monitors were used to measure the PM2.5 concentrations in three homes: A non-smoking home, an outdoor smoking home, and an indoor smoking home that also has a non-catalytic wood burning stove. Average PM2.5 concentrations per day were calculated to compare long-term impacts of point-sources of PM2.5 in the home and the contribution of each source to particulates and air quality.
I found that the non-smoking home had the lowest average daily PM2.5 concentration and the indoor smoking home with a wood burning stove had the highest average PM2.5 concentration. It was also found that cooking was the only single source that drove PM2.5 concentrations over Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ambient air quality standards and that no single event drove PM2.5 concentrations above these standards for more than 38 minutes in any given day.
Name: Napper, Ryan
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Biology / Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Tricia Humphreys, Caryl Waggett
Title: Promotion of Haemophilus ducreyi growth by Mycobacterium smegmatis and the inhibition of growth by redblush grapefruit essential oil
Abstract: Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of chancroid, exhibits several biological trends that could be due to social reinforcement. The existence of reservoir populations in female sex workers seems to coincide with observed pathogenic differences. Biofilm formation, the development of protective extracellular matrices secreted by certain bacteria, remains an understudied area in H. ducreyi that could provide a biological explanation for the epidemiology. Extracellular signaling from other bacterial environmental components, specifically Mycobacterium smegmatis, could induce the formation of biofilms in H. ducreyi or affect its growth. H. ducreyi growth was evaluated in the presence of M. smegmatis secretions and biofilm formation was assessed. M. smegmatis culture supernatant increased the growth rate of H. ducreyi within the first 12 hours of incubation as compared to controls, with a 31% increase observed at 12 hours with 1.56% supernatant introduced. However, it does not significantly affect biofilm formation, although minor differences were observed (p=0.736). In order to provide a viable treatment for the biofilms potentially present in female sex workers, red-blush grapefruit essential oil was also investigated as a sustainable, female-mediated treatment readily available in the chancroid hotspot of Nairobi Kenya. Disc diffusion assays were utilized to demonstrate that the grapefruit oil inhibits growth of H. ducreyi at concentrations of 0.5%, with complete inhibition seen at concentrations as low as 1.56%. Thus, it provides a viable topical treatment and public health intervention for the vulnerable sex worker population, in a male-centric society, as well as potentially eliminating the epidemiological reservoir.
Name: Nelson, Adrienne
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Amara Geffen
Title: The Park: a placemaking project in Meadville, Pennsylvania
Abstract: Placemaking is a process that reconnects people and city spaces. Placemaking processes provide platforms for individuals and communities to redefine the places that exist around them. As a form of urban redevelopment, placemaking is effective in shaping urban environments into ones that last.
Pop-ups are one approach to placemaking. Pop-ups are temporary uses of space that test what a space could be defined as: a restaurant, a performance space, a playground, etc. Effective pop-ups are devised in response to specific challenges or issues for a city or neighborhood. This is an way to approach community challenges by building off of positive community assets rather that starting from scratch. Instead of relying on an outside developer or city government to start “redevelopment” projects, pop-ups and similar placemaking efforts give individuals and communities the opportunity to make decisions and the ability to shape their own urban landscape.
The Park was a pop-up indoor park that opened for one afternoon in February 2013, in an empty storefront, attached to the Academy Theatre, a community supported theater in the Central Business District of Meadville, Pennsylvania. The Park was a response to the need for space in the city to spend free time during the winter, when city parks are not as accessible. The Academy Theatre is a community anchor; I was able to use their help and extra space as support for this project. Community members were invited to help in certain aspects of the project such as decorating and performing and everyone was invited to visit The Park while it was open. The Park was a trial to test feasibility, interest and impact of projects that promote successful places in Meadville.
The Park sparked momentum and an interest from permanent residents in the city to continue to implement placemaking efforts as a way to continue to strengthen the city.
Name: Newbrough, Steven
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Beth Choate
Title: A Life Cycle Analysis of Regional Softwood Lumber Products for Building Sustainable Garden Beds
Abstract: The ability to illustrate sustainability in consumer products has become a significant way to increase competitive advantage. Firms of all types realize the importance of sustainability to the environment and public alike, and practicing environmental stewardship has become commonplace in all types of businesses and organizations. Allegheny College is one such organization vowing to practice sustainability, hoping to reach carbon-neutrality by the year 2020. As a result, it is important that the college utilize sustainable resources wherever possible. As the school renovated its Environmental Science building, Carr Hall, in 2012, it decided to add a garden to reflect characteristics of sustainable practices. The college has selected regional softwood lumber as the material to build raised beds for the garden. This life cycle analysis is designed to assess the college’s choice by comparing the lumber selection to that of an alternative wood product to determine comparative environmental impacts and quantitatively evaluate this choice.
Name: Nuñez, Chloé
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Liz Olson
Title: Role of Social Media in Addressing Patient-physician Interactions Amongst Minority Populations Diagnosed with Lupus
Abstract: The purpose of this research study is to determine perceptions of patient-physician interaction amongst minority patients diagnosed with Lupus. Given the higher prevalence of morbidity and mortality amongst minority populations with lupus this study is used to assess whether social networks can be used as a mechanism to alleviate the health disparity gap witnessed by these demographics. A survey, written in both Spanish and English was administered via Facebook to adults with lupus. Seventy-six participants completed the survey, with 55.3% (n=42) responding in English and 44.7% (n=34) responding in Spanish. While English-speaking respondents did not significantly differ from Spanish-speaking respondents, Spanish-speaking respondents predominately identified as being international, and fewer domestic respondents completed the survey in Spanish, which may have skewed data results. The average respondent age was 35-44. Differences were observed f or classifications by ethnicity; however, data was not significant to present given the limited amount of participants from each ethnic minority group.
On average, respondents were generally satisfied with their health care and used Facebook as a place to relate to other people rather than to seek out health information in regards to lupus. The majority of respondents did not know about lupus prior to being diagnosed implying the need for creating awareness of the disease. Findings suggested that participant’s felt that there was a misconception of lupus and that often symptoms were misunderstood or perceived as being exaggerated. Participants noted that support from their family/friends as well as some religious higher being was the most crucial component in maintaining their disease.
The initial goal of this study was to get a large participant pool of ethnic minorities domestically, however, there was difficulty in obtaining this target group. Other studies have indicated the difficulty in obtaining participants of ethnic minority groups. This study reiterates that difficulty as well as indicates the challenge in collecting accurate data for lupus and in bridging the disparity gap. By addressing the disparity gap at its core issue of cultural competency, it eliminates the need for alternative mechanisms. Social media can be used as source in creating cultural competency.
Name: Ochsenreiter, Amy
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Rich Bowden, President James Mullen
Title: A Green Roofing Material for Historic Bentley Hall
Abstract: The focus of this study was to determine the roofing material to be used in the renovation of Allegheny College’s Bentley Hall. This material must uphold the historic integrity and symbolize the almost 200 years for which it has been Allegheny College’s trademark building, but also a progressive confirmation of the college’s commitment to sustainability. In order to assess this, research was conducted on the history of the building as well as LEED and Historic Preservation standards. After reviewing these three areas, materials were chosen to be analyzed against environmental, historical, durability, and financial factors. Professionals in the green building, historic preservation, and roofing industry along with Allegheny College officials were consulted as well as a literature on materials and their components to obtain this information which was organized into a master spreadsheet. After analysis of all factors, I determined three recommendations: the best overall roof, combining both historic and environmental factors, as well as the best environmental and best historic roofs respectively. It was determined that the metal roof in the slate or shake style would be the best overall option, while the existing slate roof would be the best environmental option and cedar shake the most historic option. From this, it is my recommendation that the roofing material used in the Bentley Hall renovations be the metal roof in either the slate or shake style based on its historic aesthetic appeal and environmental consciousness, as well as its affordable price, taking into account the roof’s estimated lifetime and maintenance.
Name: Rahman, Ahasanur
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Kate Darby
Title: Comparing Two Mediums, Compost and Peat Moss, and Four Different Ratios to Identify an Optimal Seedball
Abstract: This study aimed to identify optimal seedbomb production by means of testing two mediums, compost and peat moss, and different recipes for making the seedbombs. These recipes were collected from seedbomb guidebooks, top-hit blogs and seedbomb retailers. The four recipes were: one part seeds, one part compost, five part clay (1:1:5, Blog: guerillagardening.org); one part seed, three part compost and five part clay (1:3:5, Company: seedsinaball); one part seed, fifteen part compost, thirteen part clay (1:15:13, Book: Seedbombs), and finally one part seeds, one part compost, one part clay (1:1:1, Book: One Straw Revolution). Again, the recipes were tested for compost and peat moss. A control group was direct sowed, of seeds only by scattering seeds in the planters. Three measures of success were tested: percent germination, first true leaves emergence, and dry mass. Two way ANOVA tests were run to test between the two variables, medium and treatments. There was no significant difference in percent germination (p<0.451). Measure of first true leaves emergence found no significant difference between the mediums (p = 0.072). Plant dry mass was significantly different, with peat moss showing lower plant production than compost and control (p < 0.0001). This concludes that the recipes you use have no significant impact on plant success, however, between the two treatments, compost proved to be a better medium than peat moss to use in seedbomb production, as identified by plant growth, not emergence or establishment (first true leaves emergence).
Name: Ream, Kelsey
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science / Biology
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Biogeochemical Cycling and Decomposition: Influence of Fecal Pellet Deposition along White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Trails
Abstract: White-tailed deer create trail systems as they move through forests, along which they alter soil nutrient cycling and vegetation through herbivory and waste deposits. I hypothesized that litter decomposition rates, soil nitrogen (N) and soil carbon (C) content would be higher in trail soil due to the proportionally greater amounts of feces and urine deposited along the trails. I incubated sugar maple, red oak, and mixed litter with varying amounts of white-tailed deer feces for 90 days at 25⁰C in the laboratory. I also collected soil samples on and off deer trails at three forest locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania to examine concentration of inorganic N, total % C, and % N. Litter decomposition rate varied significantly among litter species but not with amount of feces present. Fecal deposit decomposition rate varied with amount of feces but not among litter types. Trail soils showed no differences in inorganic N concentration, % C, o r % N in comparison to non-trail soils. Decomposition data point to the importance of physical disturbance in aiding decomposition. The similarity in soil nutrient content between trail and non-trail soil may be a result of slowed nutrient cycling due to herbivory or related to scaling of trail sampling.
Name: Rodi, Nicole
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Robert Schwartz
Title: Shoreline Changes Associated with Off-shore Breakwaters: Presque Isle, PA
Abstract: In 1992 the Buffalo District Army Corps of Engineers installed 55 rubble mound off-shore breakwaters off the coast of Presque Isle, PA to combat erosion occurring on the neck of the spit. Presque Isle is a huge tourist destination, welcoming over 4 million people a year to the park. The breakwaters were added to Presque Isle to increase berm width of recreational beaches; however the breakwaters are having a visible negative impact on the beaches up drift. To evaluate the effectiveness of the breakwaters to protect the fragile neck and destination beaches of Presque Isle, the shoreline change over time was evaluated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial data was collected from 1939-2010 spanning 70 years of shoreline changes. Presque Isle was split into three zones of interest, one zone with the breakwaters and two natural zones. The breakwaters have successfully decreased erosion rates on the neck where the breakwaters are located, but have caused major erosion and accretion to occur in the natural zones near the tip of Presque Isle. The tip also known as Gull Point is an important habitat for migratory birds and is greatly affected by the shoreline changes occurring from the installation of the breakwaters.
Name: Stiles, Elizabeth
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Liz Olson
Title: The Importance of Nature in Childhood Education: suggested curriculum for successful integration of a lower-elementary garden program.
Abstract: The gaps between social systems and natural systems, between students and nature, and between farm and table, have become increasingly harmful to both childhood developmental health and the health of the environment. In order to alleviate these problems, I set out to create a school garden in the North Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland, with the goal of bringing students into a closer understanding with nature. Elena Juodisius (Allegheny Class of 2013) and I worked with four teachers from St John Nottingham Church and School, and their Principal, Mr. Gregory Kita. I focused on integrating a garden into the lesson curriculum for the Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students, as well creating a management plan that will sustain the garden through the summer months. After reviewing hundreds of online lessons, I selected the ones that will be most helpful to the teachers at St. John based on the categories of; clearness of organization, level of student involvement, and the lesson’s ability to fulfill Cleveland Municipal School District Standards for Education. I summarized the results in tables, which were categorized by the months or season in which those lessons should be used. It is my hope that my work will aid the teachers to successfully integrate their new garden into the curriculum at St. John and thereby ensure the garden’s sustainability.
Name: Tasker, Travis
Date: Spring 2013
Majors: Biology / Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Scott Wissinger
Title: Using carbon substrates for point source acid mine drainage bioremediation
Abstract: The oxidation of sulfide rock by oxygen (occurs at neutral pH) or ferric iron (occurs at a pH below 4.5) results in a mineral rich acidic solution known as acid mine drainage (AMD). One proposed method for preventing AMD is to target the production site by stimulating natural heterotrophic acidophiles that can reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron under low pH and anoxic conditions. Furthermore, the amount of SO42- (acid generating species) produced from AMD can be decreased if the primary oxidant, ferric iron, is limited by heterotrophic growth. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of organic carbon sources, such as glucose, compost leachate, and sucrose, as food sources for stimulating heterotrophic bacterial growth. To do this, flask experiments were used to assess the impact of carbon substrates on microbial growth and iron reduction. I hypothesized that the addition of a carbon source to flask cultures containing heterotrophic and iron oxidizing bacteria (IOB) would stimulate heterotrophic bacteria growth, reducing the IOB’s rate of ferric iron generation. The presence of glucose and sucrose increased heterotrophic growth and reduced iron oxidation, although not fully to the extent that was anticipated; results from the compost leachate were inconclusive. These results suggest that bioremediation through carbon additions could serve as a point source remediation strategy by decreasing the availability of ferric iron (through heterotrophic reduction) for pyrite oxidation. However, because flasks with carbon additions still eventually resulted in complete iron oxidation, additional testing with various carbon substrates and oxygen concentrations needs to be performed. Low oxygen conditions in flask cultures would force the heterotrophic bacteria to use ferric iron instead of oxygen as an electron acceptor in reduction pathways. Locating anoxic AMD environments and sustaining heterotrophic growth through carbon additions is a limitation of this remediation strategy—these factors may influence its effectiveness and feasibility.
Name: Thompson, Brian
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Chris Shaffer
Title: Modeling Groundwater Pollution Potential from Septic System Contamination using DRASTIC Richmond Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Abstract: Groundwater contamination from human activity is a frequent occurrence. Populations that rely on aquifers for drinking water are often unaware that pollutants may exist in the groundwater supplies used in their households. What is more troubling is that these populations may not even realize that they themselves are contributing pollutants to their own groundwater supplies.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, protections for private homeowners’ groundwater resources are nonexistent. These primarily rural populations are forced to use septic systems on their properties, which have a high potential for pollution. In the absence of protective measures, homeowners often respond septic system malfunctions reactively. Therefore, a system may be contributing contaminants consistently to a household’s primary water supply, and a homeowner would never realize it, putting them at risk of health complications.
In order to determine the scale and scope of the problem, modeling spatial conditions is essential. Using the EPA’s DRASTIC method in a GIS, a groundwater pollution potential index map was constructed for Richmond Township, a rural municipality in the heart of the French Creek drainage basin region. The results are intended to provide a resource to municipal planners to identify homeowners whose groundwater supplies and on-lot systems require more frequent management.
Name: Vazquez, Alexa
Date: January 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Kate Darby
Title: An Evaluation of the Urban Riparian Conditions Needed to Sustain Streamside Salamander Populations
Abstract: The effects of urbanization on biological systems are widespread. Increased impervious surfaces, deforestation, and urban infrastructure impact surface water quality and movement and the water systems they enter. Amphibians are good bioindicators of stream health due to their sensitivity to environmental disturbances. There are many factors that influence the suitability of salamander habitat in small streams. The goal of this study was to determine the riparian conditions needed to sustain streamside salamander populations in an urbanized stream and to propose management implications for the city of Meadville. Salamanders and physio-chemical data were sampled in Mill Run, an urbanized stream, once a month from May to August 2012. Sites differed in the extent of urbanization on riparian zones and channel conditions; ranging from in-town altered to tributaries. Salamander counts were most strongly correlated to the location in the watershed and distance from the stream. Therefore, areas with less urbanization effects and more viable habitat out of the stream channel yielded more salamanders. My results suggest that one approach to management would be to provide suitable habitat in urban sites. Since streamside salamanders are an important component of the ecology of small streams, urban restoration of streams should include habitat for both the adult and larval stages of streamside salamanders. To provide suitable habitat in urban sites riparian zone must be expanded, rocks and other adult habitat added to riparian zones, and runoff inputs that cause flashiness limited.
Name: Wade, Shannon
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Beth Watkins
Title: To Frack or Not to Frack: Performance as a Tool for Environmental Activism at Allegheny College
Abstract: Direct action comes in many different forms, from blockading streets to climbing trees to sit-ins. Guerrilla theater and community-based performance are forms of direct action that has been particularly effective in working with affected communities to communicate their stories in a dynamic way. Performance encourages audiences to step back and consider information presented in a different way than they’ve received it before. For this reason, using performance as a tool for presenting contentious environmental issues can be beneficial for stakeholders and concerned community members. Allegheny College was recently approached about exploring the possibility of natural gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in its Bousson Environmental Research Reserve. The Reserve is an off-campus forest that covers 283 acres and includes ponds, streams, and wetlands. At this point, there is little hard evidence to say how fracking would impact the reserve. The question of fracking has quickly become a hot-button topic on campus as faculty and students alike weigh the potential economic benefits of fracking against Allegheny’s reputation as a bastion of sustainability. Using this local environmental issue as a springboard, my thesis combines Augusto Boal’s Theater of the Oppressed techniques, examples of successful pieces of environmental guerrilla performance, public opinions collected through qualitative observation, and data on proven effects of fracking. By drawing from these sources, I worked with and facilitated Allegheny student activists to develop a performance piece based on the Bousson fracking issue. The performance objective was to educate the broader campus community on hydraulic fracturing and the conflict surrounding whether or not to frack at the Bousson Environmental Research Reserve. Through this process, activists engaged with the issue at hand and the community to collectively develop a commentary on the proposal to frack on Allegheny property.
Name: Walker, Bethany
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Chris Shaffer
Title: Site Suitability Analysis for Hydraulic Fracturing in the French Creek Watershed Using a GIS
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to conduct a site suitability analysis for hydraulic fracturing within the French Creek Watershed based on surface characteristics using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). A series of interviews with stakeholders from gas and oil companies as well as environmental organizations were used to evaluate the importance of various surface characteristics when assessing site suitability for hydraulic fracturing in the French Creek Watershed. GIS was used to perform an overlay using land cover type, distance from surface water, distance from existing transportation, and elevation. One map was created showing areas most suitable for fracturing based on industry input and another displayed areas most suitable according to environmental input. The individual maps were then overlaid to show areas that are considered most suitable and least suitable by both sets of stakeholders. The resulting map highlights areas that should be protected from hydraulic fracturing and drilling development while giving insight about which areas could be more appropriate. This map can be used to help plan hydraulic fracturing development through collaboration between the various stakeholders.
Name: Walsh, Collette
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Thomas Eatmon
Title: What Is The Best Business Plan For A Sustainable, Mobile, Fried Chicken Food Truck?
Abstract: Accessibility to quality food for individuals from diverse backgrounds is an issue seen plaguing our society today. Chicken is America’s most consumed meat product, and due to the ample engagement of conventional methods of poultry farming, we are seeing more and more harmful effects on the environment. However, chicken continues to be a favorite food item. As a means of addressing this problem, while keeping in mind the established demand for chicken in America, I have developed a business plan for a sustainable fried chicken food truck which attempts to re-bridge the gap between consumers and their food. This project analyzes three sustainable food businesses, which help shape many of the considerations that were made in the business plan. The deliverable business plan elaborates on all the details required to start a food truck from the initial start-up costs, to the locations of operation, and even the marketing and sales strategy. The business plan concludes that a fried chicken food truck, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will cost $71,545.03 to start up and will begin making a net profit in the first year.
Name: Yan, Eric
Date: Spring 2013
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Effects of Restored Wetland Age on Emergent Macrophyte Diversity, Richness, and Abundance in Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Abstract: Many studies have compared restored wetlands to natural wetlands to gauge project success with results showing natural wetlands having higher quality physical and biological characteristics. These differences have been attributed to ecological maturity and species dispersal limitations. It has been proposed that decades would be required for restored wetlands to show comparative vegetative communities to natural wetlands, or that they may never be comparable. Restored wetlands under the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) are assumed to be hydrologically managed in order to facilitate emergent plant growth and attract migrating and wintering waterfowl. On the contrary, the majority of wetlands in the WRP are unmanaged. This study examined seed bank diversity, species richness, and size of 7 restored wetlands in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. They were divided into age categories based on number of years since construction (1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 11-15 years). Sediment cores were wet sieved and dried, followed by sorting and identifying seeds and achenes to genus. One-way ANOVA showed a positive trend for Simpson Diversity with increasing wetland age. Species richness and seed counts showed negative trends with increasing wetland age. Wetlands were dominated by Eleocharis spp., Carex spp., and Scirpus spp., excellent providers of waterfowl food and cover. Ambrosia spp., Ranunculus spp., and Panicum spp. were more representative of older wetlands, but provide poorer food and cover for waterfowl.