Environmental Science and Sustainability

Title: Yellowtail blue damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema) response to climate change: Impact of temperature on behavior
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Rising ocean temperatures are a major indicator of climate change. Changes in ocean temperature can alter marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, and the organisms that depend on them. Reef fish such as Chrysiptera parasema (yellowtail-blue damselfish) can act as an indicator species for reef health. Understanding how yellowtail damselfish respond to an increase in water temperature is key to examining how climate change can affect marine ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to test yellowtail damselfish aggressiveness in response to an increase in temperature. This study draws on the methods of da Silva Pinto et al. (2020). 7-8 yellowtail damselfish were divided into groups of 2-3 among three tanks. These tanks were subject to temperature change (22℃-26℃) to determine how the fish’s behavior changed throughout the experimental process. Temperature was not found to be a significant factor in yellowtail behavior (p<0.66). However, we did find significance in the type of behavior as temperature increases (p<0.026) as well as a difference between behavior totals (p<0.018). Our analysis emphasizes the importance of studying these interspecies interactions to understand reef fish survivability, thermal tolerance, and ecosystem importance.

Title: “Students Here Care For Other Students”: Student-Run Food Pantries as an Approach to Addressing Collegiate Food Insecurity
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: The decline of secure food systems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic identified the barriers to sufficient food access in the United States. Although this issue existed before the pandemic, these “symptoms” of a broken system increased significantly for communities most vulnerable to food insecurity. Of these populations, college students remain particularly prone to experiencing food insecurity at some point during their time in higher education. Further, low-income college students typically have even less navigational capital than their higher-income peers to persist past these barriers, sometimes forcing them to transfer or even drop out altogether. Seeing as food remains unanimously understood as a necessity for life, establishing access to food is also necessary for providing the conditions needed to function as a well-rounded student. Creating expansive food access programming and resources has proven to be efficient and effective in supporting the needs of low-income students. Through the establishment of a comprehensive Food Resource Center for students through Food Recovery Network processes, I aimed to collect, analyze, and deliver data regarding the influence of accessible food systems on low-income student retention in higher education institutions.

Title: Investigating Small-Scale Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change in Northwestern Pennsylvania: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Pennsylvania has experienced significant temperature increases and precipitation changes since the early 1900s, with projections indicating further warming and increased rainfall by 2050. Projected impacts such as an increase in intense precipitation events and rising temperatures will cause crop damage and an overall decrease in farm production in crops and livestock. In the state of Pennsylvania, agriculture is crucial to the economic and cultural landscape. Farmers in this region are disproportionately impacted by climate change, yet their perspectives often remain understudied. By conducting a focus group of four small-scale farmers from Crawford County, this study highlights the nuanced insights into farmers’ risk perceptions, adaptation strategies, and willingness to engage in climate change efforts. These findings highlight the complex relationship between climate change impacts, local food production, and farmers’ perceptions while providing insights and strategies for promoting sustainability within food systems. Future research should explore the viability of farmers’ proposed solutions for addressing climate issues, examine the long-term effects of changing weather patterns on ecosystem biodiversity, evaluate the effectiveness of small-scale farmers’ adaptation strategies, and continue exploring climate perceptions within underrepresented communities.

Title: Reducing the Energy and Cost Burden in Meadville, Pennsylvania’s Rental Sector: What national and state programs can renters utilize themselves?
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: This project looked into the residential sector of Meadville, Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan, more specifically the rental sector of the plan. The main goal of this project was to determine the state and federal programs that renters can utilize to reduce their monthly costs of living and renting as well as their energy burden. I have looked at the actions that have been proposed as well as the equity benefits that have been listed in the Climate Action Plan. After looking at the equity of the plan as well as the demographics of Meadville, I determined if the programs chosen will be effective in reducing costs, emissions, and the energy burden in Meadville, Pennsylvania. After having determined the effectiveness of each of the programs, I had developed a pamphlet with a short description of each program as well as the criteria that must be met in order to apply for the program. The pamphlet will be distributed to local businesses and organizations in Meadville, Pennsylvania in order to reach the maximum number of residents. The distribution of information is necessary, as most residents who are renting their place of living are not aware of the programs they may be eligible to partake in.

Title: Children’s Book: A Story on Water Waste and Filtration
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Environmental topics are often not made digestible for the general public, especially children. This is often due to the closed off nature of the sciences, and the focus on objectivity over ease of comprehension and entertainment. Due to this, and the anxiety and stress that is often associated with environmental issues, these topics are not easy on children emotionally and mentally. By using the power cuteness has on invoking feelings of compassion, empathy, and love, along with a narrative based story, not only can children be eased into and encouraged to learn about environmental science, but they can also more effectively retain the information delivered to them. This project aims to first review available literature on children’s books, their impact, their importance, and their place within the conversation of Environment Science and stewardship. I then review existing children’s books in order to ultimately create my own children’s book on the topic of water waste and its filtration. The book follows the story of a young child in the city as they embark on a journey with their new cute and whimsical friend and explore their relationship with water. The goal is to teach children about a complicated issue in a lighthearted and digestible way, while also addressing an overlooked demographic when it comes to children’s books and Environmental Science, as experienced and felt personally.

Title: Effects of meteorological conditions on waterfowl population and intake reasons: measured by rehabilitation center data
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Aquatic environments are at great risk because of global climate change and the associated warming of atmospheric temperatures. Freshwater ecosystems are experiencing changes in temperature and volume of water. These fluctuations of physical properties impact organisms that rely on freshwater ecosystems. Waterfowl are a group of bird species that spend most of their life in these habitats and depend on the health of the ecosystem for food, safety, and nesting. Waterfowl that are ill or injured may be taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation program. Wildlife rehabilitators are important in the conservation of these species and have records of waterfowl intakes dating back for decades. Using these records, changes in temperature and precipitation can be linked to the population and health of waterfowl in the area. In this study, 19 species of waterfowl and 3,465 records from the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center in Northern Ohio were used to determine if these shifts in meteorology could explain variations in species composition, intake reason, and age. It was found that temperature is a better indicator of waterfowl intakes with the variable being able to explain 21% of variation in species composition, 15% of variation in intake reason, and 24% of variation in age of waterfowl. Mallard, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck were the species most commonly taken in. The most common reason for intake was being orphaned, hit by a car, or injured by something unknown. For age, nestlings were most commonly taken in. I aim to provide a foundation for the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center’s rehabilitation program going forward, with the impacts of climate change on waterfowl in mind.

Title: Joey in the Forest: How a Television Show can help Prepare our Future for System Change
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Capitalism values the Earth through a lens of monetary potential. This, combined with capitalism’s growth imperative has lead to the destruction and wasting of our natural resources leading to the climate crisis we face today. This way of interacting with the world is ingrained within the minds of Americans because it is essential to survival in capitalist life. This project identifies this problem while addressing it through a television show designed to attack this worldview of exploitation. The show seeks to offer discussion on how capitalism impacts the earth while offering alternative systems of value through interconnection and inherent value. I have written the pilot episode, outlined the rest of the season, and prepared a pitch of the show for this project. Goals were created to make sure my goal accomplishes what it seeks to do. My show, titled Joey in the Forest, accomplishes these goals to varying degrees. Interconnection and inherent value are portrayed well, but the relationship between capitalism and the earth could be stronger. The show does do a good job of attacking the thought processes behind capitalism, though. Through watching my new show, my audience of 13-16 year olds will learn ways of valuing the world and be able to think beyond capitalism, creating a future population more ready for necessary system change.

Title: Driven by Nature: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Messaging in Ford and Subaru’s Advertising Landscape
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of environmental messaging in the advertising strategies of automotive giants Ford and Subaru, spanning from 2000 to 2022. Through a comparative examination of their commercials, the study explores how these brands position themselves in relation to nature and environmental consciousness. While Subaru emphasizes empathy and social responsibility, particularly through its poignant portrayal of shelter dogs with special needs in its 2022 commercial, Ford takes a historical narrative approach, celebrating its role in American progress in its 2020 advertisement. Despite differences in tone and messaging, both brands subtly convey their stance on environmental issues, reflecting their unique brand identities and target demographics. This paper highlights the evolution of environmental messaging in automotive advertising and its implications for consumer perceptions and brand loyalty. Through an analysis of Subaru’s trajectory towards emphasizing empathy and social responsibility, and Ford’s focus on dominion, American heritage, and rugged individualism, the study reveals how these brands have adapted their advertising strategies to align with shifting cultural values and consumer preferences over the years. Ultimately, the study sheds light on the complex interplay between advertising narratives, brand positioning, and environmental consciousness in the automotive industry.

Title: Planting the seeds of food security In Meadville, PA through food forestry
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Food insecurity is a problem in Meadville, Pa. Poverty is experienced at a higher rate than the national average and food deserts limit the variety and quality of food in the city. Relying on modern agriculture does not yield sustainable results and rates of food insecurity are likely to increase. The proposed alternative, food forests, are more resistant to the effects of climate change and are better able to combat food insecurity. Food forests can be of public service through the provision of sufficiently diverse nutrients, communal and mental benefits of greenspaces, and the targeting of the root causes of food insecurity. The aim of this comprehensive project is to create a design for a food forest in Meadville, PA. The final deliverable will be the ability to use this paper as directions for the creation of a food forest that can directly fulfill the four pillars of food security; availability, access, utilization and stability.

Title: Biofertilization and Biofortification of Allium porrum through Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi across a Compost Gradient
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: The relationship between crop plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been extensively studied due to their positive impact on plant growth and yield. There are fewer studies that investigate the effets of AMF on crop nutrient density. This experiment aimed to determine the effects of an arbuscular mycorriza R. irregularis and varying levels of compost addition on leek nutrient density and growth in greenhouse conditions. Height was taken prior to harvest while mass and nutrient analysis were done post harvest. There was no significant difference in height or mass between leeks grown with and without AMF. Compost addition did significantly increase both height and mass, however leeks did not reach market size. ICP-MS nutrient analysis revealed that AMF had no effect on the concentration of micronutrients significant to human health found in leeks, however compost addition significantly increased micronutrient concentrations. Nutrient analysis revealed that AMF had no effect on the concentration of most heavy metals found in leeks, however compost addition significantly decreased heavy metal concentrations. The concentration of silver significantly decreased with AMF addition, which may point to AMFs ability to sequester heavy metals. In contrast, aluminium concentration increased with AMF addition in high-compost media. Further research should consider expanding the compost gradient in order to better understand the nutrient limitations of R. irregularis. In addition, the nutrient composition of the media should be analyzed prior to planting the leeks to ensure there are not high concentrations of heavy metals. The effects of AMF on heavy metal sequestration could also be further investigated, particularly in the case of aluminium.

Title: Solar Design with Integrated Native Landscaping for Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Land used for golf courses faces environmental degradation despite efforts to make the sport more environmentally friendly. Golf courses consume a lot of land so when one such as the Hailwood Golf Course in Meadville, PA closes, it provides an opportunity for more sustainable development to help negate the environmental impacts they have caused. If a golf course was retrofitted into a solar farm, it could provide power to large energy demands such as those from educational institutions. Solar farms also have environmental impacts, specifically on biodiversity so the implementation of native vegetation could help address their impacts on biodiversity. The aim of this project is to create a solar design with integrated native landscaping to see if it would be feasible for Allegheny College. There were four main phases to this project: developing the solar design, developing a native landscaping plan, calculating costs, and drafting the final recommendation. The solar design was completed in the Open Solar application and the native landscaping plan was developed through online research and selection of seeds from Ernst Seeds. The cost calculations included the total cost of the project, annual savings, payback period, and return on investment. Payback period and return on investment (ROI) were used as the criteria to determine if the project should be recommended. The Hailwood Golf Course solar design resulted in a payback period of 15.2 years and an ROI of 6.59% which were both outside the qualifying criteria for this project to be recommended to Allegheny College. While the solar design is not recommended based on Allegheny’s current energy budget, it could be recommended with additional grant funding.

Title: Mapping Marsh Marvels: A GIS Approach to Locating Least Bittern Habitat in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: As the smallest member of the heron family, the Least Bittern is often overlooked and pushed aside as not as important as these other species. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Playing a direct role in their native ecosystems these birds provide the ever-important ecosystem functions of nutrient cycling and population control. Pushed out of their wetland nesting sights due to urban expansion and resource extraction, this species is losing the fight to human development throughout Pennsylvania. Utilizing GIS this study sought to identify wetlands within the PA Fish and Game Commission Wildlife Management Unit 1B. To do so aerial photography was leveraged to conduct manual delineations separating each wetland by its vegetation type. Utilizing the amount of each vegetation type within the wetlands an analysis was undertaken to produce the likely, possible, and unlikely habitable wetland categories. A resulting map was generated to highlight where and which wetlands were the best for least bittern habitat needs. The resulting data found that 83.7% of wetlands within the study region were unlikely habitable because they were forested wetlands. A recommendation was made for more in-depth research into the likely habitable wetlands to determine exact nest sites. As well as conservation improvements for the unlikely habitable wetlands. Utilizing the resulting data from this study the secretive least bittern habitat can be understood and by using the recommended wetlands can be better monitored to ensure the future of this species’ health in Pennsylvania.

Title: Micro Mobility Solutions: Case Studies and Strategies for Active Transportation on Allegheny College Campus
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: This research paper looks into how installing a solar-powered e-bike charging station could promote active commuting while lowering carbon emissions. Walking and bicycling have positive effects on the environment and human health, yet vehicle dependency is still common in many places, mostly because of societal norms and prioritized infrastructure. This study examines the problems with car-centric urban design and emphasizes how car emissions harm the environment and public health. The potential for active transportation options, such as micro-mobility projects, and bike-sharing services, to influence people to choose more environmentally friendly forms of transportation is examined under a smaller scope. This study highlights the effective strategies for promoting eco-friendly mobility options by analyzing case studies of successful active transportation projects, such as the Bird and Lime scooter programs, as well as university-based initiatives like the University of Tennessee’s solar-powered bike vending machine and Portland State University’s E-bike rental program. Furthermore, this study breaks down the process of planning and executing the construction of an e-bike charging station powered by solar energy at Allegheny College, with a focus on factors like cost, aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Overall, this study intends to give a guide for developing sustainable transportation infrastructure that promotes active mobility while helping in efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by combining insight.

Title: Ground Cover Under Tree Canopies on the Allegheny College Campus: Assessment and Recommendations
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Landscaping for several decades has been dominated by two main forces, grass and mulch. When looking into common patterns in landscaping it will almost always be seen as the recommendation of one of these two components in your garden or green space. Urban green spaces are dominated by grass, with approximately 75% of the spaces having a high majority of grass and mulch. Allegheny College is following these common trends and has very high percentages of both materials on campus. This is an issue because grass and mulch are not the ideal option that should be used. There are several disadvantages to using high percentages of both materials. Grass has many issues with input versus output returns and for mulch, many of the disadvantages come from improper application methods. Some of the most critical areas in a forest are under the canopy of the trees. Here there is a convergence of many different living organisms, not only the trees and plants but additionally mammals, birds, and insects. The area under the canopy of a tree has great potential to have very high levels of biodiversity. The variety of the plants in this area is a stable indicator of the animal or insect species diversity in the area. Essentially the more variety in plants in this area then the better the levels of biodiversity there will be. My goal of this project was to create an under canopy planting guide, and replace portions of mulch and grass under the tree canopies with native vegetation. I gathered information on estimated canopy area and mulch size on the main campus which I then coupled with a plant recommendation list and long-term management guide. Increasing the rates of native vegetation will promote higher levels of biodiversity, in both plant and animal populations. The transition to native plants is also more cost effective than the current mulching protocol. Finally this plan will allow Allegheny College to align themselves more closely with our overall sustainability goals.

Title: Linking Food Security to the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review of Food Accessibility and Overall Health
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: My research addresses the negative impact that food insecurity can have on health, specifically in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Research has shown that Inflammatory Bowel Disease can be greatly impacted by diet where certain foods may trigger inflammation and further complications of the disease, or they may help reduce or even prevent inflammation in the gut. Unfortunately, nutritious foods needed to adhere to a healthy diet and life are not always accessible. The lack of access to enough food for a healthy life is known as food insecurity. Low-income and BIPOC communities are disproportionately impacted by this problem. Knowing that diet has proven to be a factor in IBD and that specific communities are more susceptible to food insecurity, I decided to explore if there is a connection between dietary limitations due to structural and socioeconomic factors and the development of IBD. I found that food insecurity is connected to other barriers such as biases based on weight and race as well as poverty. All of these things are interconnected and impact one another. In conclusion, food insecurity does play a role in the development of IBD and it is an underrecognized problem. I use Meadville as an example to highlight how common these issues are and to address that we have these issues locally in our community.

Title: The Right Place for Right Whales
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) are a critically endangered species of whale found primarily in the coastal waters of North America. Due to high amounts of human activity in these waters, ship strikes are one of the leading causes of death for NARW. Using a GIS based multi-criteria analysis, risk of ship strikes with NARW was evaluated by utilizing weighted linear combination and analytical hierarchy process. In the study region, only .02% of the study region was found to be at the highest risk of ship strike. These areas of highest risk were concentrated around areas where ship traffic was highly concentrated, NARWs are present, and there are no speed limits present. Areas with these qualities typically occurred around major port cities like Boston. Due to these areas not being within protected areas, it is recommended that these areas be at the highest priority when considering adding and expanding protected areas for NARWs.

Title: Road Salt Utilization: Effects on Freshwater Ecosystems in Northwest Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: The goal of this comp project was to conduct a study to determine whether or not chloride levels present in streams of Meadville, Pa, Mill Run and Dick Run were higher before or after the winter months. The approach for this project was to collect water samples from both streams (Dick and Mill Run) and test for the chloride levels present in each sample from a total of eight sample sites between each stream which included: HP Way Park, the Ravine Parking Lot, behind the Delt House, Dick Run Stewart Lot, the intersection of North Street and Liberty Street, Walgreens, the Meadville Library, and Meadville Medical Center. A total of two water samples were collected from all eight sites from October 2023 – January 2024. The data was then presented in a google spreadsheet showing the average level of chlorides present within the two waterways for the two samples collected each month. Then this data was compared to the EPA standards to determine if the chloride levels present within the waterways are considered toxic.

In the findings of this research project, the results showed that chloride levels specifically within the month of December were higher for the stream Dick Run. Furthermore, Dick Run exceeded EPA standard limits multiple times in areas that surrounded Allegheny College. This was not the case for the stream Mill Run, as results showed that Mill Run chloride levels throughout the entirety of this study never exceeded levels higher than 100 ppm.

Title: Weed’s for Smokin,’ Water’s for Fightin’ Over: An examination of the water demands of marijuana and impacts of federal legalization
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Legalization of marijuana is an ongoing conversation at all levels of government as states continue to legalize medical and recreational marijuana and the federal government has begun approach reform, however there is little research of data concerning the needs of marijuana as a commercial crop, particularly the water demand. This project conducted an analysis of existing data on the water needs of marijuana and applied it to a hypothetical market in the state of Idaho, developed by comparing the markets of other western states that have long allowed for both medical and recreational marijuana. The hypothetical market was divided by counties based upon agricultural output and further analysis of water use focuses on two counties in the southeastern portion of the state in order to compare marijuana’s water to existing diversions from the Snake River, which operates under the prior appropriation water doctrine. While marijuana has a high water demand, this hypothetical market requires relatively little in comparison to what is being cultivated now, however, the Snake River is overallocated and continuing current patterns could result in severe ecosystem damage, especially as it pertains to the salmon that have historically spawned in the Snake River. Legalization of marijuana provides an opportunity to reshape water policy to create systems that better support both agriculture and wildlife.

Title: Designing an Artistic Moss Garden for Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Date: Spring 2024
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science & Sustainability
Abstract: Forest bathing is the practice of consciously spending time in nature, not to partake in any activities, but to simply exist and take in one’s surroundings. Grounding or earthing is simply sustaining direct physical contact with the ground. It has been shown to regulate the body’s functions by syncing it to the Earth’s circadian rhythms. Both grounding and forest bathing have been found to help people with anxiety/stress, depression, inflammation, blood pressure, and many other mental and physical health benefits. In this project I examine how these nature-based practices can be made more inviting, accessible, and comfortable to people, particularly overly-stressed college students. This was done by designing moss gardens that are not only functional seating areas, but are also works of calming art in themselves. The first model features a seating area that positions two people facing each other in reclined and attached lounge chairs. The second model features a single large round seating area surrounded by patches of circular moss stepping “stones” on the ground. The final models are harmoniously flowing, relaxing designs. These designs successfully model a space that could become a garden that helps visitors relax, reflect on their relationship with nature, and enjoy the benefits of Shinrin-Yoku and grounding.