Environmental Science and Sustainability

Abbott, Jordan

Title: Where can community gardens be located in Dunkirk, New York to best benefit its residents?
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Kate Darby, Chris Shaffer

Abstract: Rust belt cities have underwent great decline within the United States. Many Rust Belt cities have noticed the trend and are currently working to lure minority populations, baby boomers, and Generation Y into city cores through rebranding entirely or by recognizing assets and making adjustments to planning and goals. These populations understand the improved quality of life that can come about in a city core when compared to suburban places.

Dunkirk, NY is a rust belt city that is looking to turn around its reputation and attract these populations albeit with very limited funds. An improved quality of life is one way to make a place more attractive and is entirely possible through the creation of community gardens. This project will use GIS technology and input gained from multiple community groups to determine the optimal place for community gardens.

Through incorporating data gained from other projects it was determined that approximately .22 miles of the city are extremely suitable for urban gardens. Each site differs in size and shape, but many tracts have been identified that would reach out to populations that currently do not have access to gardens. The project results are to be presented to the area government and its citizens in the hope that these gardens will be developed.

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Abbott, Justin H.

Title: Allegheny College Biodiesel Initiative: The Feasibility of Campus Biodiesel Production and Use
Date: Spring 2006
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Jim Palmer

Abstract: Biodiesel is a renewable alternative energy source produced by reacting vegetable oil in the presence of methanol and a catalyst. Biodiesel can be made safely using liquid processing equipment, it can be used in any diesel engine with no modification, and it can be blended with petroleum diesel in any ratio. In addition, biodiesel yields certain environmental advantages compared with petroleum diesel. This project establishes the basis for building a mobile biodiesel processing unit at Allegheny College to recycle waste vegetable oil from campus dining halls and Meadville area restaurants into biodiesel for use in Allegheny College Physical Plant diesel equipment.

A feasibility study was performed to examine the economics associated with building and operating a 100-gallon capacity biodiesel processor on campus. This study found that a reactor could be constructed for approximately $3,000 with an annual operating cost of approximately $5,000. Compared with the current price Allegheny College pays for petroleum diesel, it is found that over half of the petroleum diesel fuel used in campus diesel equipment could be replaced with biodiesel for an additional cost of $0.51 per gallon. The potential for production and use of biodiesel will serve as a valuable educational model and will help promote sustainability and energy independence at Allegheny College.

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Adamonis, Anastasia

Title:
Date: 1997
Major(s):
Thesis Committee:

Abstract:

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Adams, Matt T.

Title: A Case History of Applying Basic Wetlands Ecology to Restoration Work: The Plum Creek Wetlands Mitigation Project
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Terry Bensel

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to design and construct an ecologically sound restoration wetlands to mitigate a jurisdictional encroachment. The Plum Creek Wetlands Mitigation Project consists of an old agricultural field in a county park that is a holding of the Medina County Park District, Medina County, Ohio. A portion of the site will be restored to satisfy mitigation requirements associated with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Ohio EPA permits. The mitigation specifics had been negotiated with the regulatory agencies as an off-site, out-of-kind, construction/restoration. Based on the current ecological and regulatory literature and practices, I designed a conceptual plan to accomplish the requirements set forth by the regulatory agencies. This plan included: 1) goals/objectives for the type of wetlands, 2) construction design, 3) planting/seeding specifications, and 4) a five-year monitoring program. The construction plan called for 3.5 acres of shallow, seasonally inundated meadow that will eventually develop into wooded wetlands. The site currently has patches of herbaceous wetlands vegetation with adjacent existing wooded wetlands as seed source for colonization. The mitigation plan also includes a planting program of herbaceous and woody hydrophytes. A monitoring schedule was created to assess the short and long-term success of the project. Basin excavation occurred in November 2003 and planting will proceed in spring 2004. The project provides a case history of how an understanding of basic information about wetlands ecology can be used in applied restoration work.

This senior project was supported in part by the Class of 1939 Senior Research Fund.

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Adick, Katherine E.

Title: Barriers to Vegetarianism: Food Culture and Preferences versus Health and the Environment
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Giovanna Di Chiro

Abstract: Vegetarianism is beneficial to both human health and the environment. Eliminating meat from one’s diet can reduce the risk of afflictions such as heart disease and certain types of cancer, as well as decrease the considerable amount of water, land, and energy used in the production of meat. However, America’s dominant “meat advocating culture” has prevented vegetarianism from becoming a prevalent lifestyle. From childhood to old age Americans are made to believe that meat is what makes a meal, and without it one is not eating properly. Discussion groups comprised of Allegheny College students supported much of the literature on this topic, but not on questions concerning vegetarianism. For instance, vegetarians being viewed as “radical” or “different” was mentioned several times in the literature, yet discussion participants claim to view vegetarians no differently than meat-eaters. There are a multitude of reasons as to why more people are not vegetarian, with comfort (habit) and convenience, as well as familial, cultural, and societal influences being among some of the most pervasive.

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Adler, Peter

Title: An Examination of Anti-Predator Defense Mechanisms of Bryospilus repens in Shallow Fishless Wetlands
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky & Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Little is currently known about the predator avoidance tactics of B. repens in northwestern Pennsylvania wetlands. The present study examines the anti-predator defense mechanisms, and the energy tradeoffs these defense mechanisms require, of B. repens in northwestern Pennsylvania wetlands. To compare these defense behaviors, a group of 10 B. repens were exposed to A. junius (a large visual predator), a second group of 10 B. repens were exposed to C. americanus (a small tactile predator), a third group of 10 B. repens were exposed to both A. junius and C. americanus, and a final group 10 B. repens were not exposed to any predators and served as a control. The predator exposure was indirect and occurred through a water transfer of the predators’ karimones. As predicted, exposure to the karimones from A. junius resulted in B. repens remaining small compared to the other three study settings. Contrary to expectations, B. repens that were exposed to A. junius developed no distinguishing structural defenses (i.e., increase in helmet size). Also contrary to expectations, the presence or absence of predators had no effect on B. repens’ reproduction numbers or quickness to reproduce. These findings indicate that B. repens remain small and choose to conserve energy, rather than develop specialized defense responses, when the large predator is nearby. In contrast, when a small predator exists, the B. repens’ best survival strategy is to grow at the normal rate and develop the normal body structure as mandible size is preventing predation. Together, these results help shape understanding of the population dynamics of wetland species.

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Aglio, Jonathan M.

Title: Title: Fertilizer Application and Agricultural Soils: Developing Optimum Application Rates of Fertilizers
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mark Lord and Dr. Jim Palmer

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to examine how nitrogen fertilizer rates and watering rates affect the concentrations of NO3 in leachate from soil. It was hypothesized that NO3 concentrations in the leachate would decrease and plant biomass would increase as fertilizer splits and watering frequencies were increased. A soil leaching column was used to simulate field conditions. The nitrogen fertilizer was applied at the rate of 80 Mg~ha and winter rye was used as the cover crop. This rate was broken down into one application, three applications, and five applications. After the experiment ran for both fifteen and thirty days, NO3 concentrations, plant biomass, and total soil nitrogen values were obtained.
The NO3 concentrations of the leachate were statistically different between all treatments for both experiments which support the hypothesis, but the same analysis shown no statistical difference between the treatments for plant biomass. Differences found in the soil nitrogen proved that the hypothesis was incorrect, since the nitrogen in the soil acted like a sink there was still the potential for it to be leached out, thus equaling the leachate values. In conclusion the type of vegetation and fertilizer splits used did not develop an optimum application rate that lowered NO3 concentrations in leachates.

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Akeem, Adesiji

Title: Building Political Will for a Pro-Environment President
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Christopher Finaret

Abstract: The United States (US) has the knowledge and power necessary to spark a new global revolution towards a low carbon future that works for everyone. At the moment however, the US federal government is sitting as a major roadblock to any major global effort to address climate change. In the US, climate change is a politically divisive issue falling generally along party lines. This paper focuses on finding a way to build political will for a pro-environment candidate in the swing states of Michigan and Pennsylvania. We use case studies from successful pro-environment candidates in similar areas and read into the changing role of social media in elections to create a climate communication plan for the 2020 Democratic candidate. The results highlight some of the shortcomings of the candidates from the case studies, but also provide valuable lessons that have been incorporated into the communication plan. The plan I propose is a general guide that aims to help politicians overcome the political divisions created around climate change to create the political will for a president who will lead the world towards a low carbon future.

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Akrish, Shiri

Title: What Does It Mean to Be Green?
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Thomas Eatmon

Abstract: Approaching Environmental Science through Teen Culture and Media As the media continues to change its representation of important environmental issues, teenage and pre-teen students are becoming increasingly apathetic and distanced from their environmental classes. Young students have difficulty relating their daily routines to environmental concerns and often believe that they do not directly affect the environment (and vise versa). The culprit of this confusion is closely related to the way students learn about environmental studies and science in the classroom. The research in this paper looks to answer the important question: “Can an environmental program that uses media and teen culture become a successful teaching resource?” The research was conducted on a class of 14 middle school students enrolled in Allegheny College’s Gifted and Talented Science Immersion Program. The course syllabus and other materials were then converted into a website for high school and middle school teachers. By combining important environmental concepts with media and teen culture trends gathered from class discussion and student surveys, a positive teaching environment in which both students and teachers enjoy sharing ideas and learning from one another was created. The “What Does it Mean To Be Green” website serves as an outstanding educational resource that provides all the tools, activities, and lesson plans necessary for these teachers to start (or improve) their own environmental curriculum.

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Albrecht, Jeff

Title: Developing a Better Approach to Ecological Projection Models Using a GIS-Based Mechanistic Model Framework
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Chris Shaffer & Benjamin Haywood

Abstract: There is an increasing societal need to develop better strategies for managing our habitats and ecosystems that are threatened by climate change. In a world where our past is no longer a clear guide to our future, our ability to model and anticipate the effects of climate change on our ecosystems is more critical than ever. Commonly used ecological projection models have been useful in projecting how habitat ranges of species will shift due to climatic variables, however these models have many downfalls. This paper proposes a new GIS-based mechanistic ecological projection model that overcomes these downfalls and operates as a decision support tool for scientists and policy makers. The proposed model was created in ArcGIS Desktop 10.3 using the model builder capability and utilizes fuzzy membership classification combined with data from standard climate change models to create multiple habitat suitability indexes (initial and projected) which assign temporally changing suitability scores to anticipate how climate change will affect species habitat. For example, an area that originally receives a high suitability score but a low suitability score in a future year represents an area where habitat for the respective species is being degraded. The initial and projected suitability indexes were overlaid in the GIS to spatially display how habitats of the three modelled species will change. These results are then discussed with respect to the underlying assumptions of the model framework and take into consideration environmental, biological, and anthropogenic variables that exist outside of the model. In this way, the model results are used to suggest conservation and management decisions.  

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Alcorn, Jeremey Michael

Title: Study of Potential Shortcomings on the United States Government Regulatory Risk-Assessment and Risk-Management For Genetically Engineered Crop Cultivars
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science, Political Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Mike Maniates, Scott Wissinger, Howard Tamashiro

Abstract: The US biotechnology risk assessment, risk management, and regulatory framework may have critical shortcomings, which could result in compromises in public safety and welfare. Understanding the magnitude of these shortcomings is necessary to determine whether such problems endanger the public. Briefly examining these processes reveal the current limitations and dynamics inherent in the current frameworks.

Genetically engineered crop cultivars such as Bacillus thuringiensis corn and herbicide resistant soybeans provide case studies of potentially dangerous products that have undergone the scrutiny of this flawed system. These case studies show that this regulatory process failed to recognize two serious problems in both products. Therefore, the shortcomings in the regulatory process have become critical and need to be remedied. Recommendations are provided to address major shortcomings in the current framework such as research scope limitations, objectivity weaknesses, and regulatory fragmentation. Other prescriptions are also included to address the broader political, social, and economic issues involved with genetically engineered crop cultivars. The significance of these implications calls us to question the long-term viability and safety of our vulnerable food system, especially when faced with the political power struggle between corporations and the general public. Powerful political forces may be impetus behind these failures where the science and regulation have been manipulated via the shortcomings in the regulatory processes. These forces are explored and recommendations are proposed to help promote a more mutually beneficial dynamic for all stakeholders.

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Aldana, Carla

Title: Ethnographic Study on Community Leaders’ Perception on Environmental Issues in Waukegan, Illinois
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Bethurem & Dr. Emily Yochim

Abstract: Waukegan, Illinois is located north of Chicago and has a population of 87,700 people, with 55.4% being Hispanic or Latino, and 17.3% being African American (Census, 2018). Waukegan is racially and ethnically diverse community generally seen as a low-income commu8nity as well (Census, 2018). Through the long history of environmental justice problems such as Johns Manville asbestos disposal into the lake, the coal-fired power plant, the various Superfund sites, as well as Ethylene Oxide from factories (Link, 2019, NAACP, n.d,), it is necessary to understand how community leaders are approaching and solving the issues. In this study, I conducted an ethnography by interviewing community leaders in Waukegan who are providing resources and plans to improve the environmental conditions in Waukegan. I also engaged in participant observations at public meetings and events in Waukegan to fully understand what is being discussed in the community concerning the environment. After coding process, findings included understanding Latinx communities, knowing what community organizing includes, as well as how to work with local government or national organizations when solving environmental issues. The issues leaders are most concerned about are recognizable in other fields that work with Latinx populations as well as justice communities.

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Alexander, Scott J.

Title: Effects of Agricultural Land Use on Water Quality in Small Streams of the French Creek Watershed, Northwestern, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Many studies have shown degradation of water quality as a result of agricultural land use, however, few studies have examined specific land use-water quality linkages in small, homogeneous basins. Such studies may be used to establish well defined relationships between land use and water quality at the local level, which may be used to develop informed land use planning.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between small scale agriculture and water quality in eight small basins (average area=6.25 kin2) within the French Creek watershed. Land use was isolated as the primary variable between two groups of four basins: 1) the low forested group (four basins averaging 35% forested area, and 65% non-forested area and 2) the high forested group (four basins with approximately 65% forested area and 35% non-forested area). Basins were sampled for six water quality parameters during flow conditions ranging from baseflow to stormflow: suspended solids, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, temperature, pH, and conductivity.

The low forested basins exhibited lower water quality at stormflow and at baseflow. Effects of land use under stormflow conditions were marked by significantly higher concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids; and at baseflow by significantly higher levels of nitrogen and conductivity. Basins of the low forested group also exhibited less balanced regimes of flow, marked by increased discharge per unit area during a storm event and lower average discharge during a period of baseflow.

The rate of export of phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids were estimated for each group of basins under different flow conditions. Rough estimates found that, during a stormflow event, the additional 30% of cleared land in low forested basins was responsible for 93% of the suspended solids, 91% of the phosphorus and 87% of the nitrogen export. By the same method, at baseflow, the additional 30% of cleared land in low forested basins resulted in a 27% increase in the rate of nitrogen export. These differences are attributed to physical alteration of the system, resulting in less stable soils and less balanced regimes of flow, and increased nutrient input due to over application of commercial fertilizer and manure.

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Allston, Laura

Title: The Path to Wellness: The Design of a Restorative Green Space at Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr. Eric Pallant

Abstract: Green spaces are very important to the health of individuals across the globe. Sights, sounds, and the feeling of nature can prove to improve the physical, mental, and social health of the human race. Due to these benefits to health, a green space was designed on the campus of Allegheny College to the left of the Pelletier Library, 336 East College Street, Meadville, PA, 16335. A survey was distributed to the students of the college through a Google Form, from which 70 responses were collected. The survey questioned students desires within a green space, as well as how an additional space would impact their health. From the survey, 72.9% of students responded that they would benefit or benefit strongly from an additional green space on Allegheny’s campus. Additionally, 90% of participants feel that an additional green space would positively benefit their mental health, proving the desire for a new green space. The survey helped in guiding design aspects of the space and was crucial to the success of the design. The space was designed on a landscape design program known as SketchUp, allowing for a 3D model to be created. The space is 11,413 square feet, allowing for creative design. The components of the space, as well as its structure, were based off of student desires obtained through the survey. The green space is designed with a mix of open and private space, incorporating areas for studying, relaxation, interaction with wildlife and nature, and recreation. After designing, a detailed budget was created for the materials of the space, totaling out to $55,150.

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Anaya, Scott R.

Title: Small stream response of glaciated northwestern Pennsylvania to climate and land use changes during the Holocene
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mark L. Lord and Dr. Tom W. Dougan

Abstract: Northwestern Pennsylvania has experienced several climatic changes during the Holocene, as well as land use changes during the past 200 years. The objective of this study is to determine the response of small streams of northwestern Pennsylvania to changes in climate and land use.

Cemetery Run and Bennyhoot Creek basins were studied because they contain fluvial terraces which reflect aggradation and degradation history of a stream. These two streams are representative of many other small streams in northwest Pennsylvania which flow through steep sided valleys. Four cross-sectional profiles of Cemetery Run and two of Bennyhoof Creek were determined to show the location and height of the terraces. Terrace lithologies of Cemetery Run were recorded including type and thickness of sedimentary units. Organic material from the lower terrace of Cemetery Run was sent to a lab for carbon-14 dating. Longitudinal profiles for the modern stream and terraces in Cemetery Run were also determined.

Two distinct terraces in the Cemetery Run valley were mapped, revealing overall degradation of the stream interrupted by two periods of aggradation. The upper terrace was likely formed during the last dry period, 760-410 years before present (ybp). This dry climate would have decreased basin vegetation and increased sediment input into the stream. This former floodplain was then abandoned and degradation began 410 ybp as a switch to the modern, relatively wetter climate occurred. A wetter climate would have increased basin vegetation, lowering sediment input into the stream. This period of degradation was then interrupted by the aggradation of what is now the lowest terrace.

Radiocarbon dates indicate the lowest terrace has a maximum age of 190 ybp. This correlates the formation of the lowest terrace with clear-cutting in the region, which would have increased the amount of sediment input into the stream resulting in the aggradation of the terrace. The switch to degradation and the abandonment of this former floodplain likely coincided with the decrease in sediment input that began as the cleared land again became vegetated. The stream is presently in this state of degradation as evidenced by the presence of a mainly bedrock channel. Bennyhoof Creek’s cross-sectional profiles provide evidence of a regional response to climate and land use changes due to the presence of terraces, at comparable heights above the stream, to the terraces in the Cemetery Run valley. This study reveals northwestern stream response to climate and land use changes throughout the Holocene and offers insight into future stream responses to changes in climate and land use.

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Anderson, Brian

Title: Allegheny College Students in the Context of Community Development
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Liz Olson

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.

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Anderson, Christopher

Title: Links for the future: NGOs, empowerment, and sustainable development
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: M. Maniates and L. Pallansch

Abstract: The end of the Cold War has revealed many challenges facing the world faces in relation to the development of impoverished nations of the South. International leaders have also realized that aid and development strategies of the past were ineffective; they did not reach the truly needy individuals. It has also come to the attention of global leaders that development of these nations cannot occur in the same fashion as it occurred in currently industrialized nations, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Sustainable development is promoted as offering environmentally friendly strategies and techniques for development of LDCs in the future. Empowerment of the people in LDCs is needed to help ensure the success of development programs as well as giving them alternatives to their often environmentally damaging, subsistence lifestyles. Reaching out to the people is necessary to ensure that development programs will be more effective. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are able to reach down to the people in ways that conventional development strategies were unable to do. NGOs actively involve local populations in empowerment activities such as local capacity building projects, local and national political movements, and social activities as well. Empowering women in politics, the home and the community level is necessary since oppression of women and their roles played in society can have direct negative effects on the environment. This thesis first presents links among poverty, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable development through empowerment of the poor. Secondly, NGOs are examined as promising alternatives to conventional strategies for development and an effective means for working with, empowering, and reaching out to the poor. The third focus of the thesis entails NGOs work through strategy and case studies in capacity building, political movements for freedom, and empowerment of women using techniques and strategies explored in previous chapters.

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Anderson, Darby

Title: Cultivating Food, Expanding Minds: Evaluating Meadville’s Garden-based Education Initiative
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Benjamin Haywood & Taylor Hinton

Abstract: This study describes the effects of a garden-based education initiative at the Meadville Area Middle School in Meadville, Pennsylvania in its ability to influence students’ behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge about nutrition, food preparation, gardening and agriculture, and environmental stewardship. This program seeks to empower students through hands-on learning to become better stewards of their bodies and of the environment. Thirty seventh and eighth grade students took part in three lessons as part of the education initiative and completed a pre- and post-survey. The results of this study indicate that minimal exposure (3 lessons in 9 weeks) was not enough to definitively determine if the program can influence and change behavior, attitudes, and knowledge, but they do indicate that further development of the program and use of the revised evaluation process provided could lead to positive outcomes.

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Anderson, Liesel

Title: The Psychological Halfway Point at the Convergence of Two Mighty Rivers: A Look at Human-Land Interactions in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Ben Haywood

Abstract: This paper investigates the history of human-land interactions in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia from geological formation to the 1950s when the town became a national historical park. This investigation is to inform Appalachian Trail hikers of the place they are passing through to create a deeper connection and understanding of Harpers Ferry. Also the report provides additional information to park visitors. Throughout this paper there is the common thread of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers as they served vital roles shaping Harpers Ferry. They have been instrumental to why people came to Harpers Ferry in the first place and the economic development in the area. By using the fields of cultural and historical ecology one can study the decisions on preservation that have been made and what could be done in the future to create a more holistic picture. These fields of ecology also give a lens to look at human-land interactions throughout time. My research found that there are deficits in certain historical areas and these need to be researched more thoroughly. The next step is to connect the information to hikers and tourists by creating an easily readable and accessible product such as a website, map, and/or pamphlet.

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Angleberger, Kelley A.

Title: A Christian Based Environmental Education Curriculum
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Glenn Holland

Abstract: Environmental issues, such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid deposition, deforestation, and air and water pollution, are of concern to many people today, including Christians. Most Christians now recognize that humans are called to be a part of creation and have been entrusted by God to care for and protect the environment. Environmental education, which is required in the state of Pennsylvania, introduces those concerned about the environment to environmental issues and ways in which these issues can be addressed. I designed a Christian based environmental education curriculum using Christian readings to teach students about some of the environmental concepts listed in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology. The lessons in this curriculum were taught to seventh and eighth grade students from St. Philomena Catholic School in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and sixth grade students from Seton Catholic School in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The students’ survey and evaluation responses indicate that this curriculum teaches students why and how they, as Christians, can and should protect the environment. The curriculum was made into a web site so that others can have access to and use the curriculum.

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Ann Penwell, Rebecca

Title: Effects of Salinity, Light, Temperature, and Predator Chemical Cues on the Hatching of Artemia Cysts
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden and Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Artemia, commonly known as brine shrimp, are indiscriminate filter feeders of phytoplankton that live in hypersaline lakes and ponds. They have been successfully used in aquaculture as food for many species of marine and freshwater larval organisms. Therefore, it is important to understand the many environmental problems such as salt water intrusion, eutrophication, and global warming that can affect the productivity of the aquaculture industry. The purpose of my study was to determine the optimal hatching conditions of Anemia for their use in aquaculture. Under steady state or highly variable conditions, female Artemia reproduce ovoviviparitously or oviparitously, respectively. It has been hypothesized that the cysts’ regulation of diapause is dependent upon the level of hydration that the cysts can reach. Hydration levels vary with external salinity, and the cysts become susceptible to light triggering once they have reached complete hydration. In this study, the aforementioned hypothesis was tested by measuring hatching success under different salinity and lighting conditions. I found that 50 parts per thousand (ppt) is the optimal salinity for the hatching of Artemia cysts. Light affected the hatching of Artemia cysts (i.e. length of light exposure increased hatching). The optimal wavelength for the hatching of Artemia cysts was 520 nm, and maximum hatching was reached at the light intensity of sunlight 36.9 photons/cm2/second (this number is the natural log of the light intensity). The effects of temperature and predator chemical cues were also determined. The optimal temperature for hatching is 30°C, and in the presence of predator chemical cues, Artemia hatching success decreased. I concluded that it is not the presence of the predator, but the presence of the predator’s chemical cue that causes a decrease in hatching success.

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Anthos, Valan

Title: Environmental Uncovering: Excavating Our Rhetoric in the Fracking Movement and Beyond
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Ian Carbone & Eric Boynton

Abstract: There has been a false division between nature and society set up through the history of the Western world. This binary creates the context where many modern environmental issues arise, so combatting these problems without addressing this underlying issue is detrimental. Through a close analysis of the film Gasland, I examine how the rhetoric of pieces of environmental activism often remain trapped in this binary thinking and fail to truly challenge it. Although there is no “right” relation to nature that can be restored, there are certain avenues of language that can call attention to humanity’s separation from nature and deconstruct it in some way. One of the main avenues is focusing on people’s biological dependence on natural systems and how this has been covered over in modern society.

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Anundson, Blair D.

Title: From Conflict to Sustainability- Creating Sustainable Community Development in the Allegheny National Forest Region
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Many thinkers in the field of environmental politics and development have emphasized community as the building block for creating sustainability. However, in some areas, and especially areas dependent on resource extractive industries, this process has proven difficult. For example, the conflict between environmentalists and resource extractive industries in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) region of northwestern Pennsylvania has become extremely tense in recent years. Utilizing historical and economic data, a stakeholder analysis conducted by the author, and a comparison of case studies from regions suffering similar problems, this project sought to determine how forest activists and others can create sustainable community development in the ANF region. It was found that the promotion of broad, diverse participation in development projects, the involvement of traditional institutions, and the creation of social networks and social capital could move the area toward sustainability. The study also concludes that the utilization of the area’s economic strengths, perhaps through value-added forest products manufacturing, and the creation of locally based businesses and socially responsible financial systems could boost the economy and insure its long-term stability while lessening or negating its ecological impact.

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Apps, Jodi

Title: Diet Diversification: A Food Based Approach to Control Micronutrient Deficiencies in Morocco’s Tifnoute River Valley
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Kate Darby

Abstract: Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than two billion people in the world, primarily in developing countries. As a silent form of hunger, they are unnoticeable to the naked eye, yet cause serious mental and physical damage if left untreated. Resulting from the inadequate intake of necessary nutrients, micronutrient deficiencies disproportionately affect the poor and impoverished. The Tifnoute River Valley in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco is by no means impoverished, but it is a very isolated and rural ensemble of villages. Harvests last less than half of the year and incomes are small. With the assistance of the High Atlas Foundation, incomes have risen; however, as incomes continue to rise, communities show interest in discontinuing their subsistence agriculture regime in favor of relying on the profits returned from selling fruit from their fruit trees. In addition iodine, iron, and vitamin A deficiencies are already present in the Valley. To ensure these deficiencies aren’t exacerbated by market fluctuations, this paper proposes the High Atlas Foundation take a food based approach, including diet diversification, fortification, and education. This combination will provide the Valley with nutrient rich crops to incorporate into their current agriculture system as well as knowledge and skills to sustainably increase their profits through value adding processes and preserve crops, extending availability into seasons of scarcity. This approach will increase community resilience by increasing crop variety, profit potential, and crop availability through preservation.

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Arabia, Christian A.

Title: Ecological and Economic Impacts of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Behrooz Afrasiabi

Abstract: The hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is an introduced forest pest from Asia that parasitizes and kills Eastern and Carolina hemlock trees, primarily in the eastern United States. Previous research has suggested that this pest has no natural enemies in North America and will continue to destroy hemlock forests if uncontrolled. Literature also exists that describes the impact of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on forest ecosystems. However, little research has been conducted on the economic impact of HWA on affected regions.

This study sought to predict both the economic and ecological effects of HWA on a 5-county study region in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Eastern hemlock forest composition was estimated and the stock of eastern hemlock trees was quantified. The current value of all merchantable eastern hemlock lumber in the region was estimated to be over $24 million. This value was entered into an economic input-output model that described how a decrease in hemlock lumber production would result in a decrease in output and income on the regional economy. Results showed an indirect impact of over $14 million and an induced impact of $8 million, resulting in a total summed impact of $50 million. Additionally, the effect of HWA on the local forest ecosystem was projected though consultation of current research. Results showed significant losses to wildlife cover, as well as changes in forest structure and nutrient cycling.

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Arbab, Sahar

Title: Green Deeds in the Mead: A Service-Oriented Environmental Education Program for Lower-Income Youth in Meadville, PA
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Jim Palmer

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.

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Archer, Cristin

Title: The Susceptibility of Larval Ambystoma mexicanum to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Biology & Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Venesky & Dr. Beth Choate

Abstract: In the last 15 years, scientists have seen a global decline in amphibians, partially due to a pathogen called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Bd is a fungus that is found in water and infects the keratin in amphibians. Bd poses a threat to many different amphibians, specifically ones such as Ambystoma mexicanum, Mexican Axolotl, because of the declining wild population and their critically endangered status. The primary purpose of this project was to determine susceptibility of larval Axolotls and to understand infection burdens based on different exposure levels. In this experiment, the control group was not exposed to Bd, while three groups were exposed to low, medium, and high doses. Of the 18 larvae exposed to Bd, 5 were infected after 1 week. There was a significant difference of infection burdens between experimental groups. This tells us that larval Axolotls are susceptible to Bd and it gives us a way to test the Bd concentration in their habitats and with an idea of infection burden. Currently, conservation efforts are focused on education, breeding, and reintroduction, and while there is an action plan for the species, it is far too broad to determine its effectiveness. Because of the detrimental impact of this pathogen on other species, it is important to understand effects on Axolotls and the threat to the conservation of the wild population.

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Arden, Aaron

Title: Best Management Practices for the Indonesian Oil Palm Industry to Promote Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Kenneth Pinnow

Abstract: A major structure within sustainable development and our lives are production and consumption frameworks. One of the largest and most impactful production and consumption industries is the oil palm industry, or more commonly known as palm oil. The past twenty years has seen a growing concern over the sustainability of the oil palm industry. While the industry has driven economic development throughout Southeast Asia, the rapid growth and reliance on the crop for both food and non-food uses has caused severe environmental damage and health issues. Today, Oil Palm is the world’s largest agricultural export. As such, it is a key driver of climate change, GHG emissions, human rights infringements, tropical deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and human respiratory issues. All of this is due to the rising prevalence of plantations and monocultures that are responding to a growing global demand. This paper focuses on implementing better management practices for the oil palm industry in Indonesia and improving the sustainable development of Southeast Asia. How can we improve the sustainability of the oil palm industry? NGOs such as The Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil, Palm Done Right, J-palm, and Smallholder Acceleration and REDD+ Program are working toward representing, supporting, and improving smallholder farms and management practices. To promote and support sustainable development for Southeast Asia we need to connect producers to traders and consumers through more vertical supply chains, develop community infrastructure (to improve economic distribution, increase opportunities for people, improve idigneous livelihoods, and regulate landscape use), implement contract farming and ecotourism practices through agroforestry and animal sanctuaries, and develop a labor force support system with health initiatives to combat the long term adverse health effects of the haze fires. To align all stakeholders and promote sustainable development based on equity and empowerment, this research proposes the establishment of eco-industrial parks.

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Aretz, Amanda B.

Title: Strategic Environmental Management at BI-Lok Ihara Corporation: Turning Environmental Quality and Efficiency Into Business Opportunities
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Don Goldstein, Eric Pallant

Abstract: In business today, companies cannot ignore environmental issues. Increasing government regulation and stronger public mandates for environmental accountability have brought these issues into the corporate office, and onto strategic planning agendas. Strategic environmental management (SEM) is a way of thinking systematically about profit opportunities in sustainable business practices. Through life cycle analysis, industrial ecology, design for environment, environmental accounting, and total quality management, the goal is to reduce or eliminate the overall impact of a product and its manufacturing process. There is growing evidence that firms who adopt SEM become more efficient and competitive, producing benefits for both the environment and the bottom-line. A life cycle analysis and management evaluation were performed at BI-Lok Ihara Corporation to identify several primary areas for change. Based on the assessments, a number of proactive environmental management improvement opportunities and recommendations for change are presented. The experience of the case study illustrates the barriers associated with putting the theories behind SEM into practice. Two themes that emerge from this research are the human and capital resource challenges SEM presents to BI-Lok Ihara and other small businesses and the complexity of re-creating corporate culture.

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Armas, Diana

Title: The Plight of Undocumented Latino Farmworkers in Washington State
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Brittany Davis & Kerstin Martin

Abstract: Farm workers endure many occupational and environmental health hazards (i.e., pesticide poisoning, falls, etc.) that often put them at risk for non-fatal injuries. The current agrarian system in the U.S. is largely comprised of undocumented farm workers of Mexican origin. Due to their immigration status they are not always able to seek help for workplace injuries, hence the following study was developed taking these issues into consideration. It was also influenced by five of my relatives who are undocumented farm workers in Washington State. The objectives of this study were to identify and explain: (1) how and why undocumented Latino immigrants become field workers, (2) if and how undocumented Latino immigrants work under extreme labor and environmental health conditions, (3) if the working conditions at a farm change over time, and (4) if farm workers get treated differently based on how long they have worked at the same farm. To accomplish these objectives, I interviewed my relatives about their work experiences and conducted participant observation while working on two organic farms in Washington the summer of 2016. The results of this study found that trust is an essential component of a farm worker’s life since they rely on relationships (i.e., familial, friendships, etc.) to find employment. It was also found that farm workers who suffer from workplace injuries or harassment avoid reporting them due to negative past experiences. At the end of the study, it is suggested more awareness be brought to the issue of undocumented farm workers via narratives.

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Arturo, Ian

Title: Metal Concentrations in Leachate from Residential Burn Barrel Ash, Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rachel O’Brien, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: An estimated 28% of US rural residences burn their own waste, though few studies have assessed potential impacts and most have focused on air emissions. Burn barrel ash (BBA) samples from residences across Crawford County were run through a modified Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP). Leachate was analyzed for metals using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (flame AAS). Mean leachate metal concentrations were higher for residences that burn mixed waste (MX) versus paper/cardboard (PC) with the exception of chromium, which was below the method detection limit (MDL) for all sites. Strontium was detected in leachate from every MX site (x = 1.26 mg/L) and PC site (x = 0.22 mg/L). The mean detected zinc concentration was 0.13 mg/L and 0.023 mg/L for MX and PC sites respectively. Manganese and copper concentrations were below MDL at all PC sites and for all but one manganese (x = 0.11 mg/L) and one copper (x = 0.037 mg/L) MX site. Only manganese concentrations from one site were above federal drinking water standards while none of the leachates had metal concentrations that exceeded hazardous waste threshold. Metal concentrations in the leachate suggest that BBA leachate is not of the same concern as leachate from other waste materials. Groundwater contamination is unlikely because concentrations are low and various geochemical processes limit the downward transport of metals through the soil profile. However, land and organism contamination might be of concern, and air emissions from backyard burning are a known hazard. Future studies should increase the sample size and analyze more metals in both the ash and leachate.

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Ashcroft, Emily R.

Title: Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the Environmental Justice Movement
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Seth Appiah-Opoku

Abstract: The Environmental Justice Movement has become increasingly popular and well known. It is based on the concept that members of low-income and predominantly minority neighborhoods share a disproportionate burden of pollution and locally unwanted land uses. Concerns over the inequities in environmental protection have mobilized many small, grassroots groups to take action against the injustice and give birth to the environmental justice movement. However, a proactive response from the federal government is also imperative to the movement. The question begs has the government played the facilitating role that it should in the movement. The government has claimed to be active in promoting environmental justice, but, as my study concludes, this claim has appeared to be lipservice.

Using a set of enabling conditions, which include citizen participation, pollution prevention, and the federal permitting and public hearing processes, I have evaluated the Barrio Logan case and offered conclusions about the federal government’s environmental justice efforts. As a low-income, Latino community Barrio Logan, California possesses the characteristics of the typical community that experiences environmental injustice. Barrio Logan shares many commonalties with many other notorious environmental justice cases, such as Convent, Louisiana and Chester, Pennsylvania and can be considered a good window into the larger environmental justice world. In my examination of the Barrio Logan case, I found the government’s profession of devotion to achieving environmental justice to be quite insincere. It may not be the government’s intent to hinder the EJM, however, if there is not more activity and support for the enabling conditions that facilitate environmental justice in communities environmental injustice will persist. By not acting, the government is allowing injustice to persevere. The federal government is going to have to step up and push on promoting the necessary enabling conditions in order to realize the goals of the EJM.

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Aul, Adriane R.

Title: Assessing the Impacts of Urban Sprawl Development and Proposing Alternative Strategies for the Future: the Case of Meadville, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Don Goldstein

Abstract: Urban sprawl can be generally defined as low-density, land extensive development characterized by highway expansion, strip malls and leap-frog development. This development pattern has been the dominant form of growth in the United States since the end of World War II, and has become increasingly apparent within the past 20 years. Urban sprawl has been noticeably predominant in the state of Pennsylvania due to the large number of municipalities and the incredible fragmentation of land-use power and authority. In order to assess the impacts of urban sprawl development in Pennsylvania, a case study was examined of the city of Meadville and surrounding areas of Vernon and West Mead Townships. The case study was based on statistical data and personal interviews with local officials, and attempted to assess the impacts of urban sprawl on the region’s economy, environment, and community. The case study revealed that Meadville was a prototypical area, which experienced negative impacts mainly in the inner city of Meadville. Due to the increasing degradation of the city, alternative strategies to urban sprawl were then discussed that were successful in other areas of the country. From these potential alternative development strategies, a few key choices were examined and proposed for the Meadville area, such as regionalization, New Urbanism, and Conservation Design. Although the feasibility of some of these strategies may be low, the need to embrace them was apparent. The conclusion of this research is that in order to reverse the impacts that urban sprawl is having on Meadville, and America’s cities in general, governments on all levels need to change the context in which citizens make land-use decisions. Currently, the predominance of personal automobiles, the subsidization of highways and low-density development, and the focus on economic growth is hindering the way American’s view their lifestyles. Local, state, and national officials need to focus on revitalizing existing cities in order to spare precious lands, create long-term sustainable economic growth, and save America’s sense of community.

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Baker, Hunter

Title: Slash Presence in Harvested, Northeastern Hardwood Forests
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr, Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Within the last fifty to eighty years, white-tailed deer have increased dramatically throughout the northeastern United States. One of the factors that is directly correlated with their population growth is the hindered regeneration of woody plants, this is especially true at logging sites after a thinning or clear-cut operation. White-tail deer will forage saplings that are regenerating within the forest after the operation to the point where their impact is irreversible. This study proves that if the treetops or, “slash piles,” still grounded after a logging operation are present on the cleared forest floor, seedlings/saplings will regenerate within them and, their growth is exponentially larger than when the seedlings are unprotected. What sets this study apart from others though is that, the size of the slash covered plot has been identified and, a specific 25 square meter adjacent, uncovered plot was also created allowing for direct density, seedling height, and percent browsed comparisons to be made between the two treatments. This study identified that the “size” of the top left grounded does not have a correlation with the success and density of seedlings and saplings growing within the pile. The density of saplings regenerating in the area is dependent upon the dominate species at the study site and, whether is protected or exposed. The Study took place in 4 different locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Each of the four sites are hardwood stands and, have all been harvested within the last four years.

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Baker, Sherry

Title: Designing A Kitchen Composter Even My Own Mother Would Use
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Jim Palmer

Abstract: The goal of this project was to design, build and test an indoor composter. A need and a niche in the composting industry exists for a ‘Kitchen Composter’, particularly in urban areas and among individuals who do not have the physical capacity or desire to maintain traditional outdoor bins. Food wastes comprise seven to twenty percent of the municipal waste stream, and are a major component which could easily be diverted from landfills. Ten features and design criteria were chosen as the standards by which the composter was evaluated. These indoor composter criteria were: ability to handle wastes of 2-4 people, no odors or pests, good aeration, moisture level around 60%, thermophilic temperatures, multiple bin system, material particles < 1 cubic inch, easy maintenance, low-cost, and finally the use of reusable or recyclable construction materials to build the unit.

An insulated, dual-bin composter was constructed using materials purchased from local discount and hardware stores. Once built, food scraps were collected from a campus dining ball, chopped and stored until test batches were made. The moisture content and C/N ratio of each batch was determined, and after each one was fed into the composter temperature was monitored, and the consistency and odor were observed. Between each batch modifications were made to the model and batch recipe in order to reduce anaerobic conditions. Total mass reduction of Batch #1 was 32.6% over seven days, or 4.66% loss per day. This batch became anaerobic and unsalvageable.

Batch #2 experienced a 57.5% total mass reduction over eleven days, or 5.2% loss per day. Finally, Batch #3, which was added to the products of Batch #2, had a 74% reduction over sixteen days, or a daily loss of 4.6%. The final weight and moisture content of the last batch were used to calculate a decomposition rate of 69% and total water loss of 85%. During the three batches the highest temperature observed was 39°C.

After the three batches became anaerobic, the experiment was discontinued. Later the project was informally carried out in the home of the investigator. Materials were added in small quantities on a daily basis, rather than in large batches, allowing for greater evaporative water losses. Using these methods anaerobic conditions, and thus odors, were greatly reduced, and thermophilic temperatures up to 46°C were attained. An odorless, easily maintained kitchen composter that my mother would use was not achieved, but the unit was successful in reducing significant amounts of food waste and reaching thermophilic temperatures levels.

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Balakoff, Max

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
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies, Spanish
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Wilfredo Hernández

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.

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Baldauf, J. Nicholas

Title: Above ground physical and biogeochemical responses, and continuing trends in soil respiration in a chronic nitrogen addition experiment
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: In 1994 a long-term Nitrogen addition experiment was established at the Bousson Experimental Forest, a mixed deciduous forest in Northwestern Pennsylvania, to examine long-term effects of N additions on forest ecosystem processes. Previous studies of this site have found N additions to reduce soil respiration rates, increase total C/N levels and C:N in soil, and increase root N content. In 2003 observations were made on soil respiration, foliar C/N chemistry, 5 year tree growth, and biomass; in order to expand our concept of the ecosystem level effects imposed by N additions.

Soil respiration rates continue to be significantly reduced by N additions. In the fertilized treatments, 2003 rates appear to be 8.1% lower than the 2002 rates. Mean soil respiration rates from May to November were 150.6mg C m-2 hr-1 in the fertilized treatment and 162.4 mg C m-2 hr-1 in the control treatment. Foliar N content was significantly higher in the fertilized treatments. Foliar C:N was significantly lower in the fertilized treatments, due to increased N content. There were no significant differences in 5-year growth or biomass between treatments. Results suggest that N additions are altering some forest ecosystem processes and may later influence growth.

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Baldy, Christina L.

Title: The Role of Internal and External Organizations in Promoting Effective Conservation and Sustainable Development Projects in Ecuador
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Jim Palmer

Abstract: Over the past several decades, debates have continued to arise over the solution to environmental degradation in the developing world. In recent years the importance of community involvement in conservation and sustainable development projects has gained prominence in the discussions. This study aimed to extrapolate on the roles of internal and external organizations in promoting effective forms of community involvement. Four organizations were selected that successfully promoted conservation and sustainable development in different regions of Ecuador. These organizations relied on the assistance of external organizations to varying degrees in order to achieve their goals. The different roles the external organizations played in the case studies are analyzed in order to determine the benefits and limitations of each level of organization. External organizations were able to provide necessary monetary and technical support, while internal organizations were most effective in identifying the needs of the community and working directly with community members. These four case studies indicated the importance of integrating the work of both internal and external organizations in order to promote community development. These results further carry specific implications as to how organizations should interact in future development projects suggesting a need to promote collaboration between multiple actors.

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Balik, Jared

Title: Effects of Climate-induced Distributional Shifts in Caddisfly Larvae on Detritus Processing and Ecosystem Function in High-elevation Ponds and Wetlands
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Biology and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger & Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: "Climate-change induced shifts in the abiotic environment have altered the hydrology and temperature of high elevation ponds and wetlands, and consequently altered the distribution of aquatic invertebrates. The purpose of this study was to determine how shifts in the distribution of caddisfly species along elevational and permanence gradients could affect ecosystem processes including overall detritus processing rates and the mobilization of detritus-bound nutrients.
In the first part of this study, I quantified species-specific excretion rates of ammonium-nitrogen (N) and total soluble phosphorus (P) in pond-side microcosms for nine species of caddisflies. For all species, I found no variation in N and P excretion at different times of day or at different elevations, but did find considerable variation among species.
I used these data to parameterize generalized linear models to predict how new species combinations resulting from climate change should affect ecosystem processes in high elevation ponds. The models predict that species replacements will not always be functional replacements in terms of their effects on nutrient regeneration or detritus processing. My research demonstrates that the degree to which species range shifts and replacements will alter ecosystem processes depends on the identity of both the invading and resident species."

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Balogh, Anne L.

Title: The Role of Art in the Environmental Movement: Can Art be Used to Generate Knowledge and Awareness about Endangered Species
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Gordon Whitney, Sue Buck

Abstract: The issues dealt with by the environmental movements are numerous and diverse, with no simple solutions. For this reason creative and diverse answers must be found through many different disciplines. One such discipline is art. Artists have been commenting on social issues for centuries, including the environment. From early cave art, through the agricultural and industrial ages, to the technological times of today, they have been educating the public on the state of the environment, and such issues as deforestation, urban development, loss of biodiversity, waste management and toxic waste.

I had several objectives for this project. The first objective was to compile a general overview of the role of art in the environmental movement. The second objective was to create an art exhibit concerning endangered species. The third objective was to determine the ability of the exhibit to raise emotions, increase awareness and to transmit knowledge.

First, the art exhibit was completed, consisting of nine large drawings portraying endangered species in India ink. A text pamphlet was also compiled containing the same information as found on the drawings. A ten question multiple choice test was created to test knowledge. In addition, a questionnaire was created on a seven point scale to test awareness and emotion.

Thirty test subjects were recruited from two art classes. The group was split into two sub-groups of fifteen. All the test subjects took an initial quiz and questionnaire. Then one sub-group was given the text, while the other viewed the artwork. After fifteen minutes, both groups retook the questionnaire and quiz.

It was found that both the text and art groups increased their knowledge on the quizzes significantly. However, the text group responded more than the art group, receiving higher scores on their second quiz. On the questionnaire, the art group increased significantly only in their perceived level of knowledge. The text group increased significantly in their desire to join an environmental agency for endangered species, in their anger level at the plight of endangered species, and in their perceived level of knowledge. There was no significant difference in responses between the art and text groups. Thus, it was shown that art can be used to educate the public on environmental issues such as endangered species. Text was more effective at inciting emotion. However, the most effective, it would seem, would be a combination of the two.

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Balogh, Jenna E.

Title: Conveying the Significance of Conservation to the Public through Nature Photography
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Terry Bensel

Abstract: In the last few centuries, human development, resource exploitation, pollution and increasing populations have led to drastic losses in wildlife habitat as well as increased species extinction rates (IUCN, 2007). Developed nations no longer live close to the land as did our ancestors. This estrangement from what sustains us has led to a point in history where conservation of the natural world is of the utmost importance. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of nature photography in communicating such need. A total of 77 participants were shown three variations of a conservation themed presentation and their responses were recorded and interpreted. Increasing public awareness and appreciation for the planet potentially has the power to instigate positive change.

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Baranski, Jason

Title: The Endangered Species Act: An Effective Mechanism for Maintaining Biodiversity?
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science and Political Science
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Robert English

Abstract: The Endangered Species Act, since its passage in 1973, has been a source of debate in both the political and scientific worlds. The Act itself was drafted with the intent of protecting the nation’s biological heritage in a manner that minimally restricts economic development. Whether this intent has in fact been realized is often the focus of the debate surrounding the Act.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Endangered Species Act’s effectiveness through the years, as well as to make a series of recommendations as to how the overall protection of biodiversity can more effectively and efficiently be undertaken in the U.S.. This Paper will be broken into four main sections. These sections will discuss the Act’s origins and implementation, as well as the main criticisms and responses directed toward the Act by both proponents and detractors of biodiversity conservation. Lastly, proposals will be brought forth which incorporate the most sensible and realistic of the suggested conservation policy revisions, in an attempt to formulate a more effective potential U.S. policy towards biodiversity.

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Barnacki, Jennifer

Title: Pesticide Policy, the EPA and the Interest Group: Uncontrolled Participation and Policy Failure
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies and Political Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Palmer, Professor Stevens, and Dr. Wissinger

Abstract: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1947 (as well as its ensuing amendments) is a comprehensive, but ultimately vague and inefficient, law which provides the general blueprint for pesticide regulation. However, this Act has supplied ample opportunity for numerous actors to enter the policy arena. Every division of government that is involved in the pesticide program is, to some degree, subject to outside pressures. Interest groups, representative of both the agricultural industry and the environmental sector, have attempted to gain influence in policy directive by employing such pressures throughout the government. Moreover, the uncontrolled participation of these non-governmental interest groups (most notably with the EPA and Congress) have ultimately frustrated the creation, implementation and maintenance of a truly cohesive pesticide policy. While interest groups are essential to the U.S. pluralist system of government, when they are allowed to enter the area of policy direction, their participation becomes problematic- there are seemingly no structural “checks and balances” to counter their influence. As a result, policy is no longer designed solely for the betterment and protection of society, but for the furthering of individual interests of lobbyists. The indemnification program of the EPA (its creation as well as its removal) offers one case study of the relationship between interest group participation and the failure of the domestic pesticide program.

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Barr, Emmett

Title: Serving Sustainable Coffee in Small-town America
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Kelly Boulton

Abstract: Discounting water, coffee is the most globally consumed beverage and can only be grown in a small region between the tropics and above a certain elevation. The limited growing region creates an interesting supply-and-demand issue where a set of tropical countries are exporting this product to virtually the entire world. While support for “local” foods has grown world-wide, coffee in the United States is often not included and many Americans are not familiar with how their coffee is produced and support for local, sustainable coffee processing is limited. This project focused on assessing the knowledge of coffee production and sourcing practices among businesses in northwestern Pennsylvania. Northwestern Pennsylvania was chosen for proximity to the author’s area but also because it emulates similar small-town atmospheres across the country. The area has mostly small-scale cafés and roasters that were targeted to evaluate the significance of coffee at each establishment, as well as opinions about sustainable coffee and standard sourcing practices. Rural northwestern Pennsylvania has a strong working class that is believed to prefer dark and strong coffees and that is what local cafés serve them. The roasters in the area found that once consumers tried better tasting and different coffees they enjoyed a wider breadth of coffee types. Results from the study were incorporated into a “local” attitude of business owners and used to create a business plan that takes their concerns about locally roasted coffee into account to benefit both the vendors and local, sustainable roasters. This will not only support the local coffee market of consumers, in this area, but also the tropical coffee farmers who are dedicated to sustainable coffee production.

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Barron, Jennifer

Title: Does the Pennsylvania State Forest Resource Management Plan Provide Adequate Protection for Old Growth Forests Through Ecosystem Management?
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: Preserving old growth forests for future study, as well as for the ecosystem services they provide is an important issue. No one knows exactly how much old growth is left in the state of Pennsylvania, but only 5 – 12% still stands in the entire United States. (Durmont, 1996) These ancient areas possess many characteristics such as multiple growth layers and undisturbed soils with a relatively thick humus layer that do not surface until the area is at least 250 years old. (Leverett, 1996) We have not studied these ecosystems in depth, and may lose the chance unless steps are taken to preserve them.

The Pennsylvania State Forest Resource Management Plan for 1985-1999 offered little protection for old growth areas outside of provisions for setting aside Natural Areas. Under this classification, areas such as bogs, unique geological or historical features, and old growth forests are protected by 1921 legislation.

Despite this legislation, few areas were added to the Natural Areas list and the number has only grown from 13 to 61 over the past eighty years. The land remaining outside the jurisdiction of the Natural Area designation has been heavily managed for timber production. Whether even or uneven aged management, these tracts were managed to promote the desired and economically valuable species above other ecological considerations.

The current Draft for 2001-2005 has afforded more protection to old growth areas, even outlining that some tracts of land should be set aside for the eventual succession of second growth to old growth.

With the addition of the ecological considerations section of the working Draft, concern for ecosystem integrity based on the principles of ecosystem management has been included. A bioreserve system has been established to maintain precious ecosystem services such as nutrient and water cycling and carbon sequestration. More weight is being placed on the interconnectedness of ecosystems – while the land is still being managed for timber – and some progress has been made towards protecting and ensuring the survival of old growth forests.

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Bartels, Elliott

Title: Effects of endocrine disruptors Bisphenol A and Diethylstilbestrol on Ambystoma mexicanum limb regeneration
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Susan Rankin, Beth Choate

Abstract: With the increasing rate of human health problems around the world in the forms of cancer and birth defects, scientist have focused on a specific group of chemicals called endocrine disrupting contaminates (EDCs). These chronic environmental toxins, including Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Diethylstilbestrol (DES), have been linked to birth defects and cancer in humans. In amphibians EDCs block thyroxine (T4) and other growth hormones that alter development pathways shared with amphibian regeneration. Many amphibians, including the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, can regenerate lost limbs through stem cell dedifferentiation. To examine the effects of EDCs on regeneration, twenty-five juvenile axolotls were exposed to BPA and DES. Axolotls were divided into four groups: (1) untreated control, (2) ethanol carrier control (100 ug/L EtOH), (3) DES (0.00025 mg/ L), and (4) BPA (2 mg/L) with chemicals applied to the water. Prior to treatment, the salamanders were anesthetized and the right forelimb was amputated. The hypothesis that EDC exposed axolotls would weigh less and have slower or completely inhibited regeneration was partially supported. All groups had complete limb regeneration (P = 0.68) and gained weight (P = 0.42). However, BPA treatments slowed regeneration when compared to the other groups: ethanol, BPA (P = 0.0006); untreated, BPA (P = 0.0034); and BPA, DES (P = 0.0048). Smaller salamanders that had previous amputation wounds exhibited much faster regeneration than intact salamanders when initial lengths (P < 0.001) were compared to those of week 6 (P > 0.05). The ELISA for thyroxine on harvested organs at the termination of the experiment was inconclusive as hormone levels were below detectable limits.
The EDCs in this experiment did not produce deformities, but BPA slowed regeneration. DES, however, did not inhibit regeneration contrary to expectations and further study is necessary to determine how EDCs affect regeneration in amphibians.

Funded by: Class of 1993

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Battista, Anne K.

Title: Mine Reclamation using Sewage Sludge: The effects of Timothy and Tall Fescue grasses, pH level and earthworms on phosphorus levels in leach water.
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Pallant and Professor Bowden

Abstract: Mine reclamation has left behind thousands of acres of land that are nutrient deficient and highly acidic. This study looked at a form of reclamation that uses sewage sludge and lime to add nutrients and raise the pH of the soil. The main goal was to determine how phosphorus levels in leach water changed as a result of different variables. The variables were sludge, two pH levels, earthworms, two different species of grasses and time. There were 24 different treatments total.

Water samples were collected from 120 pots, that contained all of the different treatments with the above named variables. Samples were taken four different times over the entire experiment(70 days). They were analyzed for P on the spectrophotometer using the Murphy-Riley method. Absorbance values were converted to concentrations and then to µg/cm2 of P.

The results of this study showed that only sludge had a significant effect on P levels in leach water. There was an increase in total P levels for all the sludge treatments. No other variables were significant. Soil without sludge also turned out to contain significant levels of P however. Further study needs be done in order to better assess other nutrient problems with sewage sludge and possible explanations for the presence of P in minespoil.

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Baumgardner, Corey

Title: Impacts of Migrating Waterfowl on Escherichia coli Levels in Water Bodies within the Erie National Wildlife Refuge.
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Benjamin Haywood

Abstract: Birds of the United States have been studied for many reasons, however, one category of birds have long been overlooked as one of the most important in biological diversity: waterfowl. Historically, waterfowl have suffered population declines within the United States, but thanks to conservation techniques, specifically the National Wildlife Refuge System, populations are again healthy. With a population of waterfowl once again at high numbers, during their migration, they leave behind bacteria (i.e. E. coli) that can be found on land and in water. This study aimed to determine how migrating waterfowl impact E. coli levels specifically within impoundments located in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge located in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania during the peak of the fall 2015 migration season. Waterfowl Surveys were conducted once a week from mid-August to mid-December. Escherichia coli levels were measured at three separate times during fall migration. Data was analyzed and reviewed using graphs and figures. Canada Geese were found to be most populous. Migration itself was delayed due to altered weather conditions resulting in a later migration season. Overall, waterfowl abundance was highest post-migration while E. coli levels were generally not impacted by waterfowl abundance. A longer, smaller scale, project with more sampling in specific impoundments would offer additional information.

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Baxter, Lindsay A.

Title: Exploring the Jobs Versus Environment Myth
Date: Spring 2005
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Jennifer DeHart, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: There is a predominant belief in the United States that a clean environment requires regulations which increase the costs of production for businesses, thus forcing them to shut-down, layoff workers or move operations overseas. This paper seeks to expose this belief as a myth, and one which is often used to divide environmental groups and community members or laborers and to provide recommendations for future collaboration between these groups. The paper explores three case studies which illustrate the use of the jobs versus environment myth to pit workers against environmentalists. The first case study involves AK Steel, located in Middletown, Ohio, which successfully met pollution regulations following a public campaign led by environmental and community groups. The Pacific Lumber Company, located in Humboldt County, California, is highlighted in the second case study, where a nearly 20-year battle over timber practices continues to rage on. The final case study looks at the Massey Energy Company, focusing on its operations in Southern Appalachia. Environmentalists working in this region defend themselves against the jobs versus environment myth each day. They are united with an unexpected partner though: the United Mine Workers of America. Finally, suggestions are put forth for environmentalists for effective future collaborations with community and labor groups. These include the recognition of similar goals; the need to focus on similarities, not differences; the significance of forming alliances; the importance of consulting community and labor groups early; and the need for environmentalists to listen to community concerns.

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Baxter, Michaela

Title: Landuse Analysis of Agricultural Decline and Urban Development upon Nutrient Content Loading of Conneaut Lake Watershed and Tributaries
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Christopher Shaffer, Milton Ostrofsky

Abstract: The goal of this study was to determine the cause of increasing phosphorus levels by analyzing landuse changes over time in Conneaut Lake. Increasing aquatic vascular plant growth within Conneaut Lake has been noted since the mid-20th century. Conneaut Lake was and is valued both recreationally and economically throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. The ill health of Conneaut Lake is causing difficulties for both pleasure boaters and local businesses within the region, in addition to the loss of native species in the lake. This study analyzed historical landuse changes in the Conneaut Lake watershed through the use of a geographical information system (GIS). The goal is to determine the source of the increasing phosphorus levels with current decreasing agricultural runoff in addition to increasing residential development within the Conneaut Lake watershed. In the seventy year study period it was determined by use of digitization polygons that the Conneaut Lake region has transitioned from agricultural to residential with an increasing forest trend. Therefore, the increase in phosphorus loading and aquatic vascular plant growth may be attributed to developed landuse.

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Baxter-Green, Rowan

Title: Shallow Wilderness: Using Literature to Make Suburban Ecology Matter
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies & English
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Matthew Ferrence

Abstract: With the reality of climate change threatening the future of the planet, it is important that people be invested in the environment so that they can be motivated to save it. One way to make people care is to get them to notice that the environment is all around them; this can be done through the use of environmental literature that emphasizes the presence of nature in human-dominated spaces. The objective of this project was to create a series of creative nonfiction essays detailing my interactions with the small patch of woods in my backyard and how those interactions shaped me into an environmentalist. This was done so that those who read these essays can learn to recognize the value of the environment that exists all around them. The resulting essays have a strong environmental message woven in with personal anecdotes. These essays belong to the environmental literary tradition, but they branch out into environments that have not been explored before, and they come from a perspective that is unique to the author.

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Bayer, Rachel J.

Title: The Effect of Heat and Soil Moisture Stress on the Ability of Roundup Ready® Soybeans (Glycine max) to Compete with the Conventional Parent Cultivar and Withstand the Effects of Glyphosate
Date: Sprign 2002
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Catharina Coenen

Abstract: The rapid adoption of genetically engineered crops into agriculture could be problematic if these transgenic organisms do not perform as expected due to environmental stress. Roundup Ready® soybeans are one crop that has been engineered to withstand the negative effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® herbicide. Environmental conditions are known to affect the efficacy of foliar applied herbicides. The purpose of this study was to investigate if soil moisture and heat stress a) decrease the resistance of Roundup Ready® soybeans to glyphosate and b) decrease performance of the Roundup Ready® variety compared to the Conventional Parent Cultivar. Roundup Ready® and Conventional Parent Cultivar soybeans were stressed in six environments: hot/saturated soil moisture, hot/normal soil moisture, hot/dry soil moisture, ambient greenhouse temperature/saturated soil moisture, ambient greenhouse temperature/normal soil moisture, and ambient greenhouse temperature/dry soil moisture. In each environment, half of the Roundup Ready® and half of the Conventional Parent Cultivar soybeans were sprayed with a 2% Roundup Ultra® solution. Damage to plants was assessed through dry and fresh weights, changes in height, and a chlorophyll analysis. The Roundup Ready® variety performed as well as the Conventional Parent Cultivar in all environmental conditions. The only damage to Roundup Ready® plants due to glyphosate application was a decrease in chlorophyll content. No other measurements showed a significant difference between the sprayed and control Roundup Ready® soybeans. A second experiment determined the effect of glyphosate on the root dry weights of both the Roundup Ready® and Conventional Parent Cultivar plants. Root weight did not significantly differ between control and sprayed plants for the Roundup Ready® or the Conventional Parent Cultivar variety. Future experimentation is necessary to determine if the decreased chlorophyll content of Roundup Ready® plants is the initial sign of herbicide damage.

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Becker, Colleen L.

Title: Brownfields Redevelopment: An Examination of the Obstacles Hindering and Initiatives Supporting Redevelopment
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Brownfields are defined by the EPA as abandoned or underutilized properties where redevelopment may be complicated by possible environmental contamination. The majority of these properties are located in urban areas where manufacturing centers were previously sited. The land remaining idle presents a major burden, however if it is redeveloped and put back to productive use multiple benefits can be realized. Brownfield redevelopment projects can improve environmental quality, spur economic revitalization, and address the social needs of the community. Such redevelopment is especially valuable for urban environments that are in need of economic revitalization, especially those areas where the outward migration of industry and people have left abandoned industrial sites and a concentration of poor and minority residents.

With the known benefits of brownfields redevelopment, this thesis explores the forces that hinder redevelopment and the initiatives that foster redevelopment. The study examines how brownfields in the US were originally created, environmental justice concerns during redevelopment, innovative state initiatives, and a case study of the Nine Mile Run redevelopment project located in Pittsburgh. A number of obstacles are revealed, such as liability concerns, limited funding, and the extent to which cleanup should occur, though the comp does highlight a number of initiatives that are spurring redevelopment such as grant and low-interest loan programs, Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Act, and community involvement. The research concludes that the key to making redevelopment occur is community participation. Community involvement allows projects to better fit the needs of those that are to benefit from brownfield redevelopment. Also, the active involvement of community members can diminish the barriers to brownfield redevelopment. With community participation the goals of brownfield redevelopment can be fully achieved.

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Beckwith, Jacquelyne

Title: The Interstate Transportation Of Solid Waste
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Studies/Political Science
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Robert Seddig

Abstract: In recent years, states that have produced large amounts of garbage have sought new dumping grounds by turning to other states with extra landfill capacity and rural land to locate new disposal facilities for their unwanted refuse. This thesis explores whether or not states should be allowed to prohibit the importation of solid waste from other states. A background on the interstate transportation of solid waste across the United States is provided, as is a review of the issues facing states that export and import solid waste. The study looks closely at the transportation of solid waste across state lines for three states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. On the basis of these case studies and supporting analyses, the study concludes that states should have the power to stop solid waste importation. There are solutions for all states to provide for their own solid waste needs. The thesis ends by discussing solutions for how each state can accomplish its own disposal of solid waste to minimize waste exportation.

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Bedford, Sydney

Title: Creating Environmentally Conscious Students: Integrating Garden-Based Learning into the Family/ Consumer Science 7th Grade Curriculum
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Kerstin Martin

Abstract: Garden-based learning is a popular strategy to engage primary students in ecological processes. This educational approach enhances student learning while also teaching students to be responsible problem-solvers who are connected with their community. These skills are necessary for creating environmentally-conscious students who can address complex environmental issues. Meadville PA is a community with a high percentage of families living below the federal poverty level. Local school health screens in Meadville reveal that ~38% of children aged 5-17 are obese or overweight. Garden-based education can address the linked challenges of obesity and poverty. Students can learn valuable skills about environmental stewardship, and also about nutrition and healthy eating. This project is part of a Community Wellness Initiative showcasing a new community garden at a recreational complex adjacent to the middle school. I designed and tested six lesson plans addressing the ecology, nutrition, and sustainability of growing foods locally and the practical benefits of doing so. Lessons integrate garden-based learning into the “Family/Consumer Science” class in the 7th grade curriculum and are linked to statewide goals and standards for science and agriculture. Lessons focused on where food comes from, what is in our food, buying local, budgeting meals, food spoilage, and harvesting.

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Beeson, Rebecca L.

Title: Lloro Campesino (Cry of the Farmworker): Latino Struggles for Agricultural Justice in the Promised Land
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Giovanna Di Chiro, Cileine de Lourenco

Abstract: Sixty-nine percent of the fruits and vegetables harvested and sold in the United States are produced by a foreign labor force largely invisible to the average consumer. The current agricultural system in the U.S. lends itself to the importation of a cheap labor force from primarily Latin American countries. This modern-day system of agriculture is grounded in the historical, economic, political, and social framework of American society. Latino farm laborers journey to the promised land with hopes of earning money to bring back to their families. Upon arrival in the U.S., they are greeted with discrimination and substandard working and living conditions. Despite the challenges faced by Latino farmworkers in their everyday lives, they are beginning to make their voices heard in society, challenging discrimination and an oppressive agricultural system. Grassroots organizations and farmworkers’ unions are forming throughout the U.S. and creating alliances to battle agricultural injustices. As these organizations work together to make their voices heard, the cry for agricultural justice becomes louder and stronger.

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Beggs, Lisa Kay

Title: Earth Walk
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Sonya Jones, Lynda Veshecco

Abstract: Many people, especially in the West, have lost their connection to the Earth. Our everyday decisions affect the natural world, but because we have created an artificial distance between ourselves and the land, we are blind to the consequences. American consumption has reached gluttonous proportions and we rape our natural resources every moment of the day. Environmental regulation and other “end-of-the-pipe” solutions are not enough to end the devastation of the environment; thus, a deeper environmentalism is needed. This Senior Thesis focuses on a more holistic and integrated view of the Earth by exploring the interconnections of environmentalism and spirituality. Earth Wisdom from Native American heritage, as well as certain philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, dates back thousands of years, and so makes the perfect forum in which to discuss these topics. The evolution of “superficial” environmentalism into a more deeper Earth ethic is accomplished in the Thesis through the use of fiction. Within the story, “Earth Walk,’ the main character, Jamie Duran, experiences first-hand the transformational experiences of the Earth’s spiritual energy. Through twists of fate, she encounters two Native American women, one of whom is a tribal Medicine Woman. Her lessons begin in the garden where she learns respect for the life-giving sacrifice of the land. Transformed by her journey into the woods and finally the Sweatlodge, Jamie becomes Keeper of the Sacred Stone, a woman with a very important future.

From there, the question becomes, “Can this story, and what it stands for, actually make a difference?” The answer is found among current environmental movements including bioregionalism and green politics. Both of these movements incorporate ideas of spirituality, connection, community, and sustainability in their attempts to make peace between Man and Earth. The interconnectedness of life has begun to circulate through our culture, and as more and more people are transformed, we will begin to see significant change. Perhaps, if we follow the Good Red Way, we will find ourselves in harmony with the universe: As the Zen Buddhist said to the hotdog vendor, “Make me One—With Everything.”

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Bell, Emilie

Title: Effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens-produced antibiotic 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol on Chestnut Blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Biology & Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Catharina Coenen & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Before the 1900s, the American chestnut tree, Castanea dentata, was a major component in the United States’ eastern deciduous and hardwood forests. It was a keystone species that many species of animals as well as humans depended on. When the chestnut blight, a fungus called Cryphonectria parasitica, was introduced from China, virtually all American chestnut trees were wiped out. Roots continue to survive in the soil and send up sprouts, but these sprouts do not survive to maturity. Attempts to bring back the chestnut tree have been largely unsuccesful. The purpose of this study was to determine if the root-associated bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and the antibiotic it produces, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), could be used as an effective treatment against C. parasitica. Chestnut trees were treated with a P. fluorescens inoculum, which was applied directly to cankers. Change in canker size was measured before and after treatment. Antibiosis experiments were performed with P. fluorescens and the P. fluorescens mutant lacking the phlD gene and plugs of C. parasitica in order to see if zones of inhibition were produced. Well diffusion assays were performed with DAPG and C. parasitica to also observe any zones of inhibitions. All treatments were found to be ineffective. Although this method was unsuccessful in treating chestnut blight, it is still important to find a way to restore the American chestnut tree.

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Bell, Jenefer

Title: Effects of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginiana) Densities on Soil Invertebrate Distribution, Abundance and Diversity in a Temperate Forest
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Bowden and Professor Palmer

Abstract: This study examined the effects of white-tailed deer browsing on soil invertebrate distribution, abundance and diversity in a temperate forest. The study was conducted in the Fool’s Creek area of the Allegheny National Forest. This study utilized deer enclosures where deer densities were maintained at 10 deer per 259 ha (low deer density) and 64 deer per 259 ha (high deer density) over a ten year period. Within these two densities, five sampling locations were chosen, low deer density – uncut (low/uncut) and clearcut (low/cut), high deer density – uncut (high/uncut) and clearcut (high/cut) as well as portions that were clearcut but failed to regenerate to trees in the high deer density (high/failed). At each sampling location, ten soil invertebrate samples were collected and then extracted over a ten to thirteen day period.

Comparing the five sampling locations, there was no significant difference in the total number of organisms at each site, nor was there a difference in the total number of organisms in individual taxa at each site. The arachnids are the dominant group at all sites. Dividing arachnids into separate taxa, mites are the most abundant at each site except low/cut, and range from 7933 to 33,137 per m2. The next largest group was the springtails (Collembola), ranging from 5,394 to 10,718 per m2. A significant difference (F = 3.317, α = 0.05) in the relative diversity of mites was found between high/uncut and low/cut sampling locations. The highest number o soil invertebrates was found in the high/cut site with an average of 20,535 per m2. Some possible explanations for the highest number in the high/cut site are: an excessive amount of organic matter in soils of the high/cut sampling location; or this increase in soil invertebrates may be attributed to moisture and temperature condition.

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Bell, Zachary

Title: Recovery of Macroinvertebrate Communities after Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Kate Darby

Abstract: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a type of water pollution that affects many mining regions in Pennsylvania. The Slippery Rock Creek Watershed has installed 12 passive wetland treatment systems to treat mine drainage before it enters streams. Treatment wetlands have increased the water quality of the streams, but increase is not always accompanied by recovery of macroinvertebrates. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which macroinvertebrate communities in AMD remediated streams have recovered. I compared macroinvertebrates to pH and yellow boy of untreated, treated, and reference streams in Slippery Rock Creek. I hypothesized that reference streams would be characterized with more diversity of species and the presence of sensitive species. I also hypothesize that streams with high pH and no yellow boy will contain higher diversity and sensitive species than those with yellow boy. By sampling 12 sites in three different branches I found that reference streams were populated with more diversity and sensitive species. Streams with higher pH had more diversity and sensitive species. I also found that yellow boy negatively affected the macroinvertebrate community. Without the removal of yellow boy from the stream, reclamation and restoration may never reach its full potential.

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Belovarac, Jane Ann

Title: Is Aluminum Transferred in the Food Chain? A Study Involving the Water Flea, Daphnia magna, as the Prey and the Broken Striped Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens dorsalis, as the Predator
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milton Ostrofsky, and James Palmer

Abstract: One of the side-effects acid rain has on ecosystems is aluminum mobilization. If the pH of a water source is low enough, it is possible for aluminum complexes to dissociate and for aluminum to be freed. In the water, AP+3 may interfere with some organisms’ processes. The purpose of this project was to explore another manner that aluminum might affect organisms: through the food chain. By using Daphnia magna as a food source for Notophthalmus virisdescens dorsalis, I hoped to determine the degree to which aluminum is passed along the food chain from prey to predator.

The experiment consisted of four treatments: 1) newts housed in ambient water fed ambient Daphnia, 2) newts housed in ambient water and fed aluminum laden Daphnia, 3) newts housed in aluminum water and fed ambient Daphnia, and 4) newts housed in aluminum water and fed aluminum laden Daphnia. The amount of aluminum in the newts from each treatment was compared to analyze the amount of aluminum capable of coming from the environment or from food.

According to the results, there was no significant difference in aluminum content between treatments. The reasons were attributed to problems experienced during the experiment and the newts’ physiology.

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Benko, Lindsay

Title: Diversity of Nocturnal Moths at the ENWR and the Relationship Between Family Abundances and Ecosystem Types
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Biology & Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Dr. Richard Bowden

Abstract: Pollinators are essential to the health of many ecosystems, but globally, pollinator populations are in decline. Moths have not been extensively studied compared to other pollinators, though they are just as important and are facing similar population declines. This knowledge gap regarding moths exists in northwestern Pennsylvania and specifically at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge (ENWR), in Crawford county, where there has never been previous moth surveying. The goal of my study was to collect and analyze data that could be used to monitor the moth populations at the ENWR. Specifically, the goal was to determine which moth families were present at the ENWR and the abundance of individuals in each family. In addition, I was interested in the relationship between different ecosystem types (open field, forest, wetland). I hypothesized that overall moth abundance would be greatest in the fields compared to the wetlands or forested areas, due to the number of plants in each area that required pollinators. I used mercury-vapor light traps to perform monthly surveys of nine sites across a seven-month period. Months 1-7 were analyzed for individual abundance data and months 1-4 were analyzed for family abundance data. Statistical methods used were one-way ANOVA, Tukey-Kramer HSD test, and Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. My results indicate that there was no significant difference in the number of moths or number of families found across the three ecosystem types (p = 0.279 and p = 0.413, respectively). The forests and fields had the highest abundances for each month, but they were not significantly different than the wetlands (p > 0.05). No family of moths had a significantly higher presence in one ecosystem over the others. The number of moths caught was found to be significantly different across months (p = < 0.001). Family diversity, richness, and evenness were fairly similar across all three ecosystems. These results highlight the need for further research and monitoring of the ENWR’s moth populations. More sample replicates may be needed in order to obtain significant results.

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Bennett, Andrew J.

Title: Popular Education and Crawford County: Designing a Center for Social Change in Crawford County
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Popular education in its basic form is the use of experiential education and group discussion to organize people around social, political, and environmental issues that plague their communities. Myles Horton, the founder of the Highlander School, pioneered this concept, one based on self-knowledge and respect for individuals to help the people in Appalachian Tennessee in the 1920s and 1930s. Many of these issues are present in the Meadville community and the surrounding area, but few groups, if any at all, are working directly on them. A close look at the issues and structures of the Meadville community illustrates that a center for social change and popular education would be a viable addition to the current organizing efforts of those individuals and groups in the area. To investigate the design of such a center, this study first discusses the concept of popular education and two organizations that are current practicing and teaching popular education. It then reports on interviews with individuals in the area who are highly involved in their communities to get their perspective on the concept and the community. Finally, using information gathered from this research, it explores the design of what a center for social change would look like in Crawford County.

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Bennett, Sara E.

Title: The effects of clear-cutting on soil macroinvertebrate populations in Robertson Field in Meadville, PA
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Rich Bowden

Abstract: This experiment examined the differences in soil macro-invertebrate populations in a clear-cut area versus an area managed by selective cutting. Samples were taken from a site at Robertson Field in Meadville, PA a mixed forest where one acre was clear-cut and the surrounding forest area was managed by selective cutting. A total of 65 samples were collected between 10/29/03 and 11/25/03, half from the clear-cut acre and half from the surrounding forest. The invertebrates were extracted using Burlese-Tullgren extraction funnels, counted, and identified to the order or subclass levels. ANOVAs showed a significant difference in the overall abundance as well as in the abundance of Acari, Collembola, Diplopoda, and Diptera. In each of these categories there were significantly higher numbers of individuals found in the clear-cut plot and in the surrounding areas. There was no statistical difference in the biodiversity of the populations at the order/subclass level.

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Benoit, Rene

Title: Illustrations of Biophilia: An Artist's Response to the Anthropocene
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Ian F. Thomas

Abstract: Artworks which act as tools to facilitate conversations on environmental issues tend to be sculptural work made from reused material or ephemeral works that are photographed and videographed for documentation. Due to a lack of popularity in using sustainable methods to create two dimensional artwork, I created homemade pigmented paints with walnut oil, black walnut and acorn ink, and homemade leaf and cotton paper toward a body of artwork pertaining to biophilia and wildlife conservation specific to northwestern Pennsylvania. I created a painting representative of an eastern hemlock tree valley (natural pigment, black walnut ink, acorn ink on canvas. 28.5”x39.5”) and four illustrations featuring endangered species: the northern flying squirrel, the bog turtle, the wood thrush, and the Indiana bat (graphite illustrations pasted with methyl cellulose on handcrafted leaf and cotton paper. 11”x14”). Obstacles arose while using a walnut oil binder with mineral pigments for paint; it was difficult to produce fine detail with walnut oil paints like those needed for scientific illustration. In further research, I recommend exploring homemade watercolor paints with a gum Arabic binder for detailed illustrations.

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Bergeon, Quinn

Title: Economical and Environmental Benefits of Bulk Packaging Recommendations for Brooks Dining Hall
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Ian Carbone & Kelly Boulton

Abstract: "Brooks Dining Hall at Allegheny College hopes to become a more sustainable food service throughout the years. By doing so, they have asked to take part in more environmentally friendly projects taking place on campus, including research and future recommendations to their service as a whole. Not only do they wish to become an environmental advocate for the school, but they also wish to improve their current food situation and procedures, as they are weak links to their sustainable outlook. One such aspect is the use of bulk packaging for food products. In order to become a more sustainable food service, I propose purchasing bulk packaging for a list of recommended foods. By implementing bulk packaging, Brooks will 1) save costs spent on foods based on specific vendor choosing and 2) reduce the amount of waste thrown away after purchasing while reducing environmental impacts. This operation allows Allegheny College to educate both students and staff on reevaluating current procedures to offset adverse environmental impacts in relation to the food industry while aiding their goal in becoming an ideal advocate. "

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Bialy-Viau, Kristine M.

Title: Meat Based Diets: How They Affect our Environment and Health and What Allegheny Can Do to Support Vegetarian and Vegan Students
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Rosanna Cappellato

Abstract: In the book Beyond Beef, written by Jeremy Rifkin, the author claims that in 1992 the number of cattle in the United States exceeded 100 million in number. In part, the business of raising these animals contributes to the occurrence of water, air and soil pollution. Cattle production also contributes to the loss of habitat and biodiversity, soil compaction, and forest depletion. In addition to the environmental ills meat can create, consumers should also pay attention to the ever increasing data on its effects to your health. In the United States diet related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure are all on the rise. The good news is that vegetarianism is also on the rise. Data shows that those who decrease their meat consumption or stop it completely reduce their risk of contracting these illnesses, sometimes by more than ten percent. In the last several years, the number of vegetarian and vegan students at Allegheny College has been increasing. To keep pace with such changes the college and Dining Services has had to make adaptations to the food menus. Just this year Dining Services established a vegan food bar in McKinley’s and has increased some vegetarian options in the other two halls. Despite these changes, there is more to be done. Such as offering dairy free breakfasts and desserts, offering meatless deli selections, and increasing the overall variety of the meat free meals. This project considers all of this.

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Binnie, Lori

Title: A “Worst-Case” Scenario Contaminant Leak: Seneca Landfill, Butler County Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Prof. Mark Lord and Prof. Rich Bowden

Abstract: On December 31, 1990, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources ordered Vogel Disposal Service, Inc. to close a landfill operating in an old strip mine in Jackson and Lancaster Townships, Butler County Pennsylvania. Prior to the landfill’s closing, Vogel began submitting petitions to the Department of Environmental Resources asking permission to expand landfill development at the site. Vogel’s intentions were to develop 20.6 additional acres as the Seneca Landfill, Inc. Many of the chemicals dumped in municipal solid waste landfills possess the potential to leak out. Even sites protected with state-of-the-art leachate barriers and leachate collection systems have been shown to be ineffective in containing contaminants associated with landfill leachate. Groundwater contamination is the most common form of water contamination associated with landfill leachate. A number of geologic and hydrogeologic variables are important controls in the migration of leachate contaminants into groundwater supplies. Through an examination of geologic and hydrogeologic data at the proposed Seneca Landfill site, documented findings of research, and data from other landfill sites this comprehensive project shows that the Seneca Landfill site is not an appropriate setting for a landfill where groundwater protection is the primary concern.

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Binns, Erin M.

Title: A Guidebook for Energy Savings for the Insert Plant at Greenleaf Corporation
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Don Goldstein

Abstract: Energy efficiency for industry can have enormous economic incentives in addition to the environmental benefits of reduced carbon dioxide emissions. By implementing energy reduction programs, industries can benefit from the reduced costs of production and the reduced costs of environmental compliance, while enhancing their image as a “green” corporation. However, as many energy efficiency projects involve changing production methods or upgrading to more efficient technologies, the initial costs of improvements often hinder the management’s decision to invest in energy efficiency options. This study was conducted to show Greenleaf Corporation that many simple, low cost energy saving measures can be implemented throughout their Insert Plant that will reduce energy consumption and consequently energy costs.

With this mindset my first objective was to determine the times of highest energy consumption within the Insert Plant, the peak demand levels, and propose methods for reducing peak levels and consequently energy costs. After determining the highest equipment loads in the plant using electrical bills, I proposed ways to reduce energy consumption in the following systems: plant lighting, air compressors, cooling towers and air conditioning systems. As the suggested improvements are relatively low capital intensive they can provide great opportunity for savings, both financially and environmentally. By letting industry know of the financial benefits of energy efficiency, greater steps can be taken to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the associated environmental consequences.

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Biondi, Kaitlan M.

Title: A Deadly Rainbow: The Study of Mold in Student Rentals and What Can be Done About It.
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Thomas Eatmon

Abstract: Mold is an inhabitant of most homes across America, particularly those that are low rent. College students live in some of the cheapest rented houses that can be found, including those who rent in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Mold spores float around in the air until given the right conditions to feed and grow. The better the conditions found, the more mold will grow. As the amount of time spent indoors increases, the concern for indoor air quality and health rises as well. Mold lives in places that most college students do not bother to look for such as under the toilet seat and in between the shower curtains. In studies done on homes with mold and allergy troubles, there is a direct correlation between the allergy problems of the inhabitant and the amount of mold in the household. With a guidebook college students will have the opportunity to educate themselves and be able to protect their homes from mold growth and any side effects that it could cause. It has been proven that one of the biggest problems with mold induced by poor indoor air quality is the lack of education. Mold has been a problem for years, but becoming equipped with the right information could give college students a new weapon in the fight against mold.

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Biskup, Evan

Title: Preference and the Productive Mind: How Environmental Influence Affects Study Locations
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Elizabeth Olson,Steve Utz

Abstract: This study collected data regarding the students of Allegheny College and their preferences of study spaces on campus by examining the natural influences within the study spaces on campus. Using an analysis of five particular buildings on campus through a method called site scans, the environmental influence and popularity was recorded. A selection of fifteen students from varying class year, major, and gender were then interviewed about their perceived favorite and most productive study spaces. The data from the site scans and interviews were synthesized to create an understanding that correlated preferred study spaces with environmental influence and productivity. It was found that most students preferred a study space that had environmental influence, but was not the defining factor for why they chose a study space. The preferred study spaces were chosen mostly because of availability, convenience and how productive the student felt in the study space. Environmental influence was supplemental to the factors in the previous sentence, improving the experience of the study space. Study breaks turned out to be the most preferred use of environmental influence. The conclusions articulate which study spaces on campus are the most popular and most productive based on the interviews and site scans.

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Bissell, Aaron T.

Title: An Experiment in Sustainable Agriculture: Compost Extract as a Nutrient Solution in Hydroponic Gardening.
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Anne Wibiralske, Jon Connolly

Abstract: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water based nutrient solutions with or without the use of a pump and an inert growing media. In terms of sustainable agriculture, hydroponics utilizes organic nutrient solutions to combine efficient production with wise stewardship of the earth’s resources. Compost extract, a tea consisting of the nutrients reclaimed through the natural process of recycling dead plant material, was used in a comparison with three commercially available (inorganic) nutrient solutions. Cherry tomatoes were grown in a custom-built, random block design hydroponic system for analysis and comparison of stem, leaf and total plant mass. The results of this experiment suggest that compost extract suffers from probable deficiencies in available nitrogen and sulfur as exhibited by poor growth characteristics in the compost extract treatment group.

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Biswas, Aman

Title: Exploring the Wilderness: Lessons Learned from Community-Based Conservation
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mark Neff, Terry Bensel

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.

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Blair, Katherine

Title: Wetland Loss and Restoration in Louisiana: Policy Implications
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Richard Bowden

Abstract: Environmental protection is essential in order to preserve our world. Environmental protection that is specifically importa nt to coastal regions are wetlands. There has been general controversy over what regions should be protected due to the lack of a single definition for what a wetland is. However, there is no disagreement that wetlands do provide very valuable infrastructures for ecosystems and protection from winds and waves. Throughout the scope of history, wetlands have been recklessly destroyed in order for human expansion throughout the land. Examples of this destruction are visible in places such as New Orleans, where a vast majority of the city once laid on wetlands. In recent years, the value of wetlands has been realized by many. Government groups and NGO’s have been working to preserve and protect wetland regions. This study examines the history of wetland use and management, with a focus on Louisiana. It concludes that while some improvements in wetland management have been made in recent years, more effort is needed to protect and restore these critical ecosystems.

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Blank, Jeffrey T.

Title: How is Road Salt, Dispersed on Interstate 79, Transported from the Road to the Water in Van Home Creek and in Which Path is Most of the Salt Concentrated?
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: M. Lord and T. Dougan

Abstract: The methods of transport of road salt from an interstate to a local creek was examined. The study was conducted from November 1994 through February 1995 at a site located adjacent to Interstate 79 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Van Home Creek, which runs parallel to the interstate was also incorporated into the study. The Van Home Creek area consists of a rural setting that allows the entire system to respond over a longer period of time. Routes of the transport of road salt, including groundwater, subsurface water flow, soil, and splash were samples and analyzed in an attempt to determine where salt was most concentrated takes in its transport from the interstate to the creek. To sample groundwater and subsurface water flow monitoring wells were used that collected the used for splash and airborne particles. Twenty-nine sampling dates were incorporated into the study. The concentration of each substance, sodium and chloride, was analyzed for its concentration in parts per million (ppm). These routes of transportation were examined with respect to the air temperature, precipitation, and amount of salt applied to understand how the system reacted. Both sodium and chloride concentrations were examined to detect the movement of salt through the system. All of the sodium values were used but, chloride values were less relied upon for evaluation of the system because they were deemed invalid.

The greatest concentration of salt was transported from road to creek by subsurface waterflow. This flow occurs approximately 0.3048 to 0.4572 meters beneath the surface. Overall, not a large concentration of salt was transported through the system. This is largely due to the Van Home Creek setting, an alternative is an urban paved system, in which large amounts of runoff cause an immediate response. The area around Van Home Creek allowed the system to buffer itself more effectively than an urban system because salt was able to enter into the soil, sodium could then exchange with other elements thus decreasing the amount that could affect the system. The variable that affected the response, as expected, was the amount of salt applied per area per event. More salt applied yielded more salt transported through the system. Within a few days of a salting event concentrations rose in the samples and then fell to a pre-salting level until the next salting event. Temperature and precipitation did not play a large role in the response of the system to salting.

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Blaschak, Elizabeth

Title: "“I wish, I wish I weren’t a Fish”: A history and painting on the overfishing of the North Atlantic cod and how we are catching ourselves in our own net "
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant & Byron Rich

Abstract: After continued fishing efforts since the discovery of vast stocks since the 1500s, Atlantic cod have become an overfished species, though its decline was only noticed by fisheries in the mid 1900s. Since the introduction of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery and Conservation Management Act in 1976, several steps have been taken by both the Canadian and United States governments in combating the overfishing of this species. To address the problem at hand and change public perception in the hopes of creating further protective measures, I created a 10 ft. by 5 ft. 4 inch painting. The images within the work aim at placing the viewer into the Atlantic along with a school of cod about to be caught in a massive trawling net. By informing the public, specifically fishermen, lawmakers and consumers of this commodity, the painting may become an impetus for change. These can include choosing alternative gear or marine species, new and improved legislation, and decreased demand for cod due to public refusal to purchase an overfished, vulnerable species.

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Blinn, Hannah

Title: Integrating Interdisciplinary Education at the High School Level through Hydroponics
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Benjamin Haywood & Taylor Hinton

Abstract: Through a sub-grant of the Environmental Education Grant Allegheny College received from the Environmental Protection Agency, Union City High School, in Union City, PA, built a stackable hydroponics system to be used as a tool for teaching students about food, agriculture, biology, and a variety of other topics. This project involved the research and design of an interdisciplinary lesson series that used the hydroponics system as an anchor to explore complex challenges and issues currently being addressed in the real world around food access. Lessons were introduced in two classrooms and encouraged students to think critically about hydroponics from perspectives among the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The series also allowed students to experience a form of education that differed from the traditional discipline-based pedagogy present in primary and secondary education. Implementation of the lesson series took place during the third nine weeks of the 2016-2017 school year. Pre and post interdisciplinary-natured activities were used to measure students’ ability to engage in interdisciplinary thinking around a food procurement project. At the completion of the project, one class showed an increased ability for interdisciplinary thinking, while the other class showed the opposite result based on quantitative measures.

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Blyth, Elizabeth

Title: Explaining Local Food Consumption Behaviors in Allegheny College Students
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Caryl Waggett

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.

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Bogo, Jennifer L.

Title: Invertebrate Communities in Natural vs. Constructed Wetlands in Northwestern PA
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science/Biology
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger Jim Palmer

Abstract: Constructed wetlands are increasingly used to 1) mitigate for wetland encroachments 2) restore habitats that were historically drained/filled for agriculture and urbanization, and 3) enhance nesting habitat for waterfowl. Although funding for wetland construction has increased during the 1990’s, few studies have addressed the ecological integrity of these human-made habitats.

The purpose of my study was to compare wetlands constructed through the ‘Partners for Wildlife’ program of the USFWS with natural habitats in order to 1) assess the biotic integrity of such restoration projects and 2) provide baseline data for assessing patterns of invertebrate distribution and abundance. These communities were also examined in open marshes and forested wetlands, a little-studied habitat~ to determine the degree to which each had recovered to its “natural’ state.
Twelve sites were chosen, six of which were wetlands restored within the last two years and six were comparable natural habitats. Within each of these divisions, half were located in forested and half in open environments. Insects were quantitatively and qualitatively sampled and then identified to genus level in the laboratory in order to accurately measure community composition of both overall species and specific taxa.

Invertebrate distribution and abundance were similar for both constructed and naturally-occurring open marshes. Existing seed banks and local insect populations from the wet meadow region probably aided rapid community establishment. The overall diversity and species richness were significantly greater for natural, forested wetlands than for constructed, forested ones. Dissimilar habitat structure from slow forest growth and hindered seed dispersal most likely won’t quickly support local insect populations. Measures of odonate, coleopteran, and trichopteran diversity and density were also greater for natural, forested wetlands while the diversity and richness of dipterans were much lower. Often the first species to colonize newly-flooded habitats, opportunistic chironomids are eventually succeeded by slowly-dispersing, larger-bodied invertebrate predators.

While both contribute to the diets of migratory and breeding waterfowl, chironomids are the predominant food group of dabbling ducks. Focusing restoration efforts on habitat which sacrifices diversity of other invertebrates for high density of midges, however, may mean a trade off between waterfowl diversity and abundance as well. In order to avoid this type of exchange, Partners for Wildlife should concentrate on restoring wetlands to attain the most diverse and species rich invertebrate communities.

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Boldosser, Robin E.

Title: Effective Ways to Educate the Allegheny College Community on an In-Vessel Composter and Composting Process
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Seth Appiah-Opoku, Gordon Whitney

Abstract: Allegheny College recently acquired an in-vessel composter. While the College has owned this device since fall of 2001, much of the campus still does not even know that it exists. The goal of my study was to educate the Allegheny College community on the in-vessel composter and composting process. Once they are educated on the composter, composting process and how it is instrumental in the campus greening movement, the college community will hopefully be more willing to accept changes that correlate with reducing our environmental impact.

To gauge the knowledge that the college community had on issues of the in-vessel composter, campus greening, and their willingness to accept changes in McKinley’s dining hall area, I surveyed students and conducted interviews with key faculty, staff and administrators. I also studied cases of similar education programs implemented by other colleges and universities in the United States. Based on the surveys and lessons learned from the case studies, I have proposed changes and recommended materials, programs and ideas suited specifically for educating the Allegheny College community on the in-vessel composter and the composting process.

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Bonessi, Chris

Title: The Effects of Increased Air Quality Regulations on Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Kristin Wilson

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine if the trend of increases in air quality regulations over time have affected terrestrial and aquatic environments is talked about or considered by governmental agencies like the EPA and DEP. The use of interviews with a number of experts in the fields of policy analysis, stream ecology, water chemistry, and air quality regulation were used to gauge the overall understanding and knowledge on the issue presented. It was found that the experts understood the issue and claimed it may be a problem, but unanimously expressed that is not considered at the local or regional level in the regulatory community and may or may not be considered by ‘big picture’ policy analysts at the federal level.

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Bonner, Kaitlin M.

Title: An Assessment of Heavy Metals in French Creek Using Actinonaias ligamentia as a Bioindicator
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Biology
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Heavy metals represent a significant ecological and health concern due to their toxicity and their ability to be accumulated. This project used the common mucket mussel, Actinonaias ligamentia, to approximate heavy metal concentrations present in French Creek. Cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, and lead concentrations were determined in mussels, sediment, and water. Copper and zinc were the most abundant heavy metals in body burden. Copper ranged from 6.057 to 56.250 microgram/g and averaged 15.603 microgram/g. Zinc ranged from 96.907 to 518.343 microgram/g and averaged 190.395 microgram/g. The body burdens for all of the metals are similar to body burdens found in rivers in regions around the world. There was a significant increase in zinc and copper body burden in the downstream cities. The increase corresponded with an increase in local industrial processes. However, there were no correlations found between sediment concentrations and body burden, as well as body burden and water concentrations. Zinc and nickel were the most abundant heavy metals in the water. Zinc ranged from 310 to 3720 mg/L and nickel ranged from 30 to 300 mg/L. All of the water samples collected exceeded the recommended water quality criteria set by the EPA in 1999.

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Booser, James E.

Title: Legal Barriers to Achieving Environmental Justice: Houston, Texas
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: Environmental justice is a relatively new movement, yet has shown much potential for success, even in the face of tremendous setbacks and legal failure. The movement provides a venue in which many disempowered groups may pursue equal treatment, using the legislation created in response to the Civil Rights movement in order to display disparate conditions based on a discriminating factor. However, the movement has experienced a difficult beginning, with many legal cases challenging environmental discrimination either being dismissed before proceedings or having an unfavorable ruling after being argued in court. Although the basis by which one argues cases of environmental discrimination initially seem accommodating; the applicable laws were not designed for the unique approach the movement takes. The laws do not apply in a comprehensive fashion, which creates a loophole that is taken advantage of by defendants. This creates a high failure rate for those cases that may exhibit valid circumstances of discrimination, but are tasked with an unreasonable burden of financial and legal obligations that delay or prevent justice. Additionally, the laws do not always support each other, and while one law might say one thing, defendants are able to cite other provisions of the same law that create strict parameters under which nearly all cases will not fall within. Environmental justice is a movement of utmost importance; since it uses our laws as a vehicle by which we may protect the environment, punish those who don’t, and take a step in the direction of increased social-conscientiousness. Two legal cases in Houston, Texas support the theory of embedded legal obstacles that contribute to a delay or prevention of achieving environmental justice. Examination will be performed to determine how both cases were disserved by our legal system, and how the cases could have turned out, based on the merits of their claims.

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Borne,Ronald

Title: Does Pennsylvania possess suitable habitat to support gray wolves for the purpose of regulating white-tailed deer to improve forest productivity?
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Chris Schaffer, Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Prior to European settlement, white-tailed deer and gray wolves were two of the most prevalent wildlife species found in Pennsylvania during the 1800s. However, deer populations were diminished by the end of the 1800s because they were a vital resource and wolves, like other predators, were purposely extirpated through lethal control methods by the 1930s because they were deemed a major threat. Since then, deer populations have increased rapidly due to wildlife regulations established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and today they are overabundant. Contrarily, wolf populations were never granted the opportunity to rebound. Consequently, the lack of natural predators, such as the gray wolf, has allowed deer populations to reach all-time highs and cause detrimental impacts to both forest ecosystems and humans. Currently, due to recent reintroduction programs, some wolf populations thrive in the conterminous United States within areas considered to be part of their historical range and their presence is extremely beneficial. In this study, geographic information systems (GIS) were utilized to determine if Pennsylvania possesses potential suitable habitat for wolf reintroduction. This study utilized key information from research compiled on existing wolf populations in the contiguous United States, in conjunction with successfully-proven management and reintroduction plans to identify habitat within the Commonwealth. Key variables used in this habitat suitability analysis included land cover, distance to protected lands, distance from roads, human population density, deer harvest, distance to water sources and elevation. The results generated in this analysis show that gray wolves could potentially inhabit some ranges in Pennsylvania if reintroduced.

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Boudreau, Kiah

Title: Small-Scale Farming Practices: An Economic Analysis and Evaluation
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Kelly Boulton

Abstract: The conventional agricultural systems that produce and distribute food for human consumption are monolithic and functioning constantly. However, these conventional systems are not operating in a manner that is sustainable environmentally, economically, or ethically. They also do not take into consideration the social and cultural importance of food production and consumption. Alternative methods to producing food must be found, especially in light of climate change and its effects on human processes. One potential alternative is a stronger focus on small-scale farming, particularly on family farms. However, these farms have a tendency to struggle economically. This paper analyzed the economic and environmental processes of a small family farm. The family saved money, and established firm connections to their food and each other during the process of raising livestock and cultivating a garden. Small-scale farming practices can be considered a viable alternative as food systems continue to adapt to a changing global climate and market structure.

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Boutin, Nicole Mane

Title: An Investigation into the Potential for Nitrate Pollution of Ground Water from Agriculture in the Middle Connecticut River Basin, New Hampshire Using DRASTIC, A Pollution Potential Model
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mark Lord and Dr. Eric Pallant

Abstract: The agricultural setting poses a threat to ground water pollution. Leaching of nitrate can occur in areas with high pollution potential and when excess nitrogen is applied. The general purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of DRASTIC, a ground water pollution potential model, using an agricultural setting. Nitrogen application rates were compared, along with soil nitrate- nitrogen and ground water nitrate to test DRASTIC against occurring trends. The study area is located in the Middle Connecticut River Basin in Grafton County, New Hampshire. The study area consisted of nine study sites.. This area is all underlain by stratified drift aquifers and has relatively the same hydrogeologic setting throughout. Of the parameters considered in DRASTIC, only depth to ground water and hydraulic conductivity varied within the area of study. Recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography and impact of vadose zone did not vary from Site to site.

The resulting DRASTIC index values ranged from 151 to 170. The average applied nitrogen ranged from 128.3 to 279.6 pounds per acre and the average soil nitrate- nitrogen ranged from 19.4 to 37.8 ppm. Ground water nitrate values ranged from undetectable to 1.8 mgfL. Predictions of higher pollution areas were made based upon DRASTIC and nitrogen application rates but could not be sufficiently tested due to insufficient ground water nitrate data. This was due to low ground water numbers and a small data set. Overall, the data set shows that the area does not have ground water nitrate pollution occurring with the current agricultural management practices. However, one site showed an increase of nitrate from up gradient to down gradient of the site.

The results of this study show that DRASTIC is applicable to this setting. Studies done by the creators of DRASTIC were comparable to the DRASTIC results of this study. Future use of DRASTIC in areas comparable to this study area need not look at all the parameters, only the two that varied, depth to ground water and hydraulic conductivity.

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Bowden, Brynya

Title: Yoga: A New Way to Approach Environmental Education?
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Eleanor Weisman

Abstract: Environmental educators are beginning to realize that individuals need more than just information to evoke real behavioral change that benefits the environment. Instead, individuals need experiences (e.g. hands-on activities, field trips, etc.) to bring about such change. Yoga, which is a mind, body, and spirit experience, emphasizes physical activity as well as evokes environmental awareness through its philosophical viewpoints. Thus, yoga has the capacity to evoke environmental behavioral change. This project sought to determine if incorporating yoga into environmental education increases environmental understanding among elementary school students. This work took place at the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh, PA where I taught four environmental life cycles to two sections of kindergarten students with twenty-five students per section. I met with both sections four times over the course of one month for sixty minutes each time. In teaching the four lessons, one section was taught about the given environmental life cycle only (control group) whereas the other section was taught about the given environmental life cycle in conjunction with yoga. In order to account for a multitude of variables, I alternated the section that received yoga in conjunction with the lesson each time I taught. To assess the effectiveness of incorporating yoga into environmental education, I administered pre- and post-assessments that directly related to each of the four environmental life cycles taught. Overall, the presence of yoga did not increase students’ environmental understanding. However, variations were detected between the two sections and among topics, suggesting that in some cases, yoga did increase student learning of environmental lessons. These findings indicate that age, level of complexity of the topics, previous exposure to the topics, the type of school, and teaching and learning styles all influence the results.

Funded by: Class of 1939 Senior Research Fund

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Bower, Robert

Title: Feeding Response of Red-Backed Salamanders Infected with Varying Levels of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Vanesky & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: The immune system in animals has evolved as a way to defend themselves against foreign invaders (i.e., parasites and pathogens). Pathogens come in many forms such as fungal, viral, or bacterial, and cause harmful effects to their hosts. Therefore, effective immune responses allow organisms to maintain fitness during an infection. The immune response, however, can be energetically costly and can cause trade-offs with other functions of the organism. The quality and quantity of food consumed by an organism can fuel the energetic costs of an immune response. A fungal pathogen of amphibians called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) leads to chytridiomycosis, a disease which has been the cause of many deaths and the overall decline of amphibian species. Some species such as Plethodon cinereus (eastern red-back salamanders) are relatively resistant to Bd and are able to overcome the disease. However, this immune response has energetic costs associated with it. I conducted a study in which the feeding behavior of red-backed salamanders across 3 Bd exposure groups (no Bd, medium Bd, and high Bd) was repeatedly measured. I found that salamanders exposed to Bd fed less often than salamanders who were not exposed to Bd. This finding conflicts prior research. The trend could be explained by the classic symptoms of chytridiomycosis including lethargy and appetite suppression. This study can help researchers gain a clearer understanding of the energetic costs associated with immune responses as well as an understanding about subsequent behavioral changes. With the global outbreak of Bd this data can aid in predicting population changes of eastern red-back salamanders with the combined factors of less food from habitat loss due to human-induced global warming, as well as Bd infections.

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Bowser, Kevin M.

Title: The Future in Building: A Comparative Study of Construction Materials Capable of Reducing Home Utility Expenses
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Residential homes should be built and renovated with construction materials that can greatly reduce utility bill expenses and also the impact the home has upon the environment. This study was conducted to exemplify that the sufficient use of traditional construction materials and the correct use of newer, more efficient materials can greatly alleviate pressure, which all homes force upon the homeowner’s finances and the global environment. Information, collected entirely from independent, unbiased sources, is presented within the included brochure, Environmental Building Materials: A Comparative Study, in a way which shows that significant financial savings and environmental benefits are possible through the careful selection of building materials. The brochure is comprised of six construction materials, including certified lumber, windows, insulation, compact fluorescent bulbs, toilets, and showerheads. Each different material section demonstrates that there are building products available in today’s market that allow for improved energy and water efficiency and better resource management and use. The information presented in this brochure is intended to educate homeowners, building contractors, and architects who are interested in creating a more environmentally friendly home. Ultimately, consumers who read this brochure will gain knowledge on ways in which certain building products can improve their financial status, their health, and the welfare of the world’s ecosystems.

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Boykiw, Elizabeth

Title: The Effect of Settling Dust in the Arava Valley on the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Panels
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Due to the increasing scarcity and growing demand of fossil fuels as a primary energy resource, energy security has become a global concern. The world’s fear of global climate change has increased the severity of this energy crisis problem, while also creating an urgency to find alternative solutions. More scientists and researchers are looking towards renewable energy as a future way to resolve the issues, and they are searching for ways to use renewable sources more efficiently. One example is modeled in the potential for photovoltaic solar energy in Southern Israel. This region has one of the highest solar radiation densities in the world. Unfortunately, dust accumulation is one of the major hindrances to optimized radiation on the solar collectors. Dust decreases the performance of the photovoltaic panels. The intention of this study was to concentrate on the effects of settling dust on photovoltaic solar panels in the Arava Valley, in particular on Kibbutz Ketura. It was concluded that regular dust accumulation decreases the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels by about five to six percent, which translates to large annual monetary losses. While cleaning the panels would increase panel performance, the cost of cleaning would need to be accounted for in the gross outcome of the solar panel’s economic benefits. This study is considered a base to predict the level of degradation of any photovoltaic system that might be installed in the Arava Valley.

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Boyle, Tanya A.

Title: The Impact of Organic Litter and Nitrogen Additions on Nitrogen-Fixation in a Constructed Salt Marsh
Date: Fall 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. S. Wissinger

Abstract: Salt marshes exhibit some of the highest levels of primary productivity of all ecosystems. This is partly due to the fact that nitrogen, although limiting, is continually supplied by N2- fixing bacteria in the sediment and associated with the roots of salt marsh grasses. N2-fixation rates of bacteria associated with Spartina alternoflora roots were studied in a constructed marsh near the State Port in the Newport River Estuary near Morehead City, N.C. Rates of acetylene reduction activity (ARA). an indicator of N2-fixation, were compared between control plots and experimental treatments with added peat, nitrogen and both. ARA measured on excised roots was significantly greater for marsh plots amended with peat growing for two years than for marsh plots amended with peat growing for only one year. These rates were lower than those found in the control plots or natural marsh, although the differences are not significant. Transplanted Spartina may require a year or more to develop active N2-fixing bacteria populations in the rhizosphere similar to those in a natural marsh. In addition, root samples
which had been rinsed of all sediment exhibited significantly lower ARA than root samples which had sediment still attached. This suggests N2-fixing bacteria are predominately located in the soil of the rhizosphere rather than directly on the root surface. Results also indicated nitrogen fertilizer suppressed N2-fixation rates. Although N2-fixation is only one process within an entire system, this study stresses the question of whether or not exchanging a particular area of natural wetland with a restored or constructed wetland wholly satisfies the “no net loss” policy of environmental preservation.

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Bradley, Abigail

Title: An Ethical Analysis of Marine Aquaculture: Sustainability, Responsibilities to Producers and Consumers, and the Moral Status of Fish
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science, Philosophy
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Steven Farrelly-Jackson

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.

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Bradley, James J.

Title: Management Effects on the Current Stakeholder Conflict in the Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) Fishery
Date: Spring 2006
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: The Atlantic menhaden is a filter feeding fish in the herring family that ranges from Nova Scotia to Florida. The menhaden fishery is the biggest fishery on the Atlantic coast, in both numbers of fish landed and weight of fish. The regulation of the species is complex due to the interjurisdictional nature of the fishery, and is managed from an interstate level by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Menhaden are currently caught for bait or to be reduced (broken apart into their components). While the bait fishery makes up a sizable amount of the catch, it is shadowed by the huge catches of the reduction industry. The reduction industry currently operates in two states, North Carolina and Virginia. With the resurgence of the striped bass populations in the Chesapeake Bay, the value of menhaden as a prey species was brought to the attention of the public. The ASMFC was pressured to create an addendum that would address the concerns of the public while more research planned to determine if a localized depletion of the resource is occurring.

The stakeholder groups are made of those that are in favor of a cap on the reduction industry and those that are against such action. Those against the cap are mainly members of the industry, a group that has been losing influence in the management of the species as the other stakeholder groups, such as sports, fishermen and environmental groups, have gained numbers. This study has found that the actions of the ASMFC were reasonable on a temporary basis, and further research as well as cooperation with the reduction industry are key in the future sustainable management of the Atlantic menhaden.

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Brakeman, Jason

Title: Unbroken Chain: Deep Ecology, Hinduism and Environmental Ethics
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science and Philosophy
Thesis Committee: M. Maniates and E. Grimbergen

Abstract: he purpose of this senior comprehensive project is to explore how two separate types of metaphysical conceptions of the universe can be developed into an ethical position for guiding interaction between humans and nature. This is done primarily for the purpose of bringing the attention of environmental philosophers to hinduism’s ideas. This is simply because Indian philosophical ideas are typically understood to be rather inconsistent with the goals which these philosophers seek.

This paper is basically a comparison between the metaphysical ideas borrowed from the philosophers from the contemporary ecological movement known as Deep Ecology and the metaphysical ideas developed within the sect of hinduism known as Kashmiri Saivism. Once this comparison is made, a characterization of the ethical standpoint of each is contrasted with respect to human interaction of the environment. An attempt is then made to demonstrate how each of these different types of metaphysical systems are developed into ethical systems which actually prescribe similarly non-destructive interaction with the environment.

The description of the metaphysical view of Deep Ecology is given in a generalized form so as to cover many of the different concepts of its metaphysics while exploring the types of metaphysical assumptions of modern science from which it is an attempt to escape. The general character of these assumptions concerns the deterministic, reductionistic, mechanistic,and materialistic model for understanding nature. The other main assumption which it is shown to be an escape from is that which claims that humans are free willed beings who are not determined by their physical surroundings in terms of either their thought or choices.

The description of the metaphysical view of Kashmiri Saivism is explained by way of a contrast between itself and the metaphysical ideas of Vedanta (another form of hinduism) and a comparison with those previously aligned with Deep Ecology. The distinction (between Saivism and Vedanta) is characterized as being primarily in terms of the conception of the nature of the relationship between the world of experience and the Absolute. The comparison is made between the idea of this relationship being stated as experience occurring within the Absolute (for Saivism) and the idea in Deep Ecology which states that experience is determined by every experiential level which is possible within the totality of the universe. The contrast is then made between the Saivist conception of human will as being the Absolute and the conception of human will be Deep Ecologists which states that human will is determined by the Absolute.

The ethical ideas of each are compared and contrasted by showing that Deep Ecology insists on understanding nature as an expansion of ourselves and hence attempts to limit harm to natural ecosystems while Saivism promotes a life in which the physical world is unharmed simply because the good for ourselves is internal rather than external. In this way it is shown that Saivism prescribes an environmentally harmonious ethical ideal.

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Brandt, Eric

Title: The Effects of Riparian Health on Stream Health
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Beth Choate, Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Riparian zones are areas of vegetation located between surrounding terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They reduce the magnitude of runoff and other forms of degradation from agricultural and urban areas from entering the stream to increase stream health. This study looked at a set of three macroinvertebrate families, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Tricoptera, to evaluate the health of second order streams in Northwest Pennsylvania. In order to determine riparian health two assessment check-lists were used: a Riparian, Channel, and Environmental Inventory Analysis, and a Water Quality Network and Habitat Assessment. The results of this study on the French Creek Watershed demonstrated that riparian health plays an important role on the health of a stream.

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Branthoover, Casey

Title: A Pilot Study on Body Image and Self-Esteem: Implications for Creating Landscapes for Families Afterschool Program
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies, Psychology
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Elizabeth Ozorak

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.

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Brennan, Caroline

Title: Bamboo as an Environmentally Conscious Alternative to Polyester in Hockey Jerseys
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Brittany Davis & Dr. Beth Choate

Abstract: Professional sports leagues are an important part of cultures across the globe. But along with this culture comes waste and pollution from the management, teams and fans. Both leagues and teams have created environmental initiatives in regards to topics such as clean energy and waste reduction. Cooperate Social Responsibly is often the motivation behind organizations creating programs to address various social issues including the environment. An impact of sports that has yet to be address by any team or league is equipment waste. Hockey has various pieces of equipment including a jersey which each have an impact on the environment. Jerseys are typically made of polyester, which has numerous negative effects on the environment. Finding a less harmful alterative would lessen the team’s environmental impact. Bamboo fabric has already started being used by some sports wear manufactures and was chosen as the alterative fabric to research. The Erie Otters is an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team that has yet to start an environmental program. This study, using a Life Cycle Analysis, looks into if using bamboo fabric to create a hockey jersey would provide the same qualities that polyester provides while being less damaging to the environment. Through research it was determined that bamboo would be a viable option for a hockey jersey but a physical prototype would have to be created to reinforce this finding.

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Briggs, Nathan A.

Title: Sustainable Forestry: A Study of Timber Investment Management Organizations in Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2005
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Timber investment is a growing business in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Forest land is moving from the forest industry into management organizations hired by institutional investors. There is growing concern that these new timber investment management organizations (TIMOs) will not manage the forestland in a sustainable manner. In order to assess forest management by TIMOs, a site visit and interview session was completed with Forest Investment Associates (FIA), which manages 192,000 acres in Pennsylvania, reports and literature concerning timberland investment was reviewed, a timber conference was attended and timber investment leaders were contacted. Their practices were compared with three different standards for sustainable forestry: The Pennsylvania Best Management Practices, The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and The Forest Stewardship Council. Based on the assessment of TIMO management practices relative to the sustainable forestry standards, a set of recommendations was developed for FIA and similar TIMOs managing land in Pennsylvania. The assessment and recommendations were based on the social, economic, and ecological aspects that make up sustainable forestry. The recommendations are aimed at TIMOs and private landowners alike in order to achieve a greater degree of sustainable forestry in Pennsylvania.

This project was supported in part by the Class of 1939 Senior Research Fund.

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Britt, Alex

Title: Constructing a Forest Management Plan for the Robertson Forest
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: The Robertson Forest, the forest that surrounds the Robertson Athletic Complex, currently does not have a forest management plan in place. To construct one, five habitat areas were established, and 60 10×10 meter plots were surveyed in order to get an idea for the forest and species composition. In addition to the surveying, key Allegheny College community members were identified and interviewed in order to get an understanding for what the community wanted to see happen to Robertson. The results from the surveying showed that the forest was largely composed of red maple (Acer rubrum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and overall had a poor understory. The community members all indicated that the aesthetic value of the forest was to be preserved, and that the forest be opened up as a resource to the student body. It is recommended that individuals at risk of dying out be removed, and the forest be managed towards an uneven aged forest. A ny operation that is undergone should be presented thoroughly to both the college community and those who live on the edge of the Robertson forest.

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Brown, Carolyn

Title: Understanding energy efficiency problems in residential renter single family homes in Meadville, Pennsylvania by a case study analysis
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Kelly Boulton

Abstract: With climate change being one of the biggest environmental problems our world is currently facing, data shows that reducing (rental) residential energy use is one way to lower greenhouse gas emissions (UOCS, 2008; C2ES 2009; Kapsalaki et al 2011; Agnew, 2012; Crate et al, 2016). This project is a case study analysis looking at addressing the landlord and tenant dilemma, specifically in Meadville, PA. To solve this issue four solutions are investigated: use of incentives and rebates, more education on the topic, increased green building codes, and green leases (Abrahamse, 2005; Ástmarsson et al., 2013; Bird et al, 2012; Bright et al, 2014; Reames, 2016). Then based off criteria in Meadville, PA a solution is suggested which is a combination of several analyzed solutions. It is an informational packet split up into four different parts: why this is environmentally important, no cost changes, cost changes, and being aware of incentives. As a subsection of cost changes it would explain the idea of Green Leases, which is where the landlord pays for the energy efficiency upgrades and raises the monthly rent, but the energy bill the tenant pays will go down (Ástmarsson et al., 2013).

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Brown, Jennifer M.

Title: Creating an Effective Wolf Management Plan in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Jennifer DeHart

Abstract: Wolf recovery in the United States has been a controversial issue, especially throughout the past decade. In 1974 wolves were listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With this classification, measures must be taken for recovery of the species if suitable conditions exist. It was decided that wolves should be reintroduced to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. After nearly 20 years of planning, wolves were reintroduced into the region in 1995 and 1996. Although the majority of Americans supported the project, there has been strong opposition, mainly from ranching and hunting interests.

Now that wolf populations are reaching recovery levels, they will soon be delisted from the ESA. This means that management will be turned over to the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. These states, therefore, must develop suitable management plans that will ensure the recovery of wolves in the respective state. Many believe that this process may actually be more controversial than the reintroductions themselves due to the divisive opinions of stakeholders. This comp explores this controversy and asks if collaboration among stakeholders can yield effective state management plans to foster coexistence between wolves and humans. The incorporation of stakeholder opinions is essential in forming effective policies. The comp examines elements of collaboration, analyzes the tentative state management plans, and explores the controversy surrounding wolf recovery in the West. The research suggests that deeper issues of public land use and government trust must be addressed before effective collaboration can occur. Also, education must be increased in order to ensure informed judgments about wolf management. Successful collaboration among stakeholders will lead to a more effective, enduring state management plan.

I received funding from ACCEL and the Class of ’39 Fund for a research trip to Yellowstone National Park.

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Brown, Joy

Title: Allegheny Gone Batty: Bat species richness and activity levels across an urban to rural gradient of Allegheny College-owned properties
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Dr. Richard Bowden

Abstract: Bats provide humans with important ecosystem services in environments around the world. As they have extreme longevity for their body size with records of some species living up to 40 years, are top predators of common nocturnal insects, and are sensitive to changes in land-use practices, they can be used as indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. There are ten species of bats in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, yet there is a distinct lack of data available to the public about the status of their populations. Urbanization is a major driver of habitat alteration, yet its effects on bat species populations within the area remain unclear. This study compared bat species richness and activity levels among three Allegheny College owned properties, at urban (Allegheny College campus), semi-urban (Robertson Athletic Field Complex), and rural (Bousson Experimental Research Preserve) habitats in Crawford County, PA in order to determine how urbanization affects local bat populations. Study sites at each property were randomly selected using ArcGIS Pro Version 2.3. Following the protocol outlined in the USDA NABat Monitoring Program, bat species composition was determined through acoustic sampling over the course of 3-4 calm, clear nights and were later analyzed using Kaleidoscope Pro. Bat activity levels were assessed through 30-minute visual surveys following the protocol of the PA Game Commission. Results showed that urbanization negatively impacted bat activity levels and species richness with the most species detected at the rural property and significantly higher activity levels at the rural property in comparison with the urban (Tukey HSD test, p< 0.01) and semi-urban properties (Tukey HSD test, p< 0.01). Going forward, state conservation plans should ensure the preservation of undisturbed rural forest habitats to protect vulnerable bat species such as the little brown bat whose population has already greatly declined due to White Nose Syndrome.

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Brown, Savannah

Title: Urban Green Roofs: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Dr. Matthew Bethurem

Abstract: Green roofs are one method of mitigation and adaptation for environmental challenges that urban areas have begun to utilize to reduce the effects of dense populations. College campuses in the United States are often much like cities within themselves, with larger populations of students and faculty in a fairly small area, similar impacts of city living can be seen from colleges as well. This study analyzes the possibility of installing green roofs on several of the academic and residential buildings of Allegheny College’s campus in Meadville, PA. An examination of the possible energy reductions that could be achieved through the installation of extensive green roofs allowed the cost savings to be compared to the total cost of green roofs to determine that without additional methods of paying for the green roofs, it is not financially beneficial to make the change to green roofs. This study found that six buildings on Allegheny’s campus fit a list of criteria to be considered for a green roof, but it would only make financial sense to carry out the project for one of the buildings based on energy savings and payback time.
If the project were to be carried out as a whole, the college could save between $7,667.96 and $30,263.81 per year, but the total cost of the project would be too large for this to be enough savings to pay it back in a reasonable timeframe. Five out of six of the buildings included in this study had too long of payback times to be recommended for a green roof. The one building that was found to have a reasonable payback time and that should be seriously considered for a green roof is Pelletier Library, with a best-case-scenario payback time of 10 years and a worst-case-scenario time of 70 years.

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Brugger, Cynthia

Title: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Implementation of a Campus-wide Composting Program at Allegheny College
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Economics and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Stephen Casler

Abstract: Municipal waste disposal is becoming an area of growing concern as existing landfills quickly approach their capacities, and the development of new landfill facilities is hindered both by lack of available space and by governmental regulation. One significant alternative to dumping all municipal waste into landfills is to compost organically based waste, producing a rich and fertile soil product, and thus reducing the amount of landfill space needed. An economic study of the feasibility of establishing a composting program at Allegheny College was performed by actually running such an operation for several weeks in two of Allegheny’s dining halls, and completing a cost-benefit evaluation of the project at the end of each trial run. One run was completed at Skylight dining hall in November and December of 1993, and the second run took place at Brooks dining hall in March of 1994. The costs of the composting project were analyzed by estimating the number of daily labor hours, and thus the cost to the college in work-study wages. The reduction in necessary waste hauling by Lake to Lake Disposal, calculated by weighing the amount of compostable trash and multiplying it by the price per pound of commercial hauling, provided an estimate of the benefits of program implementation. The costs were subtracted from the benefits to calculate the net benefit of composting Allegheny’s dining hall waste. Analysis of both experiments showed a positive yearly net benefit to the college due to the reduction of waste hauling required when composting all appropriate food wastes from the Allegheny College dining halls.

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Brugnoli, Nikole

Title: Building Blocks for Community Development: A Manual for Western Pennsylvanian Communities
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Eric Pallant

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to determine the fundamental building blocks of a successful community initiative. The “blocks” included offer options for community organizers to develop a process for project implementation. The manual aids a community organizer in generating ideas and transforming innovation into action. The project investigates the relationship among community projects, civic virtue and the movement to more sustainable living patterns.

Although the manual text was not developed into an accessible organizer’s tool, the manual’s audience focuses on the Western Pennsylvanian community and the local organizers or activists in these localities.

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Bryson, Amy

Title: Variability of Wet Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in the Central French Creek Watershed: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. James Palmer, Dr. Richard Bowden

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine if any regional or temporal variability exists in atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Central French Creek Watershed. Six storm events were tracked and sampled at four different sites dispersed within the central portion of the French Creek Watershed. The sites included Meadville, Saegertown High School, Maplewood High School, and Cambridge Springs. Regional differences in total precipitation amount, average nitrate deposition, average ammonium deposition, and average total N deposition among the four sites were analyzed. Temporal variability in average nitrate concentration and average anunonium concentration was determined from samples at the Meadville site, where samples were taken 2-3 times during a storm for 4 separate precipitation events.

Significant differences in total precipitation amount and average nitrate deposition were found among sites, but average ammonium deposition and average total N deposition showed no significant differences. Only Storm 6 showed significant differences in nitrate concentration during the time course of the storm.

Significant differences appear to be an influence of varying storm type, either convective or frontal and to the natural meteorological variability that exists within a storm. Frontal storms tended to show less significant differences. The convective, lake-effect storms appear to have more significant differences among sites for all variables. The temporal differences found in nitrate concentration for Storm 6 can be accounted for by the natural washing of the nitrate ions from the atmosphere, while the lack of ammonium variability could be the result of relatively low levels present in the atmosphere or the fact that it removed from the atmosphere at a more constant rate than nitrate.

Overall, no strong trends in regional or temporal deposition of nitrogen were detected. Differences that were detected may be because storms are not homogeneous in the amount of ions they wash out of the atmosphere. Storm type may be an influence on deposition because of the more variable nature of convectional storms.

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Bucci, Angela

Title: The Lunchbox: Unpacking the Food Crisis in American Schools
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Studies & English
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Kathryn Bender

Abstract: The standard American diet presents a dualistic problem concerning environmental and human health. Red and processed meats, along with other nutrient poor convenience products, are the main culprits of chronic disease associated with the Western diet, which includes heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and obesity. Over 71% of adults and 33% of children are either overweight or obese in the United States. Along with a stark increase in diet related morbidities, land intensive industrial meat production has risen 500% over the last decade. While industrial meat production appears lucrative, its negative externalities have exhausted land, water, and energy resources. As a main contributor to climate change and ecological degradation, the reduction of meat consumption is inevitable. A transition to a more sustainable plant-based diet can be achieved through the National Student Lunch Program. As the largest nutritional provider for children, schools are put in the “unique position to influence the nutritional quality of children’s diets.” This project designed 20 vegan or vegetarian menu options that abide by the nutritional standards outlined by the Food and Drug Administration. Financial and logistical parameters followed that of the Meadville Area High School. A feasibility analysis was conducted to gauge the effectiveness of the meatless meal plan. While it is possible to provide nutritionally adequate meals on the budget of ninety-five cents, financial restraints still greatly hinder the quality and variety of ingredients available for use. This implies a need for improved funding for schools, as well as a reprioritization of food quality over cost. Furthermore, environmental education and supplemental financial support for vulnerable families have the potential to encourage long-term dietary change.

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Buchanic, Beth Ann

Title: Microspatial niche dynamics: the result of anti-predator behavior among Tramea lacerata and Erythemis simplicicollis larvae
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Biology and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Ron Mumme, Milt Ostrofsky and Scott Wissinger

Abstract: This study explored the effects of predator avoidance on the microhabitat selection of two species of dragonfly larvae, the migratory Tramea lacerata and the smaller, resident Erythemis simplicollis. Larval vertical positioning responses during laboratory treatments were monitored in order to determine if anti-predator behavior, as a shift in microhabitat, could have been contributing toward a change in the feeding strategy of Erythemis which is believed to result in a non-additive effect on shared prey mortality when Tramea and Erythemis are combined.

In single species treatments with no predators or food, both species positioned at about 4.0 cm in the vegetation. Few significant changes in vertical position were induced in either species during experimental treatments. The addition of prey (Daphnia magna) had no effect on these results. Actual variations in mean vertical position among Tramea and Erythemis were, nevertheless, identified when species were combined in the absence of fish juice and when combined in fish juice in the presence of Daphnia. Differences among Tramea and Erythemis vertical position were also identified when larvae were exposed to chemical fish signals independently, when either in the presence and absence of Daphnia.

Nonsignificant vertical position changes, along with insufficient feeding rate data of Erythemis in the presence of Tramea did not allow for an adequate assessment of anti- predator behavior effects on Erythemis foraging activity. Therefore, it could not be determined if the Erythemis microhabitat shift was actually inhibiting foraging success and reducing consumption rates could not be determined.

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Bules, Melissa Ann

Title: The Effects of Tomatine and Tannin on the Tobacco Hornworm’s, Manduca sexta, Tolerance to Bacillus thuringiensis
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: J. Palmer and S. Wissinger

Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the tomato allelochemicals tomatine and tannin affect the tolerance of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, to the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis. It was predicted that by observing how the three chemicals interact, a clearer understanding of the modes of action of the chemicals involved.

The Manduca larvae were subjected to food contaminated with the allelochemicals, and were then given food contaminated with Bt. Growth rate and percent mortality were measured to determine the effects of the chemicals on the Manduca ‘s tolerance to Bt.

The results showed that tannin alone had no affect on growth rates, but tomatine did significantly decrease the growth rate. There was no significant change between the Bt treatment and the Bt and tannin treatment or the Bt and tomatine treatment. Although there were no significant differences, the tomatine data trends showed an antagonistic effect for tomatine on Bt. The percent mortality data supports the results of the growth rate data. The tomatine and Bt treatment has a higher percent mortality than the Bt treatment alone.

The results would support the hypothesis that tannins do not perform well when introduced into the environment of a high pH that is present in the gut of the Manduca larvae. The results for tomatine would suggest that tomatine is acting as an antibiotic, killing the Bacillus bacteria before they release their toxin.

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Bunn, Paul A.

Title: A Study of Seasonal Nitrogen and Phosphorus In Surface Waters of 52 Perennial Tributaries of French Creek.
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milton Ostrofsky, Dr. James Palmer

Abstract: This study examined the export of total nitrogen and total phosphorus from 52 perennial tributaries of French Creek. Discrete water sampling was conducted four times and each sampling period corresponded with a seasonal variation in stream surface water discharge. The samples were analyzed to determine present concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen. For each watershed eleven physical characteristics were compiled relating to land use and topography. A multiple linear regression analysis and a correlation matrix were utilized to determine the relationships between the eleven physical characteristics and the concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen.

This study found that the eleven variables observed only accounted for a small percent of the variance in concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Future studies could focus on a few multiple or single land-use watersheds or different characteristics of the watersheds. This study provided useful relationships between some land uses and watershed characteristics that can be developed in future studies of French Creek.

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Bunnel, Jessica L.

Title: “Dammed” Development: A Study of Three Gorges Dam
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Giovanna Di Chiro, Adriane Stewart

Abstract: Three Gorges Dam, the largest public works project in all history, is currently under construction on the Yangtze River. The Chinese hope to produce an amount of electrical power equivalent to eighteen nuclear plants, as well as control the dangerous floods along this river which have killed 500,000 citizens this century. A plan to relocate 1.2-1.9 million Chinese living behind the dam is underway. By the year 2009, 10,000 archaeological sites, 240,000 acres of fertile farmland, 1,400 rural towns and ancestral villages, dozens of industrial factories, and habitats for endangered species will be inundated.

Three Gorges Dam can be categorized with significant infrastructure projects built in the 1950s, when goals of modernization and development, spurred by technological innovation, overwhelmed Western politicians and engineers. As a result, residents and the environment often suffered severe losses. In this senior comprehensive project I will argue that the model of development established in Western nations is not an appropriate framework for activities in Third World nations.

To explore this hypothesis, I studied the history of dam construction, focusing particularly on the Three Gorges Project. I also reviewed critiques of the dominant development discourse. Fundamentally, China’s drive for development has created significant blind spots in its assessment of the feasibility and practicality of this dam.

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Burgert, Katherine

Title: Supplemental Duckweed in the Diet of Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), and the Potential for Implementation at Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Eric Pallant

Abstract: The aquaponics system at Allegheny College is designed to demonstrate a sustainable means of growing food. However, the most unsustainable input is the fishmeal pellets that the fish are currently fed. A proposed solution to the impact of the pellets is to supplement them with a vegetable-based protein source. This study investigated the effects of fresh duckweed as a dietary supplement for Blue tilapia, as well as whether a difference exists between the effects of fresh and dried duckweed. It was hypothesized that supplements up to 30% would produce similar results to those of all-pellet diets, and that fresh and dried duckweed would yield similar results. For Trial 1, treatments of 0%, 30%, and 50% duckweed supplements were used to compare specific growth rates (SGR) and feed conversion ratios (FCR) of tilapia in tanks, with three replicates for each treatment. In Trial 2, supplements of 30% fresh and 30% dry duckweed were compared using the same replicate methods as Trial 1. Results of Trial 1 indicated a significant difference among treatments for both SGR and FCR. Specific growth rate values decreased and FCR values increased with increasing levels of supplement. Results from Trial 2 indicated no significant difference between using fresh or dry duckweed. Based on the results of this study, duckweed supplementation could be viable in small quantities for tilapia. At Allegheny College, where fast growth is not vital to the system, it is recommended that dry duckweed be supplemented in small quantities to decrease the amount of pellet feed consumed.

Funded by: Class of 1939 Fund

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Burgio, Daniel R.

Title: Cost Savings Analysis of Energy Efficient Appliances for Residential Homeowners, and a Critique of the Energy Star Program
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Terry Bensel

Abstract: The growing cost of energy and the environmental implications they present don’t always reach the public consumer. With our energy resources dwindling everyday, the demand for energy efficiency has sharply increased. However, the current Energy Star administration is failing to effectively promote and educate the public about the cost-saving potential from energy-efficient home appliances. I found many discrepancies with Energy Star’s data, many of which overestimate their cost savings benefits towards certain appliances. It was discovered that Energy Star savings analysis does not take into account the initial cost of buying a product when comparing total cost of operations. What I aimed to do was research and compare the most cost-effective appliances over a ten-year operational period. Looking at the most energy-efficient models and comparing them with the cheapest ones, I was able to determine which were more cost-effective over a ten-year period. In most cases, the cheapest Energy Star model was more cost-effective over a ten-year period than its most energy-efficient counterpart. For this analysis, the appliances average yearly energy consumption (kWh) was calculated with the cost of electricity for the state of Pennsylvania (10.96 cents per kWh). The initial cost of the product was also factored in to present a Total Cost at the end of ten years of usage. Further studies will examine longer time periods when determining the total cost. This is to show how energy-efficient models can ‘catch up’ to their cheaper brethren given a longer period of time.

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Burke, Chris

Title: Successful Mechanisms for Policy Adoption & Diffusion in Local and State Governments in the Realm of Public Health Policy: to Address the Obesity Epidemic
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Political Science, Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Brian Harward, Terry Bensel

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.

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Burke, Stephen C.

Title: A Comparative Study of Grasses and Legumes Grown on Acidic Mine Land Spoil Treated With Municipal Sewage Sludge, Dolomitic Lime and Water
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Pallant, Goliber

Abstract: Mining in this country has degraded the land and left behind scarred, infertile soil that is waiting to be reclaimed or improved. This study is an attempt to conduct a comparison between eight different commonly used reclamation species planted on mine soil treated with municipal sewage sludge and lime. Five variables were analyzed, which included: Above Ground Biomass Weights, Below Ground Biomass Weights, Cumulative Root Length, Percent Nitrogen and Root to Shoot Ratios.

Eight replications of each plant used in the experiment were placed under a laboratory lighting system in a randomized complete block design and grown for two months under identical conditions. The study focuses on which plant does best in each of the five categories determined by statistical analysis.

The results of this study are the fact that the grasses out competed the legumes in almost every variable analyzed. The only exception to this is in root to shoot ratios where legumes out ranked the grasses. In conclusion, the application of sewage sludge and lime is a proven source of enhancing soil properties and allows for disturbed environments to start fixing themselves. Planting legumes and grasses in a lab setting on highly acidic mine spoil treated with sludge and lime allows for investigation of the difficulties of growing vegetation on some of the poorest soils in the world. Manipulation of the above mentioned variables sheds light on those difficulties but also calls for further study to begin to answer some of the questions this experiment just started to raise.

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Burkhart, Mark

Title: Are There Opportunities to Reintroduce Brook Trout at the Edge of Their Original Range in Northwestern Pennsylvania?
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: Deforestation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries reduced and even extirpated many native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in Pennsylvania. In northwestern Pennsylvania, forest cover has increased over the past century and brook trout have returned to some, but not all, of their native streams in the region. The goal of this project was to identify tributaries of two of the western-most subwatersheds (Conneaut and Cussewago) in the French Creek watershed that do not have, but could, support brook trout. These subwatersheds are isolated by dams that block dispersal of non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta), which compete interspecifically with brook trout. Five main criteria were assessed at each candidate stream: maximum summer temperature, minimum summer dissolved oxygen, fine sediment loading, fish community composition, and macroinvertebrate prey composition. Land use, stream habitat, and water quality were also evaluated. These variables were compared to the literature and reference sites where trout currently exist in the French Creek watershed. Results suggest that there are several tributaries in the Conneaut subwatershed that are suitable candidates for restoring and returning brook trout populations to their native range, whether as part of the Trout in the Classroom program or other reintroduction efforts.`

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Burnett, Melissa

Title: Analysis of Light Pollution on Allegheny College's Campups
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Dr. James C. Lombardi

Abstract: Society is impacted by environmental conditions in a variety of unexpected ways. Many of these environmental conditions can be difficult to resolve because of the intricate details in each situation. Specifically, the environmental problem of light pollution has been gaining traction. Researchers attempted to build a design to figure out the impacts of light pollution in certain areas on Allegheny College’s campus. A survey was distributed to see how the students on campus are impacted by light pollution. By accomplishing this, the relationship between light pollution and Allegheny’s community will be better understood, and Allegheny will develop insight on some valuable ways to mitigate it, if necessary. In addition, I attempted to quantify the amount of light pollution by using a Sky Quality Meter and test whether the ambient outdoor lights were above standards for building certifications. In conclusion, researchers saw that the school’s ambient nighttime light levels were below standards recommended by engineers for safety purposes. However, from the surveys it was determined that light pollution is a problem that students experience on campus, and they value safety and a dark sky uninhibited by light pollution. The components represent competing needs, and alternative solutions are required to mitigate light pollution on Allegheny’s campus. More research must be done to better understand the complexities of this environmental problem.

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Bush, Greg

Title: Pennsylvania Ruffed Grouse Habitat Assessment of Crawford County Local Game Land: High vs. Low Populated Areas
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Gordon Whitney

Abstract: The North American Ruffed Grouse is the one native, sedentary game bird that is found from the Atlantic to the Pacific; it inhabits a larger area than any other nonmigratory game bird. The extremities of its range are even greater north to south than east to west. (Edminster, 1954) Not to mention, the North American Ruffed Grouse has been honorably titled as Pennsylvania’s State Game Bird. But the rate of declining population for the North American Ruffed Grouse has been increasing over the decades. Decline in population has been due crucially by poor habitat structure and availability of necessary resources. Based upon previous drumming count survey done in Pennsylvania Game Land No. 69, of Crawford County, an examination of habitat was conducted from the high to low population density in order to determine why ruffed grouse populations in PGL No. 69 are arranged the way they are. I hypothesized ruffed grouse are present in some areas and absent in others based upon resources provided by vegetation. After investigative research done in areas of high and low density and the area between, it was determined, but not entirely proven, the main resource for high population density was the amount of food availability. Tree species found in areas of high grouse population consisted of early successional vegetation fluent in aspen and absent of heavy coniferous species. The tree and herbaceous species recorded in the high population density areas provided higher quality and quantities of valuable resources for ruffed grouse than that of species recorded in low population density areas. Because of ruffed grouse population cycles this study must be conducted ever four to five years due to the fact ruffed grouse forest preferences change with every cycle.

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Butch, Lisa A.

Title: The Effectiveness of State Coastal Zone Management Programs Formatted Under The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Eric Pallant

Abstract: The coastal zone is and has been facing many increasing pressures on its fragile natural resources due to an increasing population, overfishing, wetland loss, development, mineral resource extraction, and other factors for some time now. In order to foster the ability of coastal states to manage these pressures on the coastal zone, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) in 1972. The Act allows coastal states to voluntarily develop coastal zone management plans while receiving funding from the federal government for program development and implementation. The main purpose of the Coastal Zone Management Act is to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation’s coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.” This comp assesses the effectiveness of the Act and identifies ways in which it could be improved.

This study begins with an overview of the CZMA, which identifies the different segments of the Act. The comp then proceeds to develop criteria by which to judge whether state management plans are effective, and several state management plans are judged against these criteria. Suggestions for how each of these state management plans could be improved are given, and positive aspects of each plan are also noted. Finally, ways in which the CZMA could be improved to better serve its purpose are provided. Common suggestions include an increase in funding, a greater focus on wetland conservation and restoration, abolishment of beach renourishment, higher approval standards, and comparative evaluations for individual management plans run by the coastal states.

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Butts, Jessica

Title: The Return of the Timber Wolf to Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Steve Stroman, Scott Wissinger, Michael Maniates

Abstract: In recent years, several subspecies of the wolf have been returning to their native habitats throughout the United States. The reintroductions of the red and gray wolf into North Carolina and Yellowstone respectively have prompted non-governmental organizations such as Defenders of Wildlife to assess the suitability of other regions as wolf reintroduction sites (Defenders of Wildlife, 1995). The aim of this project was to assess the biological, cultural, and political feasibility of a timber wolf reintroduction into National and State forest lands in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The area includes Allegheny National Forest, Susquehannock State Forest, Sproul State Forest, Tiadaghton State Forest, Elk State Forest, and Moshannon State Forest, covering a total 1,651,655-acres. To evaluate this, I examined the biological needs of wolves in comparison with the biology of the site, the attitudes towards wolves in the United States, and political interests that may be involved. Biologically, the site can support wolves, however, a more in depth study is needed to determine the exact number. There is an adequate supply of prey and territory to sustain multiple populations of timber wolves. The site would also be culturally feasible with the assistance of educational programs on wolves. Cultural perceptions and attitudes of wolves have been determined lobe the main barriers to successful reintroductions (Savage, 1996). A detailed survey needs to be conducted to determine the attitudes of residents in this area. Politically, the reintroduction of wolves into Northwestern Pennsylvania could be both controversial and beneficial. While the hunting industry fears that wolves will dramatically impact deer populations, wolves will actually improve the herds by preying on sick or weak deer (Carpenter & Busch, 1994; Sajna, 1990). The presence of wolves would return this ecosystem to a more natural state.

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Byan, Timothy

Title: Utilizing Perennial Buckwheat Flour to Promote Environmental Sustainability in Bread Baking
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Kerstin Martin

Abstract: This research seeks to develop the best bread recipe possible using perennial buckwheat flour in an effort to address the environmental costs of growing annual wheat. The potential bread was based on the methodology of Ken Forkish’s 40% Whole Wheat bread. This study examines the feasibility of buckwheat breads within a homogenous community using five successive focus groups. Discussions were directed and based around evaluating mouthfeel, taste, smell, and looks. It was found that a bread made with 30% buckwheat flour at 70% hydration was comparable to white bread within the community studied. The next steps are to improve taste and smell, once effective methods are found to address these issues, higher concentrations of buckwheat flour can be incorporated into breads.

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Byron, Caleb

Title: An Eastern Hemlock Management Plan for the Impending Infestation of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Rich Bowden & Chris Shaffer

Abstract: The eastern hemlock is currently facing an invasive species that threatens the total population of the tree species on the east coast. The invasive species is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), and it is spreading at an alarming rate. HWA is decimating the population of an essential species in the Appalachian Mountain Forests. This study focused on the property of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge (ENWR), located in northwestern Pennsylvania. The study looked into the creation of a management plan with multiple treatment methods. The goal was to estimate the cost of the treatment methods for ENWR to use long term. The treatment methods include the application of the pesticides Imidacloprid and Safari, the introduction of beetles, and replacement species for trees that have a low chance of surviving the infestation. Those are all looked at closely. The management plan was determined based upon the diameters, the number of trees, and the basal area. At the end of the study, it was found that the most economically feasible plan that is recommended for the refuge comprises of multiple treatment methods. The management plan is setup for 5 years, and it will cost ENWR $15,510,401.74 for the entire refuge. That comes out to 4,936.47 $/acre. The use of the treatment in this way helped to drive down the initial cost of the treatments, and make the price of the management plan more manageable in the long term.

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Campbell, Robert H.

Title: A Glimpse: Global Water Issue Awareness and Action Through an Interactive and Educational Website
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Across the globe there exists a plethora of health, political, and social issues that are related to water. Whether it is a concern for the over withdrawal of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Midwestern United States or arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh, each topic presents a unique set of challenges and obstacles, and yet, many of these issues are interrelated in their very nature. One of the key elements to tackling these crises is an increase in public awareness and support of the issues. The goal of this website is to provide an introduction to the many topics for use by the general public. By selecting examples of the major issues across the globe, this website presents introductory information in a visual and captivating manner of various-water related issues. Further, it directs viewers to a section that discusses how they can assist in the alleviation of the many issues through suggestions of lifestyle changes, direction toward beneficial organizations, and even assistance with extending outreach through the supplementation of a sample letter. … website

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Campbell, Susan

Title: Characterization of DNA aptamer binding 17β-estradiol for use in contamination mapping in northwestern Pennsylvania streams and lakes
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ivelitza Garcia & Dr. Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Human activity has manipulated resources and generated pollution for centuries. While the deleterious effects of some pollutants such as heavy metals have been known for several decades, emerging contaminants have been identified as problems only within the last 25 years. Estrogen is one such potent emerging contaminant. While it is synthesized normally in mammals, birds and fish, it can be anthropogenically introduced in consequential quantities via wastewater effluents and animal agricultural runoff. Nucleic acid molecules called aptamers may pose a solution. This study investigated the thermodynamic binding characteristics of a DNA aptamer that binds to and detects estrogen, and attempted to quantify estrogen concentrations in northwestern Pennsylvania waterways. The work is important for three key reasons. Fluorescent methods enabled detection limits superior to those previously achieved such that real water contamination can be more accurately assessed (Kd=0.46pM, LOD=5pM). 2. Temperature and ionic interaction studies revealed narrow optimal ranges under which the aptamer is sensitive, indicating a dependence on significant specific intermolecular interactions. 3. Real water contamination analysis did not result in measurable quantities, but suggested heightened levels of estradiol downstream of wastewater treatment plants and paved the way for further work.

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Cannon, Lana E.

Title: By Means of Water, We Give Life to Everything: A Humanistic Approach to the Middle East Water Crisis Through Personal Accounts
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Water scarcity is a compounding factor in the Middle East conflict and affects various cultural and political groups differently, depending on nationality, religion, and location. This study was conducted in order to uncover the human-enviro relationship and varying international experiences with the water crisis in the Middle East region through individual personal accounts. General and tailored interview questions were administered to eleven individuals with experience living with the water crisis in the Middle East. Each cultural and political group expresses narratives unique to their national identity with similar opinions and lifestyles, as well as views of the current status and relevance of water to the Middle East conflict. The interviews presented in this project are valuable qualitative data representing the importance of the water crisis on the socio-political situation in the Middle East.

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Cannon, Thomas

Title: What Impact have Conservation Policies and Beavers had On Wetlands in Federal, State, and Private Lands?
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Christopher Shaffer & Dr. Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Geographic information systems (GIS), were used to analyze the conservation policies of federally and state managed lands compared to privately managed areas within northwestern Pennsylvania. This study was conducted to assess how wetland and beaver protection has impacted the amount of wetlands within the landscape. The study region encompasses the Sugar Lake Division (SLD) of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge (ENWR), Pennsylvania Game Lands #69 (PGL #69), and private lands in close proximity to the previously stated areas. Time series aerial photography were gathered for the region from 1939, 1959, 1993, and 2017. Soil horizon and existing National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps were used to help aid in the identification and delineation of wetland boundaries. The results show total area of wetlands (in acres) present per time series. Wetland area decreased from 1939 to 1959, which was primarily attributed to agriculture practices and declining beaver populations. A gain in acres of wetlands is observed from 1959 to both 1993 and 2017 which coincides with wetland conservation policies that began in the 1970s and 1980s.

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Capron, Brian

Title: Comparing Richness and Abundance of Freshwater Macroinvertebrates in Typha angustifolia and Typha latifolia Stands on the Erie National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger & Dr. Beth Choate

Abstract: Typha angustifolia is an invasive cattail species that often outcompetes native Typha latifolia as well as other emergent wetland plants. The result is often a dense monoculture of T. angustifolia dominating ponds, marshes, or other wetland areas. These dense stands often have a negative effect on local aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity. This decrease in invertebrate diversity can have a corresponding negative effect on waterfowl populations that depend on invertebrates as a food source. T. angustifolia’s effect on macroinvertebrate communities is compared with the effects of the native cattail strain, Typha latifolia. To discern the differences in effect of T. angustifolia and T. latifolia on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, three waterbodies on the Erie National Wildlife Refuge containing stands of both strains were selected. Two locations in each stand were chosen: one location was within the stand; the other location was at the ecotone furthest from the bank of the waterbody. A semi-qualitative sample was taken at each plot, and the collected invertebrates were organized by family and then by genus when possible. This process was carried out three times: once in May, June, and July. No difference in macroinvertebrate richness or abundance was found between the two strains of Typha. Invertebrate abundance and richness were both affected by the month in which the samples were taken, which was expected. While it was expected that ecotonal plots would have higher invertebrate richness, no ecotonal effect was found. Because T. angustifolia was not found to affect macroinvertebrate assemblages any differently than T. latifolia, it should not be regarded as a threat to macroinvertebrates as a food source for waterfowl. Nevertheless, T. latifolia is preferable to its invasive cousin because it is less able to dominate a waterbody.

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Carey, Paula

Title: Evaluation of Action-Learning Forest Science Modules by High School Students
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Pennsylvania’s abundant hardwood forest is a critical component of the economy as well as the basis of the state’s efforts to reduce the impacts of burning fossil fuels. The forest products industry is the fourth largest industry in the state and Pennsylvania is the largest hardwood producer in the nation. Of the state’s almost 60 percent of forest, approximately three-quarters of the forestland are privately owned. Because so much of Pennsylvania’s forest is privately owned, and the hardwood industry is so vital to the economy, it is critical to educate future landowners of the importance of proper forest management. Many public schools do not include a forestry unit in their curricula. For this reason, the future generation of landowners might not have enough information to make critical forest management decisions. It is beneficial to begin introducing high school students to forest topics because they may acquire forestland in the future and should have a basic understanding of local issues. Many educators assert that a hands-on learning approach is the most successful way to teach environmental education to students. This study found that the hands-on approach, used in a series of activity-based modules, is an effective mechanism for teaching pertinent forestry issues and management strategies to high school students in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

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Carlo, Kody Xavier

Title: Contributions of Aboveground Litter Decomposition, Below ground Root Decomposition, and Root Respiration to Total Carbon Dioxide Flux at Bousson Experimental Forest, Meadville, PA.
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Soil respiration represents a large flux of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and is an important process in the global carbon cycle, as increased soil respiration rates could lead to increased global temperature. Total soil respiration is a measure of both root respiration and the decomposition of above- and below ground litter inputs. While total soil respiration is relatively easy to measure, the identification of individual components is considerably more difficult. This study, through the removal and addition of yearly litter inputs and by; 1. initiating root decomposition and 2. ending root respiration by trenching through the rooting zone, seeks to identify the individual components of total soil respiration.

The study site is located in northwestern PA, is a mixed deciduous forest dominated by black cherry and sugar maple. Experimental plots consist of 3×3 m2 plots, free of trees or samplings, established in October 1991. Treatments (n=3) are as follows: Control (normal aboveground litter inputs), No litter (annual aboveground litter inputs removed), 2X-litter (twice annual aboveground litter, No Root (plots trenched and regrowth prevented), and No Roots + No-litter (plots trenched and annual aboveground litter inputs excluded). Litter inputs were intercepted and carbon content calculated. Soil respiration was measured biweekly, for one year, using the soda-lime technique. Total yearly carbon inputs were calculated to be 182.2 gC/m2/yr. Based on the control plots, yearly carbon efflux was measured at 618.9 gC/m2/yr. The contribution from aboveground litter was calculated assuming forest equilibrium at 182.2 gC/m2/yr and accounted for 30% of total soil respiration. The contribution from root respiration was calculated as the difference between the Control and No Roots treatments and was 88 gC/m2/yr which represented 14% of total soil respiration. The remainder of the soil carbon flux, 348 gC/m2/yr, can be attributed to below ground litter decomposition which was 56% of total flux.

The results of this study show consistencies and inconsistencies with other studies of similar nature for reasons including: site productivity, within region differences (nutrient cycling, regional climate), and methods used. This suggests that the further understanding the differences between temperate forests is necessary before accurate predictions can be made regarding their role in the global carbon cycle.

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Carothers, Lauren F.

Title: Roadside Salts and a Comparison of Their Effect on the Salt Tolerance of Green Foxtail Seeds (Setaria viridis) Collected Along Interstate 79 in Crawford County, PA and Green Foxtail Seeds Collected from a Field
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Douglas Smith, Anne Wibiralske

Abstract: Each year, state highway managers add thousands of pounds of de-icing salt to the highways during the winter, and this high salinity pressure may be selecting for increasingly salt tolerant varieties of species of plants growing along roadsides. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of high salinity on green foxtail seed germination success and growth and to determine if more salt tolerant green foxtail plants inhabit highway edges than in the field. Approximately 550 green foxtail seeds were collected off of I-79 N at Exit 37, Crawford County, PA and 500 green foxtail seeds were collected from a field in Edinboro, PA. Each of the roadside and field seeds were cold stratified for 6 weeks in moist petri dishes in order to overcome their winter dormancy. During the cold stratification process, the seeds were surface sterilized to treat fungal and mold infections that appeared on the seeds 13 days into the cold stratification procedure. Twenty concentrations of salt solution were prepared, ranging from distilled water with a 0% salt concentration to a 2.00% salt concentration. After the cold stratification process, ten roadside and field seeds were placed in separate petri dishes with a specific concentration of salt. This process was repeated for each concentration of salt, and the seeds were incubated so that seed germination could occur. The number of seeds that germinated and the lengths of their shoots and roots were recorded each day for each concentration of salt solution. The results of the seed germination experiment showed that plants more tolerant to environmental pressures, in general, are naturally being selected for along the highway because a significant amount of roadside seeds germinated (15 seeds) compared to the field seeds (1 seed) that germinated. Furthermore, the results showed that salt did not stunt the germination or growth of seedlings. A salt analysis of roadside soil samples collected from the highway on several different dates showed that the highway received increasingly large amounts of salt during this winter season. The sodium analysis of the field soil samples collected on the same dates as the roadside soil samples, however, showed that the field was not subjected to high salinity stress, as was the highway. A carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen analysis of the soil samples also yielded that the soil samples from the field had a significantly higher amount of nitrogen content than the soil samples collected from the field. Thus, it is possible that the salt stress may also be inhibiting the nitrogen fixation ability of green foxtail plants, assuming that green foxtail plants are able to fix nitrogen.

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Carr, Stacy

Title: The New Environmental Paradigm: A Case Study of Allegheny College Students
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. James Palmer, Dr. Michael Maniates

Abstract: This study examines the question of whether or not a shift to a New Environmental Paradigm is taking place in our society. Certain individuals and groups’ values and beliefs would seem to dispute that a shift in society’s paradigm is occurring at this time. However, there is empirical evidence that would seem to disagree and even suggest that society’s acceptance of this New Environmental Paradigm is high. Included in this quantitative evidence is a case study of Allegheny students’ views on the New Environmental Paradigm, this case study sought to determine the distribution of Allegheny students on the continuum from the Dominant Social Paradigm to the New Environmental Paradigm. From this study it would seem that there is a shift taking place towards the New Environmental Paradigm and away from society’s Dominant Social Paradigm. Research has also indicated that there are barriers that must be overcome for the complete acceptance of the New Environmental Paradigm.

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Carrigan, Mitchell

Title: Effects of slash piles on soil moisture, soil temperature, and light intensity in northwestern Pennsylvania forests
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science & Biology
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr. Matthew Venesky

Abstract: White-tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are one of the most influential mammal species in northeastern United States forests. Their browsing of tree saplings severely hinders the regeneration of forests, especially those after a harvest operation. However, there is hope in attempting to limit this effect as the value of slash, a timber byproduct of harvest operations commonly thought to be worthless, has been largely underestimated. Slash, when piled up, could act as a natural barrier that protects tree saplings from deer browse. Although, by covering an area in slash, tree growth parameters like water accessibility, soil temperature, and light availability could be altered. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if slash piles alter these environmental conditions. Its secondary purpose was to test whether these differences could be influenced by variations in canopy density. Three environmental parameters were considered: (1) soil moisture, (2) soil temperature, and (3) light intensity. Ten slash piles and ten adjacent areas without slash piles (i.e., control plots) were evaluated at four northwestern Pennsylvania sites. In recent years, these sites had been sustainably harvested by the Foundation for Sustainable Forestry (FSF) in which they left slash piles behind. Soil moisture, soil temperature, and light intensity were not significantly different between slash piles and control plots. Canopy differences between slash piles influenced only light intensity (P = 0.045), in an inconclusive way as the pairwise comparison found no statistical difference between open and closed canopies, and soil temperatures (P = 0.031) in a manner that suggests piles under a closed canopy will have higher soil temperatures than those under a semi-closed canopy. Variation in canopy did not influence any of the other slash pile or adjacent area environmental conditions as no statistical differences were found. Additionally, variation in slash pile size did not alter the aforementioned environmental conditions. Based on these results, it is not likely that slash piles alone will hinder the growth of saplings by changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, slash piles should now be evaluated as a mitigation effort against white-tail deer browse.

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Carroll, Amanda

Title: Brook Trout Habitat Assessment and Reintroduction Plan
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Historically, Crawford and Venango County were heavily forested with high native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance. Due to deforestation and the introduction of non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta), many brook trout populations were extirpated from the area, with isolated remnant populations remaining. The goal of this study was divided into two parts: firstly to identify where brook trout populations do and do not exist. Secondly, I created a conservation management plan in which I identified possible brook trout reintroduction sites in order to aid in repopulating the Woodcock and Sugar Creek watersheds. These sites would be based on brook trout habitat suitability characteristics that I define. If a site met most, if not all, of these characteristic requirements, it was identified as an ideal brook trout reintroduction site. Out of 16 sites sampled, 6 lacked both brook and brown trout, and 3 were named ideal brook trout reintroduction sites.

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Casper, Edward P.

Title: The Benefits of Riparian Buffer Zones to Agricultural Areas of Northwest Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: The Benefits of Riparian Buffer Zones to Agricultural Areas of Northwest Pennsylvania Abstract: Riparian buffers are vegetated areas adjacent to streams, rivers, or any body of water, that provide protection to the water resources from non-point source pollution, provide bank stabilization, and provide aquatic and wildlife habitat. The purpose of this study will therefore be to determine the role of riparian buffers in restoring water quality to an impaired stream by reducing the amount of sediment that enters the stream. One major factor influencing the impairment of the streams will be cows. “Livestock grazing in riparian zones has been linked to instream habitat degradation” (Wohl, Carline, 1996). The indicators of stream quality that will be observed are suspended sediment concentrations, total dissolved solids, and the macroinvertebrate population. The results of this study were that riparian buffers do provide benefits to stream water quality based upon the macroinvertebrate populations and resulting Save Our Stream survey values. This can be seen best in figures 1,2,and 3. In making the transition from a disturbed sample, a site lacking a riparian buffer, to an undisturbed site, with an intact riparian buffer, the macroinvertebrate population and Save Our Stream Values immediately increased on all the streams. The benefits of the riparian buffers were not as apparent, as was expected, when examining the suspended sediment concentrations and TDS values. Overall, suspended sediment concentrations and TDS values are lower in areas with an intact riparian zone and also exhibit a slight continual decline as distance from the disturbance increases, and the Save Our Stream values were highest in areas with riparian zones and steadily rose as distance from the initial disturbance increased.

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Cass, David M.

Title: A Comparison of Immune System Function of Rats Exposed to Green Building Materials and Traditional Building Materials
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Americans spend 89 percent of their time indoors, which makes indoor environmental quality a key issue of concern for human health. The green building movement addresses this issue through certification programs for building materials that are free of chemical off-gassing. In this study a comparison was performed on the levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in Sprague Dawley rats exposed to “Green” building materials and “Traditional” building materials. IL-6 is a cytokine in the immune system whose levels are indicative of immune system health. Twenty four juvenile male and female rats were reared in cages containing either “Green”, “Traditional”, or no additional building materials from 3 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age. Body mass data and serum samples were taken four times at three week intervals. At 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed and wet masses were taken of their spleen, gonads, and thyroid glands. The serum samples were analyzed using an IL-6 Immunoassay Kit. IL-6 levels were quantified and analyzed as well as body and organ mass data. Levels of IL-6 for the “Traditional” building group decreased far more drastically in the first three weeks when compared to the “Green” and “Control” groups, and that the total decrease in IL-6 for the “Traditional” group was much larger than the other two groups. These results suggest that traditional building materials suppressed the immune system while green materials did not.

This project was supported in part by the Class of 1939 Senior Research Fund and the Dextra Baldwin McGonagle Fund.

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Castillo, Krystle

Title: Preschool Counts: Judging the Efficacy of Environmental Health Oriented Outreach Efforts Targeted at Preschoolers and their Parents
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett; Eric Pallant

Abstract: There is a need for a comprehensive initiative in Crawford County to address childhood environmental exposures in the home. The links between the indoor environmental health and childhood health are overwhelming. These effects are exacerbated by the fact that children spend 80-90% of their time indoors. While environmental exposures affect all children they have a disproportionate affect on children under the age of six. An educational initiative is especially important in an area like Crawford County due to the percent of the population under the poverty line. In an effort to directly impact the most at-risk population, children under 6, the “Preschool Counts” pilot program was launched as an expansion to the pre-existing Healthy Homes—Healthy Children program. The purpose of this study is to create age-appropriate lessons targeted at preschool-aged children and to subsequently judge the efficacy of these lessons. Preliminary results suggest that in-class lessons have a statistically significant effect on preschooler knowledge in five key regions: toxics reduction, injury prevention, nutrition/physical activity, indoor air quality, and the definition of health.

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Castor, Susan H.

Title: An Environmental Analysis of Children’s Literature from the 1940’s to the 1980’s
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Lord, Dr. Azzarello

Abstract: In the past, children’s literature has followed the trends of society (Sutherland, 1986). One recent trend is the increasing environmental awareness amidst the general public. It can be expected that this awareness would, likewise, be reflected in children’s literature. This study was designed to determine if the environmental messages that children receive has become more prevalent in children’s literature over the past five decades. Ten books were chosen in each decade from the 1940’s to the 1980’a. Six books were the best-sellers and four books were the most often checked out of local libraries. Each book was evaluated on the basis of five environment-related categories: Animals – How they are perceived; Animals – The way that they are treated by humans; Plants – The way that they are perceived and treated; Landuse; and Wastefulness and Pollution. A final score was determined for each book. The scores were arranged by decade and the averages for each decade were calculated. The hypothesis was that the decade averages would follow society’s trends of increased environmental awareness after 1960, with a small decrease occurring during the 1980’s. The results, however, showed no statistical difference from one decade to the next, although trends could be seen in the data. There was a statistical difference found between the average score of the 1950’s and the 1970’s. The 1970’s had the highest average score and the 1960’s had the second highest average score. The 1950’s and the 1940’s had the lowest average scores respectively.

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Cavagnaro, Erin

Title: Utilizing Food Waste to Lower the pH of Allegheny College’s Pilot Recirculating Aquaponic System
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Aquaponics serves as a model of sustainable food production as it doesn’t require the use of added fertilizers, conserves water through biological filtration and recirculation, and yields multiple products. Commercially aquaponics is still in its infancy and has yet to demonstrate significant levels of success, particularly in cold weather climates. In the near future Allegheny College plans to offer courses in agriculture in which the products grown will be sold to Parkhurst, the school’s dining service. During the winter months, the courses will utilize an aquaponic system as a means of food production. The water used for Allegheny’s pilot aquaponic system has a pH of 8.4, making it relatively difficult to grow and sustain plant life as a pH of 7.0 is ideal for plants and fish to thrive in aquaponic systems. Utilizing an experimental research design, orange peel waste was taken from the school’s dining hall and added to the system in order to determine if acidic food waste can serve as a low-cost, organic means of pH reduction in aquaponic systems. The first trial revealed that the system’s high alkalinity made it difficult to lower the water’s pH. Although the experimental system’s pH was lowered to 7.6 (compared to the control’s pH of 8.4), plant growth in both the experimental and control systems was severely stunted. In a second trial the concentration of orange peel waste was increased, however the desired pH of 7.0 was not reached and plant growth remained inhibited.

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Cavagnaro, Laura E.

Title: The Benefits and Barriers of Green Affordable Housing and Its Feasibility in Meadville, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Jennifer DeHart, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Climate change, diminishing forests, water contamination, air pollution, and foreign oil dependence are all concerns associated with today’s methods of building. Green buildings are designed to drastically reduce or eliminate these negative impacts. The benefits of green buildings are particularly valuable for affordable housing projects. The Crawford County Coalition on Housing Needs in Meadville expressed a desire to incorporate green features in their future housing projects. This thesis looks at both green renovations and new construction for affordable housing and its feasibility in Meadville.

Three case studies were conducted to discover how community-based developers across the country have successfully built new green affordable housing projects. Next an energy audit of an existing home on Willow Street in Meadville was completed with the assistance of the Commonwealth Community Energy Project. Based on the audit, recommendations are provided for the most cost-effective green improvements for this structure based on calculated green product cost premiums and payback periods.

In both new construction and renovation it is difficult for community development groups to green their affordable housing projects. There is generally a cost premium for green products and developers pay for most of these first-cost increases, but receive minimal long-term benefits. However, by hiring an effective team, using an integrated design approach and following life cycle costing it is possible to overcome these barriers. With evolving technologies and financing tools, green features not only make environmental sense, but also economic sense when applied to affordable housing.

This project was supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation.

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Certo, Daniel

Title: Recycling as Competition: An Examination of the Effects of Prompting and the “Keeping up with the Joneses Phenomenon” on Influencing Recycling Habits
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Recycling habits have long been viewed as a solely altruistic endeavor in the United States (DeYoung, 1993). Though some counties and cities have certain laws and restrictions regarding the sorting of recyclables, in the rest of the country it is left to the individual to recycle on his own with no immediate or personal consequence for neglect. This study investigates the effect of a phenomenon known as “Keeping Up With the Joneses” with respect to recycling habits within a college dormitory. Experimental groups which received prompting in the form of posters which compared their recycling rate to the dormitory-wide average increased their percentage of waste recycled approximately fifteen percentage points over control groups, showing that peer pressure and the desire to remain competitive with ones neighbors can be a powerful motivator with respect to recycling habits and behaviors.

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Chappell, William

Title: The effectiveness of constructed wetlands in remediation of acid mine drainage.
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: 154 constructed wetlands have been built in Pennsylvania to remediate acid drainage from coal and strip mines. These wetlands must be studied to see if they can be considered a viable alternative to conventional treatment. Problems generally associated with acid mine drainage are low pH’s and high concentrations of iron, manganese and aluminum. Seven wetlands in southwest Pennsylvania were sampled for a period of ten months to determine the effectiveness of wetlands in purifying the acid mine drainage. Factors affecting the wetlands; such as flow rates, surface area. pH, and seasonality were examined to determine their relationship to effective remediation of acid mine drainage.

The influent waters pH is an important because it controls the solubility of metals. Flow rate and area are important because they determine how much time the contaminated water remains in the wetland, and therefore, reaction and sedimentation time.

Iron had the best percent removal by wetlands removing as much as 99 percent in certain cases. Aluminum and manganese removal was not as effective as that of iron, often times by having higher effluents than influents. On average the wetlands brought Fe to Pennsylvania legal limits of less than 4mg/L per month. Effluents for average manganese complied with legal limits of less than 2 mg/L per month in less than half the systems. Aluminum which has the same limits as manganese met legal limits in 3 out of 5 systems. Constructed wetlands can be used to treat for iron but conventional treatments would probably be more effective for Mn and Al. Further research must be done to try to make wetlands more effective if wetlands are going to be continued to be used to treat acid mine drainage.

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Checchio, Gina

Title: The Cultural Significance of Shrimp in New Orleans and its Relation to Environmental and Social Justice
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Brittany Davis & Dr. Benjamin Haywood

Abstract: Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the United States, with Americans individually consuming an average four pounds per year. The problem with America’s shrimp consumption is that the vast majority of shrimp is imported from foreign countries, which does not support local communities and feeds into an industry that has both environmental and social concerns. Particularly Thailand, which uses human trafficking and forced labor to produce shrimp. This environmental justice issue is looked at through the lens of environmental justice in Louisiana by considering other events that took place in the region, and how limiting shrimp consumption in Louisiana is a challenging task due to the cultural significance of shrimp in Louisiana and New Orleans. The best option to tackle this issue would be to stop supporting foreign shrimp markets and purchasing locally, however this plan has its own challenges, like limitations with shrimping seasons.

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Cheney, Seth

Title: The Interactive Effects of Abound and Rubigan on an Indicator Organism, Lemna minor
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Mark Lord

Abstract: Pesticides continue to play an important role in the successful cultivation of food crops. In particular, fungicides are needed to control the myriad fungal infestations affecting vineyards in the northeast. Unfortunately, these fungicides that so effectively control fungal pathogens may also have detrimental effects on non-target organisms present in the ecosystem and watershed, specifically through aquatic contamination. An issue directly related to pesticide usage is the possibility of interactive effects between different chemicals used on the same fields. It is the purpose of this study to examine the possibility of interactive effects between two relatively new fungicides used commonly on grape fields on an indicator organism representative of aquatic plants. A duckweed (Lemna minor) bioassay method consisting of a range test (single chemical effects) and a definitive test (combinations of chemicals) were used to determine both the presence of chemical interactions and the toxicity to the duckweed of single chemical concentrations.

The results of the bioassay and the statistical analysis performed on the data showed no evidence of any interactive effects between the chemicals. All treatments, both single and combination trials, showed a significant reduction in the growth of thalli relative to the untreated controls. The concentrations of the chemicals used in the lab were equivalent to concentrations in the low range of application rates of the chemicals in the field.

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Cheropovich, Zahava A.

Title: Myth-nomers of Liberalism: A Practical Guide to Avoiding the Foibles of Environmentalism
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Jennifer DeHart

Abstract: Liberalism, which is the dominant lens for creating and maintaining justice in American political life, carries with it three elements that undermine environmentalism: individuality, fear of tyranny, and value and economic pluralism. This study seeks to advise current environmental politicians and leaders on how environmentalism can escape the theoretical constraints of liberalism to create effective institutional policy changes. To simplify the discussion, John Rawls was used as the primary model of liberalism. His terminology as well as his definition of key ideas was adopted for discussion.

The study finds that environmental theory is suffused with many liberal concepts, and holds many of the same flaws. In order to gain an objective standpoint from which to judge the current liberalist influence in environmentalism, several cases of green marketing are described and analyzed; they are then used to assess the underlying impact of liberal ideas on environmental policy. Several case studies involving successful responses to automobile congestion are also introduced to describe and demonstrate how people are capable of action that evades the problems of liberalism. The theoretical differences among the studies make it clear that there is a need to deconstruct the liberal narrative by redefining pluralism, individualism and tyranny. Doing so maximizes community participation and results in increasingly effective institutional or policy changes for environmental sustainability.

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Chiappetta, Joseph P. III

Title: Effects of Urban Runoff and Land Cover on the Water Quality of the Point View Reservoir
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: James Palmer, Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: Urban storm runoff is a leading source of poor, declining water quality of lakes and reservoirs. The urban runoff can carry excessive nutrients, high suspended solids, various ions, as well a pesticides. Native fish and other aquatic life cannot survive in urban streams severely impacted by urban runoff. An EPA funded study determined that storm water pollutants could be detrimental to streams and other surface water sources. Because of the increased demand for water during the summer, there is concern that pesticides and lawn chemicals could be entering the reservoir via the drainage pipes. This study examined differences in urban runoff and its effects on water quality, as it relates to land use. Runoff from eight drainage pipes, draining various land cover and land uses was tested at Point View Reservoir (Passaic County, NJ) for its impact on water quality and the relationship between land use and water quality. 22 separate water quality parameters were tested for three storm and three baseline samples. Results were statically analyzed for site and treatment differences as well as interaction effects. The results of this study found over half the analyses showed significant differences between sites as well as significant differences between baseline samples and storm events. A quarter of the analyses were also found to have significant interaction effects, which suggest that different drainage basins varied in the degree of impact on the water quality of the storm runoff. These results support the hypothesis that urban storm runoff does have a detrimental effect on the water quality of the reservoir. The hypothesis that land cover and land use can explain site difference was not supported by as many statistically significant results, but was supported by many strong trends.

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Chibnall, Samuel

Title: Estimating Soil Erosion Within the French Creek Subbasin Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Chris Shaffer & Dr. Milton Ostrofsky

Abstract: The French Creek subbasin is an ecological treasure found within northwestern Pennsylvania. An extensive variety of fish and freshwater mussels have made their home within the 1,200 square miles of the subbasin. Soil erosion poses a potential threat to this significant waterway as the resultant sedimentation can disrupt breeding grounds and alter the watershed’s ecosystems. The revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) in combination with the computing capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS) were used to predict areas at high risk of soil erosion. The RUSLE consists of six variables which include rainfall/runoff erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length, slope steepness, cover management, and support practices. Data for each variable were collected from online databases and processed to create six raster layers which were multiplied together to produce an average annual soil loss map of the subbasin. The results show that low soil erosion is fairly consistent across the subbasin with some small areas showing up as at risk of high soil erosion. One watershed, Little Sugar Creek, had a substantially higher average than the rest of the watersheds but still falls below the classification of high risk. Water samples should be taken throughout the subbasin in order to test the accuracy of the results, especially in areas marked as high average annual soil loss.

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Chick, Ian

Title: Problem-Based Learnings Impact on Environmental Education: Designing a Problem-Based Ecology Curriculum for Yellow Springs High School
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Dr. Jennifer Foreman

Abstract: In order for someone to properly care for their environment, they must first understand their environment. Environmental education can largely influence how individuals treat and understand their surroundings, which is why the quality of that education is important. If the goal of environmental education is to promote better environmental action, traditional textbook learning might not be the best method to achieve this. This project proposes building a usable problem-based ecological curriculum designed for Yellow Springs High School. The district has shown interest in offering more environmental education classes that fit the school’s problem-based initiative. Through literature, research, investigating the current Yellow Springs school system, and collaborating with their teachers, the goal of this study is to construct a problem-based curriculum that teaches ecology material while fitting the school’s educational vision. The curriculum was approved by the administration this year for teacher, Iyabo Eguaroje, to use for the 2020/2021 school year. Although, a complete and comprehensive curriculum still could be used as a recommendation for any teacher with science students at the high school level. Providing Yellow Springs an environmental education option enables students to grasp a better environmental understanding, promote more environmentally conscious future generations, and to produce more environmentally interested students.

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Chillcott, Tyler

Title: Churning Waters: Creating a Framework for the Implementation of Offshore Wind Farms in the United States
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Shaunna Barnhart, Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: In order to keep up with global markets and thrive in a renewable future, the United States needs to invest in renewable energies and begin to dramatically change the way we consume non-renewables. In order to offset the massive amounts of energy that our country needs, a number of renewable resources must be tapped into. One such resource that has yet to be implemented in the U.S. is offshore wind. Because there are no current projects here, there is no precedent for what a wind project developer should do. Using case study research and firsthand accounts, a list of best management practices has been compiled. These best management practices were then applied to the Pennsylvania State waters of Lake Erie. While not all-encompassing, these strategies have been implemented successfully in other places and can be adjusted for different regions.

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Chopra, Akanksha

Title: Literature review of the effects of microplastics on the health of marine organisms
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Dr. Matthew Venesky

Abstract: Littering of plastic is quickly becoming the cause of a noteworthy ecological contamination. Microplastics pose significant threat towards marine health and threaten the stability of the oceans and the food chain. Accumulation and degradation of plastic particles in the marine ecosystem causes damage to various aquatic organisms, both plants and animals by interfering in vital processes such as reproduction, digestion, and photosynthesis. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of microplastics on the health of marine water organisms through a literature review. By reading scientific papers in the primary literature, the effects of microplastics on marine health were studied.
Results obtained in various scientific experiments, statistical data presented in the literature as well as conclusions drawn by scientists in the field were studied to better understand the negative consequences of microplastics in marine ecosystems. Accumulation and translocation were found to be the fundamental routes that permit side effects of microplastic to occur. Furthermore, factors including size, density and shape were found to impact the movement of microplastics within marine ecosystems. Substantial negative health impacts on the vital systems of marine organisms including endocrine, circulatory, reproductive and digestive systems were observed. Lastly, insufficient scientific data studying the movement of microplastics through trophic levels and subsequent toxicity by bio magnification was found.

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Chouinard, Julia

Title: Designing Plant-Based Recipes for the Mobile Market in Meadville, PA
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Beth Choate & Kerstin Ams

Abstract: Animal agriculture is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions such as methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and land usage. These gases affect atmospheric chemistry leading global warming and other environmental impacts such as eutrophication and
loss biodiversity. A decline in the consumption of meat and dairy products is essential. This means transitioning towards plant-based diets or greatly reducing the amount of animal-proteins we consume. Eating patterns revolve around accessibility, learned behaviors and how food is
perceived. This project looks into the impact of recipes containing mainly products from the Mobile Market in Meadville and how they can impact people’s food choices. Five recipes were created and chosen based on the ingredients, time, cost and visual appearance. In addition, each
recipe contains an alternative protein source such as tofu and lentils. Two of these recipes were made for sampling during a community event in order to gather feedback from Meadville residents through observation and informal conversations. Based off the information collected, ideas suggest that in order to influence people’s choices, it is easier to incorporate these new plant-based proteins with familiar foods such as pasta. For future studies, it should be taken into consideration that sampling events are not the most efficient when trying to change people’s eating patterns. Recipes alone are not going to show a difference in food choices but could be more effective with a combination of changes in accessibility and the overall food production
system.

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Christensen, Nicholas

Title: The Future of Meadville: Some Potential Effects of the Production of Unconventional Fuels
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science, English
Thesis Committee: Matthew Ferrence, Kate Darby

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.

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Cielinski, Eric S.

Title: Environmental Impacts of Rock Climbing in McConnells Mill State Park
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jennifer DeHart, Rich Bowden

Abstract: McConnells Mill State Park in western Pennsylvania offers a variety of quality climbs in a region where there is a substantial lack of similar rock climbing opportunities. Within this park, there is one cliff system that has been heavily used by both rock climbers and casual park visitors. This has resulted in the environmental degradation of a concentrated zone extending from the cliff outward and encompassing the staging area for these climbs. Measures of soil compaction and vegetation cover served as indicators of the impacts to the climbing area. In contrast, there is another cliff system in the park that has been closed to climbing since 1999 that has shown less environmental degradation using the same indicators mentioned. The results of this study show that rock climbing creates a negative impact on the environment. These impacts are compounded by general park use, leading to negative social impacts, such as noise, litter accumulation and crowding. Finally, proactive management strategies are offered to reconcile the implications associated with rock climbing and general over-use of a certain area within the park. These management strategies would aid in monitoring the impacts of rock climbers, create opportunities for education of park users, and provide guidelines for reestablishing the degraded areas.

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Cieslak, Megan

Title: Survivor: Can Nature Survive the Game Show?
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Eric Palmer, Robert MacDougall

Abstract: At a time when environmental issues have become rhetorical concerns for the average American, it is not surprising to regularly encounter cultural icons such the summer of 2000’s hit game show, Survivor. Understanding nature as a social construction illuminates the producer’s motive for choosing the setting, limited representations of indigenous peoples, and the title. Survivor’s nature was a tropical island in the middle of the South China Sea that was supposedly uninhabited before the arrival of the sixteen ‘castaways’ even though this was not an accurate representation of the ecological and social history of Pulau Tiga. The show emphasized a nature of pristine beauty, adventure, and recreation, but not a nature on which humans are dependent. Much of the show’s portrayal of nature centered on the dichotomies of culture/nature, human/nonhuman, and civilized/primitive that are found throughout our culture and its version of environmental politics. As millions of Americans weekly watched the show’s explicit use of nature from the comfort of their homes, they become philosophically and physically distanced from the world beyond their living rooms. This distance results from television’s focus on entertainment and its reliance on a more visual representation of nature. Because of the show’s content and the medium through which it is relayed, Survivor’s portrayal of nature ignores more nature than it pretends to save and in no way represent an environmental ethic capable of solving our problems.

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Ciofani, Leigh A.

Title: The Relationship between the Caddisfly (Trichoptera) Species Nemotaulius hostilis in a Temporary Wooded Wetland
Date: Spring 2005
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Wetlands are unique and independent environments that provide valuable habitat for an abundance of species. Although wetland protection has improved over the past few decades, small wetland environments continue to be underappreciated in terms of ecological importance. Destruction of small wetland ecosystems has received recent attention because small wetlands serve as breeding grounds for many amphibian species that have declined in numbers. One specific area of concern involves deforestation of wooded wetlands that are inhabited by frogs and salamanders. The effects of deforestation on macroinvertebrate populations are unknown even though macroinvertebrate shredders are proposed to be at the base of wooded wetland food webs. This study tested the effects of detritus supply on the caddisfly Nemotaulius hostilis, a shredder species found in wooded wetlands of the northeastern United States. Growth and survivorship of caddisfly larvae were measured in the presence and absence of leaf detritus (field experiment) and when reared on terrestrial (red maple) versus aquatic (smartweed) leaf litter (laboratory experiment). Caddisfly growth and survivorship were not found to be affected by the absence of leaf detritus; however, leaf dry mass was significantly lower where caddisfly larvae was present. Caddisflies were significantly larger when reared on red maple litter than on smartweed, but survivorship data were inconclusive. The combined results suggest definite effects of caddisfly larvae on increasing leaf decomposition rates but an unclear relationship between leaf detritus and caddisfly survival and growth. Although deforestation of wooded wetlands may not be detrimental to caddisfly populations, more research is needed to determine the effects of canopy removal on the remainder of wooded wetland ecosystems.

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Clark, Autumn

Title: Tree Campus USA: The Future of Allegheny’s Trees
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Science & Psychology
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr. Elizabeth Ozorak

Abstract: Allegheny College has been ranked 5th of the 25 most beautiful colleges in Pennsylvania (Gitlen, 2018). When we consider what plays into that ranking we first look to the historic buildings and the rolling grounds; but often overlooked are the incredible trees that cover campus. This project is an application for The Arbor Day Foundation that includes a campus tree advisory committee, campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures report, an Arbor Day observance, and a service learning project. This application is accompanied by a literature review that explores the importance of trees, both ecologically and socially. If as a college we have a management plan for care to the buildings and lands, we should have a management plan to care for the trees as well. We have a duty to preserve the health, beauty, and legacy of our trees for the future Gators of Allegheny College.

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Clarke, Nicole

Title: A comparison of the diatom assemblage model and a chemical extraction model for inferring historical phosphorus concentrations in lakes
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Paleolimnology is the study of the historical trends in lake sediments to determine chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of lakes. Within the field, the most accurate way to infer these historical trends is still being determined. An easily measured and strong indicator of lake productivity is phosphorus. However, a debate on how to accurately infer historical phosphorus concentrations is ongoing. The debate is between the use of the diatom assemblage model and a direct chemical extraction method. While limitations have been found in both methods, the diatom assemblage model is more widely used.

This study compared the two methods to determine if similar concentrations of phosphorus were inferred, and whether the diatoms were accurate indicators of past trophic status. Sediment cores from five lakes were analyzed using the chemical extraction method. In Canadohta Lake the diatom assemblages were characterized from five sediment strata. Previously published phosphorus optima were used to determine the diatom-inferred concentrations of phosphorus. The concentrations were compared with each other and a significant relationship was found between the diatom-inferred phosphorus predictions and measured sediment apatite-phosphorus. Results were viewed cautiously because room for error was high due to the use of the literature values.

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Claus, April

Title: The Effects of the Plant Alkaloid alpha-tomatine and the pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego on the Growth Rate of Tenebrio molitor
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: M. Ostrofsky and J. Palmer

Abstract: It is hypothesized that plants contain a number of chemicals or alkaloids which may act as a natural defense mechanism against herbivorous insects. It is thought that the toxicity of these natural alkaloids can be influenced by a number of pesticides or biopesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis. The purpose of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the combination of the biopesticide B. t. var. san diego (m-Trak) and the plant alkaloid alphatomatine will exhibit a synergistic effect and result in slowed growth rates in Tenebrio molitor when compared to controls. In order to test this hypothesis mealworms were raised in wheat bran containing alpha-tomatine only, Bt only and Bt & alpha-tomatine as well as controls and weighed every three days for an 18 day period. Results showed that under suboptimal conditions starvation control experienced the greatest weight loss while the alphatomatine + Bt group experienced the least weight loss, thus suggesting an antagonistic effect, rather than a synergistic one.

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Click, Katy

Title: "Placing" Community Connection at the Forefront: An Analysis of Allegheny Students' Interactions With Meadville
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Ben Haywood & Wendy Kedzierski

Abstract: Environmental degradation is occurring at an increasing rate, while incentives aimed at both industries and the public are exclusively monetary in nature. While monetary incentives are instrumental to altering the course of destruction in the current capitalistic structure through which society functions, negligence still occurs. Person-place relationships should be placed more at the forefront of incentivisation as a more honest approach with respect to the true value of nature and the benefits that the environment provides. Establishing a connection to natural spaces prompts the care and protection of such places, making person-place relationships vital to environmental awareness and protection. This project assesses the level of connection Allegheny College students have with the surrounding community of Meadville through the concept of sense of place and how this relationship may change over the course of time spent at Allegheny via a photovoice project. The end goal of this project is to strengthen ties between Allegheny students and Meadville, which will require future alterations of existing programs and the formation of new initiatives to engage students in their surrounding community to a greater extent. Ultimately, the intention is to dismantle the problematic physical and abstract divide between Allegheny College and Meadville, a divide that shows through and is replicated in the findings of this project.

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Cochrane, Chad S.

Title: The Recovery of Western Pennsylvania Streams After Livestock Exclusion
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: The agricultural industry is the leading non-point source polluter of streams, lakes, and estuaries in the United States. Nutrient pollution and sediments easily enter waterways due to a lack of protective riparian buffer zones. In agricultural landscapes, riparian zones have been shown to aid in nutrient and sediment removal, flood attenuation, allochthonous energy sources, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal. Typically, landowners utilize riparian zones as pasture or as cropland. To permit the reestablishment of riparian vegetative and allow the natural recovery of degraded streams, conservation agencies exclude livestock using stream bank fencing. This study examined benthic macroinvertebrate recovery following livestock exclusion. Three managed streams in northwest Pennsylvania were compared to three streams currently pastured and scheduled for future exclusion. One year after livestock exclusion, managed sites did not exhibit significantly higher abundance, diversity, or Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI) scores than those at unmanaged sites, although sites with intact riparian zones showed higher PTI scores and diversity. As a result, abundance, diversity, and PTI scores did not indicate significant recovery. Only biomass was significantly higher at managed sites. The results are difficult to interpret because the condition of the managed sites before exclusion is not known. Pooling managed and unmanaged sites revealed high variation between sites. The most likely conclusion is that the physical recovery of the stream channel takes longer than one year. Benthic macroinvertebrates should colonize previously degraded streams after physical recovery of the stream channel has occurred.

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Coffield, Karissa

Title: Terrestrial distribution, migration distance, and timing of spring migration in Spotted Salamanders
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science & Biology
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ron Mumme & Dr. Matthew Venesky

Abstract: Amphibians are among the most threatened species worldwide and are exceptional bioindicators of ecosystem health. Ambystomatid salamanders have biphasic life cycles that require quality aquatic and terrestrial habitat. They utilize large portions of terrestrial habitat around their breeding ponds for feeding and overwintering, but scientists are currently attempting to quantify how much land around breeding sites these species need. The goal of this study was to find the core terrestrial range for a population of spotted salamanders and understand their spatial distribution around breeding ponds. A complex of five spotted salamander breeding ponds in Northwestern PA was surrounded by aluminum fencing, and 30-meter-long drift fences were constructed every 30 meters (30m, 60m, 90m, and 120m) in the surrounding forest along three previously determined spring migration transects. Pitfall buckets were buried in the ground along drift fences to capture migrating salamanders. Over 1,800 salamanders were captured in spring 2019. The proportion of males to females changed throughout the breeding season, increasing from 15% females on the first night of migration to 40% females at the end of the migration period. Using data from salamanders captured at the 120m fence, I estimated that approximately 9% of breeding salamanders traveled from beyond 120m from the breeding ponds. Woodland drift fences away from the breeding ponds captured 36% of migrants early in the spring but only 1% of migrants later in migration, suggesting that salamanders migrating from longer distances require multiple nights of travel to reach the ponds and arrive later. In addition, late-arriving salamanders were in significantly poorer body condition than salamanders that arrived early, suggesting that long-distance migration is energetically costly. The results presented here can help managers make informed decisions regarding buffer zones around wetland areas to preserve salamander populations.

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Colao, Paige

Title: Cob Versus Conventional Building Materials: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study of a Cob Bench in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ian Carbone & Kerstin Martin

Abstract: This study involves the construction and analysis of a cob bench in Northwestern Pennsylvania against theoretical benches made from conventional materials. Cob is touted as an environmentally sustainable building style as its main building components are clay, sand, straw, and water. This study details the creation of a bench made of cob as well as its analysis. The analysis is conducted with the creation of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the cob bench versus an LCA of an aluminum bench and an LCA of a hardwood bench. Conventional construction is one of the greatest contributors to environmental damage and greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. As Earth’s population continues to grow, new materials and building styles are necessary to mitigate the environmental impacts of construction. By studying the benefits and limitations of building with cob, new ideas are brought to the subject of sustainable construction.

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Colley, Ryan R.

Title: Analysis and Adaptation of Indices of Biotic Integrity (HIBI) for Headwater Streams in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: Protection of large, high profile waterways means the protection of the cumulative network of tributary streams feeding them. To understand the health of the tributary streams, an index of biologic integrity (IBI) must be adapted to the biologic assemblages indigenous to the stream. Many studies have designed IBIs for regional streams, but often using fish as a bioindicator. In streams where fish are not present, the biological community differ enough to require the design of a new headwater IBI. The purpose of this study was to adapt and evaluate a regional IBIs to accurately assess the integrity of fishless headwater streams in northwestern Pennsylvania. Twenty streams were selected based on varying degrees of human disturbance. The human disturbance on the stream was quantified using the habitat quality assessment tools Riparian, Channel, and Environmental Inventory (RCE) and Ohio EPA Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI). The biologic integrity of the twenty streams was quantified based on salamander and benthic macroinvertebrates assemblages.

Salamander assemblage attributes exemplified significant correlation to the habitat quality assessment. Benthic macroinvertebrate showed a significant association with the local RCE, but did not show any association with Ohio’s HHEI. One potential headwater IBI (HIBI) was build from the responsive salamander metrics alone, while a second was designed using salamander and benthic macroinvertebrate metrics. The results of the testing of both HIBI found both to have a strong correlation to the habitat quality assessment tool scores. The headwater IBI with only salamander metrics was selected as the most efficient index.

The new HIBI showed a significant and dynamic response to varying degrees of human disturbance in fishless headwater streams. It also proved as a rapid and efficient field indicator of stream health. The introduction of a tailored headwater index of biotic integrity allows for rapid biomonitoring and quantification of the overall health of a stream. The rapid assessment of the biological health allows an extensive representation of the overall integrity of a stream system.

This project was supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation.

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Columbus, Courtney

Title: Growing Greener: A Collaborative School Garden Project with Meadville Area Middle & Senior High Schools
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Garden-based environmental education programs have the potential to benefit schools, students, teachers, and local communities in a variety of ways, from teaching students how to work in teams to making them more receptive to trying new fruits and vegetables. School gardens can also be an asset to teachers by providing them with a space to engage students in hands-on learning outdoors. The positive feedbacks resulting from involvement in school garden programs can also help students to more fully understand principles of sustainability and include them in their daily lives. Although the logistics become more complicated, a garden program geared towards students in special education classes would provide teachers with an asset for engaging students in interactive learning. To begin assessing the feasibility of implementing a school garden program, a broad sample of middle school teachers were surveyed. Qualitative data on autistic students’ ability to be involved in garden activities added to the information gained from the survey by showing that autistic students could be involved in this project but would require a very thoughtfully designed program. Principles of garden management, including recommendations for setting objectives and goals, implementation, evaluation, and creating a realistic budget, can provide a foundation for the proposed school garden at MAMS.

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Commendatore, Michael

Title: Opportunities for Energy-Efficiency in the United States’ Residential Sector
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Terrence Bensel, Dr. Michael Maniates

Abstract: he average American household is directly responsible for emitting more than 12.5 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per year. Much of these emissions are caused by the consumption of electricity. Energy-efficient appliances and other electrical products enable residents to achieve the same quality of service while using less electricity. In fact, these products save the consumer enough money on their monthly electric bill to pay for themselves within two years. Unfortunately, there are barriers that have prevented these technologies from being more widely used, such as lack of information, misplaced incentives, underpriced electricity, high initial costs, and skepticism. Fortunately, there are also many different ways to break down these barriers. Some of the possible solutions include restructuring utility pricing mechanisms, educating consumers about the benefits of these technologies, and implementing the use of utility sponsored demand-side management programs. This study investigates the potential for residential energy-efficiency improvements in the United States, focusing on the technologies available to the residential sector, current barriers to their more widespread use, and methods for overcoming these barriers.

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Conroy, Abby

Title: Solving the Problem of Student Energy Consumption: An Energy Competition for Allegheny College
Date: January 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Rich Bowden

Abstract: As a charter signatory of the ACUPCC, Allegheny College has been contractually committed to reaching carbon neutrality since April 2007. Part of that commitment required the college to complete a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. Based on that inventory, it was realized that student energy consumption was a major contributor to GHG emissions. In order to counteract the effects of student energy consumption this senior comprehensive project designed and ran Allegheny College’s first dorm energy competition. The competition was divided into two main parts, the first occurring while classes were in session, encouraging students to actively reduce consumption. The second part occurred over Thanksgiving break and focused on reducing phantom draws. Results of the competition were mixed with the biggest reducer of the first half saving just under 30% of their baseline and the biggest user consuming more than 50% over their baseline. Average reductions in the second part of the competition were around 40%. This competition provided insight into effective and ineffective strategies for encouraging student energy conservation. The competition was considered a success but in order to improve the results, methods have been suggested for future competitions.

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Conti, Arielle

Title: Incorporating “Green” Materials into Allegheny’s New Admissions House
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Allegheny has committed to decreasing its carbon footprint and is trying to move towards a more environmentally sustainable campus. An important factor will be a switch from traditional construction materials and furnishings in campus buildings. This paper explores alternatives to the traditional lighting, flooring and furniture options specifically for the new admissions building, 454 N. Main St. Extensive research was conducted using the internet, Allegheny’s sustainability coordinator and other experts in the field. Suggestions were made to the Director and Assistant Director of Construction based on monetary costs, environmental impacts, the needs of the admissions building and social justice considerations such as human health and support of local businesses. I recommended the installation or purchase of Solatube natural lighting, CFL bulbs, Plyboo bamboo flooring, Interface or Mohawk carpeting, Green Design Furniture and Legare bamboo desks and bookshelves. The admissions building will feature CFL bulbs, Interface carpets and Legare bamboo desks. The other suggestions were not included due in part to budget restrictions and the donor’s requests.

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Cook, Emma

Title: Bridging Disciplines to Address the Ill-Structured Problem of Floodplain Development in the Fifth Ward of Meadville, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Amara Geffen

Abstract: In Meadville’s Fifth Ward, residents face similar challenges to ones that emerge on floodplains throughout the country and around the world. In an era characterized by global climate change in which intensifying and unpredictable weather events become more frequent, flooding poses a growing threat to humans. Many are vulnerable or lack the resources to prepare for and respond to natural disaster. A complex, ill-structured problem arises at the interface of human life with the ebbing and meandering river. I address this ill-structured problem in the way that I know best, through an interdisciplinary lens. It seems that this type of approach is necessary, for the factors at play in these vulnerable communities and sensitive ecosystems range from issues of social justice and economic limitation to comfort, loyalty to the homestead, and construction of identity.

Before approaching the community with ideas about how to create change, critical preliminary steps are necessary. These include extensive research on the issue on a broad level, followed by site-specific investigation into the characteristics that make the Fifth Ward and its residents unique. In the context of a floodplain community, which, like so many others, was fated to difficulties from its beginnings, I suggest creative and interdisciplinary approaches to the ill-structured problems in the Fifth Ward. I explore ways to build resilience in respect to the challenges that the community faces as well as the exciting assets that can be leveraged to sustain and revitalize life on the floodplain.

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Copeland, Maureen T.

Title: The Garden of The Arc and Allegheny College… A Cooperative Project
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Biointensive gardening is a relatively unheard of idea in the field of sustainable agriculture. This type of growing takes organic agriculture one-step further, making it more sustainable. People are beginning to see the need for more “environmentally-friendly” agriculture as they realize that conventional methods are damaging to land, wildlife and human health. Biointensive focuses on environmental stewardship and human health.

Biointensive uses small-scale operations (mini-farms) where everyone grows their own food. This makes it ideal for home gardening. To learn this new method, Allegheny College and The Arc of Crawford County have partnered up to allow the clients of The Arc to grow their own fruits and veggies at the Allegheny College Experimental Garden. Many features of biointensive gardening will be used. Since the benefits of community gardening are numerous, I hope those participating in this project will reap the benefits.

This senior project was supported in part by the Class of 1939 Senior Research Fund.

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Copenhaver, Andrew

Title: Seeing the Forest for More Than the Trees: The Conservation of Pennsylvania’s Most Threatened Plant-American Ginseng
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Mark Neff

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%.

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Cornett, Timothy

Title: Predicting Battery Electric Vehicle Ownership in the United States Based on Demographic and Spatial Characteristics
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Chris Shaffer & Ian Carbone

Abstract: The United States transportation sector contributes significantly to climate change, producing 33.7 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from typical internal combustion engine vehicles. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) emit zero tailpipe emissions and therefore offer the opportunity to reduce GHG emissions while fulfilling the transportation needs of the United States. This study performs a geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria site suitability analysis of the Unites States to predict BEV ownership using a number of spatial variables. These variables include charge station density, median household income, percentage of commuters who commute by car, gas prices, and congestion levels. These variables were individually ranked by suitability and prioritized in accordance with their importance in determining BEV ownership. Suitable and moderately suitable areas encompass 18.1 percent (665,881 square miles) of the United States. Suitable areas were concentrated around major metropolitan areas, specifically the Northeast megalopolis (stretching from Washington, DC to Boston, MA), San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. As BEVs are an emerging market, vehicle manufacturers may use these data to market and distribute BEVs to appropriate dealerships across the United States more effectively. Increased ownership of BEVs will reduce GHG emissions and anthropogenic climate change.

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Courchesne, Audrey R.

Title: An Assessment of the Feasibility of Eastern Timber Wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) Reintroduction to West Virginia Using a Geographic Information System
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Gordon Whitney, Jennifer DeHart

Abstract: The eastern timber wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) was once present in large numbers throughout West Virginia. With plans being made to reintroduce this species into its former habitat, this area should be examined as a possible reintroduction site because of its large deer population and expansive forested area. In this study, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a logistic regression model previously constructed by Mladenoff and Sickley (1995) were used to determine if there is a sufficiently large suitable habitat area and enough prey for a stable wolf population to survive in West Virginia. Although some areas of suitable habitat were found, the areas were too small and did not meet the requirements set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1992) for a viable population. The potential wolf densities, which were based on prey availability, were very high and warrant further studies on the possibility of reintroducing wolves in West Virginia once more data is collected on the relationship between wolves and road density.

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Cover, Leah E.

Title: Communicating the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian water conflict through art: A search for cooperation
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Sue Buck

Abstract: The political and cultural disputes over borders, settlements, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the legitimacy of Israel have plagued the Middle East for more than half a century. Now the scarcity of water is an emerging environmental issue that is exacerbating the political instability and compromising the economic welfare of the region. As the populations of the Middle East increase and the demand for water grows, the below-average rainfall and persistent droughts of the past decade threaten the supply of water for both municipal and agricultural uses. The trans-boundary nature of the water crisis demands that cooperation amongst the Israeli and Arab states is crucial to the survival of the region. Social and environmental concerns of this magnitude must be communicated to the public, and activists are now turning to art as a way to address this and similar issues. This project has examined the role of water in the larger context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the use of visual art in order to increase the understanding on both sides of the conflict and to propose the possibility of water as a point of collaboration between the affected countries. This project sought to answer the questions, “How can art be used as a tool to increase awareness of the complexity of the water conflict between Israelis and Palestinians? And by increasing awareness, can art portray the water crisis as a starting point for cooperation and compromise, rather than for distrust and further disagreement?”

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Coward, Megan

Title: The Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association: Promoting Sustainable Forestry through the Unification of Landowners
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Sustainable forestry ensures that our nation’s forests will remain healthy and continue to meet our needs as well as those of future generations. Roughly 80% of the forested land in Pennsylvania is owned by more than 500,000 private landowners. Conveying sustainable forestry techniques to small landowners is difficult. Woodland owners associations can provide education and technical assistance to small landowners. To promote the use of sustainable forestry practices in Northwest Pennsylvania, landowners, foresters and those with a general interest in forestry formed the Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association on March 3, 1999. By uniting, individuals concerned with the welfare of the forests of Northwest Pennsylvania hope to reach out to private landowners and educate them about proper forest management. Analysis of various landowners associations across the nation show that these organizations can serve as forums for networking, lobby for environmental legislation and function as a self sustaining cooperative. Surveys distributed to area landowners show that they would like the NWPWA to serve as a medium for forest education, networking, enhanced economic return from their woodland, and certification.

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Coyne, Patrick William

Title: Leachate Recirculation to Promote Rapid Stabilization of Municipal Solid Waste: Barriers to Implementation
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott A. Wissinger, Dr. Eric Pallant

Abstract: Approximately half of landfilled municipal solid waste is organic in nature. However, very little biological decomposition occurs in landfills. Modern landfill design and operation strives for an inner environment devoid of moisture and biological activity.

Entombment of the waste mass results in a long post closure period, for which the landfill manager is responsible. Bioreactor technology involves recirculating leachate to increase saturation, bolster microbial populations, and ultimately lead to rapid stabilization of the organic portion of municipal solid waste. Leachate recirculation also provides peripheral benefits, including reduction of leachate volume and concentration. However, there are barriers to implementing this practice at existing and planned facilities. Inadequate saturation, a result of modern landfill technology, is the largest barrier. Other bathers can be technological, regulatory, economic, logistical, or sociological. A review of case studies shows the compatibility of five leachate recirculation mechanisms (infiltration ponds, pre-weizing of waste, leachate spraying, vertical injection wells, and horizontal trenches) with different facilities. Though source separation of organic and inorganic waste would preclude any need for bioreactor landfills, it is not presently realistic. Bioreactors would essentially compost the organic fraction of municipal solid waste without separating it from inorganic refuse.

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Craig, Andrea L.

Title: A Study of the Feasibility of Designing and Implementing a Corridor Project in Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: S. Wissinger and M. Stevens

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of designing and implementing a corridor project for Crawford County. Helimund’s (1993) corridor design framework was used to first examine Crawford County’s biological, water, recreational. historical, and archaeological resources. Much of the county’s biodiversity is found in the streams and wetlands, and this biodiversity is concentrated in the highest quality waters. These waters also provide recreational opportunities, as well as historical sites. Many archaeological sites have also been located in these areas. All of these natural resources are threatened by habitat fragmentation and increasing urban development.

The corridor design framework was also used to select project goals and several swaths for more detailed study. By using natural landform boundaries the corridor concept allows for efficient resource conservation. Many areas, such as the Erie National Wildlife refuge and the State Game Lands, are already managed for conservation and could form part of a corridor. In addition, linear landscape elements such as ridgelines could form the spine of a corridor.

Several corridors could be designed in Crawford County. But, the three most important that this study has identified are 1) a conservation corridor along French Creek and its tributaries, 2) a series of conservation corridors along streams and wetlands, and 3) a series of conservation corridors along ridgelines. This study recommends that Crawford County implement these corridors, form an Environmental Advisory Council, emphasize conservation educational efforts, perform more studies on species of special concern, etc.

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Cramer, Ben

Title: Trophic Cascades Resulting from Sculpin Removal in Headwater Streams.
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ron Mumme

Abstract: Results of previous studies differ in whether the addition or removal of a top predator in freshwater ecosystems causes a cascading effect throughout lower trophic levels. The purpose of this study was to first test for the presence of a trophic cascade in response to the removal of fish from a headwater stream using exclusion cages. Results from the field study showed that algae in cages devoid of fish grew at a greater rate during the latter stages of the experiment. I hypothesized that predatory invertebrates (e.g. stoneflies) might have compensated for excluded fish predators, thereby suppressing grazing invertebrates. In a second experiment conducted in laboratory stream tanks, I examined specific trophic interactions between the mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), the grazing mayfly, Stenacron, and periphyton grown on benthic tiles. Data and photographs showed that periphyton assemblages grew more dense and at a greater rate in the presence of sculpin. I found evidence for heavy Stenacron grazing in tanks without sculpin and no grazing in tanks with sculpin. Results and observations suggested that the Stenacron-periphyton trophic link in a headwater stream environment would be heavily impacted by the addition or removal of sculpin. I hypothesize that trophic cascades can potentially exist in headwater streams, especially where human interaction has caused the addition or removal of a top predator.

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Cramer, Bruce

Title: A Wetlands Index of Biological Integrity
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Environmental Science

Abstract: Agriculture and development have eliminated many wetland areas since European settlement. Recently, many state, federal and non-government organizations have begun to create artificial wetlands to replace those destroyed by human development. However, the biological quality of constructed wetlands remains to be tested. Recently, a Wetlands Index of Biological Integrity (WIBI) was developed in order to determine the quality of wetlands based on their biotic content. The WIBI provides criteria for determining the biological integrity of a wetland area based on the macroinvertebrate fauna contained within the wetland.

This study applied the metrics of the proposed WIBI to wetland age in order to determine the quality of wetlands in different age groups. Specifically, this study was used to determine whether recently constructed wetlands are of comparable biological quality or are approaching the biological quality of natural wetlands in the Crawford County area.

Twelve sites were sampled, four that were less than two years old, four that were two to six years old, and four natural sites. Macroinvertebrates were quantitatively and qualitatively sampled and identified to the taxonomic level specified by each WIBI metric. These data were then scored on the WIBI metrics to determine the biological integrity of each site.

Newly constructed wetlands (less than two years old) scored the lowest on the WIBI while two to six year old sites and natural sites scored considerably higher. Newly constructed wetlands were dominated by high densities of rapidly colonizing opportunistic invertebrates such as chironomids. Invertebrate communities in these sites had low diversities and did not score highly on the WIBI. Two to six year old sites contained both rapidly colonizing and slowly colonizing invertebrates. These sites supported relatively high diversities of invertebrates and scored the highest of all three study groups. Natural sites were dominated by slowly colonizing k-selected invertebrates and were slightly less diverse than two to six year old wetlands. According to this study, invertebrate communities take only about three years to develop into a nearly natural state in constructed wetlands.

The use of biomonitoring techniques such as the WIBI can show which construction techniques are the most efficient and effective to ensure the creation of diverse and productive wetland habitats.

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Cressman, Annamarie

Title: Companion Planting: Fact or Folklore
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: E. Pallant and S. Wissinger

Abstract: Companion planting is an alternative gardening technique incorporated to enhance the growth and yield of plants in lieu of pesticides and insecticides. This experiment in companion planting of tomatoes was conducted in a small garden plot in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The companions incorporated to promote the yield, weight, and prohibit predation of the tomatoes were carrots, marigolds, and chives, which were selected for their known pest deterring characteristics. Three raised beds, ten feet by three feet, were constructed with eight tomato plants and the predetermined corresponding companion. There were four treatments in this experiment; tomatoes with carrots, tomatoes with marigolds, tomatoes with chives, and tomatoes planted alone. The overall yield, weight and predation of each plant and treatment was analyzed through ANOVA statistical analysis. There was no significant difference in overall yield, weight, or predation regardless of the presence of a companion on the basis of treatment or individual plant. Contrary to the researched literature, no one companion had a greater deterring capability for the individual tomato plant, and the incorporation of companion plants in lieu of pesticides or insecticides had no significant deterring results in this experiment.

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Crooks, Jennifer

Title: Acting and Activism: Community-Based Theatre as a Tool for Environmental Activism in Marginalized Communities
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Beth Watkins

Abstract: In the developing world, environmental deterioration threatens not only the land but also the culture of indigenous communities. Protection of the environment hinges on integrating environmental awareness with political and cultural activism. Community-based theatre (CBT) can serve as a tool for environmental organizations by using cultural forms of expression for political means and grassroots development. More importantly, this decentralized approach to theatre empowers these marginalized communities and helps build skills to strengthen their own voice in larger debates concerning environmental protection. By exploring three forms of CBT-traditional theatre, popular theatre and Theatre for Development, this study assesses how different levels of outside involvement in the on-going theatre process influences the quality of environmental activism within the community. By incorporating the community into the theatre process through participation, identification of environmental problems and implementation of solutions, CBT can prove to be a useful tool for local and transnational environmental organizations.

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Cross, Hannah

Title: The Future of Food: Seed Saving and Narrative Building in Janisse Ray’s The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies, English
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Matt Ferrence

Abstract: Much of the food that is consumed in the United States is produced industrially. A number of movements have begun to advocate for alternative methods of production with the goals of mitigating environmental impact, improving animal welfare, and/or supporting locally sourced foods, among others. Janisse Ray’s The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food promotes seed saving as a way to produce food beyond the scope of corporate control. Her text is a compilation of narratives about people who save seeds and grow their own food, along with Ray’s arguments in opposition to industrial agriculture. This project analyzes her book in response to the predominant narrative surrounding industrial agriculture. Ray works to demonstrate that industrial agriculture values yield and profit above all but that food can be produced another way. To her, seed saving is a way to renounce the oppression associated with the Green Revolution and instead support the preservation of culture, story, and relationship to the land.

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Crosser, Jinelle

Title: Applying Ecological Art to Stormwater Mitigation: The Mill Run Community Wetlands
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Amara Geffen

Abstract: Streams in urban settings suffer from degradation due to anthropogenic causes. While there are many potential sources of this degradation, one of the most likely causes is the increase of connected impervious surfaces due to development within the watershed. As a result, hydrologic processes that normally take place in the absence of these surfaces are altered in small order streams. Recent studies on Mill Run in Meadville, Pennsylvania have shown characteristics of a degraded urban stream. The purpose of this project was to design a wetland habitat using principles of ecological art in order to enhance the stream ecosystem as well as provide an area conducive for visiting school children and the public. The design is based on recommendations and collaborations with local elementary school faculty, ecologists, engineers, and artists and includes features that facilitate an efficient learning environment that reveals underlying natural processes.

This project was supported in part by the Shanbrom Research Fund and the Henry Luce Foundation.

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Crotsley, Miranda S.

Title: “I Don’t Like Traffic”: A Study on the Ways of Knowing and Experiencing Place
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, John P. O’Grady

Abstract: The concept of sense of place, as discussed by place theorists, environmental philosophers, writers, and environmental educators, has gained great importance of late. Most agree that a citizenry with a strong sense of place will more readily care for and protect their places, leading to a sustainable future. There are, however, many differences in how sense of place is defined. In this comprehensive project I have looked in detail at the ideas about sense of place espoused by David Orr, an environmental educator who believes that scientific and technical knowledge are necessary and crucial factors in building a sense of place. I have also conducted interviews in Meadville, PA, the results of which serve to show how Orr’s conception of “sense of place” is a limited one. Through this research I have discovered that inhabitants of a place can be connected to that place in many different ways, including through family and community involvement. These results lead me to believe that only by understanding the many and varied ways that people experience a sense of place, can we begin to work toward a sustainable future.

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Crouse, Michael L.

Title: Allelopathic effects of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on germination and growth of a bioassay species
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of allelopathy in the success of the exotic invasive weed purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Greenhouse experiments were conducted to examine the germination and growth responses of oat (Avena sativa) when exposed to allelochemicals leached by L. salicaria. In the greenhouse, oat seeds were sown into pots that contained either loosestrife root, litter, root + litter, or live extract; control pots simply contained potting soil. Germination experiments were run for two weeks and growth experiments were run for five. In summary, the effects of loosestrife on germination varied, with the root treatment significantly inhibiting oat seed germination. When compared to control, all remaining treatment groups significantly inhibited oat plant growth.

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Crum, Timothy M.

Title: Greener Golf: A Design for Riparian Buffer Zones at Venango Valley Inn and Golf Club
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Anne Wibiralske

Abstract: The proposed design for riparian buffer zones at Venango Valley examines current conditions along the course’s stream and suggests plans for naturalization with native plant species. The benefits of riparian buffer zones and re-planting of native species are examined and a specific plan for Venango Valley was contrived. Steep banks with severe erosion and potential nutrient and pesticide overload are two concerns that face the course today. Venango’s stream is a tributary of French Creek, making it an important area to conserve. The proposed design calls for grading of steep banks to a 3:1 gradient and planting vegetation for the creation and enhancement of the existing buffer zones. Red-osier Dogwood and a grass mix consisting of Switchgrass and Virginia Wild Rye are the proposed native plant species. Both are tolerant to extreme wet and dry conditions and both offer better erosion protection and more potential nutrient and pesticide uptake than do the existing conditions. The final design will be presented to Venango Valley officials with hope of being implemented in the near future.

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Csumitta, Brian

Title: Description of Differences in Prices and Quality of Foods at Full Service Supermarkets and Convenience Stores in Cleveland, Ohio
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Elizabeth Olson, Chris Schaffer

Abstract: In cities throughout the United States, there is limited access to healthy food options in inner-city neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods, there is a predominance of convenience stores that offer grocery items but limited healthy food choices. Supermarkets that offer healthy food choices are either non-existent in these communities, or there is not an easy way to get transportation to these stores. It is my goal through this study to determine if the type of store (full service supermarkets and convenience stores) influences the price and quality of typical groceries in the city of Cleveland. I visited 10 stores with a sample grocery list and recorded the price and various other measurements for 38 different grocery items. I also recorded various qualitative observations in each of these 10 stores. Grocery items tended to be more expensive in convenience stores than in full-service supermarkets. There was also a greater range in prices among items that were in full-service supermarkets than in convenience stores. Full-service supermarkets also seemed to have more organizational structure and offer a wider array of products to the consumer. My study illustrates the lack of affordable healthy food options for residents of inner city Cleveland.

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Culley, Jessica

Title: Closing the Gap: The Role of Woodworking in Promoting Sustainability
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: The purpose of this senior thesis was to examine the commodity chain for wood in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and to determine the role that small scale woodworking could play in promoting sustainability. To this end, the regional sources of sustainable wood were researched. Certified hardwoods were identified as being available from Kane Hardwoods, a Division of Collins Pine Co., in Kane, PA. Salvaged wood, either from tree removal services, or from old, unused buildings, was also identified as a possible source of sustainable wood. I also researched woodworking practices, finding issues like energy use, waste, and toxins to be issues that a sustainable woodworker would need to address to ensure that his/her practices concur with sustainable objectives. Lastly, I tried to identify ways to market sustainably produced items. I found marketing to be the greatest obstacle to a sustainable wood industry or business in Northwest Pennsylvania. However, through the tactics of niche marketing, identifying and targeting the likely consumer populace, and possibly through the use of an artisan cooperative, I have hope that sustainable woodworking could be a realistic possibility in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

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Cunningham, Barbara

Title: A Search for Environmental Justice: An Analysis of the Environmental Movement from the Elite Mainstream to the Grassroots.
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Terrence Bensel and Dr. Bruce Smith

Abstract: As the mainstream environmental movement concentrated their efforts in Washington, D.C., the grassroots movement began organizing on the local levels in an effort to keep hazardous wastes out of their communities. For the first time, minorities, women and the working class citizens of America engaged in the environmental movement with their own agendas. The grassroots movement grew into an inclusive movement fighting for environmental justice. Grassroots advocates are engaging in face-to-face democracy in an effort to keep hazardous wastes from being targeted toward any member of society.

Three case studies explore how grassroots communities applied bottom-up pressure on government officials and industries, successfully reducing their exposure to hazardous waste. I conclude that there are two significant factors which enable communities to organize successfully. The two elements consist of the media’s involvement as well as continual pressure on government officials.

The grassroots movement has enabled communities across America to return to a democratic society by the implementation of Right-to-Know laws and public participation in the permitting process. Finally, the grassroots movement is applying pressure on industries to reduce the production of hazardous waste instead of simply finding technological fixes to retard the release of hazards into the environment. The grassroots movement represents an essential path to truly eradicating America’s hazardous waste dilemma.

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Currence, Michele V.

Title: Moving Up the Staircase to Success: A Political, Cultural and Historical Study of the German Green Party
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Giovanna Di Chiro, Jochen Richter

Abstract: This comprehensive project investigates the complex issue of assessing the success of a green political party. Throughout the past two decades, green politics have become a major factor within the political systems of numerous countries, especially within western nations. Green political parties have emerged to represent social ideas, such as environmental protection and the rights of minorities. The German Green Party, arguably the most successful green party in the world, has challenged conventional ways of thinking in Germany to include various environmental and social themes into the political agenda. This project focuses on the political, cultural and historical situations that the German Green Party has encountered to determine what strategies and mechanisms green parties can utilize to become successful.

The political situation that I discuss identifies how the German Green Party has altered its party structure and organization to remain competitive and to represent environmental issues in the German electorate. The cultural situation that this project focuses on is how the German Green Party has represented environmental problems as being local and global in nature. Since environmental problems have no regard for political boundaries, the Greens have had to overcome the obstacles inherent in representing issues that go beyond their immediate constituency. The historical situation that I describe demonstrates how the German Green Party has distinguished itself from the “green wing” of the Nazi party and how this identity has made the Greens more effective in representing environmental protection and other social ideas. Overall, the German Green Party has been successful in representing environmental and social issues in Germany and it provides a model for other ecologically based groups in industrialized nations to follow.

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Curtis, Becky

Title: Christian Environmental Stewardship: A Curriculum for Change
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science and Religious Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant , Helene Russell, Glen Holland

Abstract: Increased material consumption in developed countries, such as the United States, has had a significant role in the degradation of the environment. The church community can be one place where a change of focus from the consumption of material goods to the support of community and spiritual fulfillment of needs can take place. For these reasons, this curriculum, designed as a six week Sunday school or Bible study course for college students and adults, looks at material consumption and what we should be doing as Christians. The curriculum aims to begin educating Christians about the environmental effects of material consumption, to show why Christians should be responding, and then to focus on how change can begin in practical ways in the participants’ own lifestyles. Before the formal write-up of the curriculum, two classes were led, one at the Presbyterian Church in Meadville and another at Allegheny College. Thus, I was able to test and improve the curriculum before it was formally written.

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Czolowski, Eliza

Title: Ecosystem Health: Prioritizing risk from road collisions in the French Creek Watershed using Geographic Information Systems
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Jennifer DeHart, Darran Crabtree

Abstract: The high integrity of the French Creek Watershed and its biodiversity requires the attention of scientists and policymakers if this is to be maintained. This watershed has largely escaped degradation from non point-source pollutants, and a study was done to determine the risk from large truck accident spills. Known data for land cover, impervious surfaces, soil drainage, flow accumulation and slope were combined with truck traffic volume, traffic accidents, and shipping routes for hazardous goods to determine the risk large trucks posed to the subset Cussewago Watershed. It was found that spills were more likely to occur at the base of the Cussewago Watershed because of the interaction with the adjacent extremely highly used Interstate-79. This poses a risk to the greater French Creek Watershed due to the close proximity of pollution events to the main branch of French Creek which contains the majority of the watershed’s biodiversity. Further expansion to the entire watershed would be beneficial, and greater attention by emergency management officials can help protect current biodiversity when accident events do occur.

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Dale, Nathan

Title: Some People’s Scrap is Another’s Treasure
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Waste is a major problem in the United States. Construction scrap takes up 40% of the total waste being shipped to landfills. Considering that 90% of construction waste is recyclable/reusable the waste generated by Americans could be reduced significantly by using the scrap material. Also, reusing scrap or salvaging old material can minimize the environmental impacts associated with producing new construction resources. With this project I wanted to show people what could be done with scrap material. This senior project provides a response to the problems associated with the production of construction materials and then the waste produced by building projects. By building the display case for the second floor lobby of Steffee Hall of Life Sciences and constructing the web page (www.geocities.com/ndale5) to go along with my senior project I will be able to expose more people to the advantages of reusing materials.

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Dalton, Sean

Title: Presque Isle State Park Shoreline: Beach Sand Replenishment Prioritization using a Multi-Criteria Evaluation within Geographic Information Systems
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Chris Schaffer & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Presque Isle is a state park located on a sandy peninsula in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania that draws over 4 million visitors annually seeking to recreate along its beaches and many nature trails. Due to the geology of the region the peninsula is subject to the forces of a longshore current. This current erodes the beaches used for recreation by the public and deposits it at the eastern end of the peninsula forming Gull Point. In the past, in order to counteract this erosion, sand replenishment for the parks beaches was federally funded. This funding no longer exists. A multicriteria evaluation (MCE) was conducted within a geographic information system (GIS) in order to generate an index of erosion risk along the peninsula. This index utilized environmental, recreational, and social aspects of each beach including presence of lifeguards and concessions stands, beach slope, average wave heights, water current angles, distance from sand storage, contribution to the accretion of Gull Point, and the grain composition of the sand on the beaches. These variables were then individually ranked, weighted, and combined in order to achieve a final cumulative score. Results indicated beaches 8 and 10 to be of highest priority, with beach 6 and the Mill Rd beaches not far behind. The results of the index can be used to more accurately allocate available replenishment resources by park staff on the peninsula.

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Danch, Colin

Title: Factors Influencing the Abundance of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) at Restored Grasslands in Northwest Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Kelly Pearce & Dr. Annie Socci-Maloney

Abstract: Over the past half-century, grassland bird species have suffered dramatic declines, largely as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation. One of the potential solutions addressing these declines is habitat restoration, for which there have been several successful initiatives in the Eastern United States. Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) are a fairly common, but declining grassland species. Research on the specific habitat preferences of these sparrows has yielded mixed and often conflicting results. This study was intended to determine what factors influence Savannah sparrow abundance at restored grasslands in Northwest Pennsylvania. Abundance was assessed through point count surveys at nine grassland sites in the region in June and July 2019. This study produced inconclusive results regarding whether the species of grass planted at each site, the year in which these sites were converted to grassland, or vegetation characteristics affected the abundance of Savannah sparrows. There was a statistically significant relationship between the abundance of Savannah sparrows and the proportion of forested and agricultural land surrounding study sites (p = .032 and p = .020, respectively). The pattern of forest avoidance detected in this study is well-documented in grassland bird species, and indicates that management of restored grasslands should be oriented towards establishing continuous or nearly continuous stretches of habitat. Relatively few sites (n = 9) were sampled in this study, so this research topic could be more robustly addressed in a study with more resources.

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Darrow, Nicholas

Title: The Effect of Phenotypic Traits on Biomass Variability Among Upland and Lowland Varieties of Panicum virgatum L.
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Kristin Wilson

Abstract: When compared to better known sources, such as wind energy, solar energy and geothermal energy, biofuels and biomass energy stand out as promising renewable energy sources. Due to the many advantages that the plant has, switchgrass is a promising bioenergy crop. Switchgrass can be broken down into upland cultivars and lowland cultivars. Lowland cultivars are more robust, and have coarser, thicker stems, while upland cultivars are shorter, and finer with respect to stem and leaf characteristics. The objective of this study was to assess phenotypic traits of the switchgrass plant that provide the best indication of a greater yield, or a larger amount of total biomass. Two plots were assessed, a randomized plot and an experimental plot. Six traits were used in the analysis of the colonies. An analysis of regression values produced two traits that best demonstrate a colony that is able to produce the highest biomass yield. Results from this study show that stem count per colony, and nodes per stem were the two most influential traits. Future studies could look at more colonies within each cultivar, in order to get a more realistic idea of how phenotypic traits affect biomass yield for an entire plot.

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Davidson, Amber D.

Title: Catalyst: A Precautionary Tale
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Jim Palmer

Abstract: “Kate and Rachel were alone in the world—their parents died when Kate was sixteen. When Kate buried Rachel ten years later, it set into motion events that would change Kate’s life. She discovered the town’s source of income could be linked to her sister’s death and it makes her question her true priorities.”

This fictional account of Kate’s life provides a parable for readers to become a more informed public to address their ignorance of pesticides’ toxic effects. This story on the impact of atrazine, an herbicide, and its effect on human health is based on factual information about the uses and effects of atrazine. Atrazine is one member of the triazine herbicides, which as a group inhibit photosynthesis. They are strongly associated with potential human health problems, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, significant disruption of the endocrine system and negative reproductive effects. Atrazine is currently one of the most widely used agricultural herbicides in the United States. Though my story focuses on atrazine, this story may be applicable to other pesticides. By raising people’s awareness of the potential health problems related to pesticides, hopefully, it will lead to the public applying pressure on the government to change how they regulate pesticides.

This project was supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation.

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Davis, Aletta

Title: Forest N Cycling Dynamics: Effects of NH4NO3 additions on the Microbial N Pool
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden, Dr. Kendra Golden

Abstract: The movement of 16N-labelled ammonium-nitrate additions into the microbial N pool were measured In order to assess the effects of chronic N deposition on temperate forest ecosystems. Experimental plots were located in two stands: a mixed-hardwood stand dominated by black (Quercus velutina) and red oak (a. borealis), and a red pine (P. resinosa) plantation. Two levels of N were applied to the plots in each stand. Control treatments received 0 kg N/ha/yr and low N treatments received 50 kg N/ha/yr. To distinguish between the fates of the two different forms of N one-half of each treatment received 15NH4NO3, the other 14NH415NO3.

15N values of the microbial pool were measured in 1993, 1994 and 1996 using filter paper incubations, a new method. Mass balance equations were performed for each treatment to determine the total and percent amount of label incorporated into the microbial N pool. In addition, 1994 filter paper incubation results were compared with chloroform fumigation extraction results from the same year to determine the feasibility of the new method.

Filter Incubations Indicated that microbial immobilization is decreasing with time. The rapid decrease in the pine stand suggests that it is less N-limited than the hardwood stand. Furthermore, pine low N treatments began to level off in 1994 and 1996 suggesting that microbial processes within those sites are becoming N-saturated. Microbes do not appear to function as an expanding sink for increased N deposition. Examining all three years of data reveals that N fertilization resulted in a decrease in microbial assimilation in most cases.

Filter paper incubations reported greater microbial assimilation in 15NO3 treatments and in mineral horizons throughout both forest stands. To determine if differences were a result of method design or if, in fact, filter incubations are a better measure of the active portion of the microbial N pool, more detailed analysis of the microbial pool within the plots is necessary. Identification and relative abundances of microbial species present in the stands would enable further clarification of the effects of the NH4NO3 additions on the microbial N pool.

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Davis, Jeffrey P.

Title: Biological Control of Tenebrio molitor Using a Combination of Hb Nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Jim Palmer and Dr. Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Chemical insecticides often have broad impacts on non-target species and insects have shown the ability to develop a resistance. Viable alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides include biological control agents. Furthermore, use of combinations of biological control agents may reduce pesticidal use, by enhancing their activity against a single species or increase their effectiveness against several target species. This experiment tested the hypothesis that two biological control agents, Bacillus thuringiensis var, san diego (M-Trak) and Hb nematodes, would synergistically increase mortality rates of Tenebrio molitor. Mealworms were raised in wheat bran that contained no biological control agent, wheat bran that contained M-Trak, wheat bran that contained nematodes, and wheat bran that contained both biological control agents.

When Bacillus thuringiensis and nematodes were used in combination, mortality rates were less than that of the nematodes, but higher than that of Bacillus thuringiensis. Thus, the synergistic hypothesis was not supported. Instead, Bt and nematodes appeared to act antagonistically.

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Davis, Jonathan

Title: Relating Wastewater Injection and Induced Seismicity in Ohio
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr. Matthew Carter

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing is the unconventional process by which natural gas is released from shale bedrock in the subsurface. In this process, hundreds of thousands of barrels of wastewater are produced. To dispose of it, it is injected into the ground at high pressures to essentially seal the fluid between layers of rock. Recently, this process of wastewater injection has been linked to induced seismic activity in the subsurface. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a statistical correlation between wastewater injection and seismic activity. Increased seismic activity can cause damages to surface structures as well as subsurface pipelines.
Using data from the ODNR and USGS, this study explores the relationship between the volume of injected fluid per year in Ohio from 2010-2015 and seismic variables such as the number of earthquakes per year, average depth, and average magnitude. The strongest relationship (R2 = 0.608) existed between fluid volume and average magnitude. The second strongest relationship (R2 = 0.159) existed between fluid volume and average depth of earthquakes. Using these correlations and the visual distribution of injection wells and seismic events, it is highly probable that the injection of wastewater has led and will continue to lead to induced seismic activity in Ohio and other parts of the United States.

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Davis, Renee

Title: Giving the Eastern Cougar a Second Chance: A Feasibility Study of Reintroducing the Cougar (Fells concolo,) Into Allegheny National Forest
Date: Spring 1993
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ron Mumme, Jim Palmer

Abstract: The cougar, Fells concolor, also known as mountain lion, panther, and puma, is the most largely distributed mammal in the western world. Yet, due to habitat destruction and control programs, the cougar has become increasingly rare in some parts of the Americas, especially in the eastern U.S. This has allowed the populations of white-tailed deer, a cougar prey species, to explode in and around the Allegheny National Forest because of the absence of natural predators. Cougar reintroduction into Allegheny National Forest would help to decrease the negative effects which overbrowsing by deer has had on the Forest.

This study assesses Allegheny National Forest’s ability to support a viable reintroduced population of cougars. Biological considerations such as home range, food sources, and source of reintroduced individuals (captive breeding versus translocation) must be addressed prior to reintroduction, as well as human-related obstacles such as opposition of reintroduction from hunting, livestock and timber industries and from individuals living in or near the Forest. Case studies of various locations across the United States which support cougar populations provide actual documentation concerning these concerns.

According to the findings of this study, I conclude that cougar reintroduction in Allegheny National Forest is ecologically feasible. Yet, the undertaking of reintroduction in the Forest is contingent on public support for the procedure. Although no surveys have been performed to assess public opinion concerning such a procedure, I speculate that the hunting and livestock factions and humans associated with the Forest (inhabitants and visitors) would discourage reintroduction because of concerns for human and livestock safety and incorrect ideas concerning the effect of cougars on deer populations. Education programs to increase support for such a procedure by generating public pride is suggested, along with the creation of a Regional Biodiversity Preserve composed of Allegheny National Forest, the conglomeration of Pennsylvania State Forests to the southeast of the National Forest, and Allegany State Park in New York. Other suggestions include reintroducing the gray wolf instead of the cougar, utilizing alternate reintroduction sites in the eastern U.S., and creating the possibility for maximum sustained yield hunting of cougar should carrying capacity for the species be reached. If cougar reintroduction in Allegheny National Forest is deemed feasible, it should initially release approximately 20 translocated individuals from various locations within the range of the F. C. hippolestes subspecies. These cougars and their dispersing offspring will ideally compose a viable subpopulation of 50 or more individuals, but minimum viable population will not be reached for at least 10 years subsequent to release since time lapses must be allowed for three generations to complete the following: acclimation to new habitat prior to reintroduction, maternal instruction period and dispersal and home range establishment of youth prior to reproduction.

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Davis, Thomas J.

Title: A Feasibility Study on the Use of Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pumps for Allegheny College’s North Quad
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Allegheny College has been exploring building additional on campus housing so that a greater number of students could live on campus for a longer period of time. Recently, plans have been completed for the building of these residences halls, which will be known as the North Quad. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using technology known as ground source heat pumps to provide the heating and cooling requirements of the buildings. Ground source heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth a few feet below the surface to heat and cool buildings. During the winter, heat from below the surface is transferred through a piping system and heat exchanger into the building to warm it. In the summer, heat from within a building is carried through the piping and deposited below ground. A ground source heat pump system was compared with two different efficiency gas furnace systems to determine which system is the most productive for the North Quad project. The installation costs of the ground source heat pump system and the high efficiency gas system were found to be fairly similar. The ground source heat pump system provides a payback period under 10 years and reduces the amount of natural gas required to heat and cool the North Quad buildings. The ground source heat pump system appears to be the better choice based on affordability, environmental friendliness, efficiency, and public relations.

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Dawley, Mike

Title: Examination of Bacterial Sulfate Reduction’s Effectiveness at Treating Simulated Acid Mine Drainage
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: The use of bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) for treating Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a relatively new concept and it is poorly understood. A primary reason for the poor understanding of BSR is that the nature of the field setting makes individual processes too difficult to study independently. This study was conducted to gain preliminary information regarding the effectiveness of the pathway and ideal residence times. The experiment was carried out in 20 cm lengths of 4″ PVC pipe, capped at one end. The effectiveness of three systems were studied: One which was entirely anoxic, another which had reduced soil and oxygenated AMD, and a third which had oxygen present both in the substrate and the AMD. These three systems were then tested with simulated AMD containing: 50 PPM Fe+2, 10 PPM Mn+2, 50 PPM SO4, and pH=5.17 at 6, 12 and 24 hour residence times.

The entirely anoxic system was the most effective in removing ferrous iron and increasing the pH, removing 96% of the iron and increasing pH to 6.19. The system with only reduced substrate was less effective in removing iron and increasing pH, removing 60% if the iron and increasing pH to 5.86. The fully oxygenated systems was only effective in removing ferrous iron during the first 6 hours, and removed only 28 % of the iron by the end of the experiment. Increasing the time for this system did not substantially increase ferrous iron removal. The use of bacterial sulfate reduction does seem to be an effective removal technique for removing ferrous iron and increasing pH in AMD but was ineffective in removing manganese. Continued refinement of this experimental design, as well as other research, is necessary so determine the long term effectiveness and feasibility of BSR at treating AMD.

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DeCant, Joseph Peter

Title: Sustainability and the Evolving Relationship Between Multinational Corporate Agribusiness and Small-holder Farmers in the Developing World: Case Studies from Mexico and India
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Multinational Corporate Agribusiness (MNC) has experienced a new growth in global markets that have opened up to investment, particularly in the developing world. Since MNCs are recent investors in some developing countries where small-holder farmers have traditionally formed the backbone of agriculture, it is necessary to see how MNCs act upon them in the context of sustainability. In these developing countries, MNC’s tend to invest by several means, most important of which are direct investment, indirect investment and provision of agricultural inputs. Through each style of investment, MNCs tend to commercialize agriculture. As a result, MNC’s overlook the fact that small-holder farmers not only rely on agriculture as a source of income but also as a way of life. In effect, the operations of MNCs has resulted in a shift in agriculture production away from small-holders. However, small-holders adapt to this pressure by various means including finding niche-markets, achieving equivalent yields to multinational methods, and applying political pressure. Nonetheless, without assistance, both the viability and health of small-holders will likely decline over the coming decades due to MNCs. Action must be taken in developing regions because small-holder farmers contribute to the overall sustainability of agriculture. New policies must be developed that address both MNCs and the need to support small-holders.

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Deemer, Kenneth L.

Title: The Effects of Suburban Sprawl and Land Posting on White Tailed Deer (Odocolieus virginianus) Densities
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Deer have made a remarkable comeback since hunted to near extinction at the beginning of the 19th century. There has been a 70% increase in their population over the last decade in Pennsylvania. However many parts of Pennsylvania have lost large amounts of forest land to development and suburban sprawl. This land use change is affecting deer habitat. This study examined the impacts of housing density and land posting on deer densities in rural/suburban areas north of Pittsburgh. It is hypothesized that a combination of increased land posting and creation of edge habitat from forest fragmentation would lead to higher deer densities. Deer densities were calculated in the southern Butler and northern Allegheny County area. Twenty sites were selected based on housing density (high/low) and whether or not the land was posted. Statistical differences were found between the four categories of land (high housing density/posted, high housing density/non-posted, low housing density/posted, and low housing density/non-posted). This suggests that suburban sprawl is affecting deer density and that the accessibility for hunters is also affecting deer densities. Specifically, posted lands were found to have a significantly higher deer density than non-posted lands for both types of housing densities.

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DeFazio, Mark Thomas

Title: he Partitioning of Primary Production Between Dissolved Organic Matter and Particulate Organic Matter in a Second Order Deciduous Stream
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milt Ostrofsky and Dr. Scott Wissinger

Abstract: A stream energy budget consists of both allochthonous and autochthonous carbon in low order deciduous streams. It is generally accepted that small woodland streams receive most of their annual energy from allochthonous sources although researchers feel the importance of autotrophic energy is underestimated in many cases. Periphyton is the principle biological input for autotrophic energy in stream ecosystems. During photosynthesis, periphyton use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic matter (carbon fixation). Some of the fixed carbon is found in the form of particulate organic matter (POM) and some carbon leaks out of the algal cells as dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study was conducted in Sandy Run, Pa in order to determine how primary production was divided in the stream between POM and DOM and to test the hypothesis that total production and percent extracellular release (PER) are inversely correlated.

Total production and PER were measured using 14C uptake experiments run approximately every two weeks from 11/11/96- 3/5/97. Linear regression was run on total production vs. PER and PER vs. chlorophyll a concentrations. The data collected showed no significant correlation between total production and PER (p>0.05) nor were PER and chlorophyll a concentration found to be inversely related in this study. PER was found to be greater than the percent particulate organic matter. This study suggests that due to periphyton’s lack of efficiency in fixing carbon during photosynthesis, the role of bacteria and microbial metabolism of dissolved organic matter in Sandy Run may be very high. If so, the role of microbes in food chain interactions in Sandy Run may be severely underestimated.

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DeJong, Sonja

Title: Assessing Health Media: Can Successful Anti-Smoking Campaigns be Applied to Childhood Obesity Reduction and Prevention Efforts?
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Community Health Education (Self-Designed)
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Sarah Conklin

Abstract: Childhood obesity is becoming a major problem throughout the United States and world. Bombarded by media messages promoting high-calorie, low nutrient foods as well as the temptations of sedentary activities like video games, youth are becoming increasingly inactive and overweight. Obesity has major long and short term effects of the quality of life of youth as they suffer emotional, social, and physical debilitations as a result of their weight. The tripling of childhood obesity over the past thirty years has resulted in an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory disease, depression, and various cancers. Second only to cigarettes as the leading killer in preventable diseases, obesity has infiltrated homes, schools, and communities across the United States, burdening families and taxpayers with medical expenses. It is vital that communities come together to prevent the growth of obesity through developments of successful health campaigns of the past. Two anti-smoking campaigns are analyzed, focusing on six major factors for connecting to teenage youth: giving youth a voice, utilizing new technology, making messages “cool”, using horizontal communication, selling a brand, and establishing funding through government support. This work will examine the factors that can be applied to the development of successful health campaigns for overweight teens to reduce and eventually prevent childhood obesity throughout the United States.

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DeLand, Stuart

Title: The Influence of Deer Browse on Regeneration Potential in Differently Harvested Timber Stands
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Gordon Whitney

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.

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DeLoach, Cecilia M.

Title: Positive Sustainable Development Planning at a Community Level with an Emphasis on Brownfield Redevelopment
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: This project establishes the rationale for sustainable development efforts at a community level. It examines brownfield redevelopment as a positive method by which communities can implement sustainable development concepts. The complexities of initiating this type of development agenda are numerous. Prominent barriers to brownfield redevelopment are liability under CERCLA, prohibitive cleanup costs, lack of public funding, negative public perception and lender liability. Due to the difficulty of pursuing brownfield redevelopment, financial incentives have been made available that help fund brownfield projects. The potential funding methods include: tax-increment financing, industrial revenue bonds, CERCLA/SARA, prospective purchaser agreements, and indemnity agreements. The City of Meadville is employing a number of innovative mechanisms to further their brownfield redevelopment agenda. The Meadville Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), as the agency responsible for brownfield development, is evaluated on its utilization of resources available for this type of development. Through a constructive alliance with a prominent academic institution, the MRDA has expanded its networking opportunities and gained access to invaluable information sources and contacts. They utilize creative funding methods and initiate limited community participation. Meadville is viewed as an emerging successful example of a community adopting brownfield redevelopment projects. The City receives benefits in the form of increased employment opportunities and economic growth in addition to the environmental benefits inherent in using remediated industrial sites. Meadville can potentially serve as a model for other communities that wish to further a sustainable development agenda. Vision, innovative funding, community involvement, coalition building , networking and brownfields experts are advocated as the six primary ways in which communities can tackle the sustainable development movement. It is important to note, however, that the recipe for success will be community-specific. Each community needs to match development methods to best suit their own geographic, social and economic needs.

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Dersi, Christine M.

Title: The Greenspace Project
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: The loss of community has not gone unnoticed by planners, developers, and citizens in today’s world. A way in which to re-ignite community is through the neighborhood unit through the increased development of community-built greenspace.

For my senior project I have proposed and designed the development of community-built greenspace in a low-income neighborhood in Meadville, Pennsylvania. This project may be used as a catalyst in the Meadville community to help citizens become inspired socially and actively about their space, their neighborhoods, and their lives.

I have designed a website to be utilized by the Allegheny College community, the Meadville community, and any other community wishing to re-ignite passion for their neighborhood through the use of greenspace. I have recorded my steps throughout this process and have made suggestions for those planning to start their own community space.

The final concept plan, materials, and neighborhood partners have been passed to the French Creek Project who will be in charge of funding and completing the greenspace in the form of a watershed management project. In partnership with the French Creek Project is the owner of the space, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Meadville, and those living around the site, specifically at the Meadville Housing Authority’s Liberty House. Development plans will continue throughout the summer of 2007 and groundbreaking will occur in the fall of 2007 or spring of 2008.

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DeSantis, Natalie

Title: Monocultural Education: A Critique of Eurocentric Universalism in Environmental Higher Education
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Benjamin Haywood & Dr. Eleanor Weisman

Abstract: Utilizing an autoethnographic approach, my research aims to be a critique of Montgomery County Community College’s (“MontCo”) Environmental Science associate degree program. MontCo, a Philadelphia-suburban community college, provides a two-year environmental degree program advertised to prepare students for post-graduation careers and/or the furthering of their academic paths at other higher education institutions. This analysis aims to emphasize the exclusion of non-white environmental narratives in modern environmentalism and associated education and the resulting social-environmental implications. In addition to exploring literature on the uprising and resulting standards of traditional Western methodologies of environmental higher education, the importance of an alternative or supplemental multicultural pedagogy will be stressed. A meta-analysis will be made to highlight areas of achievement and limitations of MontCo’s environmental curriculum, to explore both the inclusion of historically important diverse, multicultural perspectives, and how well this program prepares students for future social-environmental academic endeavors. Specifically, this project sought to accomplish these main objectives: explore the practice of including tenets of multicultural education within an environmental pedagogy, critique MontCo’s program based on these practices using and examining autoethnography as a research methodology, and make recommendations on how to better the program in the future.

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Devlin, William

Title: Deer Browse Following Forest Management Practices: Clear-Cuts, Shelterwood, and Timberstand Improvement (T.S.I.)
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Howard Wurzbacher

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.

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Dias, Taylor

Title: The Role of Environmental Concern in Clothing Disposal: An Empirical Analysis of Allegheny College Students
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies & Economics
Thesis Committee: Dr. Beth Choate & Dr. Stephen Onyeiwu

Abstract: As textile production and consumption increase globally, the producers control the supply and the consumers generate the demand. Post purchase, consumers are responsible for use and disposal of the item, and their methods of disposal maybe related to a variety of factors, including their environmental concern. This paper hypothesizes that the environmental concern of college students will not affect one’s method or frequency of disposal. An online survey, consisting 29 questions and a sample 243 students, investigated the respondents’ level of environmental concern and compared that to the method and frequency used to dispose of unwanted clothing. Thirteen percent (N=243) of the student body responded to the survey. The most frequently used methods of clothing disposal were: donation to charity stores, giving to family and friends, reuse, resale, and upcycling to create a new product. The results concluded that an individual’s level of environmental concern does not affect their disposal behavior. Level of parental education and gender were both found to be leading indicators in how a student at Allegheny College will dispose of their clothing. This research evaluates several variables that have not been previously considered when discussing clothing disposal, such as parental education, gender, and methods of disposal such as upcycling. This study further demonstrates that even individuals concerned with the environment are not considering the impact of their clothing purchases and disposal. Future studies should include other areas or concern in the regression, like convenience, economic, and charity.

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Dickinson, Iona Claudia

Title: The Area of Convergence: Bringing About Both Religious and Environmental Change Through Education
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Science, Religious Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Helene Russell, Nancy Lowmaster

Abstract: There is a growing connection between religion and the environment. Theorists and theologians have been analyzing the correlation for centuries. In recent decades, conversation surrounding this issue has been more prevalent. From this discussion stems the idea that religion, Christianity in particular, could be useful in easing the current environmental crisis. With this kinship in mind, this thesis advances beyond theory to examine the role that education plays in this conversation. Specifically, this project determines the problematic nature of excluding environmental issues from religious education curricula.

Education plays an integral part in all lives. Christian education strives to bring about an acceptance of the Christian faith, an awareness of social concerns, and a better understanding of church practice and scripture. With acceptance of the Christian faith comes a change in heart – the student undergoes religious conversion. This conversion then propels the student to live according to Christian ideals. Environmental education, on the other hand, teaches critical thinking skills, a greater understanding of the natural world, the ability to propose feasible solutions to environmental concerns, and ultimately attempts to stimulate the student to lead an environmentally sustainable life.

Both religious and environmental education attempt to bring about change within their students, be it religious or environmental in nature. This commonality of altering lifestyle, as found in both religious and environmental education, leads to the formation of the area of convergence. It is this area of convergence that combines both religious and environmental ideas, while focusing on the desired areas of change. By teaching from the area of convergence, both forms of education are enhanced. With increased likelihood of religious and environmental change, students learning from the area of convergence have greater chance of leading Christian, environmentally sustainable lives than those learning from a teaching that keeps environmental and religious ideas separate.

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Dickson, Ryan

Title: The Effects of Human Development on the Macroinvertebrate Population of French Creek
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Ron Mumme, Milt Ostrofsky

Abstract: In this study, the macroinvertebrate populations along French Creek were analyzed at different sites. The populations were evaluated by number of individuals and species diversity. These variables were compared for regions of low and high development. It was found that regions of low development had more macroinvertebrates than regions of high development. It was also seen that regions of low development had a lower diversity of macroinvertebrates than regions of high development. However, only insignificant differences in these variables were seen between sites of varying human population size. These relationships show that human development is having a significant effect on its surroundings. Such information about how society is relating to its environment provides a greater understanding of the need to examine our expectations for the future.

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Dienes, Kristi

Title: Factors That Influence A Community’s Participation Rate in A Combined Commingled & Drop-Off Recycling Program
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Gordon Whitney, Giovanna Di Chiro

Abstract: A number of factors can determine an individual’s participation in their community’s recycling program. These factors include: knowledge about their community’s recycling program, the convenience of their program, an individual’s concern for environmental issues, an individual’s involvement in environmental programs or activities and demographic factors such as age, gender and education.

The majority of research investigating these factors has normally been tested on sites which practice curbside, commingled (placing all recyclables in one bin for pick-up) or drop-off recycling programs. This project investigates the influence of these factors in a community which practices both commingled recycling (more specifically a commingled recycling program which requires no separation at all) and a drop-off recycling program.

This study was conducted by surveying the residents of Hampton Court condo complex in Greenwood Village located in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. The Hampton Court condos practice both commingled and drop-off recycling programs. The survey asked questions relevant to the factors that influence an individual’s recycling participation. Also, two other factors were tested to see if they had an influence: an individual’s participation in recreational activities was tested to see if frequent use of bike paths and trails influenced a person’s recycling participation. Also, a person’s “willingness” to recycle was tested should their community’s recycling program change or incentives be provided to recycle.

The majority of factors tested on this site were found to not have an effect on participation or “willingness” to participate. The level of “convenience” of the recycling program was shown to affect the rate of participation by a community in their recycling program.

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Dietrich, Rebecca

Title: The Wise Use Movement
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates and Steve Stroman

Abstract: The wise use movement is a relatively new movement with it formally beginning in 1988. The wise use movement is the manifestation of a backlash against environmentalism, not necessarily the environment. One of characteristics of the movement is a dual base of support that draws from local organizations and industry. A duality also exists between the local and national in terms of the leaders and organizations. The wise use movement also espouses several different messages. The most visible is the mainstream message which calls out the principle that man and nature can work together in productive harmony. The tactics used tosp~ its ideology and message are similar to those of environmentalism. Unlike another historical anti-environmental backlash, the wise use movement seems to posses the characteristics of a social movement that would be have long-term sustainability. In the light of this continual presence, my work concludes that environmentalism must respond. The weaknesses of environmentalism are highlighted by the strengths of the wise use movement. Environmentalism must learn from these. In this way, I argue that environmentalism should be working to better itself rather than tear down the wise use movement.

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DiFrancesco, Pasquale

Title: Federalism, Regulation, and Revenue Mechanisms: An Analysis of Pennsylvania’s Approach to Natural Gas Extraction
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Zach Callen

Abstract: Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is facing serious challenges in its attempt to maintain a strong regulatory presence over the rapidly growing natural gas industry. In response, Pennsylvania legislators have proposed multiple severance tax policies as a way to increase available resources at the DEP and for additional state initiatives. These proposals have sparked controversy between proponents who want “fair” compensation for the extracted natural gas, and critics who want to maximize the economic growth of the industry. Since 2012, the Impact Fee has served as Pennsylvania’s sole source of revenue from natural gas exploration. This analysis will evaluate this revenue model along with two existing tax proposals: (1) a severance tax, (2) the adopted Impact Fee, (3) and a severance tax in combination with the Impact Fee. Each tax will be evaluated on its ability to satisfy three non-partisan, policy goals commonly found in literature on America federalism. Each of the following policy goals has been used as a vehicle to justify both the implementation and the deterrence of a severance tax: (1) avoid “race-to-the-bottom” regulation, (2) support local governments, and (3) maintain a competitive advantage with other states. In addition, expert testimony from members in The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Governor’s office, and independent organizations was collected through semi-structured interviews to assist in crafting the conclusions. This analysis recommends Pennsylvania adopt a combination of the current Impact Fee and a smaller severance tax because of its ability to satisfy the three established rationales.

Funded by: Provost’s Office and The Gateway

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Dilla, Rebecca

Title: Sustainable Solutions for Printing Paper Purchase and Use at Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Kelly Boulton

Abstract: Allegheny College is an academic institution committed to environmentally sustainable practices, and this project seeks to further the college’s efforts by increasing the sustainability of the consumption and purchase of standard white printing paper. Since 2009, the college has significantly decreased the amount of printing paper we consume in an academic year as the result of the implementation of a number of use reduction strategies. This paper found that the college will be able to increase the economic and environmental sustainably of our printing paper policies through a number of options, such as partnering with a reforestation effort called PrintReleaf, purchasing paper with a higher post consumer waste (PCW) content, and working to further reduce use through a variety of options. The implementation of these policies will help further Allegheny’s distinction as an environmentally conscious campus community.

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Dillemuth, Brian M.

Title: Land Use Characteristics that Correlate Best with Naturally Reproducing Trout Populations in Headwater Streams
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: Conservation of stream ecosystems requires the identification of indicator species that can be used to quickly assess the cumulative and multiple impacts of land use on stream health. In this study I chose brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a quick and reliable indicator of watershed health. Brook trout, the Pennsylvania State fish, are top predators in pristine headwater streams. I predicted that brook trout would be found in streams that had greater percentages of forest cover and riparian zone intactness than streams containing introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta), which would in turn have greater percentages of these characteristics than stream containing no trout.

Electro-fishing was conducted on headwater streams to locate brook trout, brown trout, and no trout streams, in which quantitative analysis was performed. ArcView GIS 3.2 was used to quantify stream and land use characteristics including, percent forest cover, riparian zone intactness, watershed area, and stream order. I found that streams containing brook trout had significantly smaller watersheds than streams containing brown and no trout, and were smaller in order than streams containing no trout. Brook trout were significantly more abundant in highly forested watersheds than brown trout, however there was no significant difference when looking at riparian zone intactness. I concluded that brook trout are indeed good indicators of pristine water quality. However, the establishment of non-native salmonids has complicated using them as bioindicators because these non-natives can exclude them from habitats in which they would have otherwise been found. Future studies should be conducted during summer to establish how landscape affects oxygen levels, hence brook trout distribution.

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Dilts, Kyle

Title: Judgment of the Columbus, Ohio Public Water Systems and the Indianapolis Private System under Citizens Energy Group
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Beth Choate & Dr. Alyssa Ribiero

Abstract: United States infrastructure is aging, water infrastructure included. Some of these systems serve communities larger than the number they were originally constructed to service. Aged, overused, and under maintained pipes can leak constantly, leach lead from older pipes, and dump raw sewage into natural waterways in the case of overflow with certain sewer designs. This has the potential to cause health issues both for consumers and damage the environment (Ly & Chui, 2012, p. 2658). Management style, in terms of private versus public ownership of the
water provider, is seen as a potential pathway towards remediation of problems currently plaguing American water distribution systems as the majority of issues stem from lack of funding (Vittor, 2011, p. 32). In order to determine which system could provide solutions to
these problems, examples of private and public water distribution systems in similarly sized cities were compared using a grading rubric created for this purpose. Columbus, Ohio served as the example of a public water distributor, and Indianapolis, Indiana served as the example of a
private water distributor. Using historical secondary sources and environmental data, the water systems were judged on their quality of service and product, their business practices effect on the environment, and issues of equity arising from the action or inaction of the water distributor. No substantial risks to public health exist within either city, as expected. Both cities struggle with infrastructure maintenance, which are exacerbated in Columbus by the use of the public water provider’s funding to forward political agenda, and in Indianapolis by distrust
between the private water provider and the state committee which oversees its activities. Overall both maintain the standards of environmental protection as set by the EPA and both water distributors have improved maintenance of its infrastructure to acceptable levels over the last
three decades.

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Dinkins, John

Title: What is the influence of underlying bedrock and channel sediment on channel cross sectional geometry? A comparison of three sections of Gator Run.
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Lord, Dr. Schwartz.

Abstract: Stream morphology changes over time. Different factors can be studied about stream channels to better understand how the streams shape and will eventually form.

This paper examines two facets of a stream that affect the cross sectional morphology: underlying bedrock and channel sediment. Combining methodology from previous scientific studies done on streams, this analysis unveils the depth to bedrock, the relief of underlying bedrock, and details the sediments in the channel bed of a small first order stream named Gator Run in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

The data is illustrated in nine cross section profiles at sites located upstream, midstream, and downstream reaches of Gator Run. The data gathered at these upstream, midstream, and downstream sites is compared to one another and some intriguing results were discovered.

This data revealed some interesting concepts about the formulation of stream morphology. By discovering the depth to bedrock, a more precise idea of downcutting and alluvial build up in particular sections became evident. The data suggests that there is build up in the midstream section and possibly sharper downcutting in the upstream and downstream sections.

After further analyzes, some historical events which caused changes in stream sections became evident. And, the data also revealed that the middle section of Gator Run is undergoing natural recovery from a past flooding event.

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DiPette, Stephanie M.

Title: A GIS approach to spatial distribution and density of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) in French Creek based on physical habitat parameters
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Jim Palmer

Abstract: French Creek supports a high diversity of freshwater mussels including some federally endangered species. This study examined an assemblage of freshwater mussels at a reach scale found in a 2800m2 area of stream in Crawford County, PA. Mussel distribution was compared to the physical habitat parameters of substrate, flow regime (riffle, run, or pool), stream depth, and current velocity. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to create density maps for mussels and species richness and interpolated maps for stream depth and current velocity. Mussel density and species richness were related to substrate type (density: F=18.332, p).

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Dittman, Jason A.

Title: Civic Environmentalism in The French Creek Watershed
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Eric Pallant, Brian Hill

Abstract: This study exams the question of how a civic environmental organization such as the French Creek Project operates and to what degree such organizations can influence the behavior and attitudes of local communities. In this study the French Creek Project is compared to the guidelines set forth for civic environmental organizations by author DeWitt John in Civic Environmentalism. The French Creek Project is described in terms of the goals stated at the time of its creation and in its most recent Vision Plan (1997). One of the major goals of civic environmental organizations as put forth by John is to serve as an information clearinghouse for the resource it is trying to conserve. In the case of the French Creek Project, this involves the dissemination of information pertaining to French Creek to the residents of the French Creek Watershed. The information is then hoped to influence the behavior of the watershed residents for the betterment of the Project’s goal of conserving French Creek. This study was conducted to determine the extent to which this process was working in the French Creek Watershed. From this study it would seem that those residents whom were on the French Creek Project’s newsletter mailing list experienced a significantly higher level of influence from the Project than those residents in the watershed not on the mailing list.

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Dodge, Emily

Title: Does Studying Abroad Affect Cultural Empathy and Environmental Attitudes Among Allegheny College Students?
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Studies, Psychology
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant & Allison Connell Pensky

Abstract: Over the past decade, the number of U.S. college students studying abroad has been growing. This trend has been seen at Allegheny College, however, there has been no research exploring how study abroad experience affects college students’ beliefs and values. The purpose of this study was to explore possible differences in levels of cultural empathy and pro-environmentalism Allegheny College students with study abroad experience may have compared to Allegheny College students with no study abroad experience. We found that students with study abroad experience scored significantly higher on measures of empathy (Multicultural Personality Questionnaire) and of pro-environmental beliefs (Revised New Ecological Paradigm). These results indicate that study abroad programs are positively associated with students’ cultural empathy and pro-environmental beliefs perhaps because students with study abroad experience are more likely to have exposure to different cultures, different environments and different beliefs. More research is needed to understand the causal relationship on these measures.

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Dodge, Tara L.

Title: ‘I speak for the trees’: How literature influences children’s attitudes towards the environment
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Sean O’Grady

Abstract: Children’s literature is extremely important because it can be used as a teaching guide, giving them a different perspective on how to see the world. Children more easily absorb information when they have the desire to learn and since reading picture books is enjoyable they would be better able to comprehend the information given. Picture books are a source of information about environmental concerns and issues and authors use picture books as a way of conveying certain environmental issues. There are many factors contribute to a child’s attitude towards the environment including parental influence and location (rural or urban). Children supported the thesis that literature could influence children’s attitudes towards the environment, however other issues arose. Many books featured the environmental issues as black and white or Good or Evil. The children also exhibited an underlying optimistic attitude towards the environment and solutions of its problems. Picture books can help children understand the environmental issues of today and even influence their attitudes towards the environment.

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Doherty, Kia

Title: How Can Recycling be Improved at Allegheny College?
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Kelly Boulton

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate recycling techniques that would help to improve overall diversion rates at Allegheny College in Western Pennsylvania. This study explores information available on other college/university on their public sustainability websites and other outside additional sources. Many of the techniques commonly used by these colleges/universities are student-led. Student-led programs often based around green initiatives and climate-focused action, help to bring awareness to the campus community, their ideas are based around green initiatives and climate-focused action. Recycling has a significant impact on minimizing the amount of raw materials that would otherwise be discarded in a landfill. Accordingly, student action results in higher recycling diversion rates. Six colleges/universities were reviewed: Antioch University-Seattle, Berea College, Ithaca College, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola University-Chicago, and University of California-Irvine. Initiatives consistently replicated similar programs and techniques throughout each college/university’s website are the green challenge, RecycleMania, job positions, games, promotions, prizes, sustainable courses, competitions, and signage. These programs have successfully increased student involvement at these institutions and have improved their recycling diversion rate by creating enjoyable and innovative ways to encourage awareness and education about recycling and green initiatives. Such initiatives are easily adaptable to other schools interested in expanding their environmental programs. Education, awareness, student-led activities, signage, incentives, and competitions have been successful in determining how recycling can be promoted and improved at other institutions. This study calls to attention that, when student awareness and understanding is activated, community decisions can directly improve the environment. These programs could be replicated at Allegheny College with similar results.

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Donick, Elizabeth M.

Title: Behavioral Effects of Human and Environmental Disturbances on a Breeding Pair of Bald Eagles in the Allegheny National Forest
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Ron Mumme

Abstract: Temporary disruption of the nesting environment represents a significant disturbance in many eagle populations. The goal of this study was to determine whether human activity in the region posed detrimental influences on a nesting pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Allegheny National Forest. From a distance whereby the eagles were unaware of my presence, I examined the effects of diverse human and environmental impacts on a pair of eagles along the Allegheny River in northwest PA, along Tionesta Creek. The bald eagles were monitored for responses to various human and natural disturbances over several weeks in May 2003. The study noted 65 total disturbances. Human disturbances accounted for 57 % of the total interruptions observed. Of these human activities, dog barking and boating activity elicited the most response. The most common environmental disturbances included assemblages of ducks and geese moving at various proximities to the nest site. I found that the eagles showed a response to potential disturbances only 43% of the time, and responses did not appear to differ between human and natural disturbances. Often there was simply no observable response from the eagles. Overall, the eagles did not show noteworthy responses to indicate they are detrimentally affected by environmental or human infringement into their immediate breeding area. This illustrates no urgent need to alter management and land use policy in the identifiable bald eagle nesting locale.

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Donovan, Thomas E.

Title: The Success of Forest Regeneration Based on the Effects of Slash Piles and Deer (Odocolieus virginianus) Forage
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Deer account for much of the negative affects on forest regeneration by browsing. Forests are often harvested or have natural disturbances and regenerate again into mature trees. Forest regeneration is affected by many factors including predatory species and the competition with other plant life. This study researched the effects deer have on forest regeneration and the use of slash piles from harvested trees. This research took place at Gameland 122 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and is owned by the state of Pennsylvania. Three slash piles had been placed in an area that had been logged five to seven years prior to research to protect from predatory forage. The slash consisted of branches and twigs. These slash piles were studied as well as three control plots in similar size to measure the protection given by the piles. Saplings were studied in the six plots and were no greater than 2 inches in dbh. Factors about the saplings included species type, height, annual growth, browse frequency, and browse intensity. The dominant species were sugar maple and black cherry. Black cherry showed the greatest mean height and the lowest browsing frequency. Sugar maple was found to be browsed heavily inside and outside of the slash piles. Statistical analysis found there to be no significance between the control plots and slash plots. Deer browse was then found to have no significance on all species combined between the control and slash plots. This suggests that slash piles did not deter the deer from browsing on the saplings. The conclusion indicates that slash piles must be placed around the area of regeneration in a careful manner in order to protect from deer invasion. Intolerant trees such as yellow poplar and sugar maple may regenerate quickly, but be browsed before becoming mature. The result composition of this forest is a large black cherry population in future generations.

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Dorn, Gregory

Title: Assessing the Feasibility of a Sewage Sludge and Leaf Composting Facility for Meadville, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 1996
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, James Palmer

Abstract: This senior thesis assesses the feasibility for Meadville to construct and operate a composting facility capable of using sewage sludge and leaves as inputs. Waste management studies similar to this one are being undertaken across the United States to assess the feasibility of alternatives to landfilling and incineration. Landfilling and incineration have the potential to cause a number of environmental and human health problems, creating an outcry by the public for safer alternatives. Municipal composting is presented as an alternative to these disposal methods. In order to plan and understand the operations of a composting facility in Meadville, the composting processes and the multitude of variables specific to Meadville are investigated. Case studies of composting facilities, as well as positives and negatives associated with different methods of composting, are used as a basis for choosing a plan for Meadville. An aerated static pile method of composting was chosen as the most reasonable design, and is examined the closest. A comparable facility in Butler, Pennsylvania, provided the financial information used to assess the feasibility using a cost-benefit analysis approach. By comparing the total costs a composting facility in Meadville would incur on a yearly basis, compared to the total costs of landfilling, net cost/revenue values were calculated. This project found it unfeasible, from a financial perspective, for Meadville to construct and operate a sludge/leaf composting facility. Meadville is financially ‘better-off’ disposing of sludge at the landfill now, and well into the future. It is important to note that such a facility should not be ruled out, for this project assumed a ‘worst-case’ scenario based on a high capital approach, where lower capital approaches have a greater potential to be feasible.

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Dosch, Emma

Title: Building a Hoophouse with Creating Landscapes for Families
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Kate Darby, Janyce Hyatt

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.

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Dowling, Jacob

Title: Path to Sustainability: Reducing Northern Tier’s Energy Footprint
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Rich Bowden

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.

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Downing, Shane

Title: Coral Reef Management Analyzing the Characteristics of Marine Reserve Success
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Kristin Wilson, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: The world’s coral reefs and marine resources are being depleted by anthropogenic and natural impacts. As such, there is a ne ed for stronger management. Being that the narrative within marine management is to include local communities – the direct marine resource users and stakeholders – into management discussions, it remains unclear what role locals play in the larger question of marine reserve success. This study analyzed nineteen case studies from fourteen countries to identify the relationship between the characteristics of successful marine reserve management and local communities. In general, local inclusion in marine reserve management was important; however, positive attitudes towards management, high compliance with regulations, and singular management objectives contributed most to marine reserve success. Like other studies within natural resource management, this analysis demonstrated limitations of shifting baselines. This study demonstrates that local communities are at the front lines of combating marine ecosystem degradation. Knowing what characteristics of marine reserves contribute the most to management success at a local level will allow managers to better work towards conserving coral reefs on a global scale in the future.

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Drab, Gregory D.

Title: Study of the Resource Manager and Cooperative Group Models of Certification and Their Feasibility for Small, Non-Industrial Private Forestland Owners in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Richard Bowden

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the most feasible method of group certification for small, non-industrial private forestland owners in Northwestern Pennsylvania. This study included case studies of the resource manager and cooperative group models of sustainable forestry certification. The case studies conducted on the different certification models were based on the personal experiences of small forestland owners, resource managers, and cooperative group members. The information obtained from the case studies helped to illustrate the basic characteristics of each approach. The study determined that the resource manager model of certification generally appeals to small landowners that are more interested in investing in the long-term health of the land, than making direct profits. On the other hand, cooperative group certification provides the opportunity for groups of small landowners to band together and pool resources in order to create and operate a profit oriented business. The case studies illustrated several of the main characteristics of each approach, as well as the overall strengths and weaknesses facing the small forestland owner. This study also involved the analysis of a forest landowner survey that was distributed to members of the Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association. The survey analysis indicated that the majority of respondents were not interested in pursuing certification at the present time. The survey respondents also indicated that they were interested in the activities and services associated with and provided by cooperatives. Interestingly, 88% of the respondents indicated that they would be interested in receiving more information regarding cooperative formation. The results of this survey were based on the information obtained through the case studies and an analysis of local trends. The results indicate that neither the resource manager or cooperative group models of certification are feasible in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Future efforts to further the certified sustainable forestry initiative in Northwestern Pennsylvania may benefit from educational programs aimed at informing local landowners and forestry consultants.

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Drbal, Barbara

Title: Effects of differing deer densities on soil respiration in clearcut areas of the Allegheny National Forest.
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Jim Palmer

Abstract: This study was designed to examine effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginana) densities on soil respiration in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Pennsylvania. Two locations, Deadman Corners and Fool’s Creek, within the ANF, were used to conduct this study. Three deer densities were examined 0, 10, and 80 per 259 hectares, certain areas of the 80 density plots were so heavily browsed that they failed to regenerate. These areas were also studied and labeled 80F. Soil respiration rates were gathered via the soda lime technique. Measurements were collected on a monthly basis from April through October.

Respiration rates in all four treatments followed the same trends through time. These trends correlated with air temperature. Increased deer densities had a significant affect on soil respiration. In general, soil respiration rates increased with temperature. The only exception to this was in 10 plots which had slightly lower efflux rate than the 0 plots. This difference, however, was not determined to be significant. The highest mean efflux rate, spanning the study period was 91.0 mgC/m2/h from the 80F density plot. While the lowest mean efflux rate. 78.9 mgC/m2/h, was at the 10 density plot. Significant differences, determined by a Duncan multiple range test, were found between 10 and 80, 10 and 80F, and 0 and 80F. I hypothesize that these differences are a result of differing temperatures, root density, root type, and litter quality.

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Drezewski, Anthony M.

Title: The Role of Snag Habitats in Determining the Overall Macroinvertebrate Assemblage in Low-Gradient Streams
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, James Palmer

Abstract: Several Studies over the past few years have focused on determining a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for French Creek and its tributaries. However, many streams and stretches of streams in the French Creek Watershed are low-gradient and are not suited for standard analysis. Most secondary production in these sections of streams appears to occur on woody debris (snags) instead of on the unstable, muddy substrate.

The purpose of this study was to determine how benthic macroinvertebrates assemble in the low-gradient tributaries and sections of French Creek. Additional goals were to report that standard approaches for sampling macroinvertebrates are not going to be applicable, and to offer important information toward the overall goal of establishing a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity for the French Creek Watershed. Three tributaries, Cussewago Creek, Muddy Creek, and Woodcock Creek, were sampled and compared with relation to each other and the mud and snag habitats present within them.

Three sampling methods were used to collect macroinvertebrates from the streams. The snag habitats were analyzed using a DHT sampler, while the mud habitats were analyzed using an Ekman dredge. Additionally, Hester-Dendy Multiple Plate Artificial Substrate Samplers (MPASS) were used to gather organisms from both habitats.

The results showed that, in fact, there was no significant difference between the mud and the snag habitats with regards to total numbers of individuals, as well as total diversity of organisms. Likewise, the streams did not significantly differ from each other in these two categories. Functional group percent composition showed few similarities present among the three streams. Also, significant differences were nearly absent in comparing the functional group percent composition between the mud and snag habitats.

The most viable reason for the similarities in the total number of individuals and the total diversity of organisms between the mud and snag habitats was due to introducing a stable, artificial substrate onto the mud habitat. The dissimilarities in functional group percent composition among streams could best be attributed to their differences in size, thus supporting the River Continuum Concept. Comparing functional group percent composition between habitats resulted in collectors-gathers being found significantly more abundant on the mud habitat than the snag habitat due to the increased amounts of fine particulate organic matter found on the mud substrate.

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Duchmann, Karl F.

Title: Cultivating Intelligence: A Pragmatic Framework for the 21st Century
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Studies, Philosophy
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, William Bywater

Abstract: The moral ideal of democracy is worthy of value, because it emphasizes, as an end-in-view, the sustained growth and education of every citizen within our communities. A vibrant democratic way of life requires the zealous commitment of its people to the democratic virtues, which include: (1) respect for others, (2) love of wisdom, and (3) hope unconstrained by optimism. Interaction between these virtues gives rise to two crucial democratic habits: fearlessly compassionate communication and faith in the potential of every person. Regretfully, we cannot point to a time when we were in possession of a vibrantly democratic way of life. Though the self-sustaining agrarian communities of centuries past contained elements that were conducive to our democratic moral ideal, the domestic subordination of women, the enslavement of African “immigrants” and the genocidal conquest of indigenous peoples make it problematic at best to gesture towards any sort of edenic past. The democratic way of life in America has always been tenuous. Knowledge that democracy has never thrived in our country should not compel us to abandon hope and settle for a less than desireworthy outcome. Nothing is more undesireworthy than pessimistic logic that mistakes what is for what ought to, or necessarily has to, be. Rather knowledge of our past shortcomings should compel us to actively search out antidemocratic forces and strive to overcome them. As Marvin Harris wisely quips in his classic, Cannibals and Kings, “the rational response to bad odds is to try harder” (Harris, 1977; 292).

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Dudley, Richard J.

Title: A Laboratory Comparison Between Allochthonous and Autochthonous Matter and the Effects Upon the Life History of the Amphipod Allocrangonyx (Gasimaridae).
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milt Ostrofsky, Dr. Scott Wissinger

Abstract: An investigation into nutritional differences between allochthonous matter and autochthonous matter was conducted studying growth rates and survivorship of populations of the amphipod Allocrangonyx fed on each type of matter. Results show that allochthonous matter supports a population significantly better than does autochthonous matter, but there is no significant difference in growth rate.

Additionally, the change in nitrogen content while leaves are conditioned was investigated. Results show that after an initial drop in nitrogen content, nitrogen content rises again, increasing the nutritional value of leaves.

Nitrogen content of conditioned leaves was compared to that of epilithon. Results show that percent nitrogen values of epilithon and conditioned leaves are similar, although the significance of this similarity was not determined.

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Dudo, John

Title: The Many Faces of Christianity: Why Christianity's stance on Climate Change varies across Liberal and Conservative Denominations
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Father Jeff Lucas

Abstract: With technological advances driving our own developmental needs, there was a shift in Christian thinking to where God gave us another objective. The first chapter of Genesis 1:26, (The Living Bible) states that humans hold complete dominion over nature giving us complete control over all living things, giving us the power to manipulate nature itself to fit our needs to then say “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, The New King James Version). Today we are faced with the repercussions of this anthropocentric frame of mind paving the way for environmental degradation to occur at unimaginable rates from of unsustainable development for the betterment of human lives (Boyd 1999; Eckberg and Blocker 1996; Greeley 1993; Guth et al. 1995). Christianity’s God realized the mess humans would make of Eden if they got too powerful by eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Christianity’s humans were cursed with suffering for gaining power they weren’t meant to obtain. With the powers of knowledge and fire, reasoning and technology, we have made life much better for humans in many ways. However, our advancements as a species have propelled us to a critical point in human development where we face our own biggest threat to survival. The threat to Nature in its current state is very real.

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Duessel, Alaina

Title: Variation in platinum-group metal loads in Pennsylvania raptors: the role of diet and habitat
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science & Biology
Thesis Committee: Dr. Ronald Mumme & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: High concentrations of heavy metals from anthropogenic activities are detrimental to wildlife. Heavy metals are especially likely to cause increases in mortality in top predators such as raptors due to biomagnification. While there has been considerable research regarding toxic heavy metals such as lead and mercury in predators, no studies have examined another heavy metal group, the platinum group elements (PGEs), in raptors in Pennsylvania. Platinum, emitted from catalytic converters in vehicles, has an increased presence in the environment, but has not been studied thoroughly in top predators. Platinum-group elements have been found to have negative health effects in mice and humans who work with platinum salts. Due to the ways these metals are released into the environment, levels in raptors might change depending on environment. The goal of this study was to quantify levels of platinum-group metals in raptors that show up at wildlife centers in Pennsylvania. More specifically, it was to determine whether the area that the raptor was found in or their preferred prey have any influence on PGE concentrations in their system. I hypothesized that platinum-group metals would have higher concentrations in raptors found in urban areas than rural, and that raptors that are higher in the food chain will also have higher PGE concentrations. In order to come to conclusions, kidney and liver samples taken from multiple species of raptors admitted to wildlife centers across Pennsylvania were used to quantify concentrations of PGEs in their system. Methods involving ashing of organic tissues and analyzing via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to quantify levels of metals in tissues. Generally low levels of PGEs in liver and kidney tissues were observed, but a few samples were found to have higher concentrations. PGEs showed no obvious relationship with diet, and there was no relationship found between traffic volume and PGE concentrations in red-tailed hawks. My results suggest that PGEs currently do not present a major health hazard to the raptors of Pennsylvania, but more research is needed to determine its role in our environment.

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Duffin, Gina

Title: Development, Implementation, and Assessment of the Environmental Education Curriculum From Sustainability… to Industrial Ecology, Third Edition
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Nancy Lowmaster

Abstract: The objectives of this senior comprehensive project were to develop, implement, and assess an interdisciplinary environmental education curriculum that teaches secondary school students about the concepts of sustainability and industrial ecology. The curriculum is project-based, and uses interactive and cooperative learning strategies to help students develop and apply valuable critical thinking skills that will enable them to make their communities more sustainable.

After completing the curriculum in the fall, two teachers from Ohio, and one teacher from Kentucky volunteered to pilot the curriculum in their classroom this past winter. Once the curriculum was implemented, an assessment was performed according to the reactions and comments of the teachers. Their recommendations were then used to determine the modifications and revisions that should occur when creating the fourth edition of this curriculum.

It was found that the curriculum overcomes many of the commonly encountered barriers to teaching environmental sustainability, and it is creative, innovative, and fun for the students. Some additions that will be made to future editions of the curriculum include the development of a student edition that contains homework questions and assignments relating to the activities that they complete in class. The student edition will also include case studies that give the students concrete examples of groups of people working to solve the types of environmental problems that the students work to solve through the activities in this curriculum. A new section will also be added to the final project section that help students find the information that is necessary to make the final project more applicable to their local area.

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Dunegan, Abigail

Title: Proposal for a natural playscape at the Meadville Area Recreation Center
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Caryl Wagget,Steven Utz

Abstract: Interactions with nature are key to stimulating creativity and cognitive properties in children. Through natural playscapes, positive play interactions with the environment are facilitated and encouraged. The Meadville Area Recreation Center, an underused and underfunded community facility, is going through renovations and expansions to become a wellness center for the Meadville, Pennsylvania community. Through collaboration and partnership with the local college, Allegheny College, the Meadville Medical Center, and outside grant funding, projects including walking trails, community gardens, environmental education programs and other community wellness programs are being implemented. In an anticipated second phase focusing on environmental education, a nature based play area is being proposed. Through collaboration and case studies, this project outlines the benefits and important elements to be included in this park. Recommendations in maintenance and a basic design are outlined as a future reference for community partners when making plans to build this play scape.

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Dunkle, Guy D.

Title: Is It Worthwhile? Life as a Meadville Area Local Grower
Date: Spring 2005
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Agriculture, because of its close relationship with ecosystems, has important implications for the environment. In America the vast majority of food is produced by large-scale agribusiness farms. However, smaller farms are on the rise, and often these are more ecologically sustainable and promote a higher quality of life than typical agribusiness operations. I interviewed nine members of the Meadville Area Local Growers (MALG) to determine the difficulties they face and what motivates them to farm. MALG members all operate small farms, and their impact on the environment and the community is typical of small-scale agriculture. Common motivators were: ecological sustainability, producing a crop and working the soil, lower perceived stress levels and a greater sense of happiness, more time spent at home and with family. The difficulty of marketing and competition was overwhelmingly the greatest problem faced by the interviewed members. Other difficulties were widely varied and each was described in only a few interviews. They included predation, weather, intense labor and others. There are environmental and sociological reasons to support small farms like those in the MALG, this project outlines how to do so.

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Duprey, Alicia R.

Title: A Simplicity Spark
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Jennifer DeHart

Abstract: The current movement towards a voluntarily simplistic way of life does not seem to be sparking the interests of the American public despite its promise of a happier, healthier life. This study seeks to provide suggestions for the movement’s leaders by determining the strategies used by other social movements that are effective in creating social change. Four prominent social movements were analyzed for their use of structure, organization, solidarity and coalition building. From this analysis it was determined that the simplicity movement must focus its energies on resolving its strategical discrepancies in order to improve its overall effectiveness. Energy must be directed towards the message of simplicity and the decisions regarding its target audience and the quality of its tone. The movement must also determine whether a shift from a unified group with central organization to a series of smaller groups under the simplicity heading will increase their level of effectiveness. These suggestions are based upon the experiences of the social movements discussed in this study, which serve as models for the simplicity movement. It was concluded that the simplicity movement must contemplate and utilize these models in order to be effective in reaching the American public and rectifying their strategical discrepancies.

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Dwyer, Erin D.

Title: Society Versus Science: A Study of Freshwater Finfish Aquaculture in China and the United States
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Wissinger and Dr. Rankin

Abstract: Freshwater finfish culture has been a time-honored tradition and way of life for the people of China, especially in the southeast part of the country. China is also the largest aquaculture producer in the world, but their method of fish production is mainly subsistent in nature. The United States has only practiced fish culture for a relatively short period of time and trails far behind China in aquaculture production.

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that have led to the differences exhibited in the amount and type of aquaculture production in China and the United States. Factors considered for each country were: the history of aquaculture, differences in geography and topography, traditional use of land and water resources, and cultural differences, including traditional food preferences. agro-economics, societal structure, degree of government involvement, religions, and philosophies.

There were no major geographical or topographical differences that could explain the differences in importance of aquaculture in the two societies. Instead, I found that the history of aquaculture was inextricably intertwined with the different cultural aspects of each country. The mainly subsistent and integrative approach to aquaculture in China is in contrast to the highly technological and big business approach to rearing finfish in the United States. Thus, I conclude that differences in style and amounts of aquaculture production in the two countries is part of a more pervasive difference in the way food is produced in each society.

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Dyer, Angela

Title: Effects of an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos) on Sprague-Dawley rat body weight in correlation to high fat diet and forced exercise
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Jeff Hollerman

Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos) on Sprague-Dawley rat body weight in correlation to high fat diet and forced exercise. Chlorpyrifos was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats daily via a dietary supplement of peanut butter. Rats in the low dose group (LD) were administered oral doses of chlorpyrifos of 1mg/kg body weight. Rats in the high dose (HD) group, high dose and high fat (HDHF) group, and high dose and forced exercise (HDE) group were administered oral doses of chlorpyrifos of 5mg/kg body weight. Of the test groups, the HDE group was exposed to exercise, via an exercise wheel, and the HDHF group was exposed to a high fat diet, additional peanut butter. The control group received peanut butter without pesticide. Initial body weight was recorded, and was recorded every three days for a span of nine weeks. At the end, Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. At the start of the experiment, each rat underwent a behavioral analysis, the catalepsy test, and were subjected to the test every other week starting at week four. The behavioral analysis demonstrated no signs of catalepsy in any of the groups. No significant difference in the total time gained or lost was observed for the control group or the test groups, p>0.05. In the body weight comparisons, the test groups in comparison to the control group showed no significant increase or decrease in body weight, p>0.05, which may suggest oral chlorpyrifos exposure does not cause changes in body weight. On the other hand, increase in weight gain was observed in the HDHF group in comparison to the HD group. The HDHF group gained more total weight than the HD group, F (1,8)=5.527, p=0.047. This may be linked to high fat diets exacerbating the effects on body weight caused by chlorpyrifos exposure.

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Dziurzynski, Eugene

Title: History and Analysis of Pennsylvania State Mandated Environmental Education Standards
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Mike Maniates

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze national environmental standards as a whole across the United States while also narrowing down the focus of the study specifically to Pennsylvania academic standards. Pennsylvania has developed their environmental standards based on those ideas and concepts formulated nationally by organizations such as the North American Association for Environmental Education. Since these standards are very new and testing has not occurred to measure what the students are retaining, there may be some areas in the current standards that need to be fine-tuned to ensure the teachers have the ability to understand it and get the concepts across to their students. This is a very important factor for the teacher who has to articulate the material to the students as well as for the students who face the challenge of comprehending the material. Overall, the study has indicated teachers in Pennsylvania favor the standards. However, they express the need for more time to cover them adequately.

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Dzurica, John

Title: Improving the Vegetarian Options at Brooks Dining Hall to Promote Greener Lifestyles
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Benjamin Haywood & Dr. Brittany Davis

Abstract: This study focused on how the vegetarian options in Brooks Dining Hall at Allegheny College could be improved to encourage students to consume less meat. Several Brooks staff members were interviewed for information on the inside operation. Focus groups were held with omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan students to gather student opinions on Brooks vegetarian and non-meat foods. Some major findings were that students believe that dishes are bland and under seasoned, dishes are served too repetitively, non-meat protein dishes with beans, lentils, or tofu should be served more, and more dishes from different cultures should be served. Some students also said that over the past few years the food at Brooks has improved and they noted multiple things they liked in Brooks. With the results from the focus groups three recipes were developed for taste testing. Low student turnout limited the findings of the taste testing but these results supported results from focus groups. An environmental analysis was performed on the test recipes and two beef and chicken dishes to compare the environmental impact of each dish. The three test recipes were shown to have a much lower impact than the meat dishes.

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D’Amico, Jillian

Title: Assessing stream impacts from hydrofracking: Biotic and abiotic indicators upstream and downstream of existing well pads in northwestern Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Scott Wissinger

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.

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D’Amico, Julianne

Title: The Australian Dingo: Invasive or Native, Pest or Predator, Kill or Conserve?
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Eric Pallant

Abstract: The Canis lupus dingo (pure dingo) has been plagued with debate since European arrival in Australia in 1788. This debate, termed “dingo dualism”, questions the species’ status as either an invasive pest which terrorizes introduced livestock or a native trophic predator responsible for keeping the population of invasive predator species at a minimum. The species has been listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species. Regardless of the species’ status as either an invasive pest or a native predator, an effective management plan must be established in order to eradicate or conserve the dingo.
The composition evaluates the natural history and ecology of the dingo; dingo dualism and its influence on culture; its economic, environmental, and social impacts; the history and geography of the study states; as well as past perceptions of the dingo and their influence on past management acts. Using this information the author will develop a list of criteria to evaluate three management acts: the Wild Dog Destruction Act, Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, and Nature Conservation Act in order to answer the following question: which state act is an effective answer to managing the Australian dingo?

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Easterling, Samantha

Title: The Effectiveness of Food Co-ops at Disrupting Neoliberalism: A Case Study of the Whole Foods Co-op in Erie, PA
Date: Fall 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Benjamin Haywood, Dr. Julie Wilson & Kerstin Ams

Abstract: Due to frustrations with the conventional way of growing food via industrial agriculture, alternative food networks (AFNs) have grown in popularity throughout the past few decades. AFNs seek to challenge the corporate way of producing and distributing food by establishing a more direct relationship with producers and consumers and taking into consideration any ethical issues surrounding food production. One specific type of AFN, food cooperatives (co-ops), attempt to challenge the conventional way of growing food via seven principles that emphasize social, economic, and environmental equality. In this way, co-ops aim to disrupt neoliberalism, a theory which is actualized through the encouragement of privatization and competition, leading to corporate monopolies that can marginalize individuals with low socioeconomic status. Looking at the Whole Foods Co-op in Erie, PA as a case study, this study uses qualitative research to examine the effectiveness of the co-op in disrupting neoliberal economic, social and environmental systems. Information was gathered via an interview with the co-op manager and a survey taken by co-op member-owners. Results were coded via grounded theory analysis before being connected to neoliberal themes. Twenty-five survey responses were coded into six major themes that arose. Results indicated a commitment to practices that work to disrupt neoliberalism, but a lack of complete overlap between what these practices set out to do and what actually occurs. Further research, particularly related to the environmental and economic aspects of the co-op, is needed to better understand the co-op’s relationship to neoliberalism.

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Eaton, Dustin P.

Title: Earthkeepers: Fostering an Appreciation of the Outdoors in Elementary Students?
Date: Spring 2002
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Seth Appiah-Opoku, Jim Palmer

Abstract: Environmental Education plays a crucial role in reducing our human impact on the environment and promoting the future environmental sustainability of our species. While there are countless environmental education programs available, some are more effective than others. There are many important factors that contribute to a highly effective environmental education program, one of which is fostering an appreciation of nature in the students subjected to the program. One particular environmental education program that uses this approach and seems to be highly effective is Earthkeepers.

The goal of this study is to determine whether or not the Earthkeepers program fosters an appreciation of nature and the outdoors in its students. In order to reach this goal, I surveyed students from two separate schools. At Cochranton Elementary School, all fourth grade students take part in the Earthkeepers program. Students from Conneaut Valley Elementary School are not exposed to the Earthkeepers program. I asked identical questions to both sets of students and then compared their answers to determine whether or not the Earthkeepers program had an apparent influence on their attitude and behavioral activities pertaining to nature and the outdoors.

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Eckstrom, Nicole

Title: The Varying Opinions of Christians on Faith and the Environment: The Accuracy of Denominational Statements for Reflecting the Views of Christians
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Caryl Waggett, Jane Ellen Nickell

Abstract: As environmental issues become a more prevalent concern in our society, levels of environmental awareness and concern among the American public are more important. While popular opinion of the American public on the environment is still not known, factors such as age, education, political ideology and religion play a huge role in influencing environmental opinions. American Christians have been historically perceived as anti-environmental, and many place the blame for our current environmental crisis has been placed directly on western Judeo-Christian thought. In the past forty years, however, an impressive number of denominational statements would indicate a positive change in Christian environmental thought. How well these statements reflect the views of the Christian public is questionable. In the case of three churches of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, a denominational statement on the environment may reflect the majority opinion, but would not in actuality accurately reflect the opinion of the whole congregation.

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Eddins, Mary

Title: Fourth Grade Supplemental Science Programs and Corresponding Student Achievement in Crawford Central School District
Date: Spring 2014
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Thomas Eatmon, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: This study examines recent supplemental science programs integrated into fourth grade curriculum in Crawford Central School District and corresponding student achievement on the science portion of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The district has previously supported using an outdoor learning center and science symposium to prepare students for the state examination, and the following report provides a thorough analysis of the strategies used by each program and the reported Science PSSA scores during the time of programming. Program descriptions were gained through in-person interviews and provided information on the curriculum, management, and outcomes of the French Creek Outdoor Learning Center and Science Symposium. A comparison was made between the two programs using a developed set of criteria for successful approaches to science education. PSSA score reports were retrieved from the Department of Education and further explored through a chi-square data analysis. The comparison of programs displayed which areas current science education initiatives could expand on, and others to maintain. This portion of the analysis led to recommendations for future programming as the Crawford Central School District administration moves forward with the science symposium. The chi-square analysis did not link the change in supplemental science programming to significant changes in student achievement; however, this study was limited to great extent due to time-related factors. Because the study analyses only past programming, valuable information gained from on-site observations or unique assessment for programming was impossible to include. Overall, this study provides a clear report of past programming used for fourth grade science in Crawford Central School District and Science PPSA scores from 2008-2013.

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Eddy, Cameron

Title: Are Chipmunks Nosy Neighbors: Eavesdropping in Tamias striatus
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Science, Biology
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ron Mumme

Abstract: Recent studies have shown that some animals eavesdrop on heterospecific alarm calls and use the information to avoid predation. Despite the evidence for eavesdropping, we do not understand which heterospecifics are preferred by non-social animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which a non-social mammal, the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), eavesdrops on the alarm calls of two different heterospecific animals, red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), in a forest near Meadville, PA. I exposed chipmunks to alarm calls and measured vigilance and feeding to test the hypotheses that 1) chipmunks eavesdrop on the alarm calls of other organisms in the forest, and 2) chipmunks are more responsive to the alarm calls of red squirrels than those of blue jays. I found that chipmunks eavesdrop on the alarm calls of both red squirrels and blue jays, but they are more vigilant and feed less in response to red squirrels than to blue jays. Factors of predatory overlap, auditory system similarity, and alarm call reliability could explain these results. Overall, chipmunks gain a greater advantage from eavesdropping on red squirrels compared to blue jays, and therefore depend more on red squirrels to alert them to danger. This finding could imply that organisms serve a larger role to one another than just those described in food web models and that eavesdropping interactions should be accounted for when determining the value of a species in ecosystem function.

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Egger, Catherine

Title: Basin-wide Analysis of Woodcock and Little Sugar Creeks
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Lisa Whitenack

Abstract: Sediment loading is a major factor contributing to the degradation of streams. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between land use, sediment loading, and macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages to determine stream integrity in Woodcock and Little Sugar Creek subdrainages of French Creek Watershed. The study combines data from second-order tributary sites with those from middle-order mainstem sites in each stream. For these sites I hypothesized- 1) a negative relationship between forested cover and sediment loading; 2) a negative relationship between sediment loading and fish and benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores, and 3) a positive relationship between watershed forest cover and fish and benthic IBIs. Sampling at each site was done to calculate water chemistry, habitat assessments, fish and benthic IBIs, and suspended and bulk sediment values. Relationships were found between forest cover and fish IBIs and between channel width and fish IBIs. Gradient was found to affect fish richness and benthic IBI scores. Sites found with measurably higher suspended sediment fines than their neighboring sites were concluded to contain non-point sources of sediment runoff and thus are the contributors of any affected sites below the confluence.

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Eisemann, Hannah

Title: Does Horse-Logging Reduce Soil Compaction in Crawford County, PA?
Date: Spring 2017
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Machine-based logging and horse-based logging may compact forest soils, but the two methods have not been extensively compared in formal research. Compaction alters soil hydrology causing critical erosion, decreases in plant productivity, and nutrient leaching into waterways. The most suitable method for extracting trees without damaging the soil probably varies by region and soil profile. To determine which methods compacts Crawford County PA forest soils more, bulk density and soil strength on sites similar in soil profile but harvested differently were compared between off-trail, trail center, and track of trail soils. Bulk density and soil strength were measured by taking core samples and penetrometer measurements on transects along harvest vehicle trails. Multiple trails that have experienced various traffic frequencies were assessed in each site to ensure representative data. Compaction is significantly greater on all trails than off-trail. Bulk density (g cm-³) ranges from 0.05 greater to 0.16 greater on-trail than off-trail and soil strength (kg cm-²) ranges from 0.25 greater to 1.19 greater on-trail than off-trail. The percent increase in bulk density from off-trail (control measurements) to trail center measurements on high traffic trails was 36 percent greater than that on low traffic trails. However, compactions between other traffic frequencies are not significantly different from each other. Also, areas that were harvested by horses are not more or less compacted by measures of either bulk-density or soil strength than those harvested by skidders, indicating that while other forms of soil degradation may distinguish the two practices, intensity of compaction does not.

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Eldermire, Charles

Title: Shifts in Microhabitat and Survival by Dragonfly Larvae Along a Predation Gradient
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ron Mumme

Abstract: Anti-predator behaviors are important in mediating interactions between predators and prey. These behaviors are thought to be significantly related to distributions of species along the permanence/ predation gradient in wetlands. I observed that three species of dragonflies were distinctly distributed along this gradient: Libellula lydia (fishless/ temporary to permanent), Epitheca cynosura (fish/ permanent), and Leucorrhinia intacta (fish/ permanent). Previous studies indicate that some species of dragonfly exhibit effective anti-predator adaptations to reduce their risk of predation. This study examined microhabitat selection as a mechanism that contributes to maintaining the distributional patterns. Microhabitat selection trials were conducted in microcosms using vertebrate and invertebrate predators and varying dragonfly group compositions to distinguish between predation and competition effects.

I found that the different species of dragonfly significantly differed in their vertical position across all treatments, and predators induced microhabitat shifts in L. intacta and L. lydia. Survival was highest when prey were grouped with microspatially sympatric predators, with significant mortality in L. intacta and L. llydia when exposed to non-sympatric predators. E. cynosura showed no response to differing predation treatments in either microhabitat selection or survival. I used these results to suggest a testable conceptual model to explain the distributions of these three species based on predation and competition.

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Elick, Allison A.

Title: A Virtual Tour for Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Kelly Boulton

Abstract: As a member of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, Allegheny College has committed itself to become carbon neutral by the year 2020. Because of this, Allegheny has made significant strides to be a more sustainable campus. In order to showcase the school’s successes with regards to energy consumption, sustainable landscaping, LEED certified buildings, runoff reduction and waste disposal, this senior comprehensive project has designed a virtual sustainability tour for the campus. The comprehensive project includes research done to study the effectiveness of other virtual tours as well as website links to other valuable sources on sustainability. The purpose of this comprehensive project is to educate the public on Allegheny’s sustainable initiatives in a way that will reach a broad spectrum of audiences.

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Elliot, Samuel

Title: Exploring the Risk and ethics of Implementing Geoengineering to Address Climate Change
Date: Spring 2011
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Mark Neff

Abstract: Our march toward modernity has brought about great things including exponential leaps in medicine, communications and transportation. The process of modernization has also brought about climate change and its undesired repercussions, including the potential for considerable impacts to our wellbeing and environment. To change the shape of things to come, the most straightforward approach would be to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. To date, this solution has not been implemented at a scale large enough to have a noticeable impact. One solution to working around this gridlock is geoengineering, which is the intentional manipulation of the climate to offset the anticipated impacts of climate change. This project considers whether or not geoengineering is an ethically acceptable response to climate change given our current understanding of climate impacts and options. Classical risk analysis methodologies, dominant ethical paradigms, and the most salient geoengineering techniques are explored. The project concludes that geoengineering is an ethical response to the climate crises, but only under certain circumstances, including but not limited to a respect for the validity of all life, and an effort made to protect life in an equitable and just manner.

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Engel, Jill A.

Title: The Effects of Methoprene on Maternal Behaviors of the Ring-Legged Earwig, (Euborellia annulipes)
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Environmental Science and Psychology
Thesis Committee: J. Palmer, R. Clark and S. Rankin

Abstract: This experiment investigated the effects of the juvenile hormone, methoprene, on the maternal behaviors of the ring-legged earwig, Euborellia annulipes. It was hypothesized that when the synthetic juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene, was topically applied to female earwigs post-oviposition, the period and quality of maternal behavior would be significantly reduced. Three different experiments investigated this hypothesis.

Zero day, adult female earwigs were mated with post-teneral male earwigs. On day zero of oviposition, the females were removed from their nests, and received one of four treatments: no treatment, acetone, 250 ppm methoprene, of 25000ppm methoprene, both delivered in acetone. Each female was placed with her nest (water vial), in a large sand filled, plastic container (16x16x7.25 cm) after receiving her respective treatment. On days one, two four, six and eight of oviposition, each female was removed from her nest. Fifteen minutes later, the female was placed into the corner of the large plastic container, and the seconds until first nest reentry, seconds until permanent nest reentry, total seconds in nest, percent permanently stayed in nest, and percent alive were determined. The data were analyzed using a two-day ANOVA Kuels multiple comparison test α p < 0.05, with repeated measures on both variables, one within and one between, and a Chi Squared analysis of variance α p <0.05.

The data from experiment one, two, and three did not strongly support the original hypothesis. The seconds to first reentry, seconds until permanent reentry, and total seconds in nest data from experiments one and two were all insignificant, while there were some basic trends in the data for experiment three. There was a slight increase in the total number of seconds that the female earwig spent in her nest on subsequent days one to days eight and several other statistically significant treatment, day, and treatment-day interaction effects, that approached significance. However, many of these results contradicted the original hypothesis.

Suggestions for further research include isolating confounding variables, such as a possible ice effect or isolation effect and continuing to monitor subsequent F2 generations to determine if methoprene disrupted previously established patterns of maternal behavior.

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English, Brian D.

Title: The Intention of Human Design: The rationale and proposal for a socially conscious environment
Date: Spring 1999
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Amara Geffen, Bethany Reynders

Abstract: The organizational developments of the modern factory system, spurred by the industrial revolution, have had many negative effects on the well-being of factory workers. This study examines, how these developments have influenced the architectural design of factory buildings and, in turn, what effects these environments have had on the well-being of the workers. The environment of Crawford County Industrial Park (CCIP) is used as a case study to exemplify the correlation that exists between the well-being of people and their working environments.

Notable historical influences of the factory system’s development are examined for their ill-effects on the workers of modern factory systems, giving particular attention to the organizational methodologies of Fordism and Taylorism and their influence on the architectural design of the factories.

This study concludes that the architectural design of factory buildings has taken the same production-oriented focus as those that have shaped the processes within the factory space, thereby contributing to the ill-effects of the modern factory system on the well-being of workers. The specific environmental features of CCIP’s architectural design are described and the correlation between this environment and the actions of the workers is explained. Lastly, renovations to an existing space at CCIP are proposed as a step toward addressing the environmental ills caused by the design of this factory space.

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Erb, Elizabeth E.

Title: Children and the Future of Our Environment: A Workbook Building Positive Environmental Attitudes and Values.
Date: Spring 1992
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Marie Azzarello

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to compile a workbook for fourth grade students that would help to instill positive environmental attitudes and values within the child.

This workbook attempts to formulate positive environmental attitudes and values by using various vehicles of environmental education. Environmental education stresses the interrelationships of man and nature, and the importance that the environment plays in every aspect of our lives. This idea is the basis for integration of the workbook activities into various fields of discipline. Fundamental environmental themes were used as vehicles to try and reach the goal of developing long lasting environmental values and attitudes.

It was important for this project to understand how fourth graders learn and what teaching techniques are most beneficial in retention of subject matter. Studies done by Jean Piaget were used to determine such ideas.

Lastly, in order to be able to implement a workbook into any school system, studies on the successes and failures of the national and state wide environmental education movement were included. Thus narrowing down the list of states with and without active environmental education programs, determining where it might be most beneficial to implement such a workbook.

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Erb, Michael

Title: The Design and Implementation of a Composting Program at Allegheny College
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Throughout our country, landfills are becoming increasingly stressed due to excess garbage. Much of the waste taking up our landfills need not be there and could be put back to use as an organic fertilizer, better known as compost. Compost is something that can be both environmentally as well as economically beneficial. Colleges and communities around the country are beginning to realize this fact and are taking steps forward to make use of this valuable substance. Allegheny College is an institution that takes pride in its environmental awareness, and could benefit by composting some of its waste. The two dining halls on campus, Brooks and Schultz, create much waste that could be better served by composting. Currently, Allegheny College pays a flat rate to Tri-County Waste Haulers to dispose of all of its waste. The first step toward any kind of waste reduction would be to renegotiate the contract to include a per ton rate, thus creating incentive for waste reduction. Once this has occurred, two composting possibilities exist and could be implemented by the college, each of which had its advantages and disadvantages. The first was to send the compostables to an off site facility, most likely Powell’s Sanitation, to be composted and sold for a profit. The second was to construct and operate a composting facility on campus. The economic costs and benefits were examined in each case, and it was found that the college would be best suited to send its compostable material to the off site facility. This action would result in over $11,000 in savings each year. It was further proposed that this savings could be used to pay for the on-site facility, that once paid for could save the college an estimated $13,500 yearly.

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Ervin, Timothy C.

Title: Are Breakaway Jigs Increasing Mortality Rates of Tarpon?
Date: January 2005
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Jim Palmer

Abstract: Tarpon fishing in the Boca Grande Pass is known by fisherman as the “world’s greatest tarpon fishing.” It is up to us to ensure that it remains this way. Recently there have been reports of diminishing numbers of tarpon returning to the pass each year. Some blame it on red tide in the Gulf of Mexico, which has been very bad in recent years. Some are beginning to blame it on over fishing and methods of fishing. The Boca Grande Pass can resemble a parking lot at your local mall on the weekends. People from all over the world travel to Boca Grande during the late spring and early summer months to test their skills against the mighty “silver king” (tarpon). Because tarpon swim in schools or pods they have also become a target for snagging or foul hooking. People who use artificial baits have caught the brunt of this accusation, with people claiming that they are foul-hooking the majority of the fish caught. This coupled with new harvesting methods of tarpon in Central America have made the fishing guides and local fisherman uneasy about the future of the tarpon in the Boca Grande Pass. I looked closely at a mortality study that was conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The study compared hooking mortality rates with live bait vs. artificial baits. After looking at the study I then looked at other studies similar to the one that took place in Boca Grande and tried to come up with some new regulations that could be set in place to assist in assuring that we have a sustainable fishery in place in Boca Grande.

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Escalante, Carlos

Title: The Effect of the Carbamate, Larvin, on the Survival and Growth of the Xanthid Mud-Crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould)
Date: Fall 1992
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Marie Azzarello

Abstract: A bioassay was developed to study the effects of the carbamate pesticide Larvin, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on the chronic toxicity. regeneration, and intermolt period of the mud-crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii and to provide insight as to their mode of action. This bioassay involves rearing Rhithropanopeus from the larval megalopa stage to the third juvenile crab with daily monitoring of survival, regeneration and molting during continuous exposure to the pesticide. Survival was significantly lower at higher concentrations of Larvin in each stage tested. The chronic toxicity of Larvin was measured by finding the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC). MATC is expressed as the range between the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) and the highest no observed effect concentration (NOEC). For each of the molts, the MATC was determined to be l5ppb to 100pp. Regeneration at all three crabs stages was not affected by Larvin. Prolonged intermolt periods were observed in the molt from Crab I to Crab II, while reduced intermolt periods were observed in the molt between Crab II to Crab III. There was no effect of Larvin on the intermolt period from Megalopa to Crab I. Larvin exerts multiple effects (chronic [survival] and sublethal [intermolt duration]) in the larvae and hyvebukes if Rhithropanopeus harrisii. This suggests that if the inadvertent runoff from agricultural areas ever reached the concentrations used in this study. Rhithropanopeus may be one non-target organism affected.

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Esser, Brianna Lee

Title: Assessing the Impacts of Federal Fisheries Regulation: Can the Sustainable Fisheries Act Preserve the Culture, Fishermen, and the Cod Fish of the Cape Cod Region?
Date: Spring 2001
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Seth Appiah-Opoku

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) has the ability to adequately protect the cod stocks and also the lifestyle of fishermen in the Cape Cod region or whether alternate forms of management need to be employed. A study of the history of legislation and the problems associated with management in the region was completed. Case studies were then completed of two alternate forms of management, Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in order to assess their strengths and weaknesses. These case studies were then evaluated for their potential usefulness in meeting conservation goals of the New England cod industry, concentrating on Cape Cod. It was determined that IFQs are hampered by a number of weaknesses, most notable, however, is their tendency to allow for a consolidation in fishing effort among large-scale fisheries. This consolidation not only hampers the involvement of local fishermen but neglects the protection of habitat that is essential for the spawning and survival of fish stocks. MPAs, on the other hand, have had great success, when they have been implemented, in allowing for rebuilding in fish populations and in protecting Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). MPAs, however, can not act alone in preserving fish stocks, since they do little to prevent overcapitalization. Instead, MPAs need to be used in conjunction with limits on Total Allowable Catch (TAC), gear restrictions, and efforts to reduce bycatch. The addition of these programs will allow the New England Fisheries Management Council to meet the standards established by the SFA, and will allow the SFA to meet its potential for effective governance of our seas.

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Evans, Benjamin

Title: The Death of a Cup: The Impact of Climate Change on Coffee Production in Brazil
Date: Spring 2018
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Beth Choate & Dr. Eric Pallant

Abstract: As we push further into the twenty first century the impact of climate change will become more and more apparent. Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world and Brazil is one of the largest producers of coffee in the world. They are far from impervious to damage from climate change. Increasing temperature, and changes in intensity and consistency of precipitation as well as the expanding threat of pests and disease threaten their production. Some expect that by 2070 Brazil will no longer be able to produce on around 30% of the land it currently grows coffee on. They can however take steps now to reduce the negative impact that these climatic changes might have on their nation.

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Evans, Jodie

Title: Awakening Activism: Inspiring Student Involvement
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Barry Shapiro

Abstract: During the movements of the late sixties and early seventies it was easy for students to gain access to vehicles traveling the path toward change. By following these paths leading to actions to transform society and seeing beneficial results from such actions, students came to believe they could make a difference. This feeling of empowerment provided the fuel necessary to~p the student movement in motion. However, today the student movement has slowed down to a near standstill as students have focused on improving their personal futures, rather than the future of society. This senior comprehensive project examines the attitudes, values and variables affecting student involvement that existed in the sixties as compared to those present in the nineties.

In the sixties a series of triggering experiences set off the student movement. These triggering experiences captured the attention of students and inspired them to join in movements for social change. Participation in the movement proved to be both rewarding and frustrating. Students searching to fulfill their version of the American dream-a nation in which everyone was equal, free and able to participate in democracy–mobilized around a set of very idealistic American values for freedom and equality. Through their efforts to advance these ideals, activists were able to achieve several accomplishments. Their achievements included: an end to segregation, a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy, acceptance of the idea of active student participation in university decisions and creating a catalyst for further movements.

Although a survey of students’ values reveals that students today share similar values and concerns with students of the sixties, they are not acting on them. Students find that it is difficult to get involved in causes that they feel are important because of the pressure society places upon them to achieve the “perfect” life. This lifestyle includes a form of higher education leading to a prosperous career, healthy family and financial stability. I interviewed four groups of 3-4 students to ascertain why they were or were not involved and what they believed it would take to get students involved. These students offered three key insights to motivating students to act: students require role models to set an example for taking action; educators need to accept some of this responsibility to act as role models for students, placing less emphasis on ‘the books’ and more emphasis on community service, and conversely students must be willing to take a chance with their future and question authority to achieve social change.

In order to rediscover the sense of empowerment necessary to fuel a new student movement promoting environmental sustainability, student leaders must emerge to provide the first voices. These leaders can only emerge in a university environment that supports personal growth, individualism accompanied by involvement and relationships with educators, students and authorities that inspire action.

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Fabian, Katrin

Title: From Harambee to Humanitarian Crisis: The 2007 Election and Implications for Kenya’s Future
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): International Development (Self-Designed)
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: Kenya, a country with high levels of development relative to other African nations, fell victim to violent political conflict after its last elections in 2007. While the country has historically experienced instability during elections, the magnitude of the events in 2007 left Kenya with a tarnished reputation and an unsure future. With the next election scheduled for late 2012, the country has limited time to address the issues that could prevent similar violence in the future. This paper examines the environmental, economic, and political factors that have contributed to conflict in Kenya’s past elections. Through research and analysis of these aspects of Kenya’s election history, it uncovers the circumstances necessary for violence. It concludes that environmental and economic based issues such as the lack and unequal distribution of resources create enabling conditions, while elite political behaviors ultimately cause or prevent conflict. The study’s close examination of contemporary issues in Kenya outlines possible outcomes for the 2012 election and speculates about best practices for future conflict prevention.

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Fager, Elizabeth C.

Title: Root and Leaf Litter Decomposition in a Temperate Forest Ecosystem
Date: Spring 2009
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard D. Bowden, Terrence Bensel

Abstract: Fine root litter and leaf litter are known to have different decomposition rates. These differences in decomposition rates, as well as the chemistry of the organic matter remaining after decomposition, will strongly dictate the contribution of different soil organic matter sources to soil carbon storage. To understand this complex issue, this study measures the rate of root and both mixed and single species leaf decomposition, as well as the chemistry of these materials to determine the importance of these organic matter inputs to temperate forest soils in northern Michigan. Significant difference was found. Fine roots lost about 30% compared to mixed leaves, which lost about 50%. However; mixed leaves decompose only slightly faster than single species, which lost an average of 42%. C:N ratios were highest in single species of about 58%, while mixed leaf litter only had an average of about 48%, and fine roots had about 54%. Differences could be linked to chemical difference, or to differences in microbe communities at the site.

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Fago, James R.

Title: How can Allegheny College athletics become more Sustainable?
Date: Spring 2010
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Terry Bensel

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a plan that revolves around sustainability in regards to the Allegheny College athletic department. The three main topics that are discussed are policy reform, transportation, and sustainable facilities. These are used to build a model of an athletic department that is sustainably and functionally operative. Ideas such as switching conferences, implementing resource monitoring programs, and installing rainwater retention/storm water control features are proposed to make the change, and bring Allegheny athletics into the forefront of the college’s sustainability initiative. Many of the features are drawn from case studies that have been tested and deemed a success. The final model consists of the previously mentioned changes as well as recommendations for implementing a host of green features into the athletic facilities.

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Fair, Lindsay A.

Title: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis of New Wetlands in Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Over 50 percent of wetlands in the contiguous United States have been lost over the past two centuries. As a result of this loss, the study of the importance of wetlands for various organisms and many natural processes increased resulting in better wetland protection and restoration. In order to monitor wetland status and change, the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was created in the late 1970s and the first inventory was completed and published by 1981. Studies have been done since the NWI to estimate the status and trends of the nation’s wetlands, but the NWI maps from 1981 are still not fully accessible to the public due to the availability of funding. I conducted a GIS analysis in order to identify changes in the areal extent of wetlands in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge and in the Pennsylvania state game lands (SGL) in Crawford County, all of which are protected areas. Since the advent of wetland protection, federal and state agencies have been encouraged to preserve and restore wetlands through policies such as President Carter’s EO 11990, especially on protected lands managed by federal or state governments. Thus, I predicted that wetland area should have increased in these protected areas since the NWI of 1981. I found that there has been an increase in the percentage of wetlands in the ENWR and in the SGL. In the reevaluation of the ENWR, there was a 41.36% increase in total new wetlands, which may have been a direct result of restoration and construction efforts by the ENWR management. The reevaluated analysis, compared to the original analysis, resulted in a 2.89% decrease of “new” areal wetlands. This decrease in “new” areal wetlands could have been a consequence of misinterpretation of the data layers in the original study. The SGL, as a whole, exhibited a 63.37% increase in total new wetlands, ranging from 19.81% to 484.15%, individually. After comparing protected lands to nonprotected lands, the nonprotected lands exhibited a larger wetland increase of 43.18% than the protected lands, which displayed a 25.75% and 29.42% increase in the ENWR and in the SGL, respectively. This comparison was based solely on new NLCD wetlands. Because protected lands already have a large percentage of their area made up of wetlands, nonprotected lands might have a greater chance to experience a larger increase in new wetlands.

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Falkowski, Sarah J.

Title: An Unanticipated Consequence of Environmental Awareness: Out of the Suburbs and into the Slums?
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates, Terry Bensel

Abstract: No one invites locally unwanted land uses (LULUs), such as incinerators, landfills, or toxic waste dumps, to their own backyard, but the fact is they need to go somewhere. Unfortunately, it is likely that the undereducated, poverty-stricken, minority neighborhoods will feel their greatest effects, because these under-privileged people lack the political clout necessary to stop LULUs. This thesis project uses case studies of Chicago, and other communities, to explore the likelihood that locally unwanted land uses have shifted over time from middle class to lower class neighborhoods, in part because of increased environmental awareness among the middle class. Ironically, this increase in environmental awareness could be fostering an explosion of environmental injustice. This study concludes that although there is no compelling evidence that LULUs have shifted location over time, there is strong indication that environmental injustice is prevalent among disadvantaged communities.

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Fares, Lawrenz

Title: The Development of a Sustainable Ethic
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Philosophy & Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Steven Farrelley Jackson & Brittany Davis

Abstract: Since the Industrial Revolution, we have amassed technologies capable of very rapidly and severely deteriorating the condition of our environment. In order to curtail the current global trend of environmental neglect, an ethic geared at sustainable interactions with nature must be developed. This project serves to not only develop such an ethic, but also provides the reader with a methodology for teaching and spreading the ethic the world over so that our global approach the the environment may change for the better.

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Fasnacht, Steven B.

Title: The Vukovich Center Greenroof of Allegheny College
Date: Spring 2007
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Caryl Waggett

Abstract: Communicating the benefits and concepts of sustainability is a crucial element of any sustainable design. The greenroof Allegheny College plans to install on the new theater and communication arts building is an important step not only toward a more sustainable campus, but also in encouraging interest and dialogue amongst the campus community. This web-site has been created in order to provide current/perspective students information pertinent to the campus greenroof, as well as greenroofs in general.

This project was supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation.

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Feldhousen, Stephanie

Title: An investigation of the effects of pH, aluminum precipitate, and periphyton densities on benthic invertebrate populations in Paradise Basin, Colorado
Date: Spring 1995
Major(s): Biology and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: S. Wissinger, M. Ostrofsky and J. Palmer

Abstract: Paradise Creek, located in Gunnison County, Colorado, is contaminated with a white aluminum bicarbonate precipitate, and exhibits elevated dissolved aluminum concentrations and lowered pH. Additionally, primary production and benthic invertebrate communities are reduced or eliminated in several reaches of the stream. The goals of this study were (1) to determine if the source of aluminum and acidity is the result of mining or is a result of natural weathering, (2) attempt to generate longitudinal relationships along a length of Paradise Creek between the effects of pH, dissolved aluminum, and precipitate presence on benthic invertebrate densities and species richness, and (3) to experimentally extricate the effects of pH, aluminum precipitate, and periphyton abundance on growth and survival of the mayfly Cinygmula spp. The stream acidity and metal contamination was determined to be the result of natural weathering and not acid mine drainage. Low pH was found to negatively affect Cinygmyla spp. survival, but precipitate presence or food limitation did not affect survival, and none of these factors affected growth within the 7 day experiment. Total colonization rates were negatively influenced by low pH and low periphyton densities in high pH environments, though these results varied when subdivided into taxa. Species richness of colonizers was also negatively influenced by lowered pH and by precipitate presence, but not periphyton densities. Water quality data showed no detectable amounts of dissolved aluminum at the experimental sites, so dissolved aluminum was eliminated as a factor of survival or colonization. In the longitudinal analysis, at sites with high precipitate amounts (>8g/m1), pH was independent of invertebrate density, but at low precipitate sites (<2.5g/m2), pH was weakly positively correlated with increased invertebrate densities. Dissolved aluminum was also found to be highly correlated with pH, so it was dropped from longitudinal analysis.

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Ferderber, Jeremy S.

Title: Resource Recovery of Anthropogenic Wastes: Design of Wetland Based Wastewater Treatment Facility at Robertson Athletic Complex, Meadville, PA
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Anne Wibiralske, Rich Bowden

Abstract: This thesis idea spawns from a philosophical and moral context in which I feel needs attention. There is a connection between humans and the land we live on, however this connection is rapidly decreasing with all of our technological “advances.” Along with this decrease in connectivity comes a lack of respect and understanding of the resources we use to live.

One of these resources, water, is of special concern. Water used by humans becomes wastewater and traditionally flows to a centralized, conventional treatment facility where high energy inputs are needed to treat the water, sometimes not even effectively. However, this wastewater has more to offer than what we as people have realized for such a long time.

We have finally begun to notice the potential that natural processes have to offer us. In terms of water, we have just recently realized that wetland ecosystems can purify wastewater, in its various forms, to levels exceeding those set forth as standards by the EPA and other regulatory agencies.

By applying the processes that occur in wetland ecosystems to our municipal wastewater, we can treat our water without the intense energy requirements and chemical treatment often utilized by conventional methods. At the same time, by creating wetland ecosystems, we are forced to localize the treatment of our wastes, as opposed to simply sending them “down the tube” to some place that we know nothing about.

I have chosen to apply these concepts to a local setting that will affect both members of the Allegheny College community and the Meadville community alike. The Robertson Athletic Complex houses Allegheny’s outdoor athletic teams and hence the lockers, lavatory, laundry, and training facilities. By designing a wetland-based system to handle the specific loads of wastewater leaving this complex, we can simply eliminate the need for conventional treatment of these waters. Instead they will be treated in a greenhouse setting where the final clean water can be used to supplement the irrigation of adjacent athletic fields.

Due to highly fluctuating levels in the water data, sizing the system can be a complex and sometimes difficult endeavor. However, I have studied the water use data and have suggested strategies for designing a wetland-based wastewater treatment facility to be implemented at this particular location. My findings indicate a strong possibility for this to work at the Robertson Athletic Complex, but the seasonal use of the facility presents a large challenge in terms of managing the high fluctuations between the high-use athletic seasons and the low-use summer and winter months.

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Fernandes, Alzira

Title: Street Tree Plan for Chestnut Street in Meadville, PA
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant & Dr. Nicole Gross-Camp

Abstract: Urban forestry is capable of lowering anthropogenic climate change, benefitting the livelihood of citizens, and increasing consumerism. Inclusion of Street trees in city planning modernizes cities with green engineering which is vital to help mitigate climate change. The Street tree plan for Chestnut Street in Meadville, PA is a proposal intending to provide information to local government officials, arborists and foresters on the most effective planting and management strategies of Street trees on Chestnut Street in Meadville. Guidelines were suggested with regard to maintaining the health of Street trees, pedestrian and motorist safety, and urban aesthetics. Guidelines were based on the current practices of the City of Meadville and various other U.S. cities’ Street tree guidelines. Proposed projects include the planting of Serviceberry trees; widening tree pit sizes to better accommodate existing trees; planting with soil formulated for optimal Serviceberry growth; a regulated watering, pruning, and weeding schedule; and installation of tree guards. Development of this plan was completed in conjunction with the City of Meadville, the Meadville Shade Tree Commission and Allegheny College. This plan could improve the urban experience, increase pedestrian traffic, and increase consumerism for Meadville’s central business district.

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Fernando, Petra Karin

Title: Social Forestry and Gendered Dimensions in Sri Lanka
Date: Spring 1997
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Sonya Jones, Paula Bacchetta

Abstract: This Comprehensive Project looks at social forestry as a possible strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce deforestation in developing countries (mainly South Asia and more specifically Sri Lanka). Social Forestry is a term given to various tree planting projects carried out on a grassroots level, with the objective of providing subsistence (i.e – fuelwood, food and fodder) for the rural poor. The main hypothesis is that since social forestry programs are aimed at providing subsistence, the projects will be more successful if women were involved in the planning and implementation of the program. The reason being that in the areas studied, the women provide most of the subsistence for their families, thus they stand to benefit most from such a program. This project gives a general overview of deforestation issues in tropical forests, and pays attention to the fuelwood problems and the status of women in South Asia. It also introduces the guidelines and expectations of social forestry as well as giving case studies of actual programs that have been conducted in Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya. Since this comprehensive project has a special focus on social forestry programs in Sri Lanka, facts and background information on Sri Lanka as well as issues on forestry, forestry policies and the status of rural women and their interactions with the forests are provided. The Overriding conclusions were that social forestry did help with reforestation or curtailed deforestation on a local level and that the needs of the rural people were being addressed, yet, the projects could achieve a greater degree of success if they become more site specific, pay more attention to detail and add a gender dimension to its guidelines and implementation. The case studies suggests that there is little involvement of the local people, which is a serious drawback since as a grassroots (or Small Scale Development) venture the participation of the local community in the planning and implementation is a must. In the cases where the local people were consulted, it was mainly the men who were involved and not the women. This to was a considerable disadvantage to the success of the projects since the needs of the women were not addressed. Their contribution to such a project would make the projects meet its goal as well as ease the burden of some of the poorest of the poor in our society.

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Ferrante, Jason

Title: Dirty Air, Doctrine & Disparate Impact: Environmental Justice in the Federal Courts
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Bethurem & Dr. Brian Harward

Abstract: Social change groups like the environmental justice movement have long sought an appropriate and effective venue for transforming their concerns and claims into action. The environmental justice group loosely coalesced in the 1960’s and has sought to utilize the courts as a venue that can solidify the claims of their movement. However, more than 40 years after some of the first environmental justice court cases, the movement has continued to struggle to garner rulings in favor of their claims and has faced substantial setbacks in recent years in the federal courts. This project seeks to understand not only if courts are an effective venue for environmental justice groups, but also if solutions such as Executive Order 12898, have been successful in helping the movement. It will do so by examining three case areas: the broader doctrine of disparate impact, Clean Air Act disparate impact cases, and cases that have utilized EO 12898. Each case was assessed based on the outcome and rationale and given a ruling on whether or not it appeared to be a “just” outcome. These cases were categorized and compiled into a doctrinal analysis, allowing for a broader picture of how courts have wrestled with the issue. This information is crucial for environmental justice groups as they continue to assess whether the courts are an effective venue, or if other areas such as grassroots organizing or public policy are more successful.

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Ferrari, Marayna

Title: Proximity to Landfill Sites and its Relation to Female Breast Cancer
Date: Spring 2019 2019
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Bethurem & Dr. Nicole Gross-Camp

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to compare two landfill locations and the incidence rates of breast cancer in their counties in order to establish whether or not there is a possible link between the chemical leachate in landfills and the high rates of breast cancer surrounding the landfills. This study is a literature review of the available data on landfill leachate as well as its treatment and the data available on the incidence rate of female breast cancer in Los Angeles County, California and Sussex County, Virginia. In researching the data available on landfill leachates, it was discovered that the chemical cadmium, commonly found in leachate, has also been linked as a potential threat for the development of breast cancer. It was then found that the counties containing the two landfills in question, Los Angeles and Sussex County, are both unusually high in their breast cancer incidence rates, in comparison to their surrounding counties. Through this study, a possible connection between the cadmium present in landfills and the development of female breast cancer in areas surrounding said landfills could be present. Further research along with the collection of original data would be required to determine a definite connection between the two.

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Ferreira, Nicholas

Title: Using Stream Community Ecology to Assess Suitability for the Re-establishment of Brook Trout
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Venesky & Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson

Abstract: Community structure is based on species interactions with one another because of differences in abundance, distribution, and habitat characteristics. Community ecologists note that interrelationships among species found in an ecosystem can have significant effects on the composition of component species and their relative population densities, especially in stream systems that have been severely impacts by the introduction of nonnative species. The State of Pennsylvania has committed resources to re-establishing brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) throughout their native range. Adding fish community composition to the growing list of predictors may improve the accuracy of assessments concerning which streams are most suitable for brook trout re-establishment. The goal of this study was to determine if individual fish species, or members of species that are part of a trophic guild, are positively or negatively associated with brook trout presence, ultimately helping conservation managers determine or refine the selection of streams most suitable for the reestablishment of brook trout. In my study, Hazlett’s model including stream temperature, gradient, dissolved oxygen, and riparian forest coverage was validated through a general linear model supporting four factors that can be determinant for suitable brook trout streams. Streams with brook trout present had far lower species richness than streams without brook trout absent. In addition, seven species and three trophic guilds were negatively correlated with the presence of brook trout. Further investigations into species that are more well adapted to warmer stream temperatures could prove critical in adding community composition to the growing model of re-establishment of brook trout populations.

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Ferrenberg, Scott M.

Title: Sustainability and Education: A Classroom Study of Student Reactions
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Eric Pallant

Abstract: Education is a social tool used for the purposes of passing on knowledge deemed necessary to the successful function of a society and for conditioning people to act in a set of desired manners. For this reason, many contemporary problems (e.g. environmental degradation and unsustainable practices) that result from deleterious behavior could be perpetuated by contemporary pedagogies. While evidence, both scientific and social, exists that various behaviors, systems, and practices utilized within affluent nations are harming the ecological constructs needed for life, institutions of higher education have yet to fully recognize the need to promote sustainability among students and future societal leaders.

The discipline of environmental science emerged from the political activity and environmental awareness of the 1960s and has since been training students to address politicized and complex environmental issues. This study questions the effectiveness of environmental education in promoting a sustainable society by examining the affects of college level, introductory environmental science on students’ perceptions and actions regarding environmental issues. The study measures changes in student opinions and actions toward the environment as they learned about troubling environmental issues. Student volunteers from the Fall of 1997 semester of introduction to environmental science (ES 110) at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, were surveyed three times. Among other results, this study found that nearly 100 percent of the respondents believe education is the key to altering behavior, yet only two students, out of 13 responding to the final survey, could site specific behavioral changes caused by their increased level of awareness from ES 110. A strong tendency toward simple, individualized responses to environmental concerns was also noted. The study concludes that while environmental education increases awareness of students it does not seem to alter behavior. It is likely that until changes in the pedagogical process are made in modern educational practices, it remains dubious that sustainability will arise as a result of increased awareness.

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Fetter, Christopher E.

Title: Environmental Clubs! A Non-Traditional Approach through Hands-on Learning that can Increase a Students Comprehension of In-class Subject Matter
Date: Spring 2000
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Nancy Lowmaster

Abstract: Environmental clubs give students the opportunity to meet and bond with classmates in a non-formal atmosphere. There are many benefits to these clubs that will aid in students’ comprehension of subject matter in their classes and activism in other projects. Hands-on learning, compared to traditional classroom lecture learning, has been shown to increase students’ scores on tests and enthusiasm in classes. These activities include experiments and field trips to many environmental attractions within the Crawford, Erie, and Venango County area. Students are given the opportunity to explore nature first-hand, rather than reading about it in textbooks. This type of learning can be very beneficial to students, by allowing them to have fun and learn at the same time.

Since Pennsylvania has updated their Environmental Education Standards, many of the topics discussed can be sufficiently covered in an environmental club, run by students. Classroom discussion is still needed to cover these standards, but combined with hands-on learning, teachers can increase the amount of knowledge students’ take away from the class. Overall, learning is taking a turn for the future in many schools, in which traditional learning is being replaced by hands-on, active learning. With the resources available in the area this new type of education can be very beneficial to local students.

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Fidorra, Jason C.

Title: Mobilization of Copper and Nickel from Soils Impacted by Deicing Salt (NaCl) at Lake Pleasant, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jennifer DeHart, Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Lake Pleasant is a 64-acre inland lake, which supports a broad diversity of species. Several aquatic plant and fish species of concern inhabit its waters. One potential threat to this ecosystem is the proximity of State Road 1001. Roads can affect ecosystems in several ways. The accumulation of heavy metals associated with vehicle use in roadside soils is one effect that has been well documented. Studies have shown that the application of road salt to these soils can increase the mobility of these metals. The degree of this mobilization appears to differ among heavy metals and the geographic location of the soil sites. The two goals of this experiment were 1) to determine the amount of Cu, Ni and Pb in the roadside soils at Lake Pleasant and 2) to observe the effects of varying salt concentrations on the mobility of these metals in the soil. Soil samples were collected 1m from the road along the section adjacent to the lake. Metals were extracted using HN O3 and atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyze Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations. Soil columns were constructed using 30g of soil. Through each column, one of four NaCl solutions (0.0M-DI water, 0.01M, 0.05M, 0.10M) was passed. The effluent was analyzed for Cu, Ni and Pb. The results showed concentrations of all metals at least two times higher than US averages existed in the roadside soils. Significantly greater amounts of Ni were mobilized in columns leached with NaCl solutions compared to DI water (p<.0001). Increased concentrations of Cu in the effluent were not statistically significant (p=.0572). Pb data were unreliable due to values dropping below detection limits. The increase of Ni mobility was attributed to increased soil dispersion, which occurred due to NaCl application. The data suggests that runoff following the application of deicing salt could lead to Ni entering the nearby lake. The toxicity of this increased metal concentration in lake water or sediment on biota was not identified.

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Finger, Chloe

Title: Determining the Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (P. Cinereus) Abundance
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Casey Bradshaw-Wilson & Dr. Kelly Pearce

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation is one of many factors linked to declining amphibian populations around the globe. Declines in salamander populations as a result of habitat fragmentation can have profound ecosystem-scale impacts in terms of nutrient cycling and trophic equilibrium. The abundant red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) has often been used as an indicator species for forest studies in eastern North America. This study focuses on how habitat fragmentation caused by recreational hiking trails and paved roads affect P. cinereus abundance. The study also includes the abiotic factors this species depends on in forest sites of northwestern Pennsylvania using transects to take a population inventory of different fragmentation types. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results show that habitat fragmentation had a negative impact on salamander abundance (p = 0.001). Road fragmentation and hiking trail fragmentation had a similar impact (p < 0.01). The findings of this research are an important step in determining the causes of the widespread population decline of salamanders.

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Finlayson-Schueler, Sophia

Title: Evaluating the effect of age and habitat heterogeneity on the community structure of constructed wetlands
Date: Spring 2012
Major(s): Environmental Science, Biology
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Jim Palmer

Abstract: Wetlands are complex ecosystems that provide many services to local wildlife and human societies. The number and quality of wetlands within the United States has been declining for centuries. A recent change in both the political and social climate of the country has led to the creation and restoration of thousands of wetlands across the US. Nowhere is this more evident than in Northwestern PA, where the many wetlands associated with glacial soils were historically drained and tilled for agriculture and are now being reconstructed. Whether these constructed wetlands ever become fully functioning ecosystems is a highly debated question.

This study focused on invertebrate community structures of created and restored wetlands as an indicator of recovery. Invertebrate community structure and dominant vegetation of six created and six restored sites were compared to those of three comparable reference sites. I hypothesized that 1) restored wetlands would mirror reference community structure more closely than the created wetlands and that both would become increasingly similar to reference sites with age and 2) increased habitat heterogeneity would result in increased species richness and redundancy at the sites.

A significant relationship was found between number of unique habitats and species richness and percent obligate wetland vegetation cover (p<0.05). Date of construction had no significant relationship with richness or any other community structure metrics (p>0.05) at Northwestern PA sites. Created sites had a significantly higher percent of tolerant taxa than restored sites (p<0.05), which may be an indicator of poor water and habitat quality. While age was a non-factor, both habitat heterogeneity and construction/habitat quality showed their value in determining the community structure of constructed wetlands.

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Fischer, Amy E.

Title: Dominance Change in Plant Communities since European Settlement in the Lake Pleasant Watershed
Date: Spring 2008
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Milt Ostrofsky, Jim Palmer

Abstract: This study analyzed the effects human development on the Lake Pleasant watershed in northwestern Pennsylvania. It compared the historical impacts of settlement to Paleoecological information gathered from Lake Pleasant. Through pollen analysis twenty three different species of vegetation were identified and analyzed. The species were separated into nine different categories including: the Ambrosia horizon, historically dominant species compared to Ambrosia artemisiifolia, species affected by disease compared to A. artemisiifolia, species that decrease as A. artemisiifolia increases, species that increase as A. artemisiifolia increases, fern pollen over time, herb and moss pollen over time, and aquatic pollen grains over time. The results from this research demonstrate a correlation between historical changes in vegetation and the percent of pollen grains over time.

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Fischer, Nancy

Title: What are the populations of sharks and rays in Saint Joseph Sound, FL and what human impacts may be affecting them?
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Matthew Bethurem & Dr. Lisa Whitenack

Abstract: Many elasmobranch populations worldwide are threatened with extinction. This paper uses data from six consecutive spring and summer month tag-and-release surveys, from 2014 to 2019, of elasmobranchs within and around St. Joseph Sound in Pinellas County, Florida to try to build a picture of elasmobranch populations within the sound. This picture, including any variations in population size or structure between years, is explained within the context of land uses and known sediment contamination within the St. Joseph Sound Watershed. A fertilizer manufacturing plant is located just outside of the watershed which is likely contributing to high cadmium levels within the sound. Additionally, a 1993 oil spill (Helton, 2019) dumped many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into the sound, likely causing the high levels seen as recently as 2007 (Janicki Environmental, 2010). These contaminants are persistent within the sound’s sediments (Gelsleichter et al., 2010) and may have long-lasting effects on the sound’s elasmobranch populations. Information pertaining to the effects which exposure to common pollutants has on elasmobranchs is lacking, and is an area for further study.

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Fischer, Nicholas

Title: Establishing a Plan for a Pollinator Garden on Allegheny College Campus
Date: Spring 2020 2020
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Kelly Pearce & Kerstin Ams

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to create a plan for establishing a suitable habitat on Allegheny College campus for native pollinator species. Due to several factors, organisms such as pollinators face many challenges in current times and into the foreseeable future. Every organism plays a significant role in an ecosystem, and if an organism is to diminish from an ecosystem, then there can be major repercussions. Without pollinators there would be major impacts to society and the ecosystem. With this in mind, there is space on Allegheny College campus to create habitats to allow native pollinator species to thrive. By creating pollinator gardens with native flowers and diverse plant life, there could potentially be an increase in pollinator populations along with other insect populations. Plants and flowers are chosen for their ability to accommodate several species of pollinator and which plant species offer the most resources for pollinators. It is expected that this project would aid the conservation of many species that are currently in decline, as well as provide Allegheny College with new areas for learning and research. The results of this project will be shared with Allegheny College as a plan to better the college and community for future generations. I hope that this project also helps set a precedent for other colleges and communities to combat the problems that challenge our pollinator populations.

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Fish, Heather

Title: The impact of simulated acid rain on terrestrial and soil dwelling invertebrates
Date: Spring 2015
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Beth Choate, Richard Bowden

Abstract: Over the past few decades, there has been extensive research on how nitrogen deposition is affecting forests including through forest growth, mortality rates, soil nutrient composition and leaf litter status; however, there is minimal research done on the interaction of invertebrates and N deposition. The objectives of this study were to assess the overall abundance and diversity of forest invertebrates within acid rain simulation plots in Bousson Experimental Research Reserve, as well as to evaluate seasonal abundance of soil and leaf litter dwelling fauna. Pitfalls, soil cores, and leaf litter samples were taken from 3 N addition (100 kg N ha -1 yr.-1) and 3 control plots throughout the months of July, August, September, and November 2014. Overall, it was observed that invertebrates were most abundant in July leaf litter and November soils. November had significantly less diversity and abundance than every other month; however invertebrate abundance and diversity was not significantly affected by treatment variation between months. July pitfalls had significantly more abundance than any other month or treatment. July control soils had a high rate of Coleoptera abundance (10.49%) when compared to N addition plots (1.62%).

Funded by: Edward David Class of 1961 Faculty Support Fund

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Fisher, Kiley

Title: Strange Attractors
Date: Spring 2013
Major(s): Environmental Studies, English/Creative Writing
Thesis Committee: Matthew Ferrence, Eric Pallant

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.

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Flaherty, Michael J.

Title: The Use of Diffusion Factors in Estimating the Spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jennifer DeHart, Terry Bensel

Abstract: Hemlock woolly adelgid is an introduced insect that is feeding on eastern hemlock, destroying hemlock stands and altering the niche of the biological community. In tracking the diffusion of the hemlock woolly adelgid since the early 1990s, the USDA Forest Service and a number of scientists have determined that the insect diffuses in a contagious pattern in all directions from a point of origin. Each year, the USDA Forest Service documents new infestations within counties. In south-central Pennsylvania, the counties of Cumberland and Fulton do not adhere to the typical pattern of diffusion, managing to withstand infestation for years after their neighboring counties. It is possible that percentage of coniferous and mixed forest in proximity to state roadways might help determine why these counties saw delayed infestation. Optimal hemlock growing area, derived from low, flat land and north-facing slopes, may also aid in this determination. These landscape characteristics were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the two counties of delayed infestation as well as five neighboring counties that had become infested earlier. It was found that both Cumberland and Fulton Counties had a high amount of optimal growing area for hemlock, indicating healthier trees able to withstand the harmful effects of the hemlock woolly adelgid. Fulton County, however, had a much higher percentage of optimal growing area for hemlock, and being much more rural than Cumberland County, it had the highest percentage of coniferous and mixed forest within a buffer of state roadways, while Cumberland County had a much lower percentage of forest within a roads buffer. The results of this study show no discernible trends in land cover and optimal hemlock growing area having a significant effect on hemlock woolly adelgid dispersion.

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Flaherty, Thomas M.

Title: Potential Impacts of Various Logging Practices on Terrestrial Salamander Abundance
Date: Spring 2004
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger

Abstract: Amphibians are not only an integral part of many ecosystems, but also serve as important indicator species as to the health of the ecosystem they inhabit. With the status of amphibian populations being questioned by researchers it is important to understand precisely what impacts human actions have upon these ecosystems to see if we are causing irreparable harm. One area of great concern is our woodlands, especially given that almost half of the world’s original forests no longer exist, and an additional forty million acres of woodland continue to be cleared annually. This study focused on terrestrial salamander (Plethodon cinereus) abundance in clear cut, sustainably cut, and non cut woodland stands. Soil moisture, amount of micro-habitat cover, light intensity, and soil temperature were all measured along with the number of salamanders. I found that the selectively cut woodlands had a significantly higher amount of cover and soil moisture then other types of woodlands, yielding a higher abundance of terrestrial salamanders. The ratio of salamanders found per cover did not vary significantly among forest types, and various environmental factors did not seem to play a significant role in salamander abundance. This suggests that sustainably harvested lands were qualitatively better habitat, just quantitatively more abundant in terms of micro-habitat.

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Flannery, Naisy

Title: GIS in Support of Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development at Mt. Hope Golf Course
Date: Spring 2016
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Chris Shaffer & Ian Carbone

Abstract: Mt. Hope Golf Course, located in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania, has expressed a desire to increase environmental sustainability while also reducing expenses by eliminating areas from routine maintenance that see minimal activity. The objective of this project was to perform a suitability analysis using geographic information systems (GIS) aimed at prioritizing “no-mow” areas for switchgrass installation. Additionally, generating an asset and inventory map for golf course managers and golfers a like. The criteria for this project considered golfers location, the results from nitrogen and phosphorus water tests, assets on the golf course, and other physical and geographic characteristics. Soil properties included silt, sand, and clay composition, pH level, available water capacity and hydrologic group. Additional characteristics included land use type and slope. Variables were ranked according to their suitability and assigned weights based on their relative importance to one another. The results of the analysis showed three specific areas that should be considered for “no-mow”, collectively totaling 10.6 acres. About $1,272-$2,120 a year saved in maintenance expenses and in 5 years the golf course could save up to $10,280. Using the results of the analysis the golf course can reduce maintenance expenses in labor and equipment, decrease chemical usage, increase riparian zones, increase insect habitats, reduce erosion, improve water quality. As well as give golfers a visual of the course and provide managers with helpful tools for management and future development.

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Fleming, Timothy J.

Title: A Study of Viable Seeds in Degraded Wet, Mesic, and Dry Prairie Habitats At The Coffee Creek Prairie Restoration Site
Date: Spring 1998
Major(s): Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Anne Wibiralske, Gordon Whitney

Abstract: Human impacts on the natural environment are becoming more widely recognized, so too are the concepts of sustainable development. With the realization of sustainability, efforts to reduce habitat destruction and the depletion of natural resources become vital. The North American native grassland is a seriously threatened ecosystem, and has been thoroughly altered by more than a century of agricultural use and development. In Indiana, only 0.01 percent of its presettlement extent of prairie habitat remains. Therefore, it is important to restore and preserve the patches that currently exist. The objective of this study was to examine the composition of the soil seed bank at the Coffee Creek prairie restoration project in northwest Indiana, specifically looking at whether or not it possesses a significant degree of native plant character. Buried seeds can have important implications for conservation management where preferred species have been lost from the vegetation, but survive in the seed bank. By examining the seed bank’s composition it is possible to gather three features: (1) its species composition, (2) the relative abundance of recently recruited species and (3) the potential distribution of each species. The Coffee Creek prairie seed bank was assessed by collecting soil samples and germinating them in the Allegheny College greenhouse to determine the presence of viable seeds. A very low density of seeds was found to exist within the seed bank. All species found were non-native weeds, excluding the finding of a non-conservative, native weed. The results of this study imply that the seed bank of the Coffee Creek Prairie restoration site has both a persistent and a transient character. This information could be important for future site management. Recognizing the existence of different types of seed banks and understanding how each type, either persistent or transient, responds to disturbance can provide those involved in the prairie landscape management the means to positively manipulate regeneration and species composition of the prairie vegetation.

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Fletcher, Adam L.

Title: The Potential for Adopting Smart Growth Principles in the Greater Meadville Area
Date: Spring 2003
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terry Bensel, Jennifer DeHart

Abstract: Suburban sprawl is generally defined as low-density scattered development with outward expansion and leapfrog development. Suburban sprawl consumes prime farmland, natural habitat areas, and open spaces while simultaneously increasing pollution and creating a dependence on the automobile. In the United States, seventy-percent of the best farmland lies directly in the path of planned development. In many areas, the amount of developed land is growing faster than the population. Suburban sprawl also creates other problems, such as non-livable communities and the deterioration of business districts. However, the answers to these problems lie within the matter of planning and could possibly be controlled. In response to the negative impacts of sprawl, a number of states and municipalities have begun to develop and implement smart growth practices to combat land degradation and the problems associated with suburban sprawl. In general, smart growth is a term used to describe the practice of clustering development to conserve open space, farmland, and natural habitat areas. This comprehensive project reviews and analyzes the Crawford County Comprehensive Plan and compares its strategy to smart growth principles using the City of Meadville, Vernon Township, and West Mead Township (the Greater Meadville Area) as the study area. Maryland’s Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation Act, Portland Oregon’s Urban Growth Boundary, and Boulder, Colorado’s “Blue Line” are case studies for this project. The study determined that smart growth approaches are possible in the Greater Meadville Area; however, it also noted that the Crawford County Planning Commission is practicing some smart growth principles while they have yet to properly meet all smart growth guidelines.

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