Etching Patterns of Pyroxene Crystals via Scanning Electron Microscopy Determine the Relative Age of Glacial Moraines in Mohawk Valley, northern Sierra Nevada, CaliforniaC

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Research was conducted in an effort to date the glacial moraines of this area using the degree of etching caused by weathering over time. It was determined that etching of hornblende grains can be used to quantify the age of glacial moraines. Samples were collected from five different glacial moraines from Frazier Falls in the Mohawk Valley of the northeastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fine sand samples were cleaned, sorted and analyzed; using soil science techniques. Thirty hornblende grains from each location were individually chosen and mounted for analysis. Backscatter electrons and secondary electrons in the scanning electron microscope were used to analyze the etching of the hornbl

Ethnozoology in North America

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Exploring what ethnozoology is and how various Native American tribes used traditional ecological knowledge and ethnozoology to learn about animals and apply that knowledge to their way of life. The project will also cover how ethnozoology can be applied to our research, treatment, and conservation of animals throughout the country today.

Evaluating the Effects of Grazed and Ungrazed Habitat on Raptor Abundance

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I examined the effects of ungrazed and grazed habitats on two raptor species, Northern Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks. The study evaluates how raptor abundance varies between the two habitat types, as well as, how factors such as rodent abundance and perch availability influence their distributions.

Evaluation of a Novel Cellulase to Optimize Biofuel Production

Amanda Ratcliff, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Cellulose waste is utilized for biofuels, however cellulase enzymes are a limiting factor. We sought to evaluate a novel cellulase identified in cow rumen metagenomic analysis provided by the Joint Genome Institute. We performed DNA analysis, SDS PAGE, and a cellulase activity assay to theoretically calculate and compare to experimental molecular weight; and determine cellulase activity. The theoretical molar mass (64.9 kD) strongly correlates to the experimental molar mass (60.7 kDa). Purified cellulase has an activity, 6.27 cm2/ug, 6x higher versus commercial cellulase enzyme. These results have positive implications for the creation of biofuels from agricultural waste products.

Evaluation of the behavior of yttrium and lanthanum in surface seawater

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The biogeochemical cycling of trace metals in the ocean, as the name implies, is a cycle that describes the complex interplay of a broad range of physical and chemical processes that govern the behavior of metals in the ocean. Input of trace metals into surface ocean water can come from any of several sources including anthropogenic input from the continental surface, airbound particles, or upwelling from the deep ocean, among others. Metal concentrations for yttrium and lanthanum were obtained from surface Pacific Ocean water and the data sets were interpreted to evaluate the behavior of each of the two metals in the context of this cycling.

Everglades in Peril

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This project is an interpretive panel designed to highlight some of the effects of climate change on the Florida Everglades. Multiple consequences have risen, many of which are reflected through decreases in the populations of a number of key species that make up the Everglades ecosystem. In this panel, I selected just some of these devastating effects to help bring light to the horrors that this ecosystem is experiencing. The goal of this panel is to both inform the public about the issues we are facing from the effects of sea level rise, as well as inspire them to want to take actions that could make a difference.

Examining Capabilities of Various Single Bacterial Strains on Peptide Degradation in Seawater

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The research aimed to compare the capabilities of two single strains of bacteria in their ability to hydrolyze a common peptide found in the seawater. The research is important in adding to knowledge of the carbon cycle, and how organic matter is processed on incredibly small scales. The data collected over the course of ten weeks turned out significant and more data is going to be added in the future to compile a database for the different bacteria strains which may one day help in environmental restoration projects.

Examining Litter Flammability from Eastern Hardwood Forests

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Fire exclusion has led to mesophication in many eastern hardwood forests, or dominance of fire-sensitive mesophytes. Subsequently this has led to a reduction in pyrophytic litter, reducing the effectiveness of prescribed burns in sustaining ecosystems that need regular fire. Eight species of deciduous trees were examined for their max flame height, leaf pile heights, burn time, smolder time, and residual burned matter. This study will support the classification of tested species as either mesophytes, characterized by low flammability litter, or pyrophytes, characterized by high flammability litter. Greater understanding of these traits will lead to improved ecosystem and fire management.

Examining the potential interference of Scandium on Iron Uptake Mechanisms in Phytoplankton, through the lens of Nutrient Consumption

Isabel Perez-Zoghbi, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Iron is an essential micronutrient for phytoplankton growth, however oceanic concentrations of iron are very low and little is understood about it's chemical cycling. In this study, we examine how scandium (which is similar to iron in size but has simpler redox chemistry) effects the uptake of macronutrients in hopes to further understand the uptake and usage of iron by marine microorganisms, and eventually better understand iron cycling in the ocean.

Examining the potential interference of Scandium on Iron Uptake Mechanisms in Phytoplankton, through the lens of Nutrient Consumption

Isabel Perez-Zoghbi, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Iron is an essential micronutrient for phytoplankton growth, however oceanic concentrations of iron are very low and little is understood about it's chemical cycling. In this study, we examine how scandium (which is similar to iron in size but has simpler redox chemistry) effects the uptake of macronutrients in hopes to further understand the uptake and usage of iron by marine microorganisms, and eventually better understand iron cycling in the ocean.