GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING, AND SUSTAINABILITY
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Morgan Benoit, '21
MAJOR: SPORTS MEDICINE & HUMAN PERFORMANCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Climate Change Effects on African Savanna Wildlife Populations
I will be researching how climate change is effecting the wildlife of the African savanna wildlife. Specifically in the increase and decrease of ecosystems pertaining to wildlife like giraffes and the increase and decrease in population due to the above statement.
Michaella Cesarini '23
MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION & LIBERAL STUDIES
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable Education in K-12 Schools
In the face of mounting evidence of multiple intersecting environmental crises, it is becoming increasingly important to institute sustainability education in K-12 schools. In this research, I present my findings on best classroom design, pedagogical innovation, and environmental initiatives on the individual classroom level.
Kaylea Cornwell '22
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Ocean Acidification: Processes, Projections, and Possible Solutions
Through this project, we will explore ocean acidification, what it is and what it means for our future. I will explore the three P's of my project; processes, projections, and possible solutions.
Joshua Dangora '23
MAJOR: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Coral Reef Sustainability
My topic will be about coral reefs and how they are being affected by climate change. Also, I will be talking about how scientists are trying to sustain/build more coral reefs.
Amanda Jefferson '24
MAJOR: COMMUNICATIONS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Food Waste Reduction, One person at a time
To effectively research Urban Farms/gardens, my research objectives are to help educate people on the appreciation of food, by informing them of where food comes from, and how to properly dispose of it. The goal is to look into how this would work in Brooklyn, New York and to see the cumulative effects of this within Brooklyn over time.
Rachel Lagasse, '23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Fast versus Sustainable Fashion
In this research, I will be presenting on fast versus sustainable fashion in terms of quality, cost, and effects on the Earth. I will be delving into some specific brands that are sustainable versus a few that are considered "fast fashion."
Paige Pressey '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
The Land and its Caretakers: Indigenous Practices, the Failure of Western Culture, and the LANDBACK Movement
This research project examines how indigenous practices can help the environment in ways that Western culture fails to do. LANDBACK is a major focus of the project and details how its framework has the ability to positively shape modern American society.
Chase Rogers '22
MAJOR: ATHLETIC TRAINING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
True Impact of Cryptocurrency Mining
There has been a recent boom in cryptocurrency mining in the past five years, there has also been an increase in energy consumption because of this mining. This research will examine solutions to lower the energy consumption and critique the current practices.
Kathleen Ryan '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Is Climate Change Causing Zoonotic Spillover?
Climate change effects such as landscape modification, wildfires, and changing ecosystems may be the root cause of zoonosis spillover. These key changes in our planet have increased animal displacement and led to the spread of infectious diseases both in our past and present.
Byanca Silva '24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
MINOR: COMMUNICATIONS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
The Environmental Harm of Books
I will talk about the effects book publication has on the environment. I will also talk about how publishers are going green to reduce their carbon foot print
Abbie Steinman '23
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
In what ways do climate change and pollution affect human health?
The various health defects that humans are faced with as a result of climate change and pollution, and the counteractions that can be done to help prevent further complications.
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Gwyneth Smith '24
MAJOR: COMMUNICATIONS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Living Sustainably Within A Dorm
As the negative impacts of climate change rapidly increase and ecosystems deteriorate, we as humans need to make changes to our lifestyles to help preserve and protect our planet. Many of us on Westfield State University’s campus do not practice sustainable living and this project will focus on how to live sustainably on a college campus and the positive impacts it can have by making the switch to a greener way of life.
Brianna Toomey '24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Practicing Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Companies
Practices within pharmaceutical companies in both manufacturing and disposal of drugs have led to environmental destruction within aquatic ecosystems, resulting in contaminated water sources and pollution. By introducing more sustainable practices, such as using organic eco-friendly solvents, filtration systems, and reusing resources, pharmaceutical companies can limit their impact and prevent environmental deterioration.
Sarah Tormey '22
MAJOR: FINANCE & ECONOMICS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
The 2016 Gatlinburg Fire: Causes, Impacts and Forest Succession
In 2016, a major wildfire spread across Gatlinburg, Tennessee causing mass destruction to the surrounding area. In this research, I present my findings on the causes, impacts and forest succession.
Bianca Toure '23
MAJOR: COMMUNICATIONS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR BRIAN CONZ, GEOGRAPHY, PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY
Environmental Racism
I am going to talk about how environmental racism has impacted minorities. I will also talk about modern forms of environmental racism occurring.
