ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
SAMUEL ADAMS '20
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Land Management Plan for Native Plants and Animals
The aim of my project was to create a management plan for the native plants and animals at a wetland/upland site in Southampton, MA. The management plan includes creating a plan for removing invasive species, installing birdhouses, planting beneficial native species, and delineating the wetland.
DAIZHA BAPTISTE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Does the Inclusion of Native Communities in Conservation Projects Influence Outcomes and Avoid Conservation Refugees?
The growing issue of displacement and expulsion of native people in the name of conservation and biological protection has resulted in a considerable amount of human rights violations and debates over environmental ethics. In this senior research project, I examine how community-based conservation approaches interact with both social and environmental institutions in an effort to find the most sustainable route for modern-day conservation.
MCKENNA BENTO
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Residential Development on Cyanobacteria Colonization in Ponds of Plymouth, MA
Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms found in ponds and other bodies of water, and when a bloom occurs it can be extremely toxic to the organism and to the environment. I sampled ten ponds in Plymouth, MA to determine the correlation between residential development and the amount of cyanobacteria present and have found that ponds with more residential development had more cyanobacteria.
ERICA BURTON 21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Small Massachusetts’ River Impoundments on Macroinvertebrate Communities
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates can serve as bioindicators of water quality because species can vary in sensitivity to pollution and oxygen concentrations. We sampled Aquatic Macroinvertebrates upstream and downstream of ten dam impoundments in Massachusetts to determine the impact that small dams have on aquatic ecosystems.
GILLIAN PINCIARO '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Small Massachusetts’ River Impoundments on Macroinvertebrate Communities
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates can serve as bioindicators of water quality because species can vary in sensitivity to pollution and oxygen concentrations. We sampled Aquatic Macroinvertebrates upstream and downstream of ten dam impoundments in Massachusetts to determine the impact that small dams have on aquatic ecosystems.
DEAN CONRAD '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparison of Massachusetts’ Freshwater Lake and Stream Acidity Between 1990 and 2020
We sampled the pH in 71 lakes and streams across Massachusetts and mapped out the results using GIS. We compared present day acidity levels with data from 30 years ago to calculate how much conditions have improved as a result of stricter air quality regulations; this is important because acidity levels play a major role in aquatic ecosystem health.
TRISTAN COURTEMANCHE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparison of Massachusetts’ Freshwater Lake and Stream Acidity Between 1990 and 2020
We sampled the pH in 71 lakes and streams across Massachusetts and mapped out the results using GIS. We compared present day acidity levels with data from 30 years ago to calculate how much conditions have improved as a result of stricter air quality regulations; this is important because acidity levels play a major role in aquatic ecosystem health.
KRISTEN COUTURE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparative Study of Diet Fluctuations of Dissolved Oxygen and pH Between a Deep Tail-Water Release River and a Shallow White-Water River
We sampled dissolved oxygen and pH every half-hour for a 24-hour diel cycle on the Swift (MA) and Scantic (CT) Rivers, and compared the results using stream survey characteristics. We found the highly productive Swift River had dramatic diel fluctuations, whereas the less productive Scantic River had only modest diel fluctuations.
RYAN JUDD '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparative Study of Diet Fluctuations of Dissolved Oxygen and pH Between a Deep Tail-Water Release River and a Shallow White-Water River
We sampled dissolved oxygen and pH every half-hour for a 24-hour diel cycle on the Swift (MA) and Scantic (CT) Rivers, and compared the results using stream survey characteristics. We found the highly productive Swift River had dramatic diel fluctuations, whereas the less productive Scantic River had only modest diel fluctuations.
KRISTEN COUTURE
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Assessment of Current Habitat Conditions and Macroinvertebrate Populations in the Swift River and Scantic River
This poster focuses on analyzing the current habitats available on the Swift and Scantic Rivers. Macroinvertebrate were are collected in various river habitats on both rivers and were their populations were also assessed.
RYAN JUDD '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Assessment of Current Habitat Conditions and Macroinvertebrate Populations in the Swift River and Scantic River
This poster focuses on analyzing the current habitats available on the Swift and Scantic Rivers. Macroinvertebrate were are collected in various river habitats on both rivers and were their populations were also assessed.
BRYANT DANA '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Different Management Techniques on Invasive Plants and on Ixodes scapularis (black- legged ticks) Population
Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between invasive shrub abundance and tick populations, which may be related to microclimate conditions such as soil moisture and humidity. To investigate this relationship, we visited the area of interest twelve times to measure tick abundance, microclimate, and vegetation regrowth of four plots one year after each were treated with different invasive management techniques to evaluate which technique was the most effective and time efficient.
CHRIS LECLAIRE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Different Management Techniques on Invasive Plants and on Ixodes scapularis (black- legged ticks) Population
Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between invasive shrub abundance and tick populations, which may be related to microclimate conditions such as soil moisture and humidity. To investigate this relationship, we visited the area of interest twelve times to measure tick abundance, microclimate, and vegetation regrowth of four plots one year after each were treated with different invasive management techniques to evaluate which technique was the most effective and time efficient.
CAREY MARSHALL '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Different Management Techniques on Invasive Plants and on Ixodes scapularis (black- legged ticks) Population
Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between invasive shrub abundance and tick populations, which may be related to microclimate conditions such as soil moisture and humidity. To investigate this relationship, we visited the area of interest twelve times to measure tick abundance, microclimate, and vegetation regrowth of four plots one year after each were treated with different invasive management techniques to evaluate which technique was the most effective and time efficient.
OLIVIA FOOTIT '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Non-native Insects and Their Impact on the Eastern Hemlock
Non-native insects have the potential to dramatically reduce tree populations and lead to major changes in forest composition. In this senior seminar project, I have measured the abundance of two non-native insects - the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and the elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa) - in two locations in western Massachusetts, to determine how eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is being affected by their presence.
ERIC HARRIS
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of the Effects of Shoreline Development on Lower Trophic Level Freshwater Organism Diversity and Abundance in Massachusetts
We analyzed the effects of shoreline development along pond/lake ecosystems to determine its impact on lower trophic level aquatic life. We sampled fifteen pond/lake ecosystems in Massachusetts weekly for five weeks, using bait fish traps to measure species diversity, abundance, and characteristics, which was then compared to shoreline development using satellite imaging.
CHAD HAUPTMAN '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of the Effects of Shoreline Development on Lower Trophic Level Freshwater Organism Diversity and Abundance in Massachusetts
We analyzed the effects of shoreline development along pond/lake ecosystems to determine its impact on lower trophic level aquatic life. We sampled fifteen pond/lake ecosystems in Massachusetts weekly for five weeks, using bait fish traps to measure species diversity, abundance, and characteristics, which was then compared to shoreline development using satellite imaging.
PAUL SOUCY '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWEK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of the Effects of Shoreline Development on Lower Trophic Level Freshwater Organism Diversity and Abundance in Massachusetts
We analyzed the effects of shoreline development along pond/lake ecosystems to determine its impact on lower trophic level aquatic life. We sampled fifteen pond/lake ecosystems in Massachusetts weekly for five weeks, using bait fish traps to measure species diversity, abundance, and characteristics, which was then compared to shoreline development using satellite imaging.
KAILYN LAPOINTE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Ecological Management Plan for Recreation and Biodiversity at Springdale Forest in Westfield, Massachusetts
This project is an ecological management plan for a section of forested area off of Springdale Rd. in Westfield, Massachusetts. The management plan draws from field data on invasive species and current recreational use and provides guidance on how to restore the land to a state that promotes biodiversity and supports passive recreational activities.
JONPIERRE LEVESQUE '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effect of River Impoundments on Fish Catchability and Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Over the course of 2 months, we fished upstream and downstream of 5 impoundments, 5 times each, to determine the catchability of fish as a measure of the impact of those impoundments on aquatic ecosystem health. At this point (halfway through the study) we have not found any strong indication that catchability differs upstream versus downstream.
THOMAS MORIN '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effect of River Impoundments on Fish Catchability and Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Over the course of 2 months, we fished upstream and downstream of 5 impoundments, 5 times each, to determine the catchability of fish as a measure of the impact of those impoundments on aquatic ecosystem health. At this point (halfway through the study) we have not found any strong indication that catchability differs upstream versus downstream.
NICOLAS PIETRONIRO '20
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
N.O.I. Proposal for Restoring the WSU Research Area
This project proposes a restoration plan for two degraded sites within the Westfield State University’s research area. This plan has two objectives: 1) remove multiple exotic species to encourage the growth of native plants and 2) involve students in the removal process and vegetation monitoring.
PAIGE PRESSEY '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Influence of Urbanization on Ecosystems and Humans
Pollution from urbanization tends to disproportionately impact certain demographics, including BIPOC, so it is essential to consider this while analyzing how well Massachusetts manages urbanization. In this senior seminar project, I investigate the relationship between urbanization and air pollution in Massachusetts counties.
MATTHEW J ROWELL '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Mowing's Effect on Climate Change
Soil is a non-renewable resource that we have been draining carbon from since the earliest days of civilization through agriculture and land management. In this senior seminar project, I am investigating how much carbon may be added back to soil after the cessation of mowing in the research area at Westfield State University.
LIAM TOMASETTA '20
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Santuit Cranberry Bog Restoration
In this senior capstone project, I create a restoration plan for an abandoned cranberry bog located in Mashpee and Barnstable Massachusetts. The goal is to restore the abandoned cranberry bog to a natural wetland habitat, included in the plan is the site location description, goals and objectives, methods, and multiple restoration options depending on the project's budget.
MICHAEL VIRGILIO '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIM PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Alford Springs Nature Preserve, Forestry Project and Interpretive Trail Sign.
The focus of the project was to collect specific data about wildlife habitat and vegetation for Berkshire Natural Resources Council in regards to the Forestry project that resulted in the heavy cutting of trees along the Father Loop trail at Alford Springs. The cutting has been evaluated for its potential to serve ecological benefits associated with early successional habitat for wildlife, ability to maintain production of high quality lumber, as well as what the project will look like in the future for BNRC to install an educational interpretive sign on the trial that will engage recreational users with the significance of the property.