ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Sean Alioto '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoration of Frog Habitat in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA
Amphibians are becoming increasingly threatened across the globe and locally as their habitat is degraded and destroyed. Our group devised a master plan to improve the habitat of native frog species in the frog pond located in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA.
Madelyn Chartier '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoration of Frog Habitat in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA
Amphibians are becoming increasingly threatened across the globe and locally as their habitat is degraded and destroyed. Our group devised a master plan to improve the habitat of native frog species in the frog pond located in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA.
Spencer TeWinkle '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoration of Frog Habitat in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA
Amphibians are becoming increasingly threatened across the globe and locally as their habitat is degraded and destroyed. Our group devised a master plan to improve the habitat of native frog species in the frog pond located in Stanley Park, Westfield, MA.
Dave Allen '22
MAJOR:
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Riverbank Restoration Project at Whitney Park Recreation Area
Due to its frequent use for its river access by local residents, we are creating a master plan to remove invasive plant species, increase strength in the riverbank, and increase the usage of this area of the park overall.
Mike Parrish '22
MAJOR:
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Riverbank Restoration Project at Whitney Park Recreation Area
Due to its frequent use for its river access by local residents, we are creating a master plan to remove invasive plant species, increase strength in the riverbank, and increase the usage of this area of the park overall.
Conner Polymeros '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Riverbank Restoration Project at Whitney Park Recreation Area
Due to its frequent use for its river access by local residents, we are creating a master plan to remove invasive plant species, increase strength in the riverbank, and increase the usage of this area of the park overall.
Lauren Carpenter '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparative Analysis of Median Household Income and Access to Outdoor Public Recreational Spaces in Western Massachusetts.
Our research utilizes existing data and ArcGIS to find a correlation between median household income and access to free outdoor recreational greenspaces in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We hypothesize that there will be a positive correlation between income and access to outdoor recreation.
Margaret Leahy '23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparative Analysis of Median Household Income and Access to Outdoor Public Recreational Spaces in Western Massachusetts.
Our research utilizes existing data and ArcGIS to find a correlation between median household income and access to free outdoor recreational greenspaces in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We hypothesize that there will be a positive correlation between income and access to outdoor recreation.
Andrew Tibbetts '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Comparative Analysis of Median Household Income and Access to Outdoor Public Recreational Spaces in Western Massachusetts.
Our research utilizes existing data and ArcGIS to find a correlation between median household income and access to free outdoor recreational greenspaces in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. We hypothesize that there will be a positive correlation between income and access to outdoor recreation.
Madelyn Chartier '21
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Effect of Development on Fecal Bacteria Content of Pequot Pond
The goal of this study is to determine the impact of developed, forested, and open water areas on the fecal bacteria content of Pequot Pond in Westfield, MA. I collected individual and pooled samples from each type of site to test them for fecal coliform and E. coli using a Colilert, and determined the effect of fall turnover on the bacteria levels over time using a Hydrolab.
Jack Duncan '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & COMMUNITY PLANNING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of Asian Jumping Worms, Ticks, and How Microclimate Contributes To Their Success In Invasive and Non-Invasive Ecosystems
In this study, we will be measuring the climatic conditions in managed and unmanaged invasive plant thickets and comparing that to an unimpacted control plot in the Westfield State Experimental Forest. Ticks and Asian jumping worms will be counted in each plot weekly to determine correlation and trends between their presence and ecosystem microclimate.
Casey Noyes '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of Asian Jumping Worms, Ticks, and How Microclimate Contributes To Their Success In Invasive and Non-Invasive Ecosystems
In this study, we will be measuring the climatic conditions in managed and unmanaged invasive plant thickets and comparing that to an unimpacted control plot in the Westfield State Experimental Forest. Ticks and Asian jumping worms will be counted in each plot weekly to determine correlation and trends between their presence and ecosystem microclimate.
Caitlin Rachmaciej '22
MAJOR: COMMUNITY PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An Analysis of Asian Jumping Worms, Ticks, and How Microclimate Contributes To Their Success In Invasive and Non-Invasive Ecosystems
In this study, we will be measuring the climatic conditions in managed and unmanaged invasive plant thickets and comparing that to an unimpacted control plot in the Westfield State Experimental Forest. Ticks and Asian jumping worms will be counted in each plot weekly to determine correlation and trends between their presence and ecosystem microclimate.
Katie Eufemia '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Eastern Gray Squirrel Color Morphology, Speed Limit, and Development on Road Mortality
In this study, we examined the correlation between eastern gray squirrel color morphology and road mortality within Westfield MA. We determined the relationship between speed limits, land development, and where the roadkill occurred.
Lindsay McNulty '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Eastern Gray Squirrel Color Morphology, Speed Limit, and Development on Road Mortality
In this study, we examined the correlation between eastern gray squirrel color morphology and road mortality within Westfield MA. We determined the relationship between speed limits, land development, and where the roadkill occurred.
Kendra Gleeson '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Distribution of White Pine Needle Disease and it’s Correlation to Tree Size at Westfield State University
For this project, I am surveying Eastern White Pine trees at Westfield State University to determine the abundance and distribution of White Pine Needle Disease. I also explore the relationship between the diameter of trees and the severity of infection.
Shianne Taylor '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Eastern Gray Squirrel Color Morphology, Speed Limit, and Development on Road Mortality
In this study, we examined the correlation between eastern gray squirrel color morphology and road mortality within Westfield MA. We determined the relationship between speed limits, land development, and where the roadkill occurred.
Haley Wales '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Impacts of Eastern Gray Squirrel Color Morphology, Speed Limit, and Development on Road Mortality
In this study, we examined the correlation between eastern gray squirrel color morphology and road mortality within Westfield MA. We determined the relationship between speed limits, land development, and where the roadkill occurred.
Michael Heins '24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Monarch butterfly habitat restoration of Dower Lot
This is a master plan for a hypothetical habitat restoration project to help increase the monarch butterfly population of Westfield State University campus. This will be accomplished by adding plant species, like milkweed, that will attract monarchs to the area.
Abby Mahoney '24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Monarch butterfly habitat restoration of Dower Lot
This is a master plan for a hypothetical habitat restoration project to help increase the monarch butterfly population of Westfield State University campus. This will be accomplished by adding plant species, like milkweed, that will attract monarchs to the area.
Amber Stearns '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & GPS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Monarch butterfly habitat restoration of Dower Lot
This is a master plan for a hypothetical habitat restoration project to help increase the monarch butterfly population of Westfield State University campus. This will be accomplished by adding plant species, like milkweed, that will attract monarchs to the area.
Megan McPhail '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Beech Bark Disease on Sunlight, Temperature, and Organic Matter of Forest Soils
The goal of this study is to determine if beech bark disease can indirectly result in a negative or positive influence on forest soils, using HOBO data loggers and evaluating soils for organic material. I explore whether a diminished canopy cover, due to beech bark disease, introduces more sunlight exposure and potentially leads to variations in temperature and organic material in soils surrounding healthy and infected American beech trees.
Theodore Lovell '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Effluent Water and its Effects on Downstream Water Quality in the Westfield River
For this study, we tested water quality upstream and downstream of the Huntington and Westfield wastewater treatment plants to determine their impacts on the Westfield River. Variables tested include Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Specific Conductivity, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus.
Cecil Talbot '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Effluent Water and its Effects on Downstream Water Quality in the Westfield River
For this study, we tested water quality upstream and downstream of the Huntington and Westfield wastewater treatment plants to determine their impacts on the Westfield River. Variables tested include Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Specific Conductivity, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus.
Kevin O'Grady '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Climate Conflict: Correlation Analysis between Global Instability and the Worsening Climatic Conditions as a result of Climate Change.
The purpose of this research project is to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the worsening effects of climate change and deteriorating civil instability that accompanies said effects across 70 countries. It is hypothesized that there is a correlation between the two, in that as climate change worsens, there will be ever escalating conflict over resources such as food, water, or habitable air and land.
Talia Queeney '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Creation of a Milkweed Research Garden to Assess Best Management Practices for Fostering Monarch Butterfly Survival
The goal of this project is to determine which stratification method for milkweed seeds has the highest germination and growth rate. A second goal is to provide additional needed habitat for the threatened monarch butterfly.
Talia Queeney '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoring Grassland Habitat at the Southwick Quarry
Grassland habitats are a rarity in Massachusetts but provide an essential ecosystem for rare grassland dependent species. We are creating a Master Plan to restore the heavily degraded Southwick quarry into a productive grassland habitat promoting wildlife communities, pollinators, and recreational use.
Shianne Taylor '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoring Grassland Habitat at the Southwick Quarry
Grassland habitats are a rarity in Massachusetts but provide an essential ecosystem for rare grassland dependent species. We are creating a Master Plan to restore the heavily degraded Southwick quarry into a productive grassland habitat promoting wildlife communities, pollinators, and recreational use.
![Krysten_Woods_IMG_7029[7608].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/da0d6c_5b4f5851075d41ad89b14423daf709f2~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_328,w_3024,h_3016/fill/w_75,h_75,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Krysten_Woods_IMG_7029%5B7608%5D.jpg)
Krysten Woods '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Restoring Grassland Habitat at the Southwick Quarry
Grassland habitats are a rarity in Massachusetts but provide an essential ecosystem for rare grassland dependent species. We are creating a Master Plan to restore the heavily degraded Southwick quarry into a productive grassland habitat promoting wildlife communities, pollinators, and recreational use.
Lily Smith '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Pollinator Species Diversity & Habitat Restoration in Degraded Grassland on WSU Campus
Pollinator species & habitats are declining w/their ecosystem services declining with them. Our restoration plan aims to restore pollinator species & habitat on the WSU campus.
Haley Wales '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Pollinator Species Diversity & Habitat Restoration in Degraded Grassland on WSU Campus
Pollinator species & habitats are declining w/their ecosystem services declining with them. Our restoration plan aims to restore pollinator species & habitat on the WSU campus.
Grace Zoller '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Pollinator Species Diversity & Habitat Restoration in Degraded Grassland on WSU Campus
Pollinator species & habitats are declining w/their ecosystem services declining with them. Our restoration plan aims to restore pollinator species & habitat on the WSU campus.
Amber Stearns '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & GPS
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DiCARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Floodplain ecosystem response to the removal of Euonymus alatus (winged burning bush) in Western Massachusetts, USA
This research project explores the way an invasive plant species interacts with and affects a floodplain ecosystem. Winged burning bush is an invasive plant from East Asia that can overtake the understory of a forest, but little is known about its effects on the forest, so we set out to find out more about it.
Toni Uliana '22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR MICHAEL VORWERK, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Analysis and Prioritization of Dam Removal on Chicopee Brook, Monson, MA for the Benefit of Eastern Brook Trout
In this research, I utilized GIS databases to identify coldwater streams and prioritize small dam removal in the Chicopee Brook watershed to enhance wild eastern brook trout populations by restoring stream connectivity, continuity, and biodiversity. I sampled the macroinvertebrate community, water quality, and assessed habitat suitably at locations upstream and downstream of the former Zero Manufacturing Company dam.