ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
STUDENT PRESENTERS
Organized By Discipline
Margaret Hamilton ‘24
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Journey Through Engagement: Decorating campus one mural at a time
We plan to proposal to campus the idea of adding more colors through murals across Westfields campus. Resulting in an increased positive atmosphere, community involvement, and bringing an awareness to campus as it provides a topic of discussion for each mural that would be created.
Taylor Camossi ‘24
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Journey Through Engagement: Decorating campus one mural at a time
We plan to proposal to campus the idea of adding more colors through murals across Westfields campus. Resulting in an increased positive atmosphere, community involvement, and bringing an awareness to campus as it provides a topic of discussion for each mural that would be created.
Makenna Albee ‘25
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENE & BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Temperature on Water Foul In Stanley Park
In this study, we monitored the temperature and how it affects the attendance of ducks and geese in the duck pond at Stanley Park, Westfield. This was monitored over the span of five weeks with varying temperatures and times.
Kayla Brooks ‘25
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Temperature on Water Foul In Stanley Park
In this study, we monitored the temperature and how it affects the attendance of ducks and geese in the duck pond at Stanley Park, Westfield. This was monitored over the span of five weeks with varying temperatures and times.
Bethany Fornal ‘25
MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Temperature on Water Foul In Stanley Park
In this study, we monitored the temperature and how it affects the attendance of ducks and geese in the duck pond at Stanley Park, Westfield. This was monitored over the span of five weeks with varying temperatures and times.
Noah Tyler ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Invasive Plant Removal Restoration By the Little River
Alivia Gjekaj ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Invasive Plant Removal Restoration By the Little River
This project creates a restoration master plan that focuses on removing invasive plant species in a riparian area near the Little River. After the invasive species are removed, native wetland and pollinator plants will be planted to improve pollinator habitat.
Katrina Bingham-Maas ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Invasive Plant Removal Restoration By the Little River
This project creates a restoration master plan that focuses on removing invasive plant species in a riparian area near the Little River. After the invasive species are removed, native wetland and pollinator plants will be planted to improve pollinator habitat.
Jacob Squires ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Invasive Plant Removal Restoration By the Little River
This project creates a restoration master plan that focuses on removing invasive plant species in a riparian area near the Little River. After the invasive species are removed, native wetland and pollinator plants will be planted to improve pollinator habitat.
This project creates a restoration master plan that focuses on removing invasive plant species in a riparian area near the Little River. After the invasive species are removed, native wetland and pollinator plants will be planted to improve pollinator habitat.
Liam MacCurtain ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Dams Simulate Drought Conditions Downstream for Macroinvertebrate Communities?
The goal of this project is to compare how climate change might impact Benthic Macroinvertabrates (BMI’s) in rivers and streams by studying the health of natural communities in a drought and communities below dams. We investigated the diversity, richness and evenness of macroinvertebrates to see if they have been affected by the recent drought and dam conditions.
Ryan Ziemnicki ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Dams Simulate Drought Conditions Downstream for Macroinvertebrate Communities?
The goal of this project is to compare how climate change might impact Benthic Macroinvertabrates (BMI’s) in rivers and streams by studying the health of natural communities in a drought and communities below dams. We investigated the diversity, richness and evenness of macroinvertebrates to see if they have been affected by the recent drought and dam conditions.
Nicholas Dolak ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Dams Simulate Drought Conditions Downstream for Macroinvertebrate Communities?
The goal of this project is to compare how climate change might impact Benthic Macroinvertabrates (BMI’s) in rivers and streams by studying the health of natural communities in a drought and communities below dams. We investigated the diversity, richness and evenness of macroinvertebrates to see if they have been affected by the recent drought and dam conditions.
Lily Smith ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Green Campus: Reducing the Ecological Footprint of WSU
The “Green Campus” project aims to analyze and apply the use of the natural resources of Westfield State University in a more efficient way that benefits social, economic, and natural environments. During this semester we evaluated four areas of campus to assess their ecological efficiency and improve it where necessary.
Krysten Woods ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Green Campus: Reducing the Ecological Footprint of WSU
The “Green Campus” project aims to analyze and apply the use of the natural resources of Westfield State University in a more efficient way that benefits social, economic, and natural environments. During this semester we evaluated four areas of campus to assess their ecological efficiency and improve it where necessary.
Evan Carboneau ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Removing Burning Bush on Native Plants in Westfield, MA
Burning bush is an invasive shrub that is common throughout New England as a decorative plant. In our project, we investigated the effects of removing burning bush on native trees by collecting leaf litter samples and measuring tree growth.
Lydia Walsh ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Effects of Removing Burning Bush on Native Plants in Westfield, MA
Burning bush is an invasive shrub that is common throughout New England as a decorative plant. In our project, we investigated the effects of removing burning bush on native trees by collecting leaf litter samples and measuring tree growth.
Alivia Gjekaj ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Improving Pollinator Habitat Restoration Techniques in Western Massachusetts, USA
The primary goal of this project is to expand methods of restoration and preservation of pollinator species in Western Massachusetts by restoring degraded pollinator habitats. I collected quantitative measurable data on pollinator plant availability and pollinator species richness within three separate locations on WSU property and compared it to similar data collected during the Spring 2022 semester.
Clint Leber ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Establishing Westfield State University as a Tree Campus USA
For our project we have been making progress on Westfield State's application to become recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. We have been working on the five standards needed for approval: (1) Establishment of a campus tree advisory committee, (2) Evidence of a campus tree-care plan, (3) Verification of the plan’s dedicated annual expenditures, (4) Observing Arbor Day, (5) Creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
Brian Palmieri ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Establishing Westfield State University as a Tree Campus USA
For our project we have been making progress on Westfield State's application to become recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. We have been working on the five standards needed for approval: (1) Establishment of a campus tree advisory committee, (2) Evidence of a campus tree-care plan, (3) Verification of the plan’s dedicated annual expenditures, (4) Observing Arbor Day, (5) Creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
Jacob Towsley ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Immersion in Nature on Mental Health and Stress Relief
The use of green spaces for stress and anxiety relief is a growing field of research. Our report / poster is a literature review looking at how the level of immersion in green spaces impacts health benefits, specifically stress and anxiety levels. We are proposing a project for future students to conduct to see the benefits of different immersion levels and their effects on student stress levels. The findings of this report could be beneficial for students during times of stress, such as midterm and final examinations.
Brett Smurra ‘24
MAJOR: SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Immersion in Nature on Mental Health and Stress Relief
The use of green spaces for stress and anxiety relief is a growing field of research. Our report / poster is a literature review looking at how the level of immersion in green spaces impacts health benefits, specifically stress and anxiety levels. We are proposing a project for future students to conduct to see the benefits of different immersion levels and their effects on student stress levels. The findings of this report could be beneficial for students during times of stress, such as midterm and final examinations.
Timothy Jinn ‘25
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
The Impact of Immersion in Nature on Mental Health and Stress Relief
The use of green spaces for stress and anxiety relief is a growing field of research. Our report / poster is a literature review looking at how the level of immersion in green spaces impacts health benefits, specifically stress and anxiety levels. We are proposing a project for future students to conduct to see the benefits of different immersion levels and their effects on student stress levels. The findings of this report could be beneficial for students during times of stress, such as midterm and final examinations.
Joshua Alstede ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Stanley Park Burning Bush Removal Master Plan
Our project consists of removing a large invasive patch of Winged Burning Bush in Stanley Park. We are replacing effected area with a rain garden consisting of native plant vegetation.
Taylor Griffin ‘24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Stanley Park Burning Bush Removal Master Plan
Our project consists of removing a large invasive patch of Winged Burning Bush in Stanley Park. We are replacing effected area with a rain garden consisting of native plant vegetation.
Clint Leber ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Stanley Park Burning Bush Removal Master Plan
Our project consists of removing a large invasive patch of Winged Burning Bush in Stanley Park. We are replacing effected area with a rain garden consisting of native plant vegetation.
Austin O'Brien ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Stanley Park Burning Bush Removal Master Plan
Our project consists of removing a large invasive patch of Winged Burning Bush in Stanley Park. We are replacing effected area with a rain garden consisting of native plant vegetation.
Sarah Deming ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Ring-Necked Pheasant Reporting Survey
The focus of this study was to band ring necked pheasants that were stocked by the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club on four parcels of land throughout western Franklin County, MA. The focus of this project was to measure the overall success of pheasant hunters as the season progressed and if seasonal factors affected success rates.
Susannah Foster ‘25
MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
JacobSquires ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Ring-Necked Pheasant Reporting Survey
The focus of this study was to band ring necked pheasants that were stocked by the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club on four parcels of land throughout western Franklin County, MA. The focus of this project was to measure the overall success of pheasant hunters as the season progressed and if seasonal factors affected success rates.
Austin O'Brien ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Comparing Eastern Gray Squirrel Fur Color Morphs between Rural and Urban Areas
The gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) can be commonly found with two fur color morphs, gray and black. We used different sampling methods including trapping, roadkill collection, and road surveys to test what fur color was more common in rural, and urban areas.
Jessica Quenneville ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Comparing Eastern Gray Squirrel Fur Color Morphs between Rural and Urban Areas
The gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) can be commonly found with two fur color morphs, gray and black. We used different sampling methods including trapping, roadkill collection, and road surveys to test what fur color was more common in rural, and urban areas.
Abigail Mahoney ‘24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Site Inventory of the Pitoniak Property on Northwest Road, Westfield, MA
This project consists of an inventory of vegetation, both native and invasive, as well as an analysis of soil quality at the Pitoniak Property on Northwest Road in Westfield, MA. Further recommendations for site restoration and use will be made using this collected data.
Michael Heins ‘24
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Site Inventory of the Pitoniak Property on Northwest Road, Westfield, MA
This project consists of an inventory of vegetation, both native and invasive, as well as an analysis of soil quality at the Pitoniak Property on Northwest Road in Westfield, MA. Further recommendations for site restoration and use will be made using this collected data.
Norway Maple Leaves Changing Colors
The leaves of immature and mature Norway Maples were observed during foliage color change in Westfield. It was found that leaves of the mature Norway Maples changed colors before the immature trees.
Cassandra Eyma ‘25
MAJOR: SOCIAL WORK
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Norway Maple Leaves Changing Colors
The leaves of immature and mature Norway Maples were observed during foliage color change in Westfield. It was found that leaves of the mature Norway Maples changed colors before the immature trees.
Jor Danise ‘26
MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Norway Maple Leaves Changing Colors
The leaves of immature and mature Norway Maples were observed during foliage color change in Westfield. It was found that leaves of the mature Norway Maples changed colors before the immature trees.
Laurel Colabella ‘23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Norway Maple Leaves Changing Colors
The leaves of immature and mature Norway Maples were observed during foliage color change in Westfield. It was found that leaves of the mature Norway Maples changed colors before the immature trees.
Jacob Butler ‘24
MAJOR: NURSING
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Colder Temperatures Affect The Response Times Of Koi Fish.
Our group observed the response time of koi fish in Stanley park over the course of 8 weeks. We focused on the temperature and how it may affect these response times.
Iyana Gordon ‘25
MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE & POLITICAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Colder Temperatures Affect The Response Times Of Koi Fish.
Our group observed the response time of koi fish in Stanley park over the course of 8 weeks. We focused on the temperature and how it may affect these response times.
Samantha Martinez ‘25
MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Do Colder Temperatures Affect The Response Times Of Koi Fish.
Our group observed the response time of koi fish in Stanley park over the course of 8 weeks. We focused on the temperature and how it may affect these response times.
Jankaleishka Burgos ‘23
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Behavioral Effects Of Feeding On Ducks And Geese In Stanley Park
This study focuses on the changes in behavior for ducks and geese before and after feeding in Stanley Park. We hypothesized that geese would exhibit more aggressive behavior before and after feeding as aposento ducks.
Sarah Harrington ‘25
MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Behavioral Effects Of Feeding On Ducks And Geese In Stanley Park
This study focuses on the changes in behavior for ducks and geese before and after feeding in Stanley Park. We hypothesized that geese would exhibit more aggressive behavior before and after feeding as aposento ducks.
Alaina Percy ‘25
MAJOR: HEALTH SCIENCES
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR LAUREN DICARLO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Behavioral Effects Of Feeding On Ducks And Geese In Stanley Park
This study focuses on the changes in behavior for ducks and geese before and after feeding in Stanley Park. We hypothesized that geese would exhibit more aggressive behavior before and after feeding as aposento ducks.
Jacob Towsley ‘23
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid & Hemlock Elongate Scale in Western Massachusetts
This study looks at the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid over the past 14 years due to climate change with relation to elevation. In addition, I mapped the distribution and infestation level of hemlock elongate scale in Western Massachusetts.
Kurtlen Burkott ‘22
MAJOR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & BIOLOGY
FACULTY SPONSOR: PROFESSOR PROFESSOR TIMOTHY PARSHALL, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Campus Greenhouse Proposal
Currently the greenhouse on WSU campus is not in the best condition. I investigated some of the uses and proposing improvements that can be made to the current greenhouse by surveying faculty/staff and students.