NAS Seminar: "Shishmaref, Alaska: On the Front Line of Global Climate Change”
Shishmaref Alaska is a small, Native-American village about 20 miles south of the arctic circle. In the past, ocean pack ice insulated the island from the effects of fall storms, but in recent years, the pack ice forms later in the season, resulting in an increase in the erosion of village land. Dr. Dan Meinhardt, associate professor of Biology in the Department of Human Biology will discuss his visit to Shishmaref and the issues facing the village residents as they attempt to relocate. A social gathering with refreshments begins at 3 p.m. ES 317, followed by Meinhardt’s presentation from 3:30 to 4:30 in ES 328.
Congratulations to Josh Martinez on the successful defense of his thesis
Josh conducted research on the use of facilitation as a tool for restoring native plant communities in woodlands already impacted by the invasive plant garlic mustard and by overgrazing by white tailed deer. He found that when native grasses that are not preferred by deer are grown in these areas they allow other native plants to survive as well. The presence of these unpalatable grasses facilitates the survival of the other native plants.
Request for Applications for Heirloom Research Grants
Students interested in conducting independent research projects in the sciences are encouraged to apply for Heirloom Fund Research Grants. Up to $1000 in funds to cover equipment, supplies, or travel may be requested each semester. Students must have a faculty advisor in Natural & Applied Sciences. We will be accepting grants for the spring. Deadline is extended to March 1.