Student Research Opportunities

All undergraduates in the Division of Natural Sciences and
Mathematics at Shenandoah University are required to carry out
a two-semester research project in conjunction with a faculty member.

Research projects should be started during as the second semester
of the junior year.  They culminate in  a written paper and a poster
presented at the Senior Science Symposium at the end of the academic year.

Sponsored by Dr. Woodward S. Bousquet,
Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology

Listed below are several possible research projects in environmental studies and field biology. This list is not exhaustive.  Students may propose other types of research to explore their own interests, and/or propose projects under other faculty members. Funds may be available to support many of these projects.
 

Ecological Surveys at Hawkridge Farms
Hawkridge Farms is a 33-acre tract located on the border of Culpepper and Rappahannock Counties, VA. It is a diverse site, consisting of woodlands, meadows, wetlands and small rock outcrops. A team of students conducted a botanical survey of the site in 1997.  An initial survey of mammal species in the site's forested habitats was carried out during the summer of 2000. 

Abrams Creek Wetlands Studies and Protection Plan
In 1998-99, a team of student researchers from Shenandoah University surveyed wetlands in the Abrams Creek-White's Pond area, about two miles from campus.  Their report can serve as the basis for developing a protection plan for the site, which provides habitat for over a dozen plants that are rare in Virginia.  Wetland boundaries should be delineated, surveys of additional wetlands conducted, and protection measures identified.

Abrams Creek Water Quality Studies
Abrams Creek runs through Shenandoah's campus. It is a tributary to the Opequon Creek which, in turn, empties into the Potomac River. Student researchers from Shenandoah University studied water quality in Abrams Creek in 1998 and 1999. Water samples have been gathered for several years by The Opequon Watershed (TOW) and analyzed by the Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR) in their lab at SU. Conclusions should be drawn from the existing TOW data and a report prepared. Additional studies of water quality need to be conducted, particularly intensive measurement over a day's time, over a week's time, and in association with rainstorms.

Abrams Creek Restoration
Abrams Creek flows through the Shenandoah University campus. It has the potential for improvement as a habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. Water quality assessment and monitoring is required and a plan for habitat restoration will need to be developed. This project would be conducted in cooperation with the local agencies and organizations such as The Opequon Watershed (TOW) and Winchester's Parks and Recreation Department.

Abrams Creek Habitat Improvement
Abrams Creek flows through the Shenandoah University Campus. It has the potential for improvement as a habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. The water quality needs to be assessed and monitored, hydrology examined, and then a plan for habitat improvement and stream bank stabilizaiton designed and implemented. This project would be conducted in cooperation with The Opequon Watershed (TOW) group and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Winchester.  

Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Water Quality Indicators
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other research groups have established water quality measurements that are based the on sampling and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. After becoming competent in the assessment procedures and methods for identifying these organisms, students would investigate water quality at selected locations.  A project of this nature was carried out at Stony Creek in 1994. Three local environmental groups have suggestions for stream sites that are of particular interest to them. Measurement and sampling techniques require the involvment of least two students. 

Water Quality in the Shenandoah River Watershed
In cooperation with Shenandoah University, the Friends of the Shenandoah River (FOSR) operate a water quality analysis lab on our campus. Water samples from all over the watershed are tested twice monthly, and volunteers are needed to help with routine analyses. Grants from the Virginia Environmental Endowment support the ongoing investigation of sources of nitrates and phosphates in the watershed. Several student research projects related to protecting or monitoring water quality are possible.
 
Fern Hybrids in the Central Appalachians
Our region is an ideal place to study hybridization in two groups of ferns: the spleenworts (genus Asplenium) and the woodferns (genus Dryopteris). Several sites within an hour's drive of Shenandoah University need to be mapped and studied as fern hybridization "hot spots". In addition, ferns from these genera could be cultured and hybridized in the lab.
 
Ecological Research at the State Arboretum and Blandy Experimental Farm
The University of Virginia operates the State Arboretum and Blandy Experimental Farm on Route 50, about 12 miles from Winchester. Shenandoah University students may assist with ongoing projects and, in some cases, design their own research. Dr. Michael Bowers, Director, has served as adjunct faculty at Shenandoah University. He or other Blandy faculty could be the supervisor for some of these projects.

Environmental and Science Education Programs
Shenandoah University has worked with several schools and established connections with the Discovery Museum and The State Aboretum of Virginia. Implementing and evaluating environmental and science education programs with these or other groups is a research opportunity particularly relevant to students interested in teaching.

Public Policy Education Programs
Citizens can be better informed and become more involved in environmental concerns. In our local area, these concerns include (but are not limited to) land use planning, natural areas preservation and water quality protection. Students interested in environmental policy could desibn, implement and evaluate one or more programs or publications aimed at educating the public about environmental matters.

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Last updated by VMP 16 May, 2003