"An Undergraduate Perspective: The Risks and Benefits of Hydraulic Fracturing in New York State"

While studying in central New York for the last four years, hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' emerged as a highly controversial issue. While the New York State government was deciding whether or not this new method of natural gas extraction should take place, a research team of three students (including myself) thought it would be valuable to assess the general knowledge and opinions of undergraduates at Ithaca College. We then analyzed the results based on gender, hometown, years spent in Ithaca, and political affiliation. Results were presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in 2012. Additionally, our findings were submitted for publication to the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences and are currently under review. To view the abstract, please click here.

 

"Using Japanese Stiltgrass (microstegium vimineum) for Biochar Production"

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for a major in environmental studies, I was required to participate in a senior research project. My research team chose to conduct a study that would determine the feasibility of using an invasive species (Japanese stiltgrass) found on campus to produce biochar, a porous, carbon-rich material used for soil amelioration, carbon sequestration, and water purification. The study involved researching methods of biochar production, developing a safety protocol for all stages of biochar production using a highly invasive species, and determining appropriate methods of testing the quality of the biochar and its effect on soil. The results were presented to the students and faculty of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences in addition to the submission of a written paper. To view the paper, please click here.

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​"Landowner Coalitions as Forms of Collective Energy Resource Management in New York State"

My latest research endeavor began in the fall of 2012 and involved an extensive literature review of various forms of collective resource management in the United States and landowner coalitions formed surrounding the issue of natural gas extraction in New York State and Pennsylvania. I am currently in the process of writing an article in which I compare the function of landowner coalitions to that of other forms of collective resource management such as forest collectives.  I plan to continue working on this paper with Professor Jake Brenner of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences after graduating in May 2013.

 

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