Posted in Summer 2009 on August 20, 2009 |
Wow...summer went by fast! The REU's have been done for about a week now, and are enjoying a bit of time off before starting school again.
As a wrap-up, here is the program from the Undergraduate Research Conference that was held on August 10th. The students gave presentations on their research projects, and their communication projects.
Click the link below to access the Word Document:
Hubbard Brook Undergraduate Research Conference
Enjoy friends!
Oh dear...
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 20, 2009 |
Check out this video created by REU student Maegan Gagne, about proper stream crossings:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SBFuodqv7A[/youtube]
Enjoy!
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 10, 2009 |
The man, the legend, Geoff Wilson.
How did you originally get involved with Hubbard Brook?
Geoff started working at Hubbard Brook as an undergraduate in 1992, working with his advisor Tim Fahey. After graduation he worked here for a couple years, and then left to work on his graduate degrees. Several diversions later, he started working as the Manager of Pleasant View in 2002.
What's your favorite part of your job?
He honestly loved creating the REU program (no lie!)
Any advice for future REU interns?
And finally...what's your favorite piece of gear?
His skis ("they get me through the winter while I wait for the summer")
Oh...and his boots too (another one!)
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 10, 2009 |
Major and Home University: Biology and Environmental Studies at St. Olaf College, Minnesota
Research Mentors: Ruth Yanni and Tim Fahey
Why/how did you get involved with the program?
He was looking for a some sort of ecological/environmental research this summer. The National Science Foundation website was reccommended to him and he started his job search. He stumbled upon the Hubbard Brook program, and applied because he wanted to gain research experience.
What is your project?
Roots!
Tyler investigated the effect of forest age and stand fertility on root and leaf biomass. He also helped several graduate students with their research at Bartlett Experimental Forest in Bartlett, NH.
Why is it important?
Not much work has been done in this area, and little is known. Not very much is known on how the fertility of a site effects root and leaf biomass.
And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?
Podcasts!
(All those hours picking roots start to get to you after awhile....)
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 10, 2009 |
Check out a sweet video made by REU students Cayce Salvino and Cord Dorcey!!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD7xw95KRyc[/youtube]
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 10, 2009 |
Research Mentor:Dr. Michele Pruyn
Why/how did you get involved with the program?
I knew Dr. Pruyn from having classes with her and she told me she was planning on continuing/improving last year REU project. She knew I was interested in tree physiology and asked me if I would be interested in working with her. So I applied because it seemed like an interesting study and I wanted to get some more research experience.
What is your project?
We're comparing water properties (sapflow, root conductivty, and stem relative water content)in Yellow birch across 3 elevations on the Mt. Kineo trail.
Why is it important?
Yellow birch have been declining most likely because of thaw-freeze events. We're looking at water availability and determing if it plays a role in their distribution.
And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?
The increment corer, used to take core samples from trees.
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 8, 2009 |
Major and Home University: Natural Resources Conservation Management major, Sustainable Agriculture minor, University of Kentucky
Research Mentors: Scott Bailey and Kevin McGuire
Why/how did you get involved with the program?
She wanted to gain insight into the world of natural resources research, and Hubbard Brook is a Long-Term Ecological Research site which she found interesting. She wanted to participate in this kind of research program, because it's a valuable opportunity to be a part of a renowned research team.
What is your project?
Soil!
More specifically, investigating near-stream soil development, and trying to characterize the riperian zone in Watershed 3 at Hubbard Brook.
Simply, she is trying to define what soils near streams are like.
Katie (at right), digging a soil pit with fellow REU Student Maggie Zimmer
Why is it important?
Riparian zones serve important functions in watersheds because they are the "final frontier" before the water reaches the stream. Little is known about them at the moment, and more so about riparian zones in the Northern Hardwood forests.
And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?
"Her sharp-shooter", aka. her shovel.
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 5, 2009 |
REU Student Cord Dorcey at left
Major and Home University: Biology at University of California Santa Barbara
Research Mentor: Peter Marra
Why/how did you get involved with the program?
He wanted the opportunity to travel, and to explore future career options. He hadn't had a chance to conduct research before, and wanted to get experience before making any career choices. He contacted his research mentor, applied to Hubbard Brook, was accepted, and here he is!
What is your project?
Reconstructing a Terrestrial Food Web, using Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes.
So essentially, figuring out who eats who eats who in the Northeast, and patterns between trophic levels (producer, herbivore, carnivore, etc).
Example of a food web
Why is it important?
Investigating food webs is important for understanding how energy flows through ecosystems. This information can help us understand ecosystems better, and help us preserve biodiversity.
And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?
He really enjoys his binoculars
Former President Bush with binoculars (notice the covers are still on...)
Posted in Summer 2009 on August 5, 2009 |
How did you originally get involved with Hubbard Brook?
She was first introduced to Hubbard Brook through her husband, who conducts biogeochemistry research here. She didn't realize how involved she could be with the organization, until she heard about an opening for a director of education. She applied and was accepted, and started working in 2007.
What's your favorite part of your job?
Having close connections to the scientists working here, and the ability to have discussions and ask them questions.
Any advice for future REU interns?
And finally...what's your favorite piece of gear?
A mist-net, for showing kids how birds are caught for banding
(Note: Mist Nets Do Not Injur Birds)
Posted in Summer 2009, Uncategorized on August 3, 2009 |
The Hubbard Brook REU was included in both the Plymouth Record Enterprise, and the Littleton Courier!
The papers are not available online, but check out the newstands if you're in the area!
