Major/Home University: Environmental Science, Geology minor, Unity College
Mentors: Pamela Templer and John Campbell
Why/how did you get involved with the program?
She was interested in the research being conducted, and also liked that she would be paid. The combination of the two was great!
What is your project?
Investigating the Effects of Changing Environments on Sugar Maple Trees in Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
Basically, she is investigating how freezing soils (there will be more winter soil freezing due to climate change because of decreased snow pack) will effect how quickly trees heal from wounds. Or more simply put, does stress cause trees to heal slower?
Why is it important?
Climate change is becoming a fact here in the Northeast. One of the effects of climate change could be decreased snow amounts in the winter, which insulates the soil in the winter. Usually the snow is thick enough to prevent a lot of soil freezing, which protects roots. Less snow means more freezing, and thus more stress on trees. This stress might be large enough to cause a decrease in Sugar Maple trees, which are very important economically in New England. Could climate change impact maple syrup production?
And finally....what is your favorite piece of gear?
Car batteries, for the workout!
Seriously, who needs weights?
(Cayce is also changing batteries for Dr. Templer's research probes in the forest).