ALLIANCE, OH- Each year, the University of Mount Union offers students in all majors the opportunity to participate in paid research at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center through its Brumbaugh Scholars program.
With nine students participating and conducting their own research, the University had the largest group of students this summer in this student-led, one-on-one paid program.
Anthony Kemer ‘23, environmental science major and sustainability minor, looked at the ponds for his research study titled “Comparing the Effects of Aerators in the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center Ponds and Creating a Collection of Aquatic Insects for Use by the Nature Center.”
“There are two ponds at the Nature Center, one which has had an aerator (pumps air into the water to oxygenate it) for a few years now, the other one does not. Although recently an aerator was put into the pond to see the effect it has on it,” explained Kemer.
Following his observations at the Nature Center, Kemer concluded that aerators are effective not only for the ponds at the nature center, but for all aquatic life. “I created an aquatic insect collection from the ponds for the Nature Center to have for educational purposes,” further explained Kemer.
Cali Granger, horticulture and facility coordinator at the Nature Center, explained that she was delighted to have worked with Kemer because he was always willing to learn and had a positive attitude.
“The skills and knowledge Anthony gained can be applied in his aquatic ecology class that he is currently taking in addition to help solidify his aspirations in working in environmental studies and the aquatic field,” stated Granger.
Granger believes that Kemer’s research is ongoing because he can continue collecting data in the upcoming year to monitor the changes in the ponds.
Cheyenne Brammer ‘23, geology major and astronomy, earth science, and physics triple minor, looked at astrophotography and light pollution at the Nature Center.
“My research title is Astronomy at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, and I was to determine how an area, which used to be a gun range and that now is part of the nature center could be updated in order to improve astronomical observations for students and the public,” said Brammer.
In addition, Brammer looked at how light pollution affects photography for astronomical purposes and scientific observations. “Astrophotography is an important part of astronomy, which allows for observations to be shared and tracked,” stated Brammer. “If light pollution is present in images, then it will diminish the quality of observations.”
Original source can be found here.
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