Summer Ventures in Science & Mathematics

(Sustainability/Climate Change/Data Science)

The concept of a sustainable environment is global in its applicability. Coming to an agreement on how much people want their environment to be sustainable is a difficult issue because of the differences in what people want from their environment. The issues that lead to such disagreements are at once global and local to that particular issue. Humans impact the environment in numerous ways. Climate change is one of them. In fact, climate change can exacerbate the already detrimental effects that humans have on the environment. That is why sustainability should play a large part in how societies function.

In this class, we will be discussing sustainability issues, concentrating on climate change, including many applications of data science. Climate change is still a controversial topic, mainly among the general public and policy makers, and to some extent, among scientists. The outcome of this debate is important to us as a global society because of the policy choices, and ultimately the laws, that will be passed. The policy choices made in different countries will be important to the local communities and to the global society because the effects of climate change are both local and global. We will be learning about the science behind sustainability issues and climate change, and the uncertainties and challenges faced by the scientists and policy makers. We will also learn about how decisions and policies affect such issues and the different stakeholders affected by these issues. Basic scientific concepts will be explained throughout the course and will be enhanced by discussing various academic articles and case studies.  Students will also be exposed to how various science disciplines are involved with aspects of sustainability and climate change. Topics such as social change, simulation/sampling, data analysis as well as chemistry, biology, oceanography topics will allow for students to develop unique individual research studies.

Learning Outcomes: The course will concentrate on critical thinking skills, team and leadership building skills, and effective communication, through scholarly articles and case study discussions. This will help students recognize, among other things, human versus natural causes and impacts on the environment, diagnose a problem, and come up with solutions to that problem through analysis and reasoning. Coming up with solutions to widespread problems on the environment, especially problems like climate change will also teach students about the importance and responsibilities of community membership.

Students will work collaboratively to write a research paper and present their findings at the research symposia at the end of the program.

Students will work to develop the skills of an aquatic ecologist and environmental scientist. Students will sample undisturbed headwater streams in western North Carolina to investigate/explore relationships described in the River Continuum Concept by Vannote, et al., 1980. Data from benthic macro-invertebrate and water chemistry samples from undisturbed areas will be compared to samples from local impacted streams of the High Country to determine and predict significant changes in correlations between the land cover/use and the physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of the aquatic systems. Field-based experiences will focus on case studies that introduce environmental problems that will serve as models for a variety of student-based research designs. Biological topics will include aquatic population and biodiversity responses to toxins or disturbance, laboratory and field sampling and analytical methods, and statistical analysis of data. Some population ecology and geological concepts, including hydrology, may be covered including the human impacts on rivers and streams, focusing on three areas: stream sediments and solid wastes, natural and human-derived changes in stream water chemistry, flooding hazards, and forests.  As a field course, students will visit sites in Boone and surrounding areas to take advantage of the large number of unique local water resources and forest sites. Therefore, appropriate shoes and clothing that can get wet/muddy are needed. Old tennis shoes, or shoes such as Keen, Chaco, or Teva that stay strapped on, but can be worn in the river and quick-dry clothing are needed as well as sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Students will need a hat, water bottle and sunscreen. It is important that you enjoy/want to experience the outdoors and are willing to commit to working extensively in streams and forests if you select this class. Each student will develop a research hypothesis, collect necessary data to test this hypothesis, write a research paper, and present their findings at the research symposium. Prefer students who have completed Biology and Earth/ Environmental Science.

Please note: You must be physically fit/able to hike tough terrain/long distances to enroll in this course. Field work includes working in rivers/streams/forests and hiking to remote locations. Non-swimmers and those with bee sting allergies need to communicate directly with Lori Tyler regarding this course, if interested.

Summer 2019 Feature Article: High water, higher expectations — a STEM learning experience for all ages at App State

Biochemical Characterization of Thermostable Tardigrade Proteins

This course will investigate the ability of intrinsically disordered proteins from tardigrades to stabilize alcohol dehydrogenase at elevated temperatures. Students will search the primary literature and optimize protein expression, purification, and stabilzation of alcohol dehydrogenase under various conditions. Techniques to be used will include: DNA isolation, determination of DNA and protein concentrations, protein expression optimization, and affinity and size exclusion column chromatography. Upon successful protein isolation, enzymes will be characterized using SDS-PAGE gels and enzyme activity assays. In addition, students will acquire transferable soft skills such as laboratory safety, experimental design, and maintaining a thorough lab notebook and will learn about career opportunities in chemistry and biomedical research. All students will complete a research paper to be presented at the research symposia at the end of the program. Completion of AP Chemistry and/or AP Biology is preferred.

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