Community members are invited to take part in the Natural Resources Colloquium at Penn State DuBois during two upcoming lecture events. The Colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each meeting students, faculty, and community members listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

All faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited. Light snacks will be provided.  Programs are free of charge.

Emily Thomas will present the results of her research, "The Effects of Shallow Oil and Gas Development on Songbird Abundance in the Allegheny National Forest" from 12:15 to 1:15 on Friday, February 17, in 228 Swift.  Thomas is a graduate of the Wildlife Technology program at Penn State DuBois, and has gone on to earn baccalaureate and master level degrees while completing her research.

Hank Webster will present "Oversized Landscapes" during his colloquium presentation scheduled for 12:15 to 1:15 on Friday, February 24, in 228 Swift.  He'll share views of Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park, and explore the forces that formed the unique geological features at each location.  Webster is a professor emeritus, who taught Biology at Penn State DuBois from 1980 through 2007.  He graduated with a bachelor degree in Biology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA in 1963.  He received his Master of Botany from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Botany in 1975 from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.

Josh Snedden, a Penn State DuBois alumnus recently returned to campus to make a presentation on the work he is currently doing at Duquesne University. His visit was part of the Natural Resources Colloquium, hosted by the Earth Science program faculty. Snedden earned both an associate degree in Wildlife Technology, and a bachelor degree in Earth and Mineral Science at Penn State DuBois, in 2007 and 2010, respectively. He is now enrolled in a master's level program in Environmental Science and Management at Duquesne, where he is involved with helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus in Pittsburgh.   

"The practices we have put into place have lowered Duquesne's carbon footprint by 10,000 metric tons a year, so far," Snedden said. He presented some of the measures Duquesne has taken to reach those numbers. For example, he said all of the university's solid waste is sent to a landfill that practices methane recovery, where gas captured from the waste is used to produce electricity.  The electricity used to power the campus, however, comes from another green alternative.

"As of 2012, Duquesne will purchase almost all of its electricity from wind power," Snedden said, explaining that the electricity they've purchased is generated at a wind farm in Texas and put into a nation-wide grid.

Snedden also noted the Duquesne's plans to use things like "Green Roofs" on buildings, where soil is placed on rooftops, and grass and other vegetation is planted there.  This helps to insulate the building in a natural, environmentally friendly way.  Snedden is involved in studies for this and other such green initiatives to be taken in the future. 

With aspirations to build a career out of environmental stewardship, Snedden said he got his start at Penn State DuBois, and that his undergraduate education laid a firm foundation for his graduate work and his professional accomplishments ahead. He said, "I use what I learned at Penn State DuBois every day in the work that I do now." 

The Natural Resources Colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each meeting students, faculty, and community members listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

Christy Fulton, a professional working in the booming natural gas industry surrounding the Marcellus Shale formation recently spoke at Penn State DuBois, sharing insight into the industry and offering career advice to students hoping to work in one of the many related fields.

Fulton, of Clearfield, is a land services representative for Little Pine Resources (LPR), a Texas-based company who has established an office in Clearfield.  She graduated from Penn State DuBois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science in 2008, and has put her education to work in pre-drilling operations for LPR.  Specifically, she handles land acquisition duties, securing the right for her company to drill and extract natural gas from properties in the area.  She explained that her job, like many related to Marcellus Shale, is one that most people outside of the industry are not aware of.  She told her audience that when searching for jobs, there are many opportunities related to Marcellus Shale that don't directly involve drilling.

"I want them to be informed about the process that takes place and the jobs that are out there in high demand right now," Fulton said.  She explained that jobseekers with degrees in fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, and wildlife technology can all find opportunity in the gas industry.  She said lawyers, and those with expertise in real estate, sales, marketing, and research and analysis are also in high demand.  "It involves so many different disciplines, it's much more than just drilling," said Fulton. 

Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Geoscience Ben Turner teaches in Penn State DuBois' Earth Science program.  He said Fulton's presentation provided valuable information for his students.  "Many of our students in the Earth Science program are going into careers involving natural gas," Turner said.  "They are particularly well fitted to these positions given their education, and this presentation helped to show them where to look to find the right positions." 

Fulton's presentation was part of the campus Natural Resources Colloquium.  The Colloquium is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each meeting students, faculty, and community members listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

The term "Old Growth Urban Forest" may sound like a contradiction, but it is a very real ecosystem type, and many old growth urban forests across the globe are in danger of being lost.  Penn State DuBois Associate Professor of Biology and Forestry Robert Loeb defines the ecosystem, demonstrates research methodology for old growth urban forests, and offers strategies to reduce that danger, and save these unique and diverse forest ecosystems in his new book, Old Growth Urban Forests (Springer). 

In the book, Loeb suggests that, in places such as New York City's Central Park and Philadelphia's Fairmont Park, old growth forests should be actively managed, and not simply left to fend for themselves against the stresses of human disturbances and urban environments.  This contradicts conventional concepts related to old growth forests that a forest is deemed to be old growth only if it has gone completely undisturbed by humans. 

"Many urban forests are composed of old trees and admired by visitors as being old growth forests," Loeb explained.  Loeb hopes to change traditional way of thinking about old growth in order to ultimately save these urban forests through new conservation practices.  Many of these forests, according to Loeb, are on the verge of disappearing because of human interference with natural arboreal reproduction, and the fact that park administrators and urban foresters do not intervene with maintenance and conservation measures, particularly in natural area forests. 

"My purpose in writing this book is to motivate urban foresters and ecologists to break through the barrier created by the hallowed concept of old growth forest as undisturbed by humans," Loeb said.  "Recognizing old growth forests in urban settings expands the spectrum of urban forest research to include a focus on long-term changes in the relationships between human-caused changes and the urban forest dynamics.  Foresters and ecologists can then reap the benefits of understanding critical issues such as species introductions and climate change that have affected old growth urban forests across our planet for centuries."

Loeb hopes educators will use it as a text book in urban forestry and old growth ecology classes, training the next generation of foresters and ecologists with this new frame of reference and research methods. Also, he hopes his book will be embraced by urban conservationists who will actively put these perspectives and techniques into practice, preserving old growth forests in urban settings.

Professor of Mathematics and Geosciences Richard Brazier said a device he has placed on campus at Penn State DuBois captured seismic data from the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked the east coast Tuesday.  The seismometer, Brazier said, was installed in the basement of Symmco House, the campus administrative building, late last year.   It is intended to monitor and record earthquakes and other seismic activity for geophysicists to study.   The data collected is transmitted by satellite to the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) where anyone can view the seismograms online at any time. 

Originating in rural Mineral, Virginia, the quake was felt as far away as New York and Connecticut, and was even felt by many on campus at Penn State DuBois. 

"My desk began to shake, and my external hard drive started hopping across the top of my desk," said Debbie Gill, a Spanish professor who was in her office in the Swift Building when the shockwaves went across campus.  "I didn't know if I should stay put, get out of the building, or what I should do.  Then it was over."

What was felt on campus, and in DuBois and the surrounding area, lasted for less than a minute, according to Brazier's data.  However, it reached so far from its epicenter that it gave many people in usually quite seismic areas their first experience with earthquakes. Brazier said that's because the activity happened so close the earth's surface.

Brazier explained what he deciphered from the information on the seismometer's visible report, saying, "You can clearly see three types of waves.  The first or primary wave at about 55 seconds; the secondary wave's arrival at 100 seconds; and finally the surface wave which is the wave we all felt around 140 seconds. It’s a fairly large event but the reason we all felt it so far away is that it is very shallow, around one kilometer in depth."

To view the data collected from the seismometer at Penn State DuBois, visit  http://www.iris.edu/mda/PE/PSDB.

For a look at some local coverage click here http://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/content/punxsy-residents-agree-we-felt-quake-here-too.

Jenkins' book, the Humanure Handbook, examines the process of recycling human waste to be used as an all natural, organic fertilizer.  He explains that the use of "humanure" can benefit the environment in a variety of ways, and will detail the process outlined in his book during his lecture.

According to Jenkins, "All animals produce manure, including humans. Yet, humanity has thus far not succeeded in constructively managing or recycling its own excretions. In the United States, water pollution and declining soil fertility are the results. Disease and death are common consequences in the third world, where water pollution from fecal contamination of the environment can have disastrous effects on public health. Yet, human excrement can be constructively recycled using microorganisms in aerobic composting environments, thereby eliminating the disease factor and creating valuable soil fertility." 

The public is welcome to this event, and all other speaking events held as part of the Natural Resources Colloquium. 

The Natural Resources Colloquium at Penn State DuBois is the periodic gathering of the natural resources scientific community on campus. During each colloquium meeting, students, faculty, and community members share some snacks, listen to a scientific presentation, and engage in discussion.

DuBois – A device used for monitoring seismic phenomenon, such as earthquakes, and explosions has been installed at Penn State DuBois.  The seismometer has been placed in the basement of Symmco House, the campus administrative building, where it will monitor and record such activity for geophysicists to study.   The data collected will be transmitted by satellite to Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) where anyone can view the seismograms online at any time. 

The seismometer at the campus is part of a regional Penn State Network call PASEIS which in turn is part of a global network of seismic stations all stored at IRIS. IRIS is a consortium of over 100 US universities dedicated to the operation of science facilities for the acquisition, management, and distribution of seismological data. IRIS programs contribute to scholarly research, education, earthquake hazard mitigation, and verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.  Iris was founded in 1984 through support from the National Science Foundation.

With the high level of drilling activity surrounding Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, Penn State DuBois Professor of Mathematics and Geosciences Richard Brazier said the seismometer on campus will have a great deal of activity to monitor.

"With the Penn State networks, we’ll be able to follow where they are currently looking for gas," Brazier said of the drilling companies.  "The data can be used to describe the subsurface on a broader scale than the gas companies as well providing data that can aid in discriminating between Earthquakes and explosions."   

To view the data collected from the seismometer at Penn State DuBois, visit http://www.iris.edu/mda/PE/PSDB

Assistant Professor Neyda Abreu, and Assistant Professor Ben Turner both shared their work at the Geological Society of America's (GSA) 2010 Meeting and Exposition at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.  Founded in New York in 1888, the GSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the geosciences, or sciences related to the study of the planet.

Abreu presented on the benefits of using digital media in the classrooms, which she has found to be extremely engaging for modern college students aspiring to start geoscience careers and on the impact of international field trips into science students’ global awareness.  Her methods call for students to take a personal and hands-on approach to learning.

One example, Abreu explained, uses technology to incorporate video production as part of her course curriculum.  Rather than doing conventional lab reports, students in her Geoscience 201 course instead must produce two 50 minute videos titled, What Does it Take to Become a Volcanologist? and What Does it Take to Become a Planetary Geologist? The videos must include interviews with professionals in the fields, and information pertaining to research in the field.  These projects are intended to introduce students to these geosciences careers first hand, and demonstrate the relevance their course work has in the real world. 

Abreu also presented her findings on the impact field trips can have on students, over traditional classroom learning.  In courses like her Earth 400 seminar, Abreu explained, "Field experience is fundamental to conveying abstract concepts in the Earth sciences.  Some things are just difficult to communicate in the classroom."

As an example, she cited an extended field trip that she took students on in 2009.  They visited the Sudbury meteorite impact structure in Canada, which is the oldest and second largest impact crater on earth, which means it was created by a meteor or other celestial object striking the earth.  Visiting the site gave students a chance to study the effects of such extensive shock first hand.  Aside from learning about geological processes, Abreu said she believes in training 21^st century students to approach problems with a systemic perspective. She said Earth Sciences are ideal to introduce future scientists to notions of global interdependence and interconnectedness. 

Turner's presentation centered on methods he has refined and employed to help understand the sources of waterway contamination due to deep mining.  His quantitative hydrogeologic models help to identify the source of contamination, and could possibly be used to control or relocate the point of discharge for such mines.  A bonus in his research is that the same mine pool could also be used as a water supply or geothermal heat source if treated properly.

Turner presented his findings from work he has done in abandoned mines around the DuBois area.  His models illustrate the flow of water, its source, and where it ends up.  His work is ongoing, and could produce a very positive impact on the environment. 

Approximately 6,000 scientists attended the GSA's annual meeting from October 31, through November 3, in Colorado this year.  For more information on the GSA, visit  http://www.geosociety.org/

DuBois – Penn State DuBois Earth Science student Andie Graham took first place in the student poster contest at the Fifth Annual West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium, hosted by the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition (WBSRC) in Williamsport in May.  Her project poster reflected two years of research that she has conducted along with Penn State DuBois Assistant Professor of Geosciences Ben Turner. 

The symposium is held each year to highlight efforts being made to cleanup pollution in the West Branch of the Susquehanna watershed.  According to the WBSRC, abandoned mine drainage (AMD) is the single largest source of pollution to waterways within the watershed.  Approximately 30 groups consisting of watershed associations, Trout Unlimited chapters, conservation districts, and local businesses have come together to form (WBSRC) in a grassroots effort to clean up this water system.

For the past two years, Graham's work has consisted of monitoring pH levels at the Bilger Run wetland, located near Curwensville, Clearfield County. The site was severely impacted by AMD due to years of extensive coal and clay mining. The company, Hedin Environmental, started to treat the water there with limestone in 2008, with hopes of improving the water quality. Building upon research conducted by The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Graham and Turner studied the water at the Bilger site, and found the treatment is working.

"Results indicate that the water quality has slowly, but steadily improved since the implementation of the treatment system," Graham said. "After treatment, the pH increased from September 2008 to April 2009 with an average pH of 4.67." 

Their work is important because of the significant environmental impacts it could uncover.  It is possible that bird species in the area could be drastically affected by the AMD.  A reduction in the pollution could mean a resurgence of some species, although continued research is required on the subject. 

Graham received a $200 prize for her first place win in the poster contest.  However, she said the experiences she has had doing this work are the real prize.

"This has given me the opportunity to meet and work with several conservation groups such as Trout Unlimited, and the Western PA Conservancy. My involvement with these groups has led to several other great opportunities," she said. 

Remaining humble, Graham was also sure to give credit to fellow researchers, and those who have helped her along the way.

"As far as the award goes, there were so many wonderful presentations at the symposium, so I was really surprised when they announced that I had won. It was really unexpected," she said.  "Also, my Penn State DuBois instructors Keely Roen, and Joe Hummer, and Terry O'Conner from the Anderson Creek Watershed Association have been a huge help throughout this project."

For more information on efforts to clean up the West Branch of the Susquehanna and the entire watershed, visit http://www.wbsrc.org/index.html

DuBois - Penn State DuBois Associate Professor of Mathematics and Geosciences Rick Brazier had the unique opportunity to teach geology in Africa this year.  Penn State DuBois student Mike Yamrick also had the exceptional opportunity to be one of the students in Brazier's field school. 

The eight week long AfricaArray field school was based out of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Africa.  There were 25 students in all, including Yamrick from Penn State DuBois, and four students from other universities in the United States.  The rest of the students were from different locations on the African continent.   

Brazier and the students spent a week at the university designing their field project before heading out to a remote bush camp where they collected and interpreted geophysical data for the project. The goal of this undertaking was to collect geophysical data to benefit Africa’s economy and society, as well as to understand the geology of the continent.

The students from the U.S. made formal project presentations on their work at University Park.  Brazier is scheduled to present a portion of his work during the Natural Resources Colloquium at Penn State DuBois on April 30. 

 
"This experience for the students was not only academically beneficial but life changing," Brazier said, adding that bringing different cultures together within the school had a lasting impact as well.  "The cultural diversity aspect of this program is truly eye opening."

Yamrick said the experience helped him to decide that seismology is what he will concentrate on in his career. "The field school in Africa was awesome. I found what I am truly interested in, and what I would love to make a career out of," he said.  Yamrick also noted that the diverse group in the school made an impression on him as well.  "The field school was a very interesting experience. I got to meet people from a totally different culture, and work with some of the most qualified professors in the world."

AfricaArray is a partnership between Penn State University, Witwatersrand University, and the Council of Geosciences in Pretoria, South Africa.