Northland College Undergraduate Research

Presented by the Student Capstone or Research Experience (SCORE)Academic Scholarship Committee

Undergraduate Research

2011-2014

Northland College Student Capstone or Research Experience · iii

Northland College integrates liberal arts studies with an environmental emphasis, enabling those it serves to address the challenges of the future. Experiential learning throughout our curriculum and co-curriculum, from orientation to commencement, demonstrates our belief in active, and engaged learning. Student research and capstone experiences provide empowering opportunities for students to use their knowledge, skills and passions to seek new understandings and find innovations and solutions.

Welcome to an opportunity to look into their work. The students’ abstracts that are included here provide a window into student characteristics, their learning, and Northland College. Our data reveal that the Northland experience provides uniquely rich opportunities for students to receive mentoring that yields academic confidence and clarity of academic goal setting. You will see evidence of these outcomes in the abstracts. The topics and findings also reflect the values of the education available here.

We welcome you through this compilation to become more engaged in and with Northland College. We are all focused on facing issues, understanding them thoroughly, and seeking solutions and innovations. Education truly is the answer to everything.

MICHAEL A. MILLER, PH.D.PRESIDENT

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

iv · Student Capstone or Research Experience Northland College

NOTE FROM THE DEAN

LESLIE D. ALLDRITT, PH.D.VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

AND DEAN OF THE FACULTY

Research is often a solitary endeavor. Individuals grapple with questions, shape theses, read, experiment, gather data, write, revise, and revise again. Even those who work as part of a research team or under the guidance of a mentor, spend long hours alone in the field, at the lab bench, keying in data, staring at columns of numbers on a screen. Often introverts by nature, many researchers love these solitary components of their work and welcome the opportunity to spend long hours in quiet library carrels or sitting behind the lens of a spotting scope watching and recording.

But, ultimately, for research to be meaningful, the outcomes of those solitary hours need to be shared. The observations and data and conclusions must be woven into a coherent story and conference papers or posters must be prepared and presented, articles must be written and published. Only then can others review, question, duplicate, and finally validate the insights and conclusions—the truths—that have emerged from the research. Only then, does the research become a meaningful contribution to our understanding of the world and our experiences in it.

Through the abstracts collected here, Northland College students take that crucial last step in the research process and share the outcomes of their capstone projects. In doing so, they enrich our understanding of the world and demonstrate their successful transformations from students to scholars.

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WENDY GORMAN, PH.D. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

CHAIR AND PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

As faculty members and mentors to students, we often tell them to “think outside the box,” when many times it is we who are confined by our notions of how things should work. Mentoring student research is a particularly rewarding experience because faculty members are exposed to many different student approaches and perspectives. One such perspective-stretching experience for me was my mentoring a student who for her senior capstone experience did an exploration of ethnobotanical medicine in Bilsa, Ecuador. Francesca Pascale had researched summer internship opportunities in a topic she was passionate about: ethnobotany. She selected the Bilsa Biological Station in Ecuador, with the goal of researching the plants in Bilsa’s medicinal plant garden: identifying them to genus and species, learning how they are used by the local people, and researching the active medicinal ingredients. This information would ultimately be molded into a scientific report and submitted for capstone credit that is required for graduation from Northland College. The internship did not go as planned. Instead, Francesca spent more time observing the people and learning the culture and less time on the medicinal garden, largely because the garden was in disrepair when she arrived. There was only one botany book on site, and that one was on woody plants, and she had no way of drying plant specimens for later study. The resulting capstone project was a delightful mix of personal stories and experiences Francesca had while she was in Bilsa, interspersed with ethnobotany “nuggets” of information. Scientific report? Not even close. Instead I discovered a wonderful writer who was capable of pulling us into her story, of entertaining us, and even teaching us some ethnobotany. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with her as an advisor and mentor.

NOTE FROM FACULTY AS MENTORS & ADVISORS

vi · Student Capstone or Research Experience Northland College

DEREK OGLE, PH.D.PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS AND

NATURAL RESOURCES

Undergraduate research provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in their courses and co-curricular activities to answer a question of interest or importance, develop a line of reasoning or a methodology, or investigate a passion more deeply. This activity fosters creativity and exploration, while allowing students to hone their skills and develop a greater depth of knowledge. Independent research is both a great capstone to an undergraduate career and a boost towards a job or graduate school. Not every student completes an independent research project in their undergraduate career because this is hard work. An independent research project requires the identification of a question or idea, development of a methodology to answer that question or express that idea, the wherewithal to implement the methodology, and the ability and desire to communicate the results.

In the recent past, the communication portion of the independent research project has consisted of a written document that often ended up buried in a professor’s filing cabinet, a presentation to a small group of friends, or both. This publication, which contains the abstracts of independent research projects conducted by Northland College students that culminated in a successful poster session, changes that by bringing the students’ results to a larger audience in a brighter light. This publication is important because it is the first of its kind at Northland, but it is also important because it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the student authors and documents their findings so that others can build upon them.

This document is also important to me for selfish reasons. I personally enjoy teaching and performing scholarly research, and working with students on their research projects allows me to combine these passions. I believe that this publication, and the promise that annual versions will exist, will motivate more students to conduct their own research projects under the direction of a Northland professor. Finally, working with a student to successfully complete a research project is incredibly rewarding to me, primarily because the student often demonstrates how they have matured and what they have learned while attending Northland College.

NOTE FROM FACULTY AS MENTORS & ADVISORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2014Tyler Klein 1Ryan Andersen 1Dylan Hudson 1Allison M. DeRose 2Rachel Pettit 3Ivan Gaikowski 4Amy Cattelino 5Jake Williams 6Craig Jolma 8Jessie Swider 9Jayna Loy 10Dianna Martin 11Stephanie Lein 12Alyssia Sanchez 13Matthew J. Widen 14Emily E. Leonard 14Jordan S. Mead 14Dalton Lebeda 16Taylor R. Stewart 17Dominic Martinez 18Erika J. Zocher 19Sarah Spinelli 20Colton Eddy 21Ben Roob 22

2013Trevor Brennin 24Andrew Goblirsch 24Anthony Jones 24Kristin M. Brunk 25Allison M. DeRose 26Emily K. Heald (’12) 26Hannah Marie Fanney 27Kevin C. Grand 28John Grunde 29Gabriella L. Jukkala 30Angela Koosmann 31Eric Krall 32Diana Reader 32Elizabeth Leighton 33Jordan Mead 34Arthur Minar 35Emily Moravec 36Drew Nenangard 37Erin Roembke 38Ethan B. Rossing 39David Thompson 40Andrew Van Gorp 41

2012Stevie Blanchard 42Angelique Carl 43Kaeleen Ringberg 43Daniel Warfel 43Jacob Carlson 44Brian C. Dauphinais 45Sean P. McIlrath 45David Hunsicker 45Margaret Harings 46Jessica Haugan 47Emily Heald 48William Mokry 49Jamie Rasor 50Adam Schwantes 51Clara Smoniewski 52Robert Warner 53

2011Miguel Alvelo-Rivera 54Thomas Bernard 55Lucas Brogan 56Jennifer Cummings 57Benjamin W. Hughey 58Amber Mealman 59Francesca Pascale 60Cara Robinson 61Laura F. Schmidt 63Laurel Smerch 64

Northland College SCORE (Student Capstone or Research Experience) · 12014

FACULTY MENTOR: Nick RobertsonAssistant Professor of Chemistry

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:Tyler KleinRyan AndersenDylan Hudson

CONTROLLED HYDROGENATIVE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF POLYESTERS AND POLYCARBONATES CATALYZED BY RUTHENIUM(II) PNN PINCER COMPLEXES

Every year millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped into landfills. However, only a small percentage of it is ever recycled. Traditional recycling of plastic creates inferior products compared to the original plastic due to residual impurities. The purpose of this project was to create a better pathway for used polyesters and polycarbonates to be broken down intouseful chemicals. These chemicals have the potential to be reused for a variety of different applications. We combined the used plastic with a Ruthenium-based catalyst into a sealed reactor under high hydrogen gas pressure for one to two days at an elevated temperature. The resulting products were value-added chemicals. Value-added chemicals are valuable chemicals that have been created from cheap sources—in this case, waste plastic. The Ruthenium-based catalyst effectively depolymerized a variety of polyesters and polycarbonates, including the commonly used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). This is a potential alternative route for used plastics to be recycled into value-added chemical feedstocks, instead of going to the landfill. Also, it may reduce dependence on petroleum sourced chemical feedstocks in favor of using plastic waste.

2 · SCORE (Student Capstone or Research Experience) Northland College

2014

FACULTY MENTOR: Derek OgleProfessor of Mathematics and Natural Resources

Lean lake trout are a profitable by-catch in the Lake Whitefish commercial fishery in Lake Superior. Incidentally caught lake trout are either kept for the market or released. Release rates of Lake trout in Lake Superior commercial fisheries are poorly understood. Results of a statistical catch-at-age model suggest that commercial harvest is largely responsible for declines in lake trout spawning stock biomass since 2005. Annual Lake trout mortality rates currently exceed what is acceptable for the lake trout fishery to be sustainable. The total allowable catch (TAC) of lake trout has been reduced, yet commercial fishing effort levels are the highest they have been in decades. Fisheries managers believe that release rates of lake trout and the ensuing mortality are higher than what is currently modeled. A combination of legal commercial harvest of lake trout and the effects of releasing may be contributing to the decline in lake trout spawning stock biomass. The purpose of this study is to examine current release rates of lake trout and to estimate the mortality of released lake trout. We estimate that as much as a third of the lake trout catch may be released within a year and that as many as 25,000 released Lake trout between 2003 and 2012 died from gillnetting injuries. Incidental mortality of released lake trout is likely not responsible for the decline in lake trout spawning stock biomass as the TAC was only exceeded in one year, even when incidental mortality was considered.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Allison M. DeRose

HOW DOES RELEASING LEAN LAKE TROUT IMPACT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE APOSTLE ISLANDS COMMERCIAL FISHERY?


2014

FACULTY MENTORS: Brandon HofstedtAssistant Professor of Sustainable Community DevelopmentKevin SchanningProfessor of Sociology

The vitality and self-sufficiency of rural communities is built on economic stability that provides jobs and income for residents. Historically, many rural areas have relied on natural resource-based economies, but as these industries (mining and logging in particular) decline or move elsewhere, rural communities must evolve or face collapse. Successful, locally owned small businesses typified by their location in a downtown are an important component of a dynamic rural economy.

How do chambers of commerce and economic development organizations provide support for small businesses in rural communities in order to facilitate better success?

Qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with the directors of the chamber of commerce and an economic development organization in Ashland, WI; Houghton, MI; and Virginia, MN.

In general, these organizations focus on attraction, retention and expansion, and recruitment in their community, while also cooperating with businesses, other organizations and multiple levels of government to provide a variety of supports: financial, educational, and promotional.

It’s imperative that these organizations remain in rural communities because they provide important supports that are not provided by any other entity.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Rachel Pettit

THROUGH THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND THE AGONY OF DEFEAT: Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations Support Rural Small Business


2014

Contrary to the popular belief that earthworms are wholly beneficial organisms for the soil, there has been extensive research illuminating that earthworm colonization instigates significant ecosystem changes by the consumption of the organic layer of the soil, creating a loss of habitat for insects and ground-dwelling rodents and birds as well as for plants that need thick duff for germination. The rapid digestion of these organics also creates a long term loss of soil nutrients. This study examined the changes in soil structure, chemistry, and organic content along an earthworm front in the Rainbow Lake Wilderness in Bayfield County, WI, with the goal to determine and map the annelidogenic transformations to the soil and sub-soil deposits. Tactile and chemical analyses relate soil transformations to earthworm ecological groups, finding that the soil structure is altered significantly, nutrient levels are impacted greatly, and there is mixing the organic and sedimentary deposits. This data suggest that the Rainbow Lake Wilderness is undergoing the ecological transformation of earthworm colonization and that the post-worming environment can be expected to yield many changes.

FACULTY MENTORS: Bruce GoetzProfessor of GeoscienceTom FitzAssociate Professor of Geoscience

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Ivan Gaikowski

EFFECT OF EARTHWORM COLONIZATION ON NEW-GROWTH NORTHERN MESIC FOREST SOILS, RAINBOW LAKE WILDERNESS, BAYFIELD COUNTY, WI


Coastal erosion is happening all over the world on our coastlines, and it is a continuing problem that should be addressed more than it is currently. People don’t quite realize how unstable some coastlines are and are continuing to build structures on/close to them. This puts a lot of stress on these areas and can cause many problems down the road. Hopefully, if people understand that coastlines aren’t as stable as they look, they will start to realize that we need to be very conscious with what we do around them because humans are increasing the rate of erosion on our coastlines.

To gather my research, I looked through all of my textbooks and notes from classes while attending Northland College and reviewed what had been covered with coastal erosion. I did some research in libraries and online, as well as focusing on one local coastline in my project. I chose Saxon Harbor which is located in Saxon, Wisconsin, (about 30 miles east of Ashland, WI) in Oronto Bay on Lake Superior. I drove down to Saxon Harbor a few times during the school year to document photographically what the coast line looked like every time to see if I could show people how fast this coastline is eroding. I also have pictures that I have taken in previous years of Saxon Harbor that show the erosion that has happened. (I have family in the area, and, thus, have visited this beach a lot).

I discovered that coastal erosion is happening very fast, geologically speaking. I re-learned about how waves act in the water, which is eroding the coastlines very rapidly. I learned about the movement of sand on beaches, moving both perpendicularly and parallel to the coastline. Wave refraction (the bending of waves) plays a huge role.“It affects the distribution of energy along the shore and thus strongly influences where and to what degree erosion, sediment transport, and deposition will take place.” The rate of erosion is also dependent on the shoreline features present and their texture, composition, and structure.

With these findings, I have found that there have been efforts in the past and present that are being used to help either to stop or to mitigate coastal erosion. Structures that have been built and are being built are called hard stabilization structures; examples of these are: jetties, groins, breakwaters, and seawalls. Each have their advantages and disadvantages (with the location/type of shoreline/etc.), but we are moving in the right direction. I will continue to study coastal erosion in the future, and hopefully will one day develop a type of hard stabilization structure that will work much better than the options we have now, and be as environmentally conscious as I can while doing so.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Amy Cattelino

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF COASTAL EROSION: A Look at Saxon Harbor

FACULTY MENTOR: Bruce Goetz Professor of Geoscience

6 · SCORE (Student Capstone or Research Experience) Northland College2014

Aquaponics is the hybridization of hydroponics and aquaculture. The combination of the two eliminates a problem associated with each of them: typically, hydroponics requires the input of chemical fertilizers to feed the plants, and closed-loop aquaculture requires the removal or filtration of dirty water. But in aquaponics the plants and their grow medium filter the water and the fish waste in the water acts as fertilizer for the plants.

Aquaponic systems generally have seven main components, three living elements, two external inputs, and two grow mediums. The living elements are the fish plants and bacteria. The role of the bacteria is a very important one; they convert ammonia, the main component of fish waste, into nitrates, a form of nitrogen more usable by plants and less toxic to fish. The fish are the base of the system; they provide the fuel that feeds the bacteria and the plants. Many different fish species can be used, the most common being tilapia, or a polyculture can be utilized. The main considerations for choosing the fish are optimal temperature, oxygen needs, eating habits, time until maturity, mature size, and stress tolerance. The plants play the role of removing the nitrates from the water. Just about any plants, from subterranean to fruit trees, can be grown in aquaponic systems, but the ideal species are leafy greens like lettuce or basil.

There are many different aquaponic system design types, but there are three main ones most commonly used. Media-based systems are the most common, especially among hobbyists. They involve growing the plants in grow beds filled with a rocky medium, such as gravel or expanded shale or clay, which acts as a bio filter. The grow beds are regularly filled and drained by pumping water from the fish tank. The most commonly used design for commercial systems is raft method. In this design, the plants are grown in large rafts floated either directly on the fish tank or, more commonly, in a separate but connected tank. This allows for a higher fish density, easy harvest, and maximizes the grow space on the floor of a greenhouse; however, it can only support low-nutrient plants and requires additional filtration.

The final design type is nutrient film technique. In this design, the plants are grown in long troughs in which the roots dangle in a constant flow of water. This is helpful because it allows for systems to be expanded upwards and requires less floor space. However, like the raft method it can only support low-nutrient plants with root systems small enough for the troughs, and it requires additional filtration as well.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jake Williams

AQUAPONICS: One Solution for Many Problems FACULTY MENTOR: Bruce GoetzProfessor of Geoscience


There are many useful applications for aquaponic systems. They can be set up in educational settings as a tool to teach about biology, ecology, chemistry, global farming perspectives, or integrated systems. They can be utilized in urban settings because they don’t require arable land. They are great for suburban setting because they are flexible enough to be set up in garages, backyards, or basements. They are great for greenhouses in rural areas as a form of sustenance farming because they supply multiple revenue and nutritional sources. And they are perfect for Third World regions because they have low water and energy demands.

If aquaponics were implemented on a large scale, it would help reduce many of the issues facing the world today. Agriculture is the world’s leading use of water, and aquaponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional agriculture. It could supply important nutrients to regions devastated by malnutrition, like urban and Third World areas. It could supplement some of the overfishing occurring in today’s oceans. It would help land conservation and reduce deforesting because it requires non-fertile land and less of it. It is essentially pollution free because it minimizes the use of fossil fuels and produces no runoff pollution. Also, it minimizes the threat of climate change to global food systems because it is not as influenced by temperature and precipitations swings.

CONTINUED AQUAPONICS: One Solution for Many Problems


A large market exists in the United States for specialty lumber. This business plan is the starting point in attempting to provide for that market. Rook’s Specialty Lumber provides high quality, specialty lumber at an affordable cost for anybody in need, while additionally providing safe and secure purchases through easy-to-use eBay.

There is a shortage of businesses that sell specialty lumber, especially ones that sell to individuals throughout the United States. This is a problem for other business and individuals in need of specialty lumber. Guitar and violin neck makers, in particular, need a constant supply of specialty lumber in order to run a successful business of their own. I set out to determine if Rook’s Specialty Lumber could not only provide for its customer base but grow that customer base while solidifying itself as a successful, long-term business.

Before starting on the business plan, it was important to test and determine the market for specialty lumber. To do this, I sold small amounts of specialty lumber on eBay for several years. As sales were made, I kept track of all financial information, while perfecting my marketing strategy. By doing these things, I was able to extrapolate the data in accordance with having more lumber to sell, which helped determine projected future sales. When it came time to create the business plan, I used the Small Business Administration’s (sba.gov) business plan template. All that was left to do was transfer the experience, knowledge, and financial data I had gained to a correctly formatted business plan.

My results showed that there definitely is a market for a specialty lumber business, especially, and online one. Specialty lumber is not only rare but difficult to find at the high quality level that Rook’s Specialty Lumber provides. Additionally, I determined that Rook’s Specialty Lumber has the potential to be a successful business and even grow into a top competitor in the specialty lumber industry.

In conclusion, I will go ahead with this business plan to start up Rook’s Specialty Lumber. The possibility for expansion and growth appears to be real, which should make Rook’s Specialty Lumber even more successful. This expansion/growth could come in the form of selling more lumber, hiring employees, and selling different products such as moldings or flooring. I also hope other business majors interested in starting a business can use my plan for their own endeavors.

FACULTY MENTOR: Dick JoyalProfessor of Business Administration and Economics

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Craig Jolma

ROOK’S SPECIALTY LUMBER: Business Plan


2014

RECIDIVISM AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN ASHLAND COUNTY

With the increasing rates of incarceration in the United States, there is consequently an increasing number of ex-inmates being released back into society. With many of these ex-inmates unable to find their place once released back into the community and without proper social services or treatment programming, they are returning to prison in high numbers. This project is intended to discover the degree of effectiveness of the Ashland County rehabilitation programs Adult Drug Court (ADC) and Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) in reducing recidivism. The data for this project was provided by the Ashland County Courts Office and included everyone who was found guilty of committing a crime between 2009 and October 2013. A univariate and bivariate analyses were preformed to access the factors that influence recidivism. These rehabilitation programs have been designed to treat offenders with primarily drug or alcohol related offences, and, upon completion of the program, they can receive decreased prison sentences and/or reduce fines. I found that both ADC and TAD lowered the rates of recidivism in Ashland County, and both programs show great promise for lowering future rates.

FACULTY MENTORS: Kevin SchanningProfessor of SociologyBrandon HofstedtAssistant Professor of Sustainable Community Development

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jessie Swider

COLLABORATORS:Terry SchemenauerCriminal Justice CoordinatorAnn WhitingDrug Court CoordinatorKelly McKnightAshland County District AttorneyScott HultmanTAD Deputy


With the largest freshwater surface area in the world, Lake Superior is greatly affected by cells of pressure and their resulting winds. The frictional force of wind blowing over surface waters creates a seiche wave that varies in size, depending on the strength and duration of the wind. Seiche waves spread kinetic energy over large distances, releasing most of this energy at lake boundaries.

By conducting research into scientific articles and analyzing charts and images produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, I will gain a detailed understanding of the seiche phenomenon on Lake Superior.

The seiche occurs with a wave length of several hundred miles and a height of a couple inches. These waves oscillate through the lake in decreasing amplitude even after the wind has stopped. Increased winds during the months of October and November lead to the larger seiches.

The release of kinetic energy as seiche waves move into shallow boundaries creates upwelling currents that bring nutrients and oxygen rich waters from the lake bottom, mixing with depleted warm water at the surface. The seiche phenomenon helps to produce productive zones near shore.

FACULTY MENTOR: Bruce GoetzProfessor of Geoscience

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jayna Loy

LAKE SUPERIOR SEICHE: The Chemical and Physical Analysis of an Inland Sea


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Dianna Martin

GENDER WITHIN LAW ENFORCEMENT


There is a paucity of studies examining gender with police officers. We fail to show gender specifically with DNR Wardens. Within law enforcement, the culture carries masculine traits that make it harder to do gender in this field. It is important to study game wardens, specifically women game wardens, because their duties are stereotypical masculine duties. For example they have to know laws and specifics on hunting game, weapons, and basic law enforcement duties.

There is a significant gap in the study of gender within law enforcement. There is a history of women entering the field of law enforcement, but only to become police officers. Women entering law enforcement to become a game warden can require similar training, but there is different knowledge behind daily duties performed.

For this research, purposive sampling was used to choose participants for in-depth interviews. A set of questions was asked, then transcribed and coded.

Wardens are challenged by certain duties, whether one is male or female. Wardens are stationed in a small community, which makes it easier to do gender.

This work will help to diversify the study of gender within law enforcement.

COLLABORATORS:Jill SchartnerAmie EgstadBrad Biser


Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) is a type of pollutant that can be trapped in various parts of the respiratory system and cause major health problems in humans.

During the week of February 24th, 2008 Odanah, Wisconsin, experienced a pollution episode during which levels of particulate matter climbed above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The goal here is to understand how pollution can be transported within an area.

A Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, provided by Air Resources Laboratory, uses historical meteorological data from a specified date and location and tracks the movement of an air parcel. In this study, a HYSPLIT model with an average backward trajectory time of 96 hours showed air moving to the Wisconsin location for the date mentioned above. The computer program Panoply can take raw meteorological data from the National Weather Service and produce an image to better conceptualize data on this day. MATLAB, another computer program, was used to interpret raw data from the air site in Odanah to produce understandable graphics.

There is no definitive answer to why February 24, 2008, was the highest PM2.5 event in Bad River. But there are many variables that play a factor in determining a source location of a pollutant, whether it be local or transport. This does provide a hypothesis as to where the pollution could have come from. Minneapolis, St. Paul area is the best location for source region.

Odanah, Wisconsin, has exceptionally good air quality in regards to PM2.5, with a few variations of relatively high occurrences. The majority of the concentrations stay well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (35 ug/m3). Only one day on record went above that standard, February 24th, 2008. This was mainly due to an inversion and a high pressure system over the area, trapping the polluted air to the ground, and light winds from the Twin Cities. Limitations need to be taken into account when reviewing the data such as insufficient data and monitoring procedures. Since the Bad River Reservation is in a rural environment, weather is the largest determining factor when it comes to air quality. In Bad River, therefore, it is vital to understand weather movement and day-to-day patterns when assessing extreme events, like February 24th, 2008, when the overall air quality is good.

FACULTY MENTORS: Luke Van RoekelAssistant Professor of Atmospheric ScienceSharon AnthonyAssociate Professor of Environmental Science

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Stephanie Lein

PARTICULATE POLLUTION ON THE BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA INDIAN RESERVATION

COLLABORATOR:Nathan Kilger


2014

It is important to study race in the context of prisons because of the increasing number of people incarcerated each year and how being socialized in a prison can contribute toward how individuals develop attitudes towards other races.

The purpose of this research is to explore if incarceration affects how individuals feel about race.

For this project, purposive and snowball sampling were used to find individuals who were willing to participate in the project. These people participated in in-depth interviews.

The data that has been collected so far has shown that being incarcerated has a positive effect on individuals and their attitudes on race.

Looking into incarceration and seeing its effects on racial attitudes is a great start in the field when understanding race relations in prison, and then using this information to aid in prison structural changes that will help create a more racially positive environment.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Alyssia Sanchez

HOW INCARCERATION AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS RACE


Canada yew (Taxus canadensis Marsh) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that was likely historically abundant in the understory of northern forests in the Great Lakes region. Today, its scarcity has earned its recognition as a species of Special Concern in Wisconsin. Yet, it is locally robust on some islands in the Great Lakes region, including the Apostle Islands.

Many of these islands serve as refuges for Canada yew from over-browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginicus). Deer densities have increased on some islands, prompting concern among resource managers about the impacts of deer browsing on these unique island ecosystems.

Using data collected in 1991-92, we investigate the status and 23-year trends in the distribution and abundance of Canada yew in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We relate these changes in yew to deer histories among the islands.

We surveyed Canada yew presence along 223 km of transects distributed among 18 of the Apostle Islands during summer 2013. We estimated the percent cover and measured the maximum and average height of yew in 100 m2 circular plots spaced every 400 or 800 meters, depending on island size. We also noted signs of browsing by deer or hare. The sampling intensity was designed to approximate half of the intensity of the 1990s survey. Using GIS, we inferred the spatial pattern of yew between surveyed points using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) spatial interpolation. We applied this spatial technique to data from 2013 and 1991-92. We subtracted the cell values between raster images to produce a map illustrating the change in percent cover of yew across islands. Other analyses using these data are on-going.

Since 1991-92, there have been noticeable and drastic (>50%) declines in the percent cover of yew in certain areas on Sand, York, Otter, Ironwood, and Cat Islands. Yew recovery has occurred on some islands, most notably, >50% increases in yew cover have occurred on much of Outer Island. Elsewhere among the islands, yew abundance appears stable.

FACULTY MENTOR: Sarah E. JohnsonAssistant Professor of Natural Resources

STUDENT RESEARCHERS:Matthew J. WidenEmily E. LeonardJordan S. Mead

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF CANADA YEW (TAXUS CANADENSIS IN A LAKE SUPERIOR ARCHIPELAGO


2014

With their myriad histories of deer presence and land-use history, the Apostle Islands provides researchers with a unique natural experiment for investigating important ecological and management-driven questions. The spatial and temporal changes in Canada yew reflect this specie’s sensitivities to loss of foliage. Evidence of increases in yew cover on some islands likely reflects recovery from intensive logging, fires, and past browsing. Sustained browsing by high numbers of deer is a threat to these islands’ rare evergreen understories. We recommend that resource managers be vigilant and proactive with deer management on islands showing hot-spots of yew loss in the past 23-years. Managers should conduct frequent monitoring of the yew populations on Sand and York Islands to ascertain if yew is on a trajectory of recovery after major deer culling activities. Planting yew in areas of high loss may be necessary.

CONTINUED SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF CANADA YEW (TAXUS CANADENSIS) IN A LAKE SUPERIOR ARCHIPELAGO


The Winnebago Lake Sturgeon fishery is highly regulated with strict harvest caps set for juvenile and adult females as well as male lake sturgeon. When the harvest caps are reached, the lake sturgeon spearing season closes. Thus, it is very important that the sex and maturity stage of each Lake sturgeon is correctly identified, as one fish can make the difference between immediately closing the season and allowing it to continue for one more day.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the sex of lake sturgeon can be reliably determined in a non-invasive manner using fat content readings from a Distell Fatmeter™.

Three lateral and three ventral readings were taken with the Fatmeter™ from 71 lake sturgeon harvested during the 2013 and 2014 spearing seasons on Lake Winnebago. Linear discriminant analyses and logistic regression were used to determine if the sex of the fish could be accurately determined from the Fatmeter™ readings. Combined Fatmeter™ readings alone accurately predicted sex for only 54.5% of females and 50.0% of males. When length and weight were included with the Fatmeter™ readings, sex was accurately predicted for only 70.6% of females and 80.0% of males.

We concluded from these findings that Fatmeter™ readings cannot be used to accurately determine the sex of lake sturgeon harvested during the winter spearing season.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Dalton Lebeda

CAN A FATMETER™ BE USED TO DETERMINE THE SEX OF LAKE STURGEON (ACIPENSER FULVESCENS)?


2014

In 1952, pygmy whitefish (Prosopium coulterii) were discovered in Lake Superior, which was at least 1770 km from all previous records of occurrence on the Pacific Slope. A comprehensive life history study was published in 1953, but no further life-history studies of Lake Superior pygmy whitefish have occurred. In 2013, we collected pygmy whitefish at 28 stations from throughout Lake Superior. The total length of all fish and the total length, weight, sex, and maturity were recorded, and scales and sagittal otoliths were collected, for a subsample of fish. Age assignments from scales and otolith thin-sections from fish collected in 2013 differed significantly (p<0.001), with otolith ages significantly greater after age-2. Maximum otolith age was 9 for females and 7 for males in 2013, compared to scale ages of 7 for females and 5 for males in 1953. Mean lengths of males and females in 2013 did not differ at age-3 (p=0.183), but did differ at age-5 and 8 (both p<0.001). Female pygmy whitefish live longer, grow to a longer maximum length, and are longer after age-3 than males. Our results suggest that the growth dynamics of pygmy whitefish have not changed much in 60 years, and support the conclusion that pygmy whitefish live longer than previously thought, though longevity probably has not changed since 1953.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Taylor R. Stewart

AGE AND GROWTH OF PYGMY WHITEFISH, PROSOPIUM COULTERII, IN LAKE SUPERIOR

COLLABORATOR:Mark R. Vinson


Outdoor recreational activities pose certain soil degradation threats depending on the activity. Soil remediation projects can generally cost large sums of money once these stresses become adherent, but the majority of stresses that cause soil degradation can be prevented during the project’s developing stages.

Understanding the texture, composition, and structure of the soils that are being developed can aid in proper turf management plans that will prevent soil degradation. I have proposed the installation of a disc golf course on the Northland College’s campus, with the intent on testing multiple inexpensive, soil degradation preventatives specific to the clayey soils found all over campus.

Research on the common soil degradation issues associated with disc golf courses was conducted. Soil samples were collected at two different locations on campus where the disc golf course is proposed. Prior to collection, research on the geologic history of these clay soils and how they were deposited was determined; glaciation was the driving force.

Increasing the soils porosity and structural stability is a key factor when implementing soil prevention techniques to a disc golf course on campus. Constant foot traffic will create compacted soils, which increases the pooling of water from precipitation and run off. Techniques ranging from topsoil to subterranean alterations using natural materials such as sand and gravel to man-made structures can be utilized to combat these potential stressors. Testing of different techniques will identify which preventative measures will provide the best soil degradation prevention.

The soils found around campus are an extremely clay-rich, with little to no sand. Installation of a disc golf course on campus will involve multiple small testing sites, each utilizing a different preventative compaction technique. Sites will be GPS marked, enabling a future student to resurvey the marked test areas after exposure to recreational use. Following the resurvey, a decision can be made as to which soil prevention technique provided the best results, potentially using those results for large scale preventative measures to the course as a whole, or even for the entire campus.

FACULTY MENTORS: Bruce Goetz Professor of Geoscience Tom FitzAssociate Professor of Geoscience

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Dominic Martinez

RIPARIAN GEOLOGY AND TURF MANAGEMENT IN THE CHEQUAMEGON BAY


Long Island Sound is an elongate estuary of the Atlantic Ocean between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York, to the south. It is characterized by a general sedimentary trend of fine-grained material in the west with a gradual transition to coarse-grained material in the east. The surface sediment distribution of the Sound greatly impacts the concentrations of metal contaminants, both natural and anthropogenic. Areas of particular concern include the western and central regions. The predominance of deposition, heavily populated cities, and a high volume of industry along the shore contribute to the presence of metal contaminants in the sediment, which pose risks to human and environmental health. The study area for this research was between Port Jefferson, NY, and Bridgeport, CT, in the western center of the Sound. A series of metal contaminants (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ti, Zn, Zr) was evaluated in surface sediment samples from the study area. Expeditions were carried out by a team from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) in June of 2013 on the R/V Seawolf and R/V Pritchard of Stony Brook University. Grab samples were collected using a modified Van Veen grab. University of Connecticut samples were also used as part of the analysis. These samples were collected in 2012 using the Seabed Observation and Sampling System (SEABOSS) of the Woods Hole Science Center. 217 samples from 2012-13 were processed and analyzed at LDEO. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to determine light and heavy metal concentrations. 2012-13 sediment data were compared with data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 1996 and 1997. Contaminant distribution maps were created using the Spline interpolation method on ArcGis version 10.1 for both datasets. The majority of samples from 2012-13 contained Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations below “Effects Range-Low” (ERL) guideline values, which are indicative of concentrations below which adverse effects rarely occur. Based on results from the 217 samples, concentrations of several metals of concern appear to have decreased in the study area compared to the 1996-97 surveys. This may be due to changes in deposition or erosion, sources of sediment, or success in stricter environmental regulations.

METALS IN THE MUD: Changes in Surface Sediment Contamination in Long Island Sound

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Erika J. Zocher

FACULTY MENTOR: Tom FitzAssociate Professor of Geoscience

COLLABORATOR: Tim Kenna and Frank NitscheLamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY

2014


Power generation and the production of fossil fuels require water, and the supply of high-quality freshwater is energy intensive. A growing population and changing climate currently is, and will continue to, increasing the pressure on both resources. By the year 2060, Texas’ population is expected to increase 82 percent. Without major changes in the state’s water management, over 50 percent of the population in 2060 could face a water deficit of at least 45 percent of their projected demand. The use of desalination of Gulf water could supply additional water resources but does not qualify overuse. Policy for energy and water resources needs to be integrated to consider less-intensive water options immediately.

TEXAS’ WATER-ENERGY NEXUS AND POTENTIAL OF DESALINATION

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Sarah Spinelli

FACULTY MENTOR: Bruce GoetzProfessor of Geoscience

2014


Research on the influence of topographic variability on severe weather is sparse. My research suggests that primary impact is through the surface energy budget. This research focuses on the Penokee Mountains, a small feature (approximately 1600 ft. in elevation) in northern Wisconsin. The region is unique in that surface fluxes are also highly influenced by Lake Superior.

The influence Lake Superior and variations in topography have on severe weather is currently unknown. The ultimate goal of this research is to determine what effect these two influences can have on severe weather and help improve forecasting abilities.

The simulations suggest that the absence of topography causes more activity within the target area. When looking at the differences in the various fluxes, we see that there are increases in latent, sensible, and moisture fluxes for the no-topography cases. This is most likely due to the increase in 2m temperatures across the area. It was also observed that the water vapor mixing ratio was also higher in the simulations with no topography. These factors appear to be causing the increase in convective activity observed. These conclusions are tentative due to the sparse sample size. More case days will be examined. We will also examine the influence of grid resolution and the choice of convective parameterization.

THE INFLUENCE OF TOPOGRAPHIC VARIABILITY ON SEVERE WEATHER

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Colton Eddy

FACULTY MENTOR: Luke Van RoekelAssistant Professor of Atmospheric Science

2014


The Great Lakes impact a very large region and millions of lives on a regular basis. Severe weather and its potential impacts on life and public property are always at the forefront of forecasters’ priorities when issuing watches and warnings. My research provides a crucial look into the Great Lakes’ interaction with supercell thunderstorms; this interaction is an integral part to accurate severe weather forecasting and saving lives.

The interaction between the Great Lakes and preexisting weather, particularly severe thunderstorms, is unknown and needs to be extensively researched. The ultimate problem to solve is to understand this interaction and be able to integrate it into forecasting when issuing severe weather alerts heading toward the lakes.

Storm report data were collected using NOAA’s NCDC storm reports archive. Dates were selected for the southeastern Wisconsin subject area for storms that showed signs of weakening, strengthening, or displayed no change at all as they propagated toward Lake Michigan. This criterion was used to analyze radar reflectivity and analyze storm reports. An increase in associated radar reflectivity and storm reports as storms neared the lake was defined as a strengthening event, and vice versa for weakening events. Events which displayed minimal changes in radar reflectivity and associated storm reports were events that stayed the same.

It was found that the Great Lakes are capable of inducing micro environments that alter environmental parameters over their boundaries as compared to land. Parameters especially pertaining to lake-storm interaction are land-to-water surface temperature gradient andvertical temperature gradient. The land-to-water surface temperature threshold for weakening or strengthening is 10˚C. Under 10, storms strengthen or are unaffected, over 10 and storms weaken. The vertical temperature gradient threshold is .28˚C/m. Below this, storms strengthen or are unaffected by the Lake, above this and storms weaken. This is significant in that it can improve forecasting for near-shore Lake Michigan communities in the form of more precise

SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS AND LAKE MICHIGAN

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Ben Roob

FACULTY MENTOR: Luke Van RoekelAssistant Professor of Atmospheric Science

2014


CONTINUED SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS AND LAKE MICHIGAN

and accurate warnings. The change in reflectivity plots, with a larger sample size, may greatly improve forecast techniques in giving a prediction on storm magnitude and reflectivity as storms propagate toward the water. These findings pave the way for further studies and begin to articulate the very complex interactions large bodies of water have on preexisting weather.

The implications of these findings are that the Great Lakes do indeed interact with severe weather, and this research provides a basis for understanding this interaction. As this interaction becomes better understood, forecasters can more accurately predict how supercell thunderstorms will evolve as they propagate toward the lake. This will increase forecast accuracy as well as public trust in forecasters, which is a vital piece to protecting life and property—the ultimate goal.

Northland College Student Capstone or Research Experience · 1

2013

FACULTY MENTOR: Rick Dowd Professor of Chemistry

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Trevor BrenninAndrew GoblirschAnthony Jones

CIGARETTE ECOTOXICOLOGY

Each year, trillions of cigarette butts are littered worldwide. These cigarette butts, like cigarette smoke, may have hazardous biological and environmental effects in aquatic ecosystems. We are analyzing cigarette butt leachate in order to evaluate the impact of the chemical waste on pristine vernal pond environments. We determined concentrations of Hoffmann analytes in cigarette butt leachate by using a method of solid phase micro-extraction followed by gas chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection. We also exposed Staphylococcus aureus to varying concentrations of cigarette leachate to determine toxicity. We have identified triacetin, which is a cigarette filter additive, and nicotine, a Hoffmann analyte, as constituents in the leachate and concentrations of 25 cigarette butts per liter killed the bacteria. Nicotine, being a strongly toxic chemical, can endanger developing organisms at the levels present in the leachate. The biological effects of triacetin should be studied to better understand its effect on aquatic ecosystems. The antibacterial properties of cigarette butt leachate could prove dangerous to simple organisms present in vernal ponds that are vital to the food chain, thus cigarette butt litter could destroy fragile, yet important, ecosystems like the vernal pond.

2 · Student Capstone or Research Experience Northland College

2013


COLLABORATOR:Mark R. VinsonUSGS-Lake Superior Biological Station Ashland, Wisconsin

In September 2011, Dr. Brandon Hofstedt received a request from the Comprehensive Plan Commission for the town of Kelly, Wisconsin regarding their desire to create a quality of life survey. This survey would provide data to be used as a measurable baseline to identify changes in the community over the years. This quality of life measure will help the Comprehensive Plan Commission design future policy to reach the town’s development goals.

Dr. Hofstedt enlisted seniors Angelique Carl, Kaeleen Ringberg, and Daniel Warfel, from the Sustainable Community Development program, to design questions targeting the major topics identified by the Comprehensive Plan. In accordance with standard social research procedures, the survey was preceded by a letter of intent and will be followed up with a letter, reminding residents to complete and return the survey. The survey results will be compiled in a quantitative data analysis program and the results will be presented by the students to the town of Kelly Plan Commission

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Kristin M. Brunk

USING BURROWING MAYFLIES AS ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS IN THE CHEQUAMEGON BAY


2013

FACULTY MENTOR: Paula AnichAssistant Professor of Biology and Natural Resources

The woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) is an old-growth boreal rodent species. Woodland jumping mice play an important role in forest ecosystems because they disperse the spores of fungi that are only found on coniferous tree species. The distribution of this species in Wisconsin and its interactions with other small mammal species are not well understood. Prior to 2011, the woodland jumping mouse was represented statewide only by 48 museum specimens. Due to its perceived rarity, the woodland jumping mouse has been listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This study analyzed the influence of other small mammal species on the presence of woodland jumping mice. Over a period of three months in the summer of 2012 (6,600 trap-nights) we set Sherman-live traps in 14 different sites in Ashland, Bayfield, Price, and Sawyer Counties within the Chequamegon National Forest. We targeted late-succession spruce-fir and hemlock sites in order to locate populations of woodland jumping mice. We captured 7 definitive woodland jumping mice, one of which was a recapture. In addition to the target species, we captured 593 animals of 10 species. We sexed and measured standard morphometrics (mass, total body length, ear length, tail length, hind foot length) for each animal trapped. We looked for statistically significant relationships between the presence of woodland jumping mice and small mammal species diversity using the program R. We discovered that woodland jumping mice are associated with sites that have high small mammalian species diversity. This relationship suggests that the presence of woodland jumping mice at a particular site is an indication of pristine, unfragmented wildlife habitat.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Allison M. DeRoseEmily K. Heald (’12)

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES DIVERSITY & WOODLAND JUMPING MICE


2013

This research is concerned with how extreme whitewater media construct meanings about culture and masculinity. The failure to recognize the connection between sport and the social construction of gender, especially in the outdoor field, has led to a distorted idea of extreme sports. First, this paper starts by outlining the literature on culture, gender, sports, whitewater philosophy, and media. Next, a description of the methodology is described. I conducted an ethnographic content analysis of two Bomb Flow Magazine issues and nine of their video episodes. A discussion of the findings follows, highlighting how extreme whitewater paddlers determine what it means to be masculine. In short, social narratives of the “Real Man” and “Macho Man” greatly influence how Bomb Flow constructs masculinity – no matter the consequences. It is important to recognize how gender, sports, and media are socially constructed in order to understand how and why some “go big” and others “go home.”

FACULTY MENTOR: Angela StroudAssistant Professor of Sociology and Social Justice

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Hannah Marie Fanney

BOMB FLOW MAGAZINE: A Study of Extreme Whitewater Kayaking, How Masculinity & Gender Shape Whitewater Media


COLLABORATOR:Anna Varian

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are the only stream-dwelling salmonid species native to Lake Superior tributaries. However, non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were introduced and quickly naturalized following the decline of historic brook trout populations. During the summer of 2012, we conducted electrofishing and habitat sampling at numerous sampling sites in Fish Creek, Flag River, and Sioux River watersheds to assess the current status of brook trout abundance. We compared brook trout and non–native salmonid species catch per unit effort (CPUE), proportional stock density (PSD), relative stock density (RSD), length frequency, and relative weight (Wr) among the three watersheds. Multiple linear regression, linear discriminant function analyses, and principal component analyses were used to identify biotic (e.g. abundance of non-native salmonids) and physical (e.g. distance from river mouth, temperature and substrate) factors that may be associated with the abundance and occurrence of brook trout. Initial analyses indicate that the current abundance of brook trout is lower (CPUE = 0.0024 fish/meter), whereas the abundance of non-native salmonids is higher in these three watersheds (CPUE ≥ 0.0042 fish/meter). This result could indicate that the future sustainability of brook trout populations in these watersheds is at risk. Neither biological nor physical characteristics of individual watersheds consistently explained the abundance or occurrence of brook trout. There were no differences between Wr of brook trout in the Flag and Sioux River watersheds. Results indicate there is a difference among the salmonid species assemblages. Flag River has the most balanced brook trout population, with the greatest PSD of brook trout. Sioux River has an unbalanced brook trout population, with the second largest RSD of brown trout. Fish Creek has the greatest PSD and RSD of both rainbow and brown trout. This research indicates the need for further examination to adequately assess the current status of brook trout abundance within these three watersheds.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Kevin C. Grand

PHYSICAL AND BIOTIC FACTORS RELATED TO THE ABUNDANCE OF BROOK TROUT & NON-NATIVE SALMONIDS IN FISH CREEK, FLAG RIVER, & SIOUX RIVER


6 · Student Capstone or Research Experience Northland College2013

Sustainable business practices in the brewing industry have enabled businesses like New Belgium Brewery to become “profitable, successful, and an industry leader.” (Andreas xvii) The purpose of this paper is to understand how local breweries and local brewpubs affect local communities socially, environmentally, and economically. The issue that I am trying to understand is how local breweries affect the local region in the areas of economics, environment, and social aspects and what these establishments can do to improve their local areas. Specifically, I examined South Shore Brewing Company, located here in Ashland, Wisconsin and how it affects the surrounding Ashland community as well as the surrounding region. I collected my data through multiple in-depth interviews with key informants (n=5) including the owner, one staff member, two business professors, and one local economic development specialist to understand the affect that South Shore Brewing Company has on the region through the counts of these key figures. My findings suggest South Shore Brewing Company has played a significant role in all areas of the local region including socially, economically, and environmentally. A way in which South Shore has helped in bettering the community is by the fact that it provides a social gathering place outside of work and home. Another positive aspect that it provides to the community is through its commitment to supporting the local community through the hosting and sponsoring of events. In closing, it appears that local breweries that have taken the initiative to become more socially, economically, and environmentally responsible have a tendency to thrive in this ever-changing world.

Andreas, Fred. A Simple Path to Sustainability: Green Business Strategies for Small and Medium-sized Businesses. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2011. Print.

FACULTY MENTOR: Brandon HofstedtAssistant Professor of Sustainable CommunityDevelopment

STUDENT RESEARCHER:John Grunde

A SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL BREWERIES: Case Study of South Shore Brewing Company


COLLABORATOR:Walter H. PiperBiological Sciences, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Chapman University Orange, California

Offspring survival is fundamental to an animal’s reproductive fitness. Therefore, most animals will defend offspring from predators and conspecifics that threaten to kill offspring. These defensive behaviors can be energy costly and increase the risk of injury for parents. The common loon (Gavia immer) is a territorial, monogamous species. Territorial intrusions by other loons occur frequently and threaten adult loon fitness by potentially usurping territories and killing chicks. We wanted to determine which factor drove defensive behavior during territorial intrusions: 1) protection of long-term territory ownership, which predicts a constant level of defense throughout the reproductive season regardless of the presence of chicks; 2) vulnerability of offspring, which predicts defense should be greatest when chicks are young and therefore most vulnerable; or 3) value of offspring, which predicts defense should be greatest when adults have the invested the most energy into offspring – i.e. when chicks are old and/or when there are two chicks. To simulate intruders, we presented loon decoys to pair-bonded loons marked with unique color bands at 56 lakes in northern Wisconsin during the summer of 2012. We recorded reproductive stage, age and number of chicks, and behaviors and male yodel calls made while loons interacted with the decoy. We compared total interaction intensity and occurrences of the three most intense responses among reproductive stages and number of chicks. It appears loons are most defensive towards conspecifics when chicks are young, which provides support that offspring vulnerability drives defensive behavior. Our study may have implications for nesting habitat loss, which may increase the rate of territorial intrusions into high quality territories. Higher intensity defense required by pairs in these territories may cause long-term fitness consequences, especially for pairs that consistently reach the young chick stage. Nesting habitat restoration may be required to counteract these consequences.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Gabriella L. Jukkala

INTENSITY OF COMMON LOON CONSPECIFIC DEFENSE IS STRONGEST WHEN CHICKS ARE YOUNG

FACULTY MENTOR: Katie J. StumpfAssistant Professor of Biology


A recent proposal to open a taconite mine in the Penokee range has generated much controversy in northern Wisconsin. This poster explores the environmental impacts of open pit ferrous mining, which include acid mine drainage, heavy metal pollution and water quality degradation, and water table reductions. Furthermore, we investigated the impacts that mining has on human and fish populations. For instance, acid mine drainage reduces stream pH, which causes stress on fish and can result in mortality. Also, blasting releases asbestos-like crystals from the rock, which miners and local residents inhale, possibly leading to cancer of the lung and abdomen, called mesothelioma.

FACULTY MENTOR: Sharon AnthonyAssociate Professor of Environmental ScienceRandy LehrBro Professor of Sustainable Regional Development

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Angela Koosmann

MINING IN THE PENOKEES


2013

SYNTHESIS OF BIORENEWABLE POLYESTERS THROUGH DEHYDROGENATION POLYMERIZATION OF DIOLS

Biorenewable polymers (biorenewable plastics) are pertinent to Northland College’s environmental focus. In the US, approximately 26 million tons of plastics are manufactured per year, with less than six percent being recycled. Additionally, the majority of these plastics are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable feedstock.

The purpose of this project is to uncover the various ways to produce a high molecular weight polymer from a biorenewable source. We hope to then take the polymer product and reverse the reaction to bring it back to the original starting material, leading to more effective recycling. We are trying to incorporate as many of the principles of green chemistry as possible, which include the use of catalyst to reduce waste, the creation of our monomer from biorenewable feedstock, and the designing of a mechanism for energy efficiency. Our methodology was entirely experimentation. On a daily basis, we synthesized monomers from a biorenewable source and then used a catalyst to convert these monomers into polymers.

We are currently working on various ways to recycle polymers. We want to create a high molecular weight polymer, meaning the reaction is going towards completion, ideally creating stronger, more durable polyesters. Overall, we are laying the groundwork for more economical ways to produce and recycle biorenewable polyesters.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Eric Krall Diana Reader


European settlers introduced the shrub Rhamnus cathartica (common buckthorn) as an ornamental hedge plant to North America. R. cathartica eventually became invasive throughout much of northern North America because of its ability to thrive in a wide variety of conditions. Many biologists have studied why some plants –like R. cathartica –become invasive while others do not. Through their research, they have found a number of hypotheses that describe plant invasion strategies. Hypotheses that could be applied to R. cathartica include: the mutualist facilitation hypothesis, the enemy release hypothesis, and the novel weapons hypothesis. Based on a review of the literature, there is some evidence that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and exotic earthworms could be enhancing R. cathartica’s spread. It has been established that R. cathartica does associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and the density of earthworms inhabiting the same soil is twice that of soil inhabited by native plants. Additionally, R. cathartica is known to produce emodin, a compound known for allelopathy and deterring herbivores. To further explore this plant’s production of emodin and known symbiosis arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, R. cathartica in its native range should be sampled for comparison. It is possible that differences have developed between populations in North America and those in Europe. A study was attempted to determine if R. cathartica’s spread in North America was influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Unfortunately, this study encountered challenges and could not be completed.

FACULTY MENTOR: Peter WeishampelVisiting Assistant Professor of Natural Resources

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Elizabeth Leighton

INVASION ECOLOGY OF RHAMNUS CATHARTICA


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jordan Mead

LESSONS FROM 15-YEAR DEER EXCLOSURES: Response of Eastern Hemlock & Herbaceous Indicator Species

FACULTY MENTOR: Sarah Johnson Assistant Professor of Natural ResourcesDerek Ogle Professor of Mathematics and Natural Resources

Increases in the abundance of native herbivores such as white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare can alter and restructure plant communities and associated ecosystems. When these changes are coupled with large-scale disturbance such as logging and resource management, the scale of this effect can be magnified. In northern forests, this can be seen in the general loss of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) after the Cutover and the failure of regeneration due to excessive winter-deer (Odocoileus virginiana) browse on seedlings. The loss of browse-sensitive species from the understory of forests is also apparent. In this study, we looked at 12-paired deer and hare exclosures, created in 1997, to observe the effect of 15 years of herbivore exclusion on the survival and growth of planted eastern hemlock seedlings. The presence of these now-saplings may influence the regeneration of other tree species as well. I used the indicator species Blue Bead Lily (Clintonia borealis) and False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa) to demonstrate the effect that deer and hare can have on the fitness and reproductive ability of herbaceous understory species. We found that the size of hemlock saplings was not statistically different between treatments but did vary significantly based on exclosure site. The number of ash (Fraxinus spp.) and maple (Acer spp.) seedlings and saplings between 20 and 300cm tall also varied by site. Both indicator species were taller and more likely to reproduce inside of exclosures and had greater leaf area. This study is an example of active and successful restoration of eastern hemlock. The variation of hemlock size by site demonstrates the importance of site history, environmental conditions, and disturbance regime in the success of restoration. Reduced reproduction, overall stature, and abundance suggests that Clintonia borealis and Smilacina racemosa populations suffer when subjected to excessive browse by deer and hare. The combination of these effects can lead to, and has led to, simplified and homogenized forests in northern Wisconsin. In order to increase the fitness and resilience of northern forest ecosystems, localized herbivore population should be monitored and controlled. This effort should also be coupled with active restoration in these areas to promote a diversified landscape.


Land plants, or embryophytes, have at least a 475-million-year history on this earth. To understand the beginnings of this history, one must first understand the conditions on the earth immediately before. The earth was dominated by erosion at rates much higher than those of today, and an absence of organic acids in the soil led to alkaline groundwater conditions. The first 45 million years of plant life are only known thanks to microfossils. Plant spores and microscopic plant fragments are all that remain from this time period, but they are enough to discern that plants had colonized the land and diversified before the first macrofossils are seen at about 430 million years ago. The macrofossil record picks up steam quickly, showing evidence of the first vascular plants, woody plants, leaves, trees, seeds, and, eventually, forest environments all by the end of the Devonian period. Plants irreversibly altered the face of the earth. They acidified groundwater, lowered erosion rates, sped up chemical weathering, and altered oceanic chemistry enough to cause a mass extinction, solidifying their place as movers and shakers of the biosphere.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Arthur Minar

THE COLONIZATION OF LAND BY PLANTS: An Overview of our Current Knowledge


2013

The growing national obesity trend has led to a lower quality of life for Americans. Through community-based research, I found that obesity is a public health concern of my community as well. I developed an educational program for youth to instill lifestyle habits that will help prevent obesity. I selected the Mashkisibi Boys and Girls Club (K-8 students) for programming implementation. Programming was focused on preventative studies in a community environment. Students who attended participated in lessons on health sciences and engaged in physical activity. Additional research into how environment influences an individual’s chances of developing obesity and implementation of preventative programming should be done are needed to slow the trend.

FACULTY MENTOR: Wendy GormanEnvironmental Sciences Department Chair andProfessor of Biology

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Emily Moravec

EXPLORATION OF AREA PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES LEADS TO DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH PROGRAMMING FOR THE MASHKISIBI BOYS & GIRLS CLUB


The effects of an 8-inch minimum length limit for bluegill in a small lake in Illinois were analyzed using creel data. Size structure and catch per unit effort (CPUE) of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were compared between the period 7 years before and the period 7 years after the implementation of the regulation in 2005. Bluegill total length (TL) differed significantly between the two time periods, with the average TL dropping from 185.04 mm before the regulation to 170.79 mm after (t = 22.18, p = <2.2 x 10-16). Largemouth bass TL also differed significantly, increasing from an average of 282.52 mm to 304.98 mm after the regulation (t = -16.9, p = 2.2 x 10-16). Proportional stock density (PSD) for both species differed significantly between the two periods, as bluegill PSD decreased from an average of 91.83 before to 65.5 after (t = 3.31, p = 0.01), and largemouth bass PSD increased from an average of 37.02 before to an average of 63.96 after (t = 2.9, p = 0.01). Relative stock density - preferred (RSD-P) - did not differ significantly for either species between the two time periods. CPUE for bluegill decreased significantly from 5.05 to 3.8 (t = 2.18, p = 0.049), and largemouth bass CPUE decreased significantly from 1.4 to 1.0 (t = 2.5, p = 0.03). These results illustrate a flip from a big panfish and small bass relationship to a small panfish and big bass relationship due to reduced fishing mortality as a result of the minimum length limit.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Drew Nenangard

EFFECTS OF A MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT ON BLUEGILL AND LARGEMOUTH BASS SIZE STRUCTURE IN A SMALL LAKE IN ILLINOIS


2013

Eastern white cedar (Thuja occedentalis) is of great social, economic, and ecological importance to the Great Lakes region; however, the recent occurrence of the bark stripping phenomenon may threaten its long-term health. The cause of bark stripping is unknown but has been documented in northern portions of the US (Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan) as well as the eastern portion of Canada. At two sites in northern Wisconsin, diameter at breast height (DBH) and location of 92 total trees were recorded in order to detect a possible size or clumping effect. Results from a one-way-ANOVA analysis indicated a consistent but insignificant trend of stripping occurring on larger trees (p-value=0.1271). A Krebs Spatial Analysis was used to determine if the spatial distribution of stripping and non-stripping trees at both locations was clumped or random. The trees sampled did not appear to follow a clumped or a random distribution for either location (all low p-values). The ratio of mean to variance, though, suggests a clumped distribution for both stripping and non-stripping trees at both locations. However, the small sample size makes it impossible to definitively determine the spatial distribution of trees at this time.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Erin Roembke

POTENTIAL FACTORS CORRELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF BARK STRIPPING IN EASTERN WHITE CEDAR TREES


The coyote (Canis latrans) is also known as the American jackal and brush wolf. This species of canine is found throughout North and Central America and is considered a nuisance species in most areas. Coyotes feed on predominantly small mammals such as rabbits, mice, voles, and other rodents. A coyote, however, is also an opportunistic feeder and will scavenge when food is presented. A coyote’s habitat can range from dense upland to sparse rangeland, depending on the region. Because of the variety of habitats and regions a coyote can be found in, the diet and physiology of coyotes can also vary tremendously. During the months of July-September 2012, coyote scats were collected from northern Wisconsin and central Washington State. Approximately 30 scats were collected from both locations. Within both of these locations, three different sample sites were established (~10 per site). After scats were collected, an analysis of the scats was performed to help determine physiological and diet characteristics of the coyotes from each site.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Ethan B. Rossing

COYOTE SCAT ANALYSIS: Northern Wisconsin & Central Washington


2013

Oxygen is often a limiting factor for freshwater fishes in inland aquatic ecosystems. Factors that affect oxygen availability are water and air temperature, altitude, atmospheric conditions, photosynthesis, respiration, ice cover, plant and animal decomposition, and seasonal water column turnovers and mixing. Although dangerously high oxygen concentrations do exist due to excessive photosynthesis, it is not a common concern for fisheries managers. Contrarily, low oxygen availability is a much more common concern when managing aquatic ecosystems. In this study, a privately owned and constructed, two-acre pond was studied to determine its potential to support a stocked fish population. The pond is located one mile north of the Wisconsin Great Lakes Visitor Center on Highway 13 in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. First, water depths were measured and recorded to create a bathymetric map of the pond. We then identified the three deepest parts of the pond to measure dissolved oxygen concentrations and temperatures at one foot depth intervals every two weeks while ice cover was present. Results are summarized as dissolved oxygen concentrations and water temperature profiles over time. Preliminary results suggest that winter dissolved oxygen concentrations are not suitable to support a population of stocked fish.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:David Thompson

WINTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES & MAPPING OF A PRIVATE, TWO-ACRE POND

COLLABORATOR:Mike MylnarekU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

CONSULTANT:Cyndi MayAssistant Professor of Geographic Information Systems


The goal for the CWAIS was to catalog the amenities that can be found throughout the City of Washburn. For the purposes of this capstone, however, the CWAIS will only serve as additional primary literature to be referenced. The research question for this study is best phrased as,

“With its current amenities, is the City of Washburn attracting a demographic of people that will invigorate the town’s economy?” Furthermore, “If this in-migration is indeed taking place, what are ways that policymakers can pursue development without the marginalization of the current community?”

FACULTY MENTOR: Brandon HofstedtAssistant Professor of Sustainable CommunityDevelopment

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Andrew Van Gorp

CITY OF WASHBURN AMENITY INVENTORY STUDY: HOW TO DEVELOP RESPONSIBLY


2012

FACULTY MENTOR: Joseph DamrellProfessor of Sociology and Native American Studies

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Stevie Blanchard

SUGAR DADDY MASCULINITY: What Kind of Men are Sugar Daddies?

Masculinity is a socially constructed idea that is affected by a variety of factors, situations, and environments. Due to living in a socially constructed, patriarchal society, and the implications of masculine privilege and gender inequality, it is important to understand the different categories of masculinity and the implications on relationships and interactions.

This paper is an exploration of one specific type of masculinity in a specific group of men. I explored Sugar Daddy culture and the categories of masculinity that men are self-presenting on sugardaddie.com. Through a content analysis of 390 profiles, I determined the categories of masculinity present and how a variety of other variables affect masculinity in this interesting subculture of online dating and relationships. I hope to discover what types of masculinities are prevalent in Sugar Daddy culture, what demographics of men are becoming Sugar Daddies, and the impact of Sugar Daddy masculinity on femininity. This research is meant to build a basic understanding of the unexplored subculture of Sugar Daddies and Sugar Daddy, Sugar Baby relationship.


2012

FACULTY MENTOR: Brandon HofstedtAssistant Professor of Sustainable Community Development

In September 2011, Dr. Brandon Hofstedt received a request from the Comprehensive Plan Commission for the town of Kelly, Wisconsin regarding their desire to create a quality of life survey. This survey would provide data to be used as a measurable baseline to identify changes in the community over the years. This quality of life measure will help the Comprehensive Plan Commission design future policy to reach the town’s development goals.

Dr. Hofstedt enlisted seniors Angelique Carl, Kaeleen Ringberg, and Daniel Warfel, from the Sustainable Community Development program, to design questions targeting the major topics identified by the Comprehensive Plan. In accordance with standard social research procedures, the survey was preceded by a letter of intent and will be followed up with a letter, reminding residents to complete and return the survey. The survey results will be compiled in a quantitative data analysis program and the results will be presented by the students to the town of Kelly Plan Commission.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Angelique CarlKaeleen RingbergDaniel Warfel

QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY FOR THE TOWN OF KELLY, WISCONSIN


2012


As the population on earth grows and our resources decline, the pollution of the environment rises. We need to find ways to change every aspect of our current system to a more sustainable model. A business has many impacts on a local community and its surrounding environment and ecosystem. Sustainable business is just as much about the social impact as the impact on the business methods and everyday business operations. Making a local business sustainable can have many positive impacts on the local community.

The purpose of this proposal is to develop methods and strategies to transform General Cleaning Corporation to a sustainable green business and to increase efficiency. General Cleaning Corporation is a fifty-four-year-old general cleaning contractor located in Duluth, Minnesota. By examining their current business methods and strategies, I will research and design a sustainable business plan for the General Cleaning Corporation.

This sustainable business proposal is a step toward making all businesses sustainable, showing profits can be improved while helping the environment through utilizing a sustainable business model.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jacob Carlson

GREEN BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR THE GENERAL CLEANING CORPORATION


2012

While the many environmental drawbacks of plastics are evident, the ubiquity of plastics in society makes it unlikely that their use will be significantly curbed any time soon. One of the major drawbacks is the fact that these plastics are derived from petroleum. Another concern is that often these products either do not degrade, or when they do degrade, they become toxic. An example of this is materials derived from Bisphenol-A, a potential endocrine disrupter, which can leech out from the material. Plastics derived from biorenewable sources have the potential to address these environmental drawbacks, while providing the same range of properties that conventional plastics offer.

Plastics are composed of polymers, and monomers are the building blocks for polymer synthesis. In the presence of a catalyst, the individual molecular units, the monomers, link together forming long chains of repeating molecular units. These long chains, or polymers, can then be molded, spun, etc. into various materials. Petroleum monomers differ from bioderived monomers in terms of molecular composition and structure. Bioderived monomers have a unique chemistry, due to the presence of functional groups. These functional groups contain nitrogen and/or oxygen. Current methods and technology are inefficient and uneconomical in regards to the synthesis of bioderived polymers because these nitrogen and oxygen interfere with traditional polymerization catalyst.

The research we are pursuing at Northland College works to address this problem. We have successfully applied a newly developed Ruthenium catalyst to the polymerization of model oxygen containing monomers to yield high molecular weight polyesters. During the polymerization, hydrogen gas is released as a byproduct, which was removed through the use of a vacuum system. Removing this helps to drive the reaction toward completion in order to reach high molecular weights, a requirement for good mechanical properties of the resulting material. With this new methodology established, we are now turning our efforts toward applying this system to biorenewable monomer sources.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Brian C. DauphinaisSean P. McIlrath David Hunsicker

SYNTHESIS OF HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYESTERS VIA IN VACUO DEHYDROGENATION POLYMERIZATION OF DIOLS


2012

Iowa darters, Etheostoma exile, are commonly found throughout the Lake Superior watershed. However, given their abundance and non-game status, little is known about basic life history characteristics of these fish.

Iowa darters were seined from Inch Lake (Bayfield County, WI) in May of 2010 and 2011 to assess sexual dimorphism in sizes. Collected fish were immediately frozen and later thawed and measured for total length (TL) and total weight (TW). They were then dissected to remove the gonads, which were also weighed.

The mean TL of males and females did not differ. There was a weak difference in the relationships between log (TW) and log (TL) between male and female Iowa darters. There was a strong difference in the relationships between the log (GW) and log (TL) for males and females. However, a significant difference did not exist between log (somatic weight) and log (TL) between males and females.

The weak difference in the length-weight relationship between males and females appears to be due to the strong difference in the length-gonad weight relationship between the sexes. Additional research is planned to determine whether differences between males and females occur in age structure and diet.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Margaret Harings

AN ANALYSIS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN IOWA DARTERS



It is incorrect to assume that the only people who enjoy trail use are able-bodied individuals. However, the unfortunate reality is that a person who uses a wheelchair may find that many trails are constructed too narrowly to traverse. But when constructing trails, what width is necessary for people who use wheelchairs? When considering pedestrians with vision impairments, what is the expected height for removing branches that stretch across a trail?

Currently, the Forest Service is the only federal agency that has released regulations concerning trail accessibility standards. In summer 2012, the Access Board expects to release a similar set of standards that will apply to all federal agencies and federal properties. My project is an attempt to interpret the upcoming regulations in a readable format.

The regulations are divided into ten broad categories, including trail characteristics such as slope, width, obstacles, etc. Using the Access Board’s “Conditions for Departure,” I also attempt to dispel the perception that the new trail regulations are unreasonable. The four “Conditions for Departure” are used to define and defend situations that would be unreasonable to adhere to the accessibility standards.

The initial regulations will apply only to federal agencies and federal properties. However, once these regulations are passed, the Access Board intends to expand trail regulations to include all public entities under Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

FACULTY MENTOR: Cindy DillenschneiderProfessor of Outdoor Education

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jessica Haugan

CREATING TRAILS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL ABILITIES


2012

Rationale: This project seeks to examine the potential competition between two Miocene rodents, Cupidinimus and Perognathus. Because these taxa are closely related, ecologically similar, and co-occurred across southwestern North America for approximately 10 million years until the extinction of Cupidinimus, an analysis of morphological change over geologic time will yield insight to the potential ecological replacement that may have taken place in the Miocene.

Problem/Purpose: Did competition between Cupidinimus and Perognathus drive morphological change in these taxa? Did competition influence the extinction of Cupidinimus? How did each taxa morphologically evolve in the Miocene?

Methodology: A database was assembled of records of the geographical distribution and time-series abundance of these taxa. Morphological measurements of Cupidinimus and Perognathus tooth specimens were also obtained from fossils housed in the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) and previously published records. Individual tooth measurements were plotted in order to visualize differences among taxa and time intervals. In addition, T-tests were conducted in order to examine statistical difference.

Results: Taxa could be distinguished based on tooth morphology over time and between genera. This was statistically proven through T-test results. Calculated statistical power was not enough to determine whether these changes were the result of competition between genera.

Conclusions: These findings imply a difference in morphology between taxa. Future work should include a further analysis of distribution of both genera in different formations across time.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Emily Heald

MIOCENE RODENT MORPHOLOGY



This GLISTEN-funded project is a partnership between Northland College and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Natural Resources Department Air Quality Division. The Tribe has monitored ozone and particulate matter, key indicators of air quality, on the Bad River Reservation in Odanah, Wisconsin since 2003. Air pollution is linked to respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and even increased risk of appendicitis. By maintaining the ambient air monitoring station, we are meeting the Tribe’s goal of monitoring air quality as it relates to human health, while measuring long-term trends for comparing key pollutants to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).

The Tribe’s design values for eight-hour rolling ozone average during ozone season have been calculated for the last five years. Over that period of time, the design values have fallen each year with values of 64.33 ppm (2007), 63.00 ppm (2008), 59.67 ppm (2009), and 56.00 ppm (2010), compared to the NAAQS value of 75.00 ppm.

The design values for PM 2.5 have also been calculated from 2006 through 2010 with values ranging at 5.95 µg/m3 (2006), 6.7 µg/m3 (2007), 6.06 µg/m3 (2008), 5.3 µg/m3 (2009), and 5.24 µg/m3 (2010), compared to the NAAQS value of 15 µg/m3.

FACULTY MENTOR: Sharon AnthonyAssociate Professor of Environmental Science

STUDENT RESEARCHER:William Mokry

AIR QUALITY ON THE BAD RIVER RESERVATION: A GLISTEN Collaboration Between Northland College & the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians


2012

FREQUENCY OF TAIL AUTOTOMY IN TERRESTRIAL SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN SALAMANDERS OF THE FAMILY PLETHODONTIDAE

Frequency of tail autonomy in salamanders of the family Plethodontidae is not well studied but may be related to locality or some environmental factors. This study examines the frequency of individuals in Plethodontidae that show signs of previous tail autonomy by both species and locality.

Two species complexes, Plethodon glutinosus and Plethodon jordani which co-occur in the Black, Smoky, and Nantahala Mountain ranges in the southern Appalachian Mountains, and a hybrid of the two complexes were surveyed for signs of tail autonomy. Only the hybrid of the two complexes was different from the other species groups, and it had the highest rate of tail autonomy.

The Nantahala Mountain range was statistically different from the other two locals, and it had the highest rate of individuals using tail autonomy. Tail autonomy frequency varies amongst species and locality in salamanders of the family Plethodontidae.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jamie Rasor


South Asian Monsoon (SAM) is a global phenomenon that involves intricate interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface processes. The economy of about 2-3 billion people throughout southeast Asia depends on summer monsoon rainfall. Forecasting the complex characteristics, particularly the rainfall of SAM, using global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models remains a significant challenge.

A key objective of this study was to understand the impact of conventional and satellite observations in predicting the onset and active phases of SAM using the NCEP GFS model. To facilitate this, we conducted Observing System Experiments (OSE) to observe how experimental GFS model runs (removal of a particular observational type) compare with the operational GFS model run that assimilates all observations to isolate the contribution of the denied observation type. It was found that Radiosondes have the greatest effect on forecast skill.

FACULTY MENTOR: Sharon AnthonyAssociate Professor of Environmental Science

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Adam Schwantes

OBSERVING SYSTEM EXPERIMENTS OF THE 2011 SOUTH ASIAN MONSOON USING NCEP’S GFS MODEL


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Clara Smoniewski

BACTERIOPHAGE ENUMERATION: A Laboratory Exercise for Microbiology

FACULTY MENTOR: Wendy GormanEnvironmental Sciences Department Chair andProfessor of Biology

Bacteriophage viruses play an important ecological role by controlling bacterial populations and have potential for medical treatments dealing with antibiotic resistant bacteria. Enumeration of bacteriophage is a key element in the use and study of these viruses, both for ecological and medical applications. It is, therefore, essential that microbiology students learn the techniques for the enumeration of bacteriophage.

The objective of this capstone was to use sewage as a natural source of bacteriophage to develop a laboratory exercise to teach students about virus enumeration. I tried multiple treatments on the bacteriophage filtered from the sewage collected at the Ashland wastewater treatment plant until one treatment yielded acceptable and repeatable results. I found that enriching the sewage filtrate with E. coli C provided a high enough concentration of viruses for students to visualize and enumerate. Microbiology students will now be able to effectively learn bacteriophage enumeration with the use of a natural sample.


Every person has the right to experience the great outdoors to the fullest extent possible. For those who are blind, current outdoor products and supports fail to satisfy their needs for independence. Field-usable tactile graphic topographic maps help provide new opportunities in the outdoors for individuals who have blindness.

In collaboration with specialists at the Indiana University Adaptive Technology and Accessibility Center, the author served as the outdoor expert in the creation of a series of field-usable tactile graphic topographic maps derived from U.S. Geological Survey digital maps. An essential step in the map-making process was to determine the essential qualities of both field-usability and tactile graphics. Field-usable maps must be durable, descriptive, and allow users to independently interpret information. Tactile graphics must be designed to meet the needs of the user, contain only information essential to the purpose of the graphic, and provide well-organized, discernible tactile symbols or textures.

The maps produced portray a southern portion of Stockton Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Use of the maps has been successful, although several opportunities for further development exist, including: a streamlined production process, increased usability by individuals with vision impairments other than blindness, and transference of the process to other map designs and uses.

When used as part of outdoor educational programming, field-usable tactile graphic topographic maps can create opportunities for equitable experience for people who are blind. This information should serve as a stepping off point for those engaged in making outdoor experiences equitable for people with visual impairments, as well as provide a valuable resource for outdoor professionals seeking to provide quality outdoor programming for people of all abilities.

FACULTY MENTOR: Cindy DillenschneiderProfessor of Outdoor Education

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Robert Warner

FIELD-USABLE TACTILE GRAPHIC TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS


2011

FACULTY MENTOR: Kevin SchanningProfessor of Sociology

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

SOCIAL MOVEMENT SUCCESS THEORY

Social movements work as agents of change in society. Scholars have generally agreed that social movements can be defined as a collective, organized, sustained, non-institutionalized challenge to power holders, belief-systems, practices, and/or authorities (Goodwin and Jasper 2003). However, there is an ongoing debate regarding what determines movement success. Some researchers view success largely the result of a movement’s ability to gather the necessary resources (money, supporters, activists, etc.) to generate the pressure needed to achieve their goals. Others argue that movement success is traceable primarily to the political opportunities that arise in the course of a movement’s development. Still, others assert that what truly determines a movement’s capacity to achieve its goals is its ability to use tactical innovation or cultural framing to outmaneuver its opponents, even when opportunities and resources are scarce.

This study seeks to further understanding of movement success theory with a case study of the Puerto Rican environmental movement’s struggle to preserve the Northeastern Ecological Corridor. While taking account of variations in opportunities and resources over time, this study will pay particular attention to tactical variation among the various organizations participating in this preservation movement through time and assess the impact of these different tactics on the achievement of movement goals.


2011

FACULTY MENTOR: Grant HermanDirector, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

In our region, the Northern White Cedar’s (Thuja occidentalis) history is long and dynamic. The Ojibwa honor it with the name Nokomis Giizhig (Grandmother Cedar), and it is the subject of many sacred legends, being considered a gift to humanity for its medicinal, crafting, and construction uses. In horticultural history, white cedar is thought to be the first tree cultivated in Europe and North America for its various ornamental applications.

Currently in northern Wisconsin, Northern White Cedar populations are being adversely affected by a variety of environmental factors. One possible method to restore a healthy native population in our region is through nursery propagation. The propagation of cedar offers a unique opportunity to test the viability of natural propagation techniques.

Nursery propagation provides a platform in which a variety of donor populations can be propagated, allowing for genetic diversity. The discovery of a natural alternative to conventional propagation practices will allow for localized options so that a nursery can be internally supported by decreasing the demand on external factors.

One natural alternative to conventional techniques is to explore an alternative rooting hormones and growing media. This study tests the feasibility of using a willow hormone tea and sphagnum moss/glacial till medium for the use of cedar propagation. The research allows a view into the significance of cedar propagation techniques in maintaining this species as a valuable resource for our generation and for future generations to come.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Thomas Bernard

NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR PROPAGATION


2011


Grant writing is the major funding source for much of the conservation work in our area. The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute is an example of an organization that depends on public funds to do its work. For my capstone, I helped write three grants for the Institute in order to gain experience obtaining funding for conservation projects.

I hoped to lean about the grant writing process by helping write two Wisconsin DNR Lake Planning grants and one EPA Great Lake Restoration Initiative Grant. The grants were written in the spring of 2011 for projects to take place in the coming summer and into the following years.

I worked with Mike Gardner and Grant Olsen on these grants, which deal with invasive species control and prevention, issues that the Sigurd Olson Environmental institute has been dedicated to for years. They are also issues that have been major topics throughout my studies at Northland, so these grants are a fitting culmination of my career at Northland

I chose to work on these grants for my capstone because all the knowledge I have acquired at Northland might be useless unless it can be applied to the real world. Public grants are key to initiating environmental projects of all varieties, and an education in environmental studies would be incomplete without this experience.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Lucas Brogan

GRANT WRITING AT THE SIGURD OLSON ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE


2011

Rationale: It is widely felt that something is missing from our community. This “something” is responsible for lack of a sense of campus community.

Purpose: To understand what is missing from the Northland College campus community individual voices must be heard; however, we do not seem to have an effective way to communicate our thoughts.

Methodology: Through the methods of participant observation, structured and semi-structured interviews, a technique I’m calling “collective mind mapping,” and direct action individuals have been given the opportunity to answer questions that identify community feelings, desires, ideas, habits and resources. This research is meant to begin the conversation about hard things to verbalize about our community with the intentions of uniting us and increasing democratic engagement.

Results: I have found that we do not have an open, public space for casual conversation and habitual relaxation to which everyone has free and encouraged access. We also are so busy that we do not have time in our scheduled lives to gather, converse, and discuss.

Conclusion: Northland College is in need of a third place. Without a third place, democracy is stifled and quality of life is limited. We also need some free time in our daily work schedules. Without this we will not have time to utilize a third place, even if we had one.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Jennifer Cummings

WE THE PEOPLE OF NORTHLAND COLLEGE


2011

Rationale: The publics interest and demand for organic food has been growing tremendously over the last couple decades. The supply of organic seed, the foundation of agriculture, has not kept pace with this growing demand.

Problem statement/purpose: What are the legal procedures and requirements from USDA and Washington State to pursue organic seed research/production under Pure Line Seeds, Inc.? What issues are most prevalent regarding organic seed production? What would organic production within this company look like in the future?

Methodology: To better understand the need for and concerns regarding organic seed, I have read the Organic Seed Alliance’s recent, and very thorough, survey/research project titled State of Organic Seed Report. For a comprehensive analysis of the legal requirements, I have read and deciphered the legal jargon contained within the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Organic Food Program’s Organic Rules and Regulations and Guide to Organic Certification. Both are USDA and Washington State collaborative publications.

Results/Findings: I have provided my employers with a comprehensive summary on the proper legal procedures required by USDA to earn organic certification. I have also provided them with an employee who has a thorough understanding of the relevant legal documents and thus a capable overseer of organic production. I will be working with the company to tap into a market with very high demand.

Conclusions/Implications: There is a very high demand for more variety, higher quality, and simply more organic seed. I will be providing such to the demanding market, thus benefiting both organic farmers through greater supply, variety, and quality of organic seed and Pure Line Seeds by tapping into a growing and promising market.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Benjamin W. Hughey

REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIC SEED PRODUCTION IN WASHINGTON STATE: A LEGAL SUMMARY



COLLABORATOR:William MattesGreat Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Odanah, Wisconsin

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) have been cherished, hated, and now are protected. They are a species that is sensitive to the chemical lampricides used to control parasitic invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). There is a risk of significant impact of lampricides on lake sturgeon because chemically treating rivers and streams has become the commonly accepted method of lamprey control. Our study objective was to determine if lampricide treatments impact the year-class strength of Lake Superior lake sturgeon. Lampricide treatments did not have a significant impact on the mean year-class strength of lake sturgeon (Welch’s two-sample t-test p-value=0.2793, mean non-treated is 13.8, and mean treated is 18.2). Based on these results, streams and rivers in the Lake Superior watershed can be treated with lampricides to control sea lamprey without significant impacts on lake sturgeon year-class strength.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Amber Mealman

DID LAMPRICIDE TREATMENTS IMPACT YEAR-CLASS STRENGTH OF LAKE SUPERIOR LAKE STURGEON?


2011

I researched medicinal plants used by local people in and around the Bilsa Biological Station in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. I befriended people in nearby communities and convinced three people to show me medicinal plants they knew. I recorded the common names, medicinal uses, preparations, and took photos of each plant I was shown, to the best of my understanding of Spanish. I attempted to press samples of each plant, but the humidity and mold of the climate made this impossible. I collected information on a total of 43 plants. I identified whatever plants I could with a field guide in the station and with the help of a scientist, who knew a few of their scientific names. Many plants were unidentifiable because of my lack of resources. I further researched whatever plants I could identify when I returned to the United States. This research was my first step in the field of ethnobotany, with all its challenges and enchantments.

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Francesca Pascale

MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE BILSA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE IN ECUADOR

FACULTY MENTOR: Wendy GormanEnvironmental Sciences Department Chair and Professor of Biology


The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) is an agency that helps to implement and ensure off-reservation treaty rights and harvests, while working to protect and maintain the natural resources for future generations. One of the resources GLIFWC is trying to maintain and study is wild rice, or as the Anishinaabe call it, manoomin. There are many questions still unexplored regarding wild rice, from the effects of wild rice establishment on biological characteristics of the lakes to the effects of genetic variation in wild rice populations on restoration efforts. The one question I find very intriguing is: how accurately can a wild rice bed area and density be determined by aerial photographs?

Aerial photographs of rice beds are being used as an easier way to measure the abundance of wild rice on numerous lakes without the time and people needed to do ground estimates. However, abundance estimates made by this approach have rarely been confirmed through on-the-ground monitoring. Yearly abundance measurements of wild rice beds are very important because the wild rice population can fluctuate drastically from year to year and from lake to lake. The abundance measurement is a helpful tool for harvesters and researchers monitoring the population trends. Being able to accurately measure abundance through aerial photos would free up more time and people to work on other wild rice research or restoration projects.

Currently, aerial photographs are taken in August with the sun to the back of the photographer on a cloudless day. These photos are then examined and the percentage of the lake covered by wild rice beds is estimated. The percentage of lake covered by wild rice is then compared to the total lake acreage, and an estimate of wild rice acreage/abundance is determined.

FACULTY MENTOR: Tony KernAssociate Professor of Biology

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Cara Robinson

ACCURATE WILD RICE ABUNDANCE ESTIMATES BY AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS


2011

With the current aerial photograph methodology there are numerous uncertainties. These uncertainties come from deciphering what is wild rice in the photograph and what is not, determining the percentage of wild rice beds to lake area, and not knowing the best methodology for taking the aerial photographs. With this capstone project, I propose an in-depth assessment of the accuracy of the aerial photographs. In order to complete this capstone, some knowledge of GPS, GIS, wild rice photo analysis, and ground aquatic plant surveys are needed. The first step in the capstone project will be to choose two fairly-close-in-distance but variable-in-wild- rice-abundance lakes. Some fairly sparse beds will be included to determine if there is a density threshold in which the aerial photographs are missing small populations of wild rice.

In August of 2010, aerial photographs and/or video will be taken of both lakes, on the same day, from all angles relative to the sun by GLIFWC staff member Peter David. In the meantime, I will conduct a full ground survey of the wild rice beds on the two lakes, including estimates of the density in each separate bed and GPS mapped areas of the beds. From there, GIS analysis will be conducted to determine the exact area of each wild rice bed. We should be able to get an accurate estimate of the abundance of the wild rice beds by comparing the GPS mapped area and the photos. I will assess the differences in estimated acreage between the photos taken from all of the different angles. Comparing these different estimates to the accurately mapped GPS data will, hopefully, provide a set of angles that provide the most accurate estimate of abundance. These conclusions will either give confidence to our current efforts, or they will improve the aerial photograph methodology and, therefore, the accuracy of aerial photograph estimates on acreage.

CONTINUED ACCURATE WILD RICE ABUNDANCE ESTIMATES BY AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS


Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) are currently among the most valuable commercial species in Lake Superior, particularly in the Apostle Islands region. There is insufficient data to accurately estimate the number of Lake Whitefish currently in the islands; however, the abundance of Lake Whitefish appears to have steadily increased lake-wide since the early 1970s. In this study, the movement patterns of Lake Whitefish in the Apostle Islands region were determined and compared to past studies to determine if movement patterns differed at times of different abundance levels.

Whitefish were tagged by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources between 2007 and 2009 in 54 locations from commercial trap-nets set throughout the Islands in the summer months of each year. A total of 317 fish were recaptured in a total of 27 locations, primarily from commercial trap-nets. Mark and recapture locations were input into GIS to map and examine the overall distribution of mark and recapture locations. Distribution pattern summaries were generated from pivot tables and through an examination of fish moving to and from five specific locations. All recaptures occurred in the Apostle Islands region except for a single fish that was recaptured in Michigan waters and one fish recaptured west of Bark Bay, WI. Lake Whitefish generally tended either to remain in the same locations in which they were marked or to move towards the north-central region of the Islands.

Overall, the movement trends at the current period of high abundance do not appear to differ from those at low abundance periods. Movement patterns may indicate limited change in resource availability due to increased abundance.


STUDENT RESEARCHER:Laura F. Schmidt

SUMMER SPATIAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF LAKE WHITEFISH IN THE APOSTLE ISLANDS OF LAKE SUPERIOR, 2007-2009


COLLABORATOR: Michael SeiderWisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesBayfield, Wisconsin

STUDENT RESEARCHER:Laurel Smerch

INDUSTRY THROUGH RESTORATION: Exploring the Economic Potential of Harvesting & Using Invasive Species


Rationale: I have been researching the possibility of harvesting and utilizing invasive species, specifically common buckthorn and exotic honeysuckles, within Wisconsin’s north woods. Should this idea prove to have the potential to be a successful endeavor, it would be a way to simultaneously restore ecosystem integrity and provide jobs in a region in need of a better economy.

Problem Statement/Purpose: The goal of this project is to see how much economic potential lies in the harvesting of buckthorn and honeysuckle.

Methods/Results: This project materialized by forging connections with the Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area (NCWMA) and Xcel Energy and researching economics of harvesting and exploring economic outlets for these invasive species. For instance, how much could one sell a certain number of tons to Xcel energy for? The formation of a business plan was also necessary as to organize ideas and technicalities.

Conclusions: As it stands now, this idea would need to start small and grow if it proved to be successful. This idea would more likely be successful as a non-for-profit operation. In May, the NCWMA will be hosting one of their buckthorn cutting events at Prentice Park in Ashland. At that time, the number of volunteers, the amount of time spent cutting, and the amount of buckthorn cut will be recorded as to gauge a concept of how this idea could be realistic.


INDEX BY RESEARCH TITLE

..

Accurate Wild Rice Abundance Estimates by Aerial Photographs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Age and Growth of Pygmy Whitefish, Prosopium Coulterii, in Lake Superior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Air Quality on the Bad River Reservation: A GLISTEN Collaboration Between Northland College & the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians . . . . . . . . 49

An Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in Iowa Darters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Aquaponics: One Solution for Many Problems .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

A Sustainability Assessment of Local Breweries: Case Study of South Brewing Company .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Bacteriophage Enumeration: A Laboratory Exercise for Microbiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bomb Flow Magazine: A Study of Extreme Whitewater Kayaking, How Masculinity & Gender Shape Whitewater Media .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Can a Fatmeter™ be Used to Determine the Sex of Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)? .. . . . . 16

Causes and Effects of Coastal Erosion: A Look at Saxon Harbor .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Cigarette Ecotoxicology... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

City of Washburn Amenity Inventory Study: How to Develop Responsibly .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Controlled Hydrogenative Depolymerization of Polyesters and Polycarbonates Catalyzed by Ruthenium(II) PNN Pincer Complexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Coyote Scat Analysis: Northern Wisconsin & Central Washington .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Creating Trails Accessible for All Abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Did Lampricide Treatments Impact Year-Class Strength of Lake Superior Lake Sturgeon? .. . . . . . . . 59

Effect of Earthworm Colonization on New-Growth Northern Mesic Forest Soils, Rainbow Lake Wilderness, Bayfield County, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Effects of a Minimum Length Limit on Bluegill and Largemouth Bass Size Structure in a Small Lake in Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Exploration of Area Public Health Issues Leads to Development of Health Programming for the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Field-usable Tactile Graphic Topographic Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Frequency of Tail Autotomy in Terrestrial Southern Appalachian Salamanders of the family Plethodontidae .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Gender Within Law Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Grant Writing at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56


Green Business Proposal for the General Cleaning Corporation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

How Does Releasing Lean Lake Trout Impact the Sustainability of the Apostle Islands Commercial Fishery? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How Incarceration Affects Individuals and their Attitudes towards Race .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Industry through Restoration: Exploring the Economic Potential of Harvesting & Using Invasive Species .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Intensity of Common Loon Conspecific Defense is Strongest When Chicks are Young .. . . . . . . . . . . 30

Invasion Ecology of Rhamnus cathartica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Lake Superior Seiche: The Chemical and Physical Analysis of an Inland Sea .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Lessons from 15-year Deer Exclosures: Response of Eastern Hemlock & Herbaceous Indicator Species .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Medicinal plants used by local people in the Bilsa Biological Reserve in Ecuador .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Metals in the Mud: Changes in Surface Sediment Contamination in Long Island Sound .. . . . . . . 19

Mining in the Penokees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Miocene Rodent Morphology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Northern White Cedar Propagation .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Observing System Experiments of the 2011 South Asian Monsoon Using NCEP’s GFS Model . . .51

Particulate Pollution on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indian Reservation .. . . . 12

Physical and Biotic Factors Related to the Abundance of Brook Trout & Non-native Salmonids in Fish Creek, Flag River, & Sioux River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Potential Factors Correlating to the Presence of Bark Stripping in Eastern White Cedar Trees .. . . . . 38

Quality of Life Survey for the Town of Kelly, Wisconsin .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Recidivism and the Effectiveness of Treatment Programs in Ashland County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Requirements for Organic Seed Production in Washington State: A Legal Summary .. . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Riparian Geology and Turf Management in the Chequamegon Bay .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Rook’s Specialty Lumber: Business Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Social Movement Success Theory .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Spatial and Temporal Changes in the Abundance of Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis) in a Lake Superior Archipelago .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Sugar Daddy Masculinity: What Kind of Men are Sugar Daddies? .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Summer spatial distributions of Lake Whitefish in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, 2007-2009 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Supercell Thunderstorms and Lake Michigan .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22


INDEX BY FACULTY MENTOR

..

Synthesis of Biorenewable Polyesters through Dehydrogenation Polymerization of Diols . . . . . . . . . 32

Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Polyesters via In Vacuo Dehydrogenation Polymerization of Diols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Texas’ Water-Energy Nexus and Potential of Desalination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

The Colonization of Land by Plants: An Overview of our Current Knowledge .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Influence of Topographic Variability on Severe Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

The Relationship Between Small Mammal Species Diversity & Woodland Jumping Mice .. . . . . . . 26

Through the Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat: Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations Support Rural Small Business .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using Burrowing Mayflies as Ecosystem Indicators in the Chequamegon Bay... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

We the People of Northland College .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Winter Dissolved Oxygen Profiles & Mapping of a Private, Two-Acre Pond .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Paula Anich .....................................................................................26, 35, 38, 39, 48, 50Sharon Anthony ............................................................................................ 12, 31, 49, 51Joseph Damrell ...............................................................................................................42Cindy Dillenschneider ................................................................................................47, 53Rick Dowd ............................................................................................ ................................24Tom Fitz ...............................................................................................................4, 18, 19Bruce Goetz ..........................................................................................4, 5, 6, 10, 18, 20Wendy Gorman ................................................................................................ 36, 52, 60Grant Herman ............................................................................................. 55, 56, 58, 64Brandon Hofstedt ................................................................3, 9, 11, 13, 29, 41, 43, 44, 57Sarah E. Johnson ......................................................................................................14, 34Dick Joyal ........................................................................................................................8Tony Kern .......................................................................................................................61Randy Lehr .....................................................................................................................31Derek Ogle ......................................................... 2, 16, 17, 25, 28, 34, 37, 40, 46, 59, 63Nick Robertson .....................................................................................................1, 32, 45Kevin Schanning ......................................................................................... 3, 9, 11, 13, 54Angela Stroud ................................................................................................................27Katie J. Stumpf ................................................................................................................30Luke Van Roekel ..................................................................................................12, 21, 22Peter Weishampel ...........................................................................................................33

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Northland College Undergraduate Research