June 8 – Bemidji – Six students from the Bemidji State University sustainability and life sciences went to Pittsburgh this spring to share the original research at the National Conference on First Cycle Research. The event took place from April 6 to 9 at David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Four students presented poster projects focused on the flow of groundwater in the Shingobee river watershed, a long -term research site near Akeley supported by a partnership between BSU and the University of Minnesota. The work is led by Dr. Miriam Rios-Sanchez, associate professor and graduate advisor.
Ashley Crowl and Jordyn Harvey presented results on the aquifer layers and the hydraulic properties of the glacial aquifers. Their work has identified several shallow and deep layers composed of sand and gravel, with evidence of vertical flow of water and connections with neighboring lakes and rivers. Mikenna Pattrin also contributed to the project but did not attend the conference.
Sienna Houle and Parker Young presented research analyzing how aquifers react to precipitation. Using 13 years of data, they found that shallow and deep groundwater levels react to precipitation, but at different speeds and intensities. Their study confirmed that groundwater in the watershed of the Shingobee Lake.
The two projects are part of a wider research initiative led by Trevor Wozniak, a master’s degree in environmental sciences. His higher work uses environmental isotopes to study the age of groundwater and support the future water management. Wozniak also supervises undergraduate researchers and attended the event.
Jerome Johnson, a student student from BSU, also participated in the North Star Stem Alliance, who participated to explore the research linked to the STEM and connect with his peers.
Hosted each year, the
National conference on undergraduate research
Provides students with opportunities to present work, network with other researchers and explore academic and career paths.