ESS Students Present Their Research at the 2024 Northeast Natural History Conference

Pace Environmental Studies and Science students Samantha Cronk ’25 and Lucas Andujar ’24 presented posters on their independent research with faculty mentor Michael Rubbo, PhD, at the 2024 Northeast Natural History Conference.

Sam studied the effects of residential septic systems on water quality in the Pocantico River. She found that the river had levels of phosphorous and bacteria that exceeded guidelines regardless of the density of septic systems. Sam is currently helping to design new studies to pinpoint the sources of these pollutants.

Lucas investigated the use of road culverts by wildlife. He installed motion-activated cameras in culverts at sites throughout Westchester and found that many species, including deer, coyote, and bobcat will use culverts to cross safely under roads. However, they only used the culverts if exposed ground was present in the culvert. Lucas is hoping that this information can be used to help design culverts that facilitate their use by wildlife.

Both studies have important implications for conservation in local communities. This type of community-focused research is a hallmark of the Department of Environmental Studies and Science.