Course Work

Fall 2011 saw the advent of possibly my favorite class. Field Biology taught me the basics of conducting research in the field, culminating in a poster presentation of a self directed research project. In this class I learned: field identification of local animals and plants, research design, how to do mark-recapture studies (we did a study on red backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus), basic aquatic ecology techniques, and many more.

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Ionic Content of a Local Pond

I spent two semesters (Spring through Fall 2012) working with Professor Chris Sinton on the ionic content of Chapel Pond. Chapel Pond is a man-made drainage pond on the Ithaca College campus. We decided to investigate the ionic content of this pond because of the copious amounts of rock salt used on campus during winter weather. We fond that while chloride levels were elevated in the pond, frequently above potable levels, these levels were not caused by rock salt. The images to the left show some of the results of my research. Just click on any of the images for more descriptions!

Through this research, I learned how to use an ion chromatograph, take reliable field measurements of TDS, pH, and temperature, and how to properly collect, organize and store water samples.

I am also planning on working on future research projects during my last semester at Ithaca College: one on toxicology and another on mapping (by using GIS technology) the water systems of the campus.

Just a sample of my work. To see more or discuss possible work >>

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Field Biology

Research

Research Methods

I had this course in Fall 2012. In research methods, I learned how to write and present grant proposals, design experiments, and do literature reviews. It wasn't the most exciting course, but the skills I learned were just as useful as those in all of my other courses.

In Spring 2012, I had Genetics, which was quite possibly the most difficult class I have had thus far. Through Genetics, I learned about all of the basics - mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, DNA and RNA replication (in more detail than I care to remember) and a few other topics. The lab taught me how to setup and run PCR chain reactions, gene insertion into organisms, working in sterile conditions, and general microbiology wet-lab skills that I had never experienced before.

In Eco-toxicology I learned the principles and practices of toxicology in both the lab and field. This included doing an EROD assay, designing and running a toxicology experiment, and sampling methods in the field (particularly in aquatic settings).

Genetics

Eco-

toxicology