Environmental Engineering Final Presentation Recap
September 3, 2020 (San Francisco)
Last week, students presented their final posters and presentations for their fellow peers, Dr. Maha, their parents, and Harmony Plus colleagues. Their presentations were the culmination of 6 weeks of independent research to explore topics that they were curious to delve deeper into. Each of the topics was meticulously researched and backed with supporting data, and further feedback from Dr. Maha ensured high levels of quality in informational and visual clarity.
The topics were as follows:
Potential Implications of Natural Disasters on Wolf Populations — E.Y.
This research project explored the ecological history and impact of declining North American wolf populations in the aftermath of natural disasters. Due to the importance of the North American wolf in regulating herbivorous populations (deer, elk, and moose), it is critical that measures are enacted to preserve wolf populations. Alongside natural disasters, hunting can also be attributed to the impact on wolf populations.
On the Influence and Spread of Pollutants From California Wildfire — David
This research topic focused on the impact of wildfire pollutants on three California cities by analyzing the trends and long term effects of concentrations of four common wildfire pollutants. The results showed that there was indeed a higher concentration of pollutants following the fire, with PM2.5 having the most variation. However, there seemed to be no correlation between the effects of wind on the concentration and spread of pollutants from the origin of the wildfire.
Leading Feedstocks for a Cost-Effective Cellulosic Ethanol Production: a Comparative Analysis — Molly & Nina
This research project explored the potential alternatives sources of Ethanol production through the use of feedstocks (sugarcane, sorghum, corn stover, switchgrass, and hybrid poplar), as current Ethanol production via gasoline has numerous negative effects. The efficacy of each type of feedstock was analyzed against one another, leading to the conclusion that corn stover was the most efficient one, with switchgrass and hybrid poplar right behind.
Impact of COVID-19 on Air Pollution — Jerry
This research project explored the concentration of pollutants (CO, PM2.5, PM10) in urban areas and whether there was any significant changes due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that, perhaps due to lower volumes of vehicle traffic due to lockdown measures, concentrations of pollutants (with the exception of PM2.5) did indeed decrease.
Water Mass Characterization and Chlorophyll Concentrations in Southern Monterey Bay, CA — Tracy
This research project explored the interaction between Kelp forests and phytoplankton and their impact in maintaining local marine ecosystem productivity. By analyzing chlorophyll concentration in the water, it was concluded that there was indeed a relationship between biological and physical components of the ocean.
The students have come a long way from when they began 6 weeks ago, and their efforts have clearly shown through in these posters. The next step will be the upcoming 2020 American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference, where the students will present their posters and findings to scientists from around the world. We look forward to seeing how well they do!
