GEO Researchers: Chris Maike '12, Ann Parkin '13 and Adam Koster '11
PROJECTS:
First-Year Research Experience in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes – Curriculum Development
Geology majors Ann Parkin (Chesterland, OH) and Chris Maike (Fremont, MI) are working on developing a First-Year Research in Earth Sciences course (FYRES). This is a physical-science core course which will be offered for the first time in the Fall of 2011, and will allow first-year students to participate in Lake Michigan coastal dune research guided by Dr. Deanna van Dijk and six upper-level student research mentors. Throughout the 2010-2011 academic year, Ann and Chris are developing the public-relations materials for the course, the application for both first-year students and research mentors, the research mentor program, and the formulation of the research projects that will be offered to the first-year students.
Ann and Chris are working with geography professor, Deanna van Dijk and Science Education professor, Crystal Bruxvoort. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Measuring Coastal Dune Changes and Niveo-Aeolian Processes in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
Geology major Adam Koster (Grand Rapids, MI) is investigating dune changes at a research site in Hoffmaster State Park throughout the 2010-2011 academic year. Adam’s work will involve measuring erosion pins and documenting the surface and weather conditions at the study site. In addition, during the winter months Adam will be studying the deposits resulting from the interaction of sediment and snow collectively known as niveo-aeolian deposits. The results of this study will be presented at the Michigan Academy Conference in early March.
Adam is working with geography professor, Deanna van Dijk. This project is funded by the Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies at Calvin College.
Geospatial Coastal Dune Movement Detection
This summer interdisciplinary majors Abbie Belford ‘11 and Seth Kenbeek ‘11 examined the movement of dunes through geospatial remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technology, asking three main questions – can dune movements be detected using computer algorithms, what spatial resolution can the detection be made at, and what limitations exist for this type of non-traditional approach.
During Fall 2010 they worked on the written and visual reporting and presentation of their results. They spoke at a regional geography conference in October, and received the Best Student Presentation award for a regional academic conference of the Association of American Geographer's (East Lakes Division of the AAG).
This spring they will present a poster at the national AAG conference. The culmination of their work will hopefully be a journal article for publication at the end of this year.
Abbie and Seth are working with geography professors, Deanna van Dijk and Jason VanHorn. This project is funded by Integrated Science Research Institute at Calvin College.
