UTSA and USDA Forest Service sign memo of understanding to partner in research
UTSA researchers on a project at Valles Caldera National Preserve Science and Education Center in New Mexico
UTSA researchers on a project at Valles Caldera National Preserve Science and Education Center in New Mexico
Share this Story(May 9, 2014) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio and the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) have signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct research in environmental science and conservation.
"Our partnership with the U.S. Forest Service allows us to advance in our mission of seeking knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. This agreement will give our students the tremendous opportunity to gain real-world experience as they work with the station's research scientists," said George Perry, dean of the UTSA College of Sciences. "Not only does this relationship propel UTSA toward its goal of becoming a Tier One research institution, it positions future scientists for academic and professional success."
For the past two years, environmental science students in the UTSA College of Sciences have been working on several projects with SRS scientists.
Sample projects include:
- Researching the effect climate change has on hydrology and seed dispersal of native and non-native plants along the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina
- Tracking the changes in amphibians and small mammals in response to forest management practices
- Studying the effects of acid rain and lime treatments on leaves and leaf litter
- Monitoring changes in soil conditions after fires in high spruce-fir forests
Anna Boeck, a UTSA doctoral student in environmental science and engineering working under the supervision of Associate Professor Janis Bush, has been doing groundbreaking research around the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina, along a portion of the river that has never been studied. Her research will help demystify how potential climate change could influence invasive and native species plants that grow along the Little Tennessee River.
"There is an overall understanding with climate change that there will be either an influx, an increase or decrease in precipitation patterns which would cause the river to rise or to fall," said Boeck. "I want to know how is that going to influence the distribution of native and invasive species of plants. I am looking at the seed bank, trying to understand not only what trees and plants are growing above ground, but what is in the seed bank. That is the source of regeneration of the community."
To conduct her research, Boeck and three UTSA undergraduate environmental science majors collected 31 long soil cores that were a meter in depth and 3.5 inches wide. The group also collected 310 short cores, which were only 20 centimeters in depth. Boeck keeps the soil core trays in a greenhouse and has identified hundreds of newly germinated plants.
"The local residents are extremely excited about my research, since I am trying to maintain the current community vegetatively," said Boeck. "There are two endangered species of fish, and there are a couple of inner species of mussels in that river system. They are very concerned about the quality of the water, and as the plant community changes, it can definitely influence the quality of the water. So, there is huge interest in that respect."
Boeck hopes to generate more community awareness and design a model that can be used on all meandering rivers in the eastern region of the United States.
>> Learn more about UTSA environmental research projects.
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About USFS
Headquartered in Asheville, N.C., the Southern Research Station is comprised of more than 120 scientists and several hundred support staff who conduct natural resource research in 20 locations across 13 southern states from Virginia to Texas. The station's mission is to create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
About UTSA
The University of Texas at San Antonio is an emerging Tier One research institution specializing in health, energy, security, sustainability, and human and social development. With nearly 29,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service.
The university embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property -- for Texas, the nation and the world.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
