Environmental Science and Sustainability
Sustainability as Strategy: Evaluating the Financial and Consumer Impacts of Sustainable Practices in the Fashion Industry
Presenter: Jaeron Valera Mercado
Faculty Sponsor: Muzzo Uysal
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Campus Center Auditorium [A81]

This study investigates sustainability as a strategic driver of business performance in the fashion industry by examining its influence on consumer perception, brand loyalty, and willingness to pay. Although prior research suggests that sustainability initiatives may enhance long-term financial outcomes, existing findings remain mixed and frequently rely on aggregated ESG indicators that provide limited insight into firm-level strategies and consumer-driven mechanisms. This study addresses this gap by integrating consumer perception data with a comparative analysis of three major fashion brands: Patagonia, Levi Strauss & Co., and Adidas. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study combines an anonymous online survey of consumers aged 18–35 with secondary analysis of publicly available sustainability initiatives and corporate disclosures. The survey measures perceived sustainability, brand trust, reputation, loyalty intentions, and willingness to pay using structured Likert-scale instruments, along with open-ended questions to capture qualitative insights regarding authenticity and credibility. This approach allows examination of how consumers interpret sustainability strategies and whether perceived transparency and genuineness influence behavioral intentions. By connecting firm-level sustainability models with consumer responses, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of sustainability as both an ethical commitment and a potential source of competitive advantage. The findings aim to provide practical implications for fashion managers evaluating whether sustainability can function as a value-creating strategic investment rather than solely a reputational obligation.

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Measuring Sustainability at Sporting Events: An Evaluation of Waste Management Practices and Potential Areas of Improvement
Presenter: Declan Kerrigan
Faculty Sponsor: Muzzo Uysal
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Campus Center Auditorium [A85]

Sustainability has received increased attention across a variety of different disciplines due to a public desire to create less waste and protect the environment. By not considering sustainability, humans are threatening many food sources by depleting them faster than they can naturally replenish and damaging large areas of the environment. Also, health risks such as water contamination and asthma stem from pollution of the environment. These areas demonstrate the importance of sustainability for the overall good of the environment as well as human health and well-being. The study aims to investigate the sustainability of waste management practices for large sporting events. This involves examining what event organizers are currently doing to deal with waste, and how their practices can be improved to both reduce cost and benefit the environment. This will include case studies on a few different sporting events and look at how they approach waste management. These case studies will be assessed for their performance in sustainable waste management using a new metric called the sustainability score. This will allow people to see the current industry practices and how the event industry can improve their practices, which will be useful for event organizers in the sports industry and beyond. 
Qualitative Analysis of Perceptions and Experiences of Western MA Farmers with Agroforestry Methodology
Presenter: Samuel Jonasson Hunt
Faculty Sponsor: Leda Cooks
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Room 163 [C3]

Agroforestry is a multifaceted land use method that purposefully integrates agricultural activities with tree planting, which has been shown to greatly improve the overall health and longevity of a farm and its surrounding environment. This study evaluates perceptions and exposures that farmers in the Pioneer Valley have had in relation to their usage of agroforestry methodology on their land. This research is inspired by the increasing role that agroforestry is playing in climate change mitigation and environmental protection in the global agricultural sector in response to harmful industrial agricultural methods. 

The data will be attained through 30 minute semi-structured interviews with an estimated 15-20 farm owners in the area, consisting of conversations around landowner demographics, ownership history, and general perceptions of agroforestry. I hypothesize that this research will expose gaps in knowledge and potentially negative perceptions of agroforestry. These issues will be used to inform the creation of a formalized guide to agroforestry that is unique to the specific concerns and gaps in knowledge of the local population. This guide will be published in association with UMass’s Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE). Through my project, I hope to bring further awareness and clarity to what is often an overlooked farming practice in the United States, and inspire local landowners to invest in agroforestry for the sustainability and prosperity of their farms. 



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Systemic Exposure to Microplastics and Disruption of Gut Microbiota
Presenter: Sofia Melissa Szumski
Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir
School: Springfield Technical Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A5]

Microplastics (MPs) are now found everywhere on Earth including the air, water and soil which has negative impacts on the environment and human health. They are defined as small plastic particles which are less than 5 mm in size and are currently considered as one of the top environmental pollutants. The dilemma is that plastic is used in every sector of the world and is inappropriately dumped leading to human exposure. The objective of this research is to explore why and how MP’s are harmful to human physiology. A scientific literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. Microplastics enter the body through nasal, dermal, and oral routes and have been shown to accumulate in all organs, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. Because of its nature to persist in the tissue it remains in the gut for extended periods. In addition to this, MPs have been identified to stick to harmful environmental pollutants and heavy metals. There is extensive data that indicates the role of gut microbiota in regulating metabolic processes, immune system defense, neurological function, and overall homeostasis. The repeated exposure to MPs disturbs the sensitive microbiota in our gut. The altered microbiota compromises the gut’s role as an immune barrier and a regulatory organ, contributing to inflammation and chronic disease. MPs have now been reported in breast milk, testicles, and the placenta, confirming its systemic nature and infant exposure. Given the increasing ubiquitous presence of emerging MPs and associated pollutants, deciphering its effect on gut microbiome is vital to protect human health and advocate for regulatory measures. 

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Conservation Priorities for Big Cats in Thailand and Myanmar
Presenter: Yaw Wusu Anum
Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir
School: Springfield Technical Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A14]

Big cats such as Tigers, clouded and common Leopard species, have experienced significant population declines across Southeast Asia due to forest loss, expanding human activity, and political instability. This study provides a comparative literature analysis of large cat habitat use in western Thailand and Myanmar to identify conservation priorities beyond protected areas. Research conducted by Supagit Vinitpornsawan in Thailand and Theint Thandar Bol in Myanmar were examined to evaluate patterns of distribution, habitat loss, and human influence.
Data from Thailand camera trap surveys and field observations in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary was used to study the big cat populations. Their data from the Western Forest Complex indicate tiger densities ranged from around 0.2 to 3.1 individuals per 100 km² and varied dependent on survey location and habitat conditions. This research also presents Myanmar’s Chindwin River Basin, where camera trap data was combined with spatial analyses of forest cover and land use patterns to model species distribution.
Data analysis shows that large cats survive and reproduce only where the forest cover is intact with abundant prey availability and minimal human disturbance. Moreover, Tigers were frequently found in areas with continuous habitat whereas both the leopard species showed broader habitat tolerance but avoided densely populated areas. Habitat suitability modelling data for big cats from Myanmar population studies show that the protected areas hold around 57% of the habitats and about 43% is located outside national parks. These findings suggest the importance of landscape connectivity and corridors, management of human land use, and community-based conservation strategies to protect big cat populations.

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Organic Farming and Insect Pest Control
Presenter: Sophie Audrey Harrold
Faculty Sponsor: George LoCascio
School: Mount Wachusett Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A23]

     As long as humans have been participating in agriculture, there have been detrimental insects aiding in crop failures within our food systems. Through time, a wide range of various means have been explored and implemented for their management to ensure crop success. The means have ranged from synthetic pesticides, a modern means of control, to the use of naturally occurring biological controls such as co-evolved parasitic relationships. Recently, some synthetic pesticides have shown to have had several negative side effects on beneficial insects in agriculture, as well as several negative side effects on animals and humans if they are consumed. As an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides, for example, naturally occurring biological controls, with co-evolved parasitic relationships have been of increased interest in farming throughout the world, including the United States. Across the United States, there is a wide range of pest insects, and a wide range of means have arisen to deal with these pests. This study will focus on several detrimental insects affecting one farm in Massachusetts, USA, Snowplace Farm. Through interviews with the owners and various forms of online research, we explored how Snowplace Farm grows organic produce using reduced amounts of synthetic pesticides and implements the use of biological controls to combat against various detrimental insects.

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Invasive Plant Awareness & Restoration Project
Presenter: Garrik E. Wilkins
Faculty Sponsor: George LoCascio
School: Mount Wachusett Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A24]

Many non-native invasive plants have been observed at Mount Wachusett Community College campus Pond Trail which raised questions such as; 1) What is the extent of the invasive species problem on campus?, 2) What are the effects of the invasive plants found in this area?, 3) How should these plants be managed?, 4) Does the surrounding community know about these invasive plants and their effects on the local ecosystem?, 5) What are the invasive plants the project should cover?, and lastly, 6) How can this project help the community take informed action against this invasive plant problem? To investigate these questions, observations using identification resources to confirm species, and cataloging data using geolocated images have been used. Additionally, research was done to investigate the community knowledge of the invasive plants on campus. We also researched the plant species life histories , their ecological effects, and the best practices for management and removal. Within the surveyed area, there was 7 prominent and abundant species:  Celastrus orbiculatus (Asiatic Bittersweet), Elaeagnus umbellata (Autum Olive), Reynoutria japonica (Japanese Knotweed), Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose), Frangula alnus (Alder Buckthorn), and Acer platanoides (Norway Maple). In our findings, there seemed to be a lack of knowledge on the invasive plant populations we have on campus. It has been determined that we need a formalized process of identification and mapping, community education and outreach, and appropriate management actions are needed for the ecological health of the Mount Wachusett Community College campus.



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Comparative Water Quality Along an Urbanization Gradient
Presenter: Rebekah Dorman
Faculty Sponsor: Laura Reynolds
School: Worcester State University
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A51]

Surface water monitoring provides insight into how surrounding land use influences recreational and drinking water quality. Worcester State University, in collaboration with the City of Worcester and the Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, conducts long-term monitoring of local recreational water bodies to support watershed management and public health goals. This study compares two freshwater systems within the Tatnuck Brook watershed: Cooks Pond, primarily surrounded by conserved land, and Patch Reservoir, which is largely bordered by residential development. These contrasting land-use settings allow us to evaluate water quality patterns along an urbanization gradient. Physical and chemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and total phosphorus, were monitored throughout the season. Results indicate that Cooks Pond exhibited lower nutrient concentrations and only a brief period of bottom-water anoxia during peak stratification. In contrast, Patch Reservoir remained anoxic at depth for the duration of the monitoring period and showed elevated phosphorus concentrations. These findings suggest that surrounding land use may play a significant role in nutrient loading and oxygen dynamics, with implications for long term watershed management and water quality protection.
Impact of Seasonal Change of Dissolved Oxygen within Bodies of Freshwater
Presenter: Rebecca Cormier
Faculty Sponsor: Laura Reynolds
School: Worcester State University
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A52]

In this study, we investigate the impact of seasonal transitions, specifically from winter to spring, on dissolved oxygen (DO) content in freshwater streams in the Tatnuck Brook watershed, Worcester Massachusetts. Dissolved oxygen is a main indicator of the quality of water and ecosystem health and appropriate levels are necessary to provide for aquatic life. Lower DO levels can be a sign of pollution and/or ecological stress. We conducted fieldwork 1-2 times a month at several sites along the Tatnuck Brook and in its impoundments and measured  DO, temperature, and conductivity.  Our results show that DO levels in streams were higher during  winter conditions, while temperatures were lower. During the spring transition, DO levels dropped as temperatures rose. These observations indicate the effects of temperature and biological activity on DO in streams and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring over the winter to spring transition.


Hillock of Microplastic: Knowledge and Perceptions of Microplastics in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Presenter: Katherine Lynne Delesdernier
Faculty Sponsor: Laura Castro-Diaz
School: UMass Boston
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A55]

Microplastics are pervasive and dangerous pollutants that can be found all over the world. Defined as plastics with a diameter less than 5 millimeters in size, they strongly affect marine ecosystems and aquatic life, as well as human health and well-being. Studies have shown that microplastics can be disease vectors, contribute to climate change, and affect the mobility of other pollutions in soil – a characteristic that has wide and dangerous implications for agriculture and the Earth’s biota in both terrestrial and marine habitats globally. Coastal and island communities are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of microplastics. This project focuses on the human dimensions of microplastics on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and examines public perceptions and knowledge of microplastics regarding environmental and health impacts. To gather this data, online and in-person surveys are distributed to Nantucket residents. Individuals are asked about their knowledge and perceptions of microplastics. This includes the impacts of microplastics, sources of microplastic generation, and the distribution of responsibility regarding limiting the use of disposable plastics. Findings may be used to develop educational materials and policy approaches for public health initiatives and efforts by furthering understanding of the public's perceptions of microplastics.
From Green Gentrification to Green Reparations
Presenter: Abigail Raymond
Faculty Sponsor: Laura Castro-Diaz
School: UMass Boston
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A56]

Green gentrification is an offshoot of gentrification, which relates to the displacement of typically low-income residents following new urban developments. Green gentrification specifically refers to urban developments that include green spaces. Newly developed green spaces that are either meant to cater to wealthier and new clientele or benefit disenfranchised communities typically result in the displacement of these marginalized communities. As rents rise and property values increase, locations once familiar to residents become unfamiliar, forcing residents to relocate elsewhere. Because of this phenomenon, this study’s main objective is to explore how green place centered developments can avoid gentrification and ultimately lead to green reparations for historically disenfranchised communities through the process. To address the project objectives, a literature review will be conducted focusing on studies concerning urban greening, displacement, and environmental justice. Research will broadly focus on United States cases of study where greening projects have and have not resulted in population displacement, with a greater focus on the cities of Boston and Detroit for a comparative study. For statistical analysis data sets that cover the city of Boston and Detroit will be used within Arc GIS to produce maps comparing variables such as income status, race, education, and housing cost when met with increased green space developments. 

Digital Trust in the Green Supply Chain: A Quantitative Analysis of Consumer Attitudes Toward Blockchain-Verified Scope 3 Emissions
Presenter: Derick Tyren Brooks
Faculty Sponsor: Karen Druffel
School: Framingham State University
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A60]

As global concerns regarding greenwashing intensify, organizations require auditable evidence to validate Scope 3 sustainability claims. While blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are proposed as technical solutions, consumer trust in these "Trust Technologies" remains under-evaluated. This study addresses this gap by prioritizing original primary quantitative data. Through a survey of university students ($n=100$), this research assesses awareness, perceived credibility, and behavioral intent regarding automated emissions verification. These primary findings are contextualized by a preliminary qualitative review of existing logistics case studies, which highlight current implementation barriers. Crucially, the primary survey results reveal a generational shift in trust architecture: $[X\%]$ of respondents prioritize data collected via automated IoT sensors over traditional human-led audits, suggesting that trust is contingent upon the removal of the "human-in-the-loop." Furthermore, the data shows a significant correlation between technological transparency and brand loyalty, with $[Y\%]$ of participants expressing a higher willingness to support firms using immutable digital ledgers. This research concludes that corporate reporting strategies must move beyond manual compliance to align with the specific digital verification demands of the next generation of market participants.

Marsh Birds as a Measure of Wetland Ecosystem Health and Success of Management Actions
Presenter: Elize M. Budziak
Faculty Sponsor: Forrest J. Bowlick
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Room 163 [C26]

Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in the environment by sequestering carbon and nutrients, providing flood abatement, and preserving critical wildlife habitats. However, wetlands have faced catastrophic degradation and losses in the previous decades. Many marsh-obligate species have been particularly impacted by wetland degradation. Due to their high trophic level, birds are very sensitive to changes in the environment and lower trophic levels. Subsequently, they can act as indicators of the health of an entire ecosystem. In this study, we focused on how the abundance and distribution of marsh-obligate American Bittern (Botarus lentiginosus), Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), Sora (Porzana carolina), and Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) changed across the wetlands of the Baring Division of Moosehorn National Wildlife, ME. We collected data on the presence of these marsh birds since 1999 as part of long-term monitoring efforts to manage wetlands. We looked specifically at four focal years (1999, 2006, 2016, 2024) and linked marsh bird abundance and distribution to wetland habitat features, including vegetation density, interspersion, water level, amount of surface water, and land cover. Our results indicate a progressive restriction of marsh bird distribution to the northern portion of the refuge and highlight key areas in the southern portion for more rigorous continued monitoring. We also identified which factors most influence marsh bird abundance and how overall wetland ecosystem health has changed over time. This knowledge allows for informed management actions which may include vegetation management, water level manipulation, and changes in land use near sensitive and productive marshes.

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Ground Truthing Stone Walls in the Cascades Conservation Area
Presenter: Kaia Sharon
Faculty Sponsor: Katherine Elizabeth Markham
School: Worcester State University
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A37]

The iconic stone walls found throughout New England are an architectural feat reminiscent of a past cultural practice. In 1939, an estimated 259,000 miles of stone walls existed in New England. Today, fewer than 100,000 remain. Study of these structures is essential to their preservation. Stone walls are artifacts that tell a story about the culture and history of the humans who built them. They increase species richness and biodiversity by providing heterogeneous microhabitats, therefore establishing themselves as a vital part of their ecosystem. Still, the true extent and pattern of the walls is unknown. This is the first systematic study of stone walls in the Cascades Conservation area in Worcester, Massachusetts. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) was utilized to approximate the location of the walls, which were subsequently ground truthed to verify their existence. GPS coordinates were documented to create an accurate map of the walls using ArcGIS. These walls historically marked property boundaries, enclosed merino sheep pastures, and served as a dumping ground for stones displaced by frost heaving. They form long, straight rows, triangular enclosures, climb steep terrain, contain gaps, and end abruptly. Spatial analysis reveals that gaps and abrupt endings result from ecological succession, hydrological features, and human disturbances. Documenting their extent and pattern advances the understanding of the cultural and historical value of these structures and increases the likelihood of their preservation as artifacts. 

A GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Wave Energy Converter Site Selection in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Presenter: Liam Joseph Ouellette
Faculty Sponsor: Krish Sharman
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A38]

To harness the large reservoir of renewable energy potential in the world’s oceans, various marine technologies have been developed, including offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy systems. While offshore wind projects have advanced significantly in recent years, wave energy technology remains in earlier stages of development and requires further research to support implementation. A critical step in this process is identifying feasible and sustainable locations for wave energy converter (WEC) development. This study evaluates the suitability of a potential WEC pilot project site at the UMass-Amherst Marine Station in Gloucester, Massachusetts. A two-stage multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework is applied, consisting of an initial exclusion analysis to remove environmentally, technically, or operationally unsuitable areas, followed by a weighted suitability assessment of the remaining zones. Geospatial datasets representing ocean wave attributes, bathymetry, environmental constraints, infrastructure proximity, and existing human uses will be compiled and analyzed within GIS. All criteria will be normalized and weighted based on values drawn from existing literature and expert input. The resulting spatial analysis will aim to identify areas of suitability for WEC within the prescribed study area. Additionally, this study aims to build on a structured, reproducible framework for site characterization that could be applied in similar coastal regions.

Sprezzatura and Sustainability: Exploring Solutions for Sustainable Tourism Development in Italy.
Presenter: Sonam Ottaviani
Faculty Sponsor: Melina Anne Masterson
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A39]

Having spent a summer studying abroad in the beautiful yet crowded center of Florence, I was inspired to write an honors thesis exploring the multifaceted issue of overtourism in Italy. Through a review of literature, interdisciplinary analysis of case studies combining my knowledge of conservation and Italian culture, along with geospatial analysis and potentially contacting rural tourism operators, the thesis will aim to answer the following questions: 

  1. How did overtourism develop in Italy (especially in Venice and Cinque Terre)?

  2. What impacts does overtourism have on the environment, as well as Italian culture and the economy? 

  3. What solutions have been proposed and implemented to mitigate these impacts? 

  4. How might prior successes and failures help inform the development of rural areas? 

 This thesis will explore topics such as the history of tourism, the importance of fresh ingredients at the basis of Italian cuisine (UNESCO “Intangible Cultural Heritage”), and community-led models that empower residents and help retain economic benefits.

The thesis will also analyze sustainable solutions in areas such as construction, park and trail maintenance, and “slow tourism,” which is often tied to cultural discovery. Through geospatial analysis, I will determine how impacts such as land-use changes may be impacting wildlife, such as through habitat fragmentation and edge effects. 

My research will highlight the interdisciplinary nature of this issue, where environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability naturally overlap and inform each other. My findings will reveal effective methods and inform recommendations for rural operators, such as agriturismi, as they aim to develop into competitive future destinations.
Automated Detection and Enumeration of Juvenile River Herring Using Deep Learning: Advancing Computational Monitoring for Anadromous Fish
Presenter: Gagan Deep Gutta
Faculty Sponsor: Adrian Jordaan
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A40]

Monitoring juvenile river herring (Alosa pseudoharengus, Alosa aestivalis) emigration is a top research and management priority, yet existing methods rely on very labor-intensive manual annotation of camera trap footage. Prior work demonstrated that YOLOv5-based neural networks could estimate adult fish abundance from continuous underwater video with 87% accuracy for presence/absence detection and 9.4% counting error compared to human observers. However, that system required over 1,000 hours of development and labeling effort, and has not been tested beyond a single site, and focussed on larger adults. This project advances automated juvenile fish monitoring by implementing YOLOv8, a newer object detection architecture with improved small object detection, anchor-free design, and faster inference speeds. We are training YOLOv8 models on annotated underwater camera trap imagery collected from river herring monitoring sites in Massachusetts. We evaluate model performance by benchmarking detection accuracy, counting precision, and processing speed against prior YOLOv5 results. We further develop an active learning pipeline that prioritizes uncertain frames for human review, substantially reducing the annotation burden that has limited deployment of computational monitoring systems. We hypothesize that YOLOv8 will achieve higher accuracy in detecting small, early-season juveniles while requiring less manual labeling effort. Preliminary results indicate that YOLOv8 can reliably detect juvenile river herring across varying environmental conditions, including turbidity, lighting changes, and dense schooling behavior. This work contributes to scalable, cost-effective monitoring tools that can be adapted across sites and species, supporting data-driven fisheries management and conservation of declining anadromous fish populations.
Air Pollution and Mental Health Disorders in Youth Ages, 10-24: A PRISMA‑Guided Systematic Review of Associations and Symptom Profiles
Presenter: Rosario Michelle Larios
Faculty Sponsor: Ann-Marie Sylvia
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A41]



Purpose: Air pollution is a significant public health concern with well-documented effects on physical health, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. However, its impact on mental health, particularly among youth ages 10–24, remains less understood while mental health disorders among this population continue to rise. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the association between air pollution exposure and mental health disorders and to describe the most common disorders and symptoms. Methods: A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted for relevant articles published between 2023 and 2026. A total of 692 articles were identified, with 13 meeting inclusion criteria after screening. Observational studies were identified, screened, and qualitatively synthesized to examine associations between common air pollutants and mental health outcomes. Eligible studies assessed exposure to pollutants (i.e., particulate matter and gaseous pollutants) and measured outcomes using clinical diagnoses or validated symptom scales. Results: Across the reviewed literature, higher levels of air pollution exposure were associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. While the strength of associations varied across studies, the findings suggest that air pollution may represent an underrecognized environmental contributor to youth mental health. This review clarifies current patterns in the literature and identifies key gaps in methodology and longitudinal evidence, providing direction for future research and informing public health discussions surrounding environmental risk factors.

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Roots and Wings: Exploring Massachusetts Attitudes Toward Native Plants and Pollinators
Presenter: Maxwell Tyler Passarelli
Faculty Sponsor: Anne Armstrong
School: Worcester State University
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A43]

Both pollinators and native plants are key components of ecosystems, but both are threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to widespread agriculture and urbanization. These vital and interconnected components of the biosphere are dependent on each other, and also on human behavior. We studied how Massachusetts residents feel about native plants and pollinators. We created a survey to assess native plant and pollinator attitudes using semantic differentials and Likert-type items. The survey was uploaded to Amazon Mechanical Turk and circulated by the Massachusetts Pollinator Network and Worcester Native Plant Initiative. The results suggest Young Adults show high interest and willingness to engage with native planting and pollinator support. Overall, Massachusetts residents tend to have favorable views of native plants and pollinators. In fact, we found young audults in particular show a willingness to engage with volunteer efforts in their respective communities. This data can be shared with conversation-focused non-profit organizations to help them target the outreach efforts.

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The Role of Procedural Justice in Default Energy Programs: Testing Justification Frames for Time-of-Use Pricing
Presenter: Eric Ames
Faculty Sponsor: Christine Crago
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A33]

Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing shifts energy demand to times of day when energy is more affordable. Often, it is these times when clean and renewable energy is abundant. To get more consumers to join ToU pricing, researchers have tried using voluntary (opt-in) enrollment and mandatory (opt-out) enrollment (with the choice to leave). They found that voluntary enrollment is catastrophically lower than mandatory enrollment, which nears 100%. While mandatory enrollment has a high participation rate, it does not equal willing compliance; instead, it leaves consumers feeling powerless and may erode trust in the utilities. When utility providers use opt-out enrollment following Procedural Justice Theory (PJT), it may improve the fairness of process and shape legitimacy in the consumer's eyes. Utility providers can apply PJT by justifying their mandatory enrollment process to the consumer. This study tested different justifications head-to-head in a mandatory enrollment ToU context (environmental, reliability, equity vs control) to identify which justification frame increases willingness to participate and perceived fairness, something no research has yet tested. This study used a between-subjects experiment of randomly assigned college students to 4 conditions. Participants read a ToU enrollment scenario with frame-specific justification or control, then rated procedural fairness perceptions and willingness to participate. Utilities benefit from scalable, evidence-based guidance on which justification preserves trust while maintaining enrollment, enabling sustainable renewable energy integration through willing consumer participation.

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Shared Solar, Shared Savings: A Statistical Analysis of Community Solar Participation and Energy Burden in Massachusetts
Presenter: Ishaan Singh Sarna
Faculty Sponsor: Christine Crago
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A37]

The rapid expansion of distributed solar has sparked an interest in programs that have the potential to expand access beyond homeowners and higher-income households. Although community solar has been proposed as an effective mechanism to achieve more equitable access for renters, multifamily households, and low-income households, there is limited empirical evidence on its direct impacts on affordability. Using census-tract-level data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low Income Energy Affordability (LEAD) tool, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Sharing the Sun Community Solar dataset, and the American Community Survey, this study examines the relationship between community solar presence and energy burden outcomes. A fixed effects regression framework is employed to control for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics while isolating the effect of community solar access and installed capacity. While previous research has focused on the demographic profiles of common adopters, this thesis evaluates the direct impacts of community solar diffusion on household energy costs and energy burden. The findings of this study aim to inform state policymakers and contribute to the broader literature on the energy transition, energy equity, and the distributional impacts of the clean energy transition.
Identifying Internal and External Factors Driving University Carbon Emissions
Presenter: Eilish Mackenzie Gunther
Faculty Sponsor: Christine Crago
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A38]

In the years leading up to and after the United States signed the Paris Climate Agreement, universities across the United States have made significant efforts to reduce their emissions. These initiatives include renewable energy sources, green building renovations, and electric transportation. Reducing university emissions depends on physical factors, such as the total energy consumed by a university across its operational sectors. However, without sufficient action addressing the drivers of high emissions levels, significant change cannot be achieved through physical measures alone. This study examines three approaches used by universities across the U.S. to lower emissions: university operational changes, educational approaches to sustainability, and institutional governance. This research examines UMass Amherst's emissions relative to those of its peer universities using regression analysis, coupled with a regression analysis of external factors, particularly in the county surrounding the university, which has not been examined before. This study determines the full extent to which internal and external factors influence university emissions, specifically investigating whether university-employed sustainability initiatives or external variables correlate with lower emissions. The findings of this study can have major implications for resource allocation within university programs and the public sector. By determining whether internal university-driven efforts or external factors are the leading influence on higher emissions, any disparities preventing proper efforts to reduce carbon emissions within each sector can be identified. This identification is crucial for addressing existing financial and educational gaps, which often create barriers to successful climate action.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a Tool for Rare Freshwater Mussel Detection and Restoration Planning
Presenter: Mickala Diane Stratton
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A40]

Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled faunal groups in North America, with over 70% of freshwater mussel species considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Many of these imperiled species are rare on the landscape, making widespread monitoring a challenge. Traditional survey methods, such as snorkeling, are time-intensive and spatially limited. To overcome these difficulties, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys have become an extremely desirable tool for freshwater mussel conservation. eDNA surveys collect shed organismic genetic material from environmental samples, allowing scientists to non-invasively determine species presence and distribution. In this study, we evaluated eDNA as a method for detecting brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), a state-listed endangered freshwater mussel species in Massachusetts. Specifically, our objectives were to: 1) assess eDNA detection in a known population, and 2) determine the potential presence of A. varicosa at sites with unknown status. For Objective 1, water samples, habitat (e.g, wetted width), and water quality (e.g., pH, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen) were collected upstream, immediately downstream, and 100 m downstream of the known mussel population. In the lab, water samples were filtered, DNA was extracted, and then amplified using qPCR. After verifying these methods, we sampled for brook floater eDNA at 15 sites where the species has not been recently recorded (Objective 2) to guide future mussel surveys. Results will be used by managers throughout the A. varicosa range (Georgia to Nova Scotia) to inform expanded use of eDNA for species surveys and restoration efforts to support species’ conservation.

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Mussel Stranding in the Wheelwright Dam Impoundment
Presenter: Jacob Adam Sorensen
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A41]

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are an important group of freshwater organisms that face multiple threats and widespread decline. While dams fragment streams that mussels inhabit, their removal can negatively impact mussels and their habitat. Dam removal can cause rapid declines in water level in the dam’s impoundment (the area upstream of the dam with higher water level and lower flows than the free-flowing river), which can lead to widespread stranding events, whereby mussels are trapped in sediment as the water level declines. Spatial analysis of where stranding events occur within the impoundment during a dam removal could help to inform where mussels are most vulnerable to declining water levels. We surveyed stranded mussels at the Wheelwright Dam in Hardwick, Massachusetts during a multi-phase drawdown and dam removal. At 30 sites (15 locations with paired left and right bank sites) along a ~5 river km impoundment, we counted mussels and collected physical information (e.g., bed texture, bank slope, vegetation). Using this information, we modeled the relationship between mussel stranding and physical characteristics of the landscape to determine which factors put freshwater mussels most at risk during a dam removal. We also deployed trail cameras to monitor an additional three sites for signs of mussel predation. These findings could be beneficial for managers to focus conservation efforts such as mussel relocations in areas with the highest risk of stranding events.

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Demography of an Isolated Spotted Turtle Population in Massachusetts
Presenter: Audrey Jane Methot
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A42]

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a small freshwater turtle species native to the midwestern and eastern United States, as well as southeastern Canada. In the last 30 years they have experienced an estimated decline of 50% across their range, with remaining fragmented Spotted Turtle populations often containing <100 individuals. Given this status, data on abundance, age structure, and other demographic characteristics for local populations is helpful for informing management decisions. We initiated a demographic study of a Spotted Turtle population in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, using mark-recapture. Turtles were caught via traps and uniquely marked by notching their marginal scutes. Three, 12-day trapping sessions were held between April and August 2025, where 5 traps in one wetland were checked every 24 h and rebaited every 48 h. In traps, we captured a total of 45 Spotted Turtles, of which 33 were unique individuals. With a closed population model, our findings estimate a population size of 61.4 (±17.2 SE) individuals. We found a sex ratio (male: female) of 1:1.2, suggesting no significant skew (p=0.746). Of the turtles captured, 6.1% were 0-6 years of age, 78.9% were ages 7-13 (average age range of maturation), and 15.2% were age 14 and above. Given the current estimate for spotted turtle longevity is 65 to 110 years, the age structure observed suggests this population has had successful recruitment in the last decade. Comparing this Spotted Turtle population to others in Massachusetts and the Northeast can help inform regional conservation efforts.

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Prevalence of Scute Abnormalities in a Large Blanding’s Turtle Population in Central Massachusetts
Presenter: Sophie Eliza Bonazoli
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A43]

Turtles are among the most imperiled large tetrapod orders. A sign of developmental stress in turtles is the irregular formation of scutes, keratinous plates covering most turtles’ shells. Scute abnormalities are an example of fluctuating asymmetry. Embryos develop these abnormalities when signaling pathways that dictate scute formation are disrupted by environmental stressors, such as high temperature and low humidity, during incubation. Abnormalities include extra, missing, and deformed scutes. Fluctuating asymmetry is thought to decrease fitness, but no study has directly demonstrated this effect in turtles. Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtles) are an imperiled species most common in the midwestern United States, with disjunct populations in New England and Nova Scotia. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of scute abnormalities in New England’s largest known population of Blanding’s Turtles, located in central Massachusetts. In 2025, we caught 316 unique individuals via traps and opportunistic hand capture. We measured and weighed each capture and approximated age by counting annuli. We recorded distinct markings, injuries, and congenital anomalies (i.e., deformed limbs, scute abnormalities). Overall, we captured 39 turtles (12.3% of total) with irregular scutes. The incidence of irregularity was significantly higher in females than males (Fisher’s Exact Test; p = 0.0184). Quantifying abnormalities by locus, we found that 94.2% of abnormalities were on the carapace and 5.76% were on the plastron. Just under half (49.0%) of carapacial abnormalities were vertebral, while 26.5% were costal and 24.5% were marginal. Tracking the prevalence of scute abnormalities may help gauge population health and inform local conservation efforts.
Environmental Factors Influencing Coldwater Patch Size in Streams: Informing Biodiversity Conservation Under Changing Climates
Presenter: Jillian Finn Bakey
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A44]

Climate change is leading to warmer streams and more variable and intense storm events in the northeastern United States. Fishes, salamanders, and aquatic invertebrates that require coldwater streams can be vulnerable to changes from altered climates. Cold groundwater can provide organisms with shelter from warming temperatures, particularly in coldwater patches formed by groundwater seeps. These coldwater patches vary in size; however, little is known about how environmental conditions affect coldwater patch size, as we cannot isolate or control for these variables in the field. We conducted a laboratory study to test the independent effects of flow, depth, and stream temperature on coldwater patch size. Patch size will be measured three-dimensionally using a thermocouple profile probe. Results from this study will inform managers on how different environmental conditions impact coldwater refuges, and can be used to inform future conservation actions, such as large wood additions, to maintain coldwater patches under changing climates.

Effect of Climate on Growth of Juvenile Blanding's Turtles in Central Massachusetts
Presenter: Sofia Marie Howland Harlow
Faculty Sponsor: Allison Roy
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A45]

Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) live in fragmented populations scattered across New England, with their core range in the midwestern U.S. As an ectothermic species, Blanding’s Turtles are vulnerable to temperature irregularities and shifts in growing seasons. Our objective was to examine the effects of climatic variables on proportional annual growth rates in juveniles in the largest population in New England, located in north-central Massachusetts. We captured 68 unique juvenile Blanding’s Turtles during the spring and summer of 2025 using traps and opportunistic hand captures. Each individual was identified, measured, weighed, and photographed, which allowed us to age turtles by counting annuli (annual growth rings visible on the shell). We then used ImageJ software to measure distances between the annuli to calculate annual growth rates. We tested the effects of average summer temperature, total precipitation during the growing season, and number of summer days with maximum temperature > 35°C on proportional annual growth rates. We found that the number of days with maximum temperature > 35°C had a significant negative effect on growth rate, showing the potential negative impact of extreme weather conditions on growth. Precipitation did not have an effect, but average summer temperature had a significant positive effect on growth rate, suggesting that temperature has a stronger influence on growth than precipitation. Investigating these climate-growth relationships aids in understanding the cumulative environmental consequences of a vulnerable, slow-growing species. 
The Decline of Atlantic Salmon and Their Recovery Plan
Presenter: Liliana Grace Pollard
Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A46]

In the Northeastern United States 300,000 - 500,000 Atlantic salmon used to spawn in rivers every year. By the early 1900s Atlantic salmon disappeared from every state except Maine. The Gulf of Maine Atlantic salmon distinct population segment (DPS) was declared federally endangered in 2000. The main cause of their decline is dams and other barriers like road stream crossings which prevent Atlantic salmon from swimming up rivers to spawn in tributary streams. Additional threats to Atlantic salmon include the degradation of their habitat, and climate change. 

In 2019 NOAA Fisheries and USFWS finalized a plan to restore the Atlantic Salmon population of the Gulf of Maine. The objective of the plan is to maintain sustainable, wild populations of Gulf of Maine DPS Atlantic salmon with access to sufficient habitat and eliminate the threats to the Gulf of Maine DPS. While the major threats to Atlantic salmon are addressed, the recovery plan relies on conservation hatchery programs. Salmon passage can be improved by the removal or improvement of barriers deemed essential to the conservation of Atlantic salmon. Climate change’s threat to Atlantic salmon can be addressed by studying climate change to produce predictive models that can guide preemptive action, and by developing climate resilient habitats. Atlantic salmon habitat can be maintained, protected and restored by monitoring and minimizing effects of human water withdrawal on stream flow, monitoring and reducing pollution to improve water quality, and managing rivers and surrounding riparian areas to promote habitat features suitable for Atlantic salmon.

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Strengthening Organizations to Promote Community, Action, & Sustainability
Presenter: Rowan Downey
Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A47]

Organizations play a vital role in the development and protection of communities and institutions. Without defined and structured functions and capacities, many organizations would fail to uphold their mission. The United Nations, and several other international groups, have identified strong institutions and community partnerships as necessary goals for a peaceful and sustainable world. When it has strong foundations, an organization is capable of working to resolve various issues within its community, such as environmental health, social justice, food equity, administrative dysfunction, and education access. Through direct investigation and observation of student organizations at Holyoke Community College, and referencing official data and research from trusted sources, a series of guidelines and actions will be determined for the formation of strong and effective organizations within a community. When strong organizations are formed, they provide a foundation to create a space where a community's members can connect with one another through common interests and initiatives. This promotes a sense of shared common purpose and united focus, while in turn generating positive action taken by the community. Many of these actions, especially those focused on the community environment and support systems, promote principles of sustainability, such as waste reduction, reduced consumption, and increased local agriculture. Through projects and initiatives following these principles and ideas, the organizations are continuously strengthened and empowered.

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The Need for Construction of Wildlife Crossings in Massachusetts
Presenter: Christian Thomas Jean
Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A48]

Roads and highways negatively impact animals through habitat loss and fragmentation. This disrupts animal movement and even social structures, as most animals will avoid these areas altogether. Implementing more wildlife crossings in Massachusetts is necessary to reduce vehicle collisions and fatalities for both human and animal populations. According to The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, “Reported collisions between motorists and wildlife cause more than 200 human fatalities and over 26,000 injuries each year, at an annual cost to Americans of more than $8 billion. These crossings can reduce the cost of animal-vehicle collisions and save lives."
These crossings are also economically beneficial, as most resources that are used for these collisions can now be redirected elsewhere to benefit taxpayers. By educating the public, the issue of wildlife crossings can gain support for funding, improving public safety and protecting wildlife. This infrastructure also pays for itself after a few decades through harm reduction and less resources being required. Several case studies have already demonstrated that strategically placed nature crossings with the right protections can significantly reduce collisions. Huijser et al. claim that “Wildlife crossing structures that guide animals over or under our nation’s highways reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 97% when placed in areas of known wildlife movement."
While wildlife crossings may require tailoring to the needs of specific species, or engineering due to geographic constraints, the basics of construction remain the same. Tunnels, overpasses, and proper fencing reconnect fragmented habitats and allow animal populations to thrive alongside highway infrastructure.

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Holyoke Community College Trail Management: The Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Mental Health and Ecosystem Sustainability
Presenter: Laurel Anne Lamoureux
Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A49]

The Holyoke Community College hiking trails come in various designs and intensity, and something they all share in common is the reasons trails are so important. The importance ranges from the protection of the environment the trails travel through, to the physical challenges exerted on the body and the positive mental outlook that can take place in the mind. Spending time in nature has many positive outcomes like lower stress, improved focus, and improved mental health. To encourage use of the trails this project proposes improving trail signs, symbols, and maps to help hikers reach their destination safely while also educating them about their environment. A survey has been designed to identify the needs of students, faculty and community members and the first step in this project is distributing the survey. Once tabulated, the data acquired from this survey will be used to prioritize improvements to the HCC trail. The goal of this project is to update the Holyoke Community College trails, encourage their use, and have a positive effect on students and members of the community by improving their physical and mental health. 

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How Excessive Land Use Can Alter Aquatic Habitats
Presenter: Nathan Paul Szukala
Faculty Sponsor: Heather Ruel
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A51]

In Environmental Science, water, air, and soil are all connected in the biosphere we call Planet Earth. The increasing human population in towns and cities can have a negative effect on the natural functions of aquatic ecosystems. Residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational use of the surrounding land can alter water health. This can cause negative outcomes for biotic creatures that live in the ecosystem or use the watershed for survival. Techniques in aquatic ecology are constantly being developed to improve the monitoring of the health of streams and lakes within a watershed. Without monitoring the local habitats, harmful introductions can hinder the natural existence of a healthy environment. With information from GIS and personal site assessments, there are many sources of data to document the effect that local communities can have on the environment. A slight increase in nitrogen can alter the chemical balance of a waterway and even small changes like dumping lawn clippings too close to an aquatic environment can cause eutrophication to occur. Eutrophication can allow algae blooms to flourish by covering the top layer of the water and blocking sunlight, creating numerous environmental concerns. Aquatic monitoring is an important component of environmental education, compliance, and enforcement. Humans can create many negative outcomes within natural aquatic environments, and there should be accountability through restoration and remediation. Environmental Scientists can monitor and limit environmental degradation through quantitative measuring and accurate data collection for the benefit of people and the planet. 

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Light Pollution Effects on Firefly Populations and Community Conservation Strategies
Presenter: Samantha G. Walsh
Faculty Sponsor: Amanda L. M. Hyde
School: Greenfield Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A4]

Firefly (Lampyridae) population numbers have been steadily declining driving some species into threat of extinction. Of the many threats fireflies face, light pollution has emerged as a top concern due to its interference with their language of light. This study will describe the effects of excessive artificial light on different firefly species and strategies to mitigate those impacts.

Light pollution, or the excessive use of artificial light, has become a growing concern as the human population expands. Over the past decade the globe has seen an 80% increase of light polluted skies and the United States at 99%. As human development spreads, the loss of naturally dark habitats has far‑reaching consequences, including ecological disruption, negative impacts on human health, and disorientation of nocturnal species. Fireflies rely on bioluminescent signals to locate mates and communicate. Excessive artificial lighting disrupts these signals by overwhelming or masking them, leaving fireflies unable to effectively find partners. In some cases, individuals stop signaling altogether, leading to reduced reproductive success and population decline.

Community based conservation offers practical and accessible solutions. Strategies such as reducing decorative lighting, closing curtains at night, using motion activated or low intensity outdoor lights, and creating designated dark zones can significantly improve habitat quality. By increasing the number of dark, undisturbed areas, communities can provide essential sanctuaries that support firefly recovery and help preserve these dazzling species for future generations.
Foliar Microplastics Deposition: An Urban-Rural Comparison
Presenter: Lotus Carlson
Faculty Sponsor: Baoshan Xing
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A58]

Created from physical, chemical, and biological weathering of plastics, microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental and public health concern. Due to high population, traffic, and industrial activity, urban areas are particularly prone to MPs pollution. Urban forests provide vital ecosystem functions like carbon sequestration, air pollution remediation, cooling, and habitat provisioning. When deposited on tree leaves, MPs can negatively impact leaf morphology, physiology, and biochemistry. Although several studies have investigated MPs deposition on urban tree leaves, none to my knowledge explored the context of urbanization and forest fragmentation together. Hence, the purpose of this project is to analyze the abundance and types of MPs on the leaves of two tree species, white pine (Pinus strobus) and oak (Quercus spp.), collected from one urban site (Arnold Arboretum; AA) and one rural site (Harvard Forest; HF) on the Urban New England (UNE) project, a 120-km urbanization gradient beginning in urban Boston, MA. The results will reveal how both urbanization and forest fragmentation affect foliar MPs deposition. Laser-direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR) will be used to identify MPs polymer types and quantify MPs abundance. The hypotheses are: 1) MPs abundance increases as the degree of urbanization level increases, 2) MPs abundance is higher on forest edges than in forest interiors, and 3) MPs varieties reflect site characteristics. This study is expected to provide new understanding on the spatial patterns of MPs deposition.

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Implications of Heteroaggregation on Vertical Transport of Low-Density Polyethylene Particles in Quartz-Based Soil Column as Examined Using Laser-Direct Infrared (LDIR) Spectroscopy
Presenter: Marko Stephen Cerne
Faculty Sponsor: Baoshan Xing
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A59]

While microplastics (MPs) are closely associated with ocean contamination, they are also ubiquitous in the soil. One source of terrestrial MPs is plastic mulching, a technique that covers agricultural soil with black sheets of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to reduce soil erosion, weed growth, evaporation, and enhance plant productivity. Despite the benefits of plastic mulching, recent research suggests these MPs are detrimental to plant and soil health by reducing root nutrient uptake and lowering water retention. This study focuses on transport, observing the effects of soil hematite (Fe2O3) concentrations on the vertical movement of LDPE in soils. 

The study will use multi-stage glass columns filled with simulated soil (Ssim), and LDPE initially mixed with the Ssim in the top stage. The main variable of this experiment is the concentration of hematite coating the quartz used as Ssim, which will vary between (0, 5, 10, 15, 22 mg/g quartz) columns. These columns are irrigated with simulated rainwater (Rsim) in wetting and drying cycles to simulate real-world watering conditions. After irrigation, the columns are deconstructed, LDPE is extracted, weighed, and imaged with an infrared microscope (LDIR) to determine the MPs concentration in each layer, revealing the depth of penetration.

This experiment is expected to show less LDPE vertical migration correlated with higher hematite concentrations in Ssim, due to surface charge interactions between LDPE and hematite. These results could be applied to different agricultural soils to determine the extent of MPs transport in soil associated with plastic mulching based on hematite content.
Coastal Wetlands and Climate Change: Restoration and Carbon Sequestration in Massachusetts Salt Marshes
Presenter: David Lucas Khun
Faculty Sponsor: Cam Anderson
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Room 163 [C6]

Wetland ecosystems play many important roles, including storing carbon in the soil, maintaining and filtering water, and supporting biodiversity. In particular, coastal wetlands are especially vulnerable to human-caused climate change: increasing temperatures and changing precipitation and storm patterns can erode coastal wetlands and speed up the organic matter decomposition rates. To combat these changes, wetland restoration efforts often involve rebuilding wetland ecosystems and restoring their vital functions, including carbon storage. In this project, I examine how climate change interacts with coastal wetlands, with a focus on brackish and saltwater wetlands in Massachusetts. First, I conducted a literature review looking at analytical data from those who have studied such wetland ecosystems in the context of restoration and carbon storage. I use the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan framework to assess the state of coastal wetlands in terms of development, conservation, carbon storage, and proposed wetland protection strategies. Additionally, I provide a mapping tool using MassMapper and GIS to visualize coastal wetlands in Massachusetts and their vulnerability to climate change, which could affect the coastal region. Together, this project provides a synthesis of the state of coastal wetlands in the face of climate change, which is important to biodiversity and aquatic life. Another important role of coastal wetlands is to combat climate change through restoring carbon and preventing coastal erosion.

The Fading Colors: Temperature, Precipitation, and the Shifting Timing of New England’s Fall Foliage Season
Presenter: Emma L. Pelletier
Faculty Sponsor: Cam Anderson
School: Holyoke Community College
Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Location: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Room 163 [C7]

While the seasonal reduction in daylight reliably initiates leaf color changes, the vibrancy and duration of the colorful display are acutely sensitive to regional climate conditions. Current climate trends of significantly warmer, autumn nights and increased frequency of drought are fundamentally disrupting the precise environmental cues required for optimal leaf color development. To address these changes, I examine how increasing climate variability, particularly changes in temperature and precipitation, influences fall foliage in the commercially and culturally significant deciduous forests of New England, specifically Massachusetts. I combine findings from a literature review on leaf color phenology with a case study that integrates data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to detail how temperature and precipitation influence pigment dynamics and resulting leaf coloration. Findings from the literature review revealed that warmer overnight temperatures are the dominant factor in leaf color change, delaying cessation of leaf chlorophyll production and inhibiting the sugar concentration necessary to produce carotenes, xanthophylls, and anthocyanins, which correspond to yellow, orange, and red/purple colors, respectively. This trend in warming is projected to delay the peak leaf color window by up to two weeks and shorten the overall leaf viewing season. Additionally, increasing drought stress accelerates leaf senescence, causing premature leaf drop and dull, brown foliage. The long-term outlook suggests that the combined efforts of chronic warming and severe water stress will reduce the reliability and intensity of the signature leaf coloration in Massachusetts forests, potentially impacting the regional tourist economy.