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Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
in Integrated Environmental Sciences
Funded by the Department of Defense and contracted by the National Science Foundation
PROGRAM PHOTOS
REU students kicked off this year’s REU program with a field trip to sites all over the Edward’s Aquifer. Edward’s Aquifer is an important water source in Texas, supplying fresh water for the entire city of San Antonio. Led by Dr. Jay Banner, Director of the Environmental Science Institute, Brian Cowan, a grad student under Dr. Banner, and Nico Hauwert, a hydrogeologist for the city of Austin, this field trip gave students a crash course in karst topography, the geology of the Edwards Aquifer, and research methods used in field studies. [ ]
Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant composts the city of Austin’s biosolids wastes (the byproduct of water treatment of sewage) and turns it into “Dillo Dirt.” A series of treatment ponds there also serve as a refuge for many different species of birds, making Hornsby Bend a popular bird watching hangout. Led by Dr. Bayani Cardenas and Kevin Anderson, Coordinator for the Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend, REU students put their hands in compost, measured the depth of the water table, and got up close and personal with some Texas wildlife. [ ]
At the LBJ Wildflower Center, a research unit of UT Austin, REU students learned about land management research—from mowing to burning—and were able to observe the differences in the vegetation of the research plots. Further, they learned about Green Roofs, polyculture grass mixes, and other projects. [ ]
REU students spent several days down at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas on Corpus Christi Bay. Led by Drs. Jim McClelland and Deana Erdner, REU students learned about coastal watersheds, got a tour of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK), visited the Texas State Aquarium at Corpus Christi, measured salinity while on board the research vessel Katy, visited the fisheries, and had a good time in their bungalow by the jetty. [ ]
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