Wayne Early/Middle College High School
Wayne County Schools
Mentor: Dr. JoAnn Burkholder, NC State University
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Life in the Neuse
No one doubts the importance of clean water in our lives. Dr. JoAnn Burkholder’s research team has designed and maintained a 14-year research and monitoring program on the Neuse River Estuary. Kenan Fellow Amanda Warren collaborates with Dr. Burkholder on a project that will enable students to gain insight into wetland ecology through authentic field and lab studies. Students are investigating and analyzing real-time data and modeling from the North Carolina State University Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology website to reveal important factors and trends in the health of the estuary. They will propose plans for constructed wetlands that improve water quality in the local watershed and protect estuaries.