Wayne School of Engineering
Wayne County Schools
Mentor: Dr. JoAnn Burkholder, NC State University
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Wetland Ecology Insight through Field and Laboratory Study
The health of rivers and sounds is vital to our marine fisheries. Dr. JoAnn Burkholder’s research team at the Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology at NC State has designed and maintained a 14-year research and monitoring program on the Neuse River Estuary. Fellow Susan Randolph and Dr. Burkholder are collaborating on a project that enables students to gain insight into wetland ecology through authentic field and lab studies. Students will investigate and analyze real-time data and modeling from the Center’s website to reveal important factors and trends in estuary health. They will propose plans for constructed wetlands that improve water quality in the local watershed and protect estuaries.