Integrating natural science and social science research
Ponds are globally abundant and ecologically important, yet they are understudied compared to lakes. Ponds are rarely monitored for water quality, and we know little about how people interact with ponds despite the many ecological services that ponds can provide.
This project team is mentoring undergraduates to develop and implement social science surveys to examine how people use ponds and perceive pond water quality. They examine how perceptions of water quality align with ecological data collected on the same ponds. Lead faculty will also teach a capstone course for Cornell seniors to investigate how bodies of water are monitored and assessed, and investigate what appropriate water quality thresholds could look like for ponds.
Integrating natural science and social science research
Ponds are globally abundant and ecologically important, yet they are understudied compared to lakes. Ponds are rarely monitored for water quality, and we know little about how people interact with ponds despite the many ecological services that ponds can provide.
This project team is mentoring undergraduates to develop and implement social science surveys to examine how people use ponds and perceive pond water quality. They examine how perceptions of water quality align with ecological data collected on the same ponds. Lead faculty will also teach a capstone course for Cornell seniors to investigate how bodies of water are monitored and assessed, and investigate what appropriate water quality thresholds could look like for ponds.
- Meredith Holgerson, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Richard Stedman, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Bruce Lauber, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Community partner: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Funding to increase and sustain undergraduate involvement in community-engaged research