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Research in the Department of Environmental and Health Sciences
Research Projects
There are a number of research projects that have been conducted or are currently underway in our department. The projects require students and faculty to work together. Please join us and get involved in any of the following research initiatives, or, bring your own ideas:
- Study of Fluridone Toxicity to Freshwater Microbial Communities.
- Impact of Metal Contamination on the Elizabeth Mine From the West Branch of the Ompompanoosic River.
- Choice of Lakes by Nesting and Non-Nesting Common Loons (Gavia immer).
- Geological Mapping and Petrographic Analysis of the French Hill Greenstone, Johnson, VT.
- Landslide Potential on Deer Run Ridge, Jeffersonville, VT.
- The Identification, Calculation, and Reporting of the Johnson State College Greenhouse Gas Footprint.
- The Changing Weather and Climate Dynamics Across the Northern Tier of Vermont From 2000 to Present.
- Effects of a Bronchodilator on Breathing During Exercise in Asthmatic Humans.
- Effects of Pre-exercise Bronchoconstriction on Breathing During Exercise in Asthmatic Humans.
- Effects of Exercise Training on Breathing During Exercise in Asthmatic Humans.
Research and Teaching Laboratories
Some of the research and teaching laboratories in our department are described below.
PLUIMMS Laboratory
Participatory Learning Using Interactive Multimedia in Math and Science (PLUIMMS) is a new computer laboratory at JSC. The integration of current technologies into classroom instruction is key to teaching science at JSC. Our state-of-the-art interactive multimedia computer laboratory, partially funded by the National Science Foundation, offers students access to a 48 " Ultrachrome roll plotter, large format digitizer and scanner, video capture card, slide scanner, large format color printers, film recorder, GIS software, and fast computers.
Rock Laboratory
Opportunities to gain technical expertise, particularly in data collection, field work, and laboratory analysis of environmental problems represent a significant focus for the Integrated Environmental Science majors. JSC students have access to our on-site weather station and fully equipped rock laboratory for thin-section preparation complete with petrographic microscopes, rock saws and polishers. Other equipment includes a soil auger kit, penetrometers, lysimeters, tensiometers, hydrogeological field equipment, and the recently acquired nuclear magnetic resonance machine. Click here to see more pictures of the rock lab.
Student Research Lab
The Student Research Laboratory is designed to facilitate independent research projects assigned in class, Senior Thesis, and internship projects. The lab equipment includes a Gas Chromatograph, FTIR, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV/Visible Scanning Spectrophotometer, Biosafety hood, and Spectrofluorometer.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory
Experience in classical and state-of-the-art techniques in cellular biology (including genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology) is essential to the education of students majoring in biology. Fundamental laboratory skills are developed through coursework, and more extensive research experiences are available with faculty. Equipment available for research in cell and molecular biology includes preparative and analytical centrifuges, thermocyclers, UV/VIS spectrophotometers, horizontal and vertical gel apparatus, incubators, compound light and phase contrast microscopy, ultra-low temperature freezer, laminar flow hood, and an environmental incubator.
Human Performance Laboratory
The Human Performance Laboratory allows students to gain experience in pulmonary function testing, cardiac stress testing, muscle force characteristics, metabolism, body composition measurement, fitness testing, and gait mechanics. The laboratory provides students with practical experience in clinical scientific research and the use of equipment commonly used in the health sciences.
Streams Laboratory and Greenhouse
Our location in the Green Mountains provides innumerable opportunities for student research projects in a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. With 18 model streams, the Streams Laboratory allows controlled experiments to be performed in a laboratory setting with a certain amount of environmental realism. The Greenhouse is a favorite spot for student research on environmental problems. The experience gained by Biology and Environmental Science majors in data collection, field work, and laboratory research increases their chances to obtain employment in the environmental field. Experienced JSC students have access to water testing equipment; sampling devices to collect algae, invertebrates, and fish; a DIC/phase contrast/fluorescence research microscope; and equipment to study plant and animal populations in their natural habitats.
