Twardowski discusses the health of the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers at conference

2016 Dec 6

Lycoming College students and staff, including Jennifer Twardowski, shared their summer research at the 11th annual Susquehanna River Symposium last month. The event was attended by about 250 students and faculty from area colleges and universities and by professionals working in a variety of government agencies and environmental businesses.

The Lycoming students completed internships with the College's Clean Water Institute in the summer and fall of 2016. Their projects were funded by the institute as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Lycoming County MS4 Coalition and the Degenstein Foundation.

Mel Zimmerman, Ph.D., the director of the Clean Water Institute, and Peter Petokas, Ph.D., research associate for the institute, supervised the projects led by Lycoming students. Projects included the evaluation of stream restoration projects in the Loyalsock Creek watershed, cataloging and monitoring storm water runoff, educational outreach efforts, and the continued assessment of waters in the Loyalsock Creek watershed. Two research projects focused on hellbender habitats, and population stability and health.

Bob Smith, Ph.D., Lycoming biology professor, presented on "Making the case for incorporating societal objectives to help achieve ecological improvements for urban streams."

Lycoming College students and faculty traveled to Bucknell University to participate in an annual conference about the Susquehanna River. Front from left: Mel Zimmerman, Alison McNett, Jennifer Twardowski, Sarah Musheno, Ashlee Bresee, and Seth Lansberry. Back: Ryan Orgitano, Peter Petokas, Justin Potuck, Toby Boyer and Dominic Novella.