FALCON Student Presentations
Panel 4: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Salons A & B
1.
Title: Fluorescence Enhancement Based on Configuration of Gold Nanoparticles
Presenters: William Thompson, Jiao Chen, Nenny Fahruddin, Julia Zhao
Institution/organization: Sitting Bull College
Abstract:
We have synthesized a series of nanocomposites using gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and silica shell for fluorescence enhancement. A TMR dye (Tetramethylrhodamine) was used for the investigation of this enhancement. First, different sized gold nanoparticles were developed. This metal particle was stabilized by an adhesive chemical known as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which was coated on the surface of each individual particle. Then, the first layer of silica was coated on the surface of the particles. Afterwards, the second silica layer doping with dye molecules was coated on the first silica layer. Then, fluorescence intestines were determined. Our results showed that several factors significantly affected fluorescence enhancement of the nanocomposites including the distance between the dye and the metal core, the shell thickness, the core size and shape. We have systematically investigated the effect of these factors on the fluorescence enhancement of the nanocomposites and obtained the optimal configuration of nanocomposites. These nanocomposites can be used as an effective fluorescent marker for bioanalysis.
2.
Title: 2010 Bellingham Bay Summer Hypoxia Study
Presenters: Lance Brockie
Institution/organization: Northwest Indian College
Abstract:
During the summer of 2010, I conducted a study measuring levels of dissolved oxygen in Bellingham Bay. The purpose of this study was to check for hypoxia zones at five specific locations in Bellingham Bay. The study was done by comparing levels of dissolved oxygen at the surface with levels of dissolved oxygen at the depths of Bellingham Bay. The Winkler Method was utilized to measure the dissolved oxygen levels deep in the Bay.
3.
Title: Cultivating Youth for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Presenters: Efrem Thompson, Brandon Jesus, Erick Freeman, Duhon James
Institution/organization: Land Grant Office of Diné College
Abstract:
The Land Grant Office of Diné College and its interns utilized their abundant environmental resources to create a curriculum for the Chuska/Native American Environmental Youth Camps, based on water, geology, botany, and wildlife. The overall intentions is to educate young people entering fifth through eighth graders on the concepts of the environment while incorporating traditional ways of life, technology, social skills, teambuilding/problem solving skills, communication, and to promote an active lifestyle. This ideology was formed to impartially guide students toward an awareness of local environmental issues, future endeavors, and to build a sense of self-identity.
FALCON Student Presentations
Panel 5: 2:40 – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Salons A & B
1.
Title: Historical and Cultural Mapping on the Leech Lake Tribal Lands
Presenters: Terra Greenleaf
Institution/organization: Leech Lake Tribal College
Abstract:
This past summer I had a NASA-AIHEC Summer Research Experience internship. Through this internship, my teammates and I did a project called “Historical and Cultural Mapping on the Leech Lake Tribal Lands” where we worked closely with the Leech Lake Preservation Office/ Heritage Sites and we resumed the Burial Preservation Program that originally began in 2000-01. With the Burial Preservation Program we wanted to utilize non-invasive methods to locate possible unmarked burials, fully map and document these sites along with known burials and full cemeteries. Thus making it possible to create a database for the community to find and locate their ancestors and protecting these sacred and historical sites from natural and unnatural desecration.
We utilized non-invasive methods to locate possible unmarked burials, and that included: Trimble GPS Unit, Paired Buried Line Locators, Overhauser v7.0 Magnetometer, hand-sketch mapping, along with on-the-ground mapping techniques. First we would do an initial “free search”, using our Paired Buried Line Locators, which would gives us an idea where unmarked burials were. Once we completed the initial search, we would set up a meter by meter grid on N-S-E-W corners for a magnetometer survey. After we set up the grid, we would start a hand-sketch map of all known burials within the specific cemetery, all suspected burials, grid corners, cemetery border, and other known features. Concurrently, we would take GPS points of the same thing.
This is an ongoing project, and we have barely scratched the surface. We are hoping to continue this project until it is complete. It is important to increase ancestral knowledge throughout the community, develop an environment for tribal members to seek out areas where they can pay their respects to ancestors, and to develop a reliable resource for tribal offices and contractors to address issues associated with new developments in order to avoid desecration of sacred sites.
2.
Title: U.S. EPA Region 9, Navajo Nation, Unregulated, Water Quality study for E. coli
Presenters: Faith Benally
Institution/organization: Diné College
Abstract:
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are members of a large group of bacteria that inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and other warm-blooded animals (mammals, birds). A concern was the possible presence of E. coli in unregulated water sources used by community members. Student Interns collected and analyzed water samples from these sources in order to determine the relative degree of risk to human health. The samples were analyzed for E. coli as well as zinc, copper arsenic, lead and radionuclide's (total uranium). The protocol used was the IDEXX system. The IDEXX is able to distinguish Total Coliform from E. coli. Our results showed that E. coli remains a serious public health concern for those who use unregulated water sources. The analysis provided the research team with a more thorough assessment of the cumulative effect of multiple contaminants and chronic low-level risk associated with concentrations in water. The results indicate the need for improved water treatment methods, more availability of regulated water and public education for impacted communities who are also impacted by other environmental factors on the Navajo Nation.
3.
Title: Prairie Dog Migration and Available Food Sources for the Golden Eagles
Presenters: Filiberto Soto~Acota Vecenti
Institution/organization: Diné Environmental Institute, Diné College
Abstract:
This presentation discusses a study of how Prairie dog migration over the years could have an effect on the available food sources for the Golden Eagles. Standard Methods and procedures were applied for conducting surveys on prairie dogs in designated areas. The poster illustrates the following two methods.Method 1: Set and Follow Transect lines using navigational equipment and data collecting materials to count burrows. Method 2: Going to GIS waypoints selected by the Navajo Fish and Wildlife where there are possible prairie dog towns. With this method live prairie dogs are counted. Both methods were adopted by Navajo Nation Fish and Wildlife. The data that came from both methods were submitted to Navajo Fish and Wildlife and to other research organizations for use in future research. Overall the goal of this project is to see if the prairie dog population impacts the number of Golden Eagles within the selected location of the Navajo Nation.
4.
Title: Water Quality in central Navajo Nation
Presenters: Janice Wilson
Institution/organization: Diné Environmental Institute, Diné College
Abstract:
The EvER’s interns working under the Diné Environmental Institute tested the quality of water in the central part of the Navajo Reservation. The main focus of this presentation is on a specific aspect of water quality, bacterial contamination. Eschericia coli or E. coli is the indicator species of bacterial contamination and this is the reason we tested for it. Many residents of the Navajo Reservation do not have readily available access to regulated water supplies and get their drinking water from windmill wells and springs, even when these site have “livestock water only” written on them. The health of the residence is important and it was the main focus for the water quality testing. Once results are recorded, interpreted and organized it is our job to report these results to the Perry Charley, who reports to the Navajo Nation Health Review Board on this project. This information will then eventually make its way back to the communities where the wells were located. With this information, communities will be aware of the health risks associated with certain wells and a solution can be initiated. At the very least, awareness can be raised about the quality of the water.
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