Water and Environmental Science Programs for Underrepresented Communities in Mississippi

Transcription

1 Water and Environmental Science Programs for Underrepresented Communities in Mississippi Jairo Diaz Mississippi River Research Center Environmental Science Emphasis Program Department of Agriculture Alcorn State University 2015 Mississippi Water Resources Conference April 7-8, 2015 Hilton Jackson Jackson, MS

2 Outline Introduction Goal Environmental and Water Programs Teaching and Mentoring Research Outreach and Extension Summary

3 Introduction Alcorn State University is the oldest Historically Black University and 1890 land-grant institution Schools: Agriculture, Research. Extension, and Applied Sciences Arts and Sciences Business Education and Psychology Nursing Graduate Studies

4 Introduction Alcorn State University - ASU (Fact Book ): 1,756 acres (campus and athletic fields 300 acres and agriculture and research 1,456 acres) Enrollment for Fall 2012 was 3,950 (33% males and 67% females; 3,208 undergraduates and 742 graduate students) Full-time faculty for Fall 2010 totaled degrees were awarded in the Spring of 2013: 13 associates, 352 bachelors, 136 masters, and 5 specialists) First-time freshmen demographics (2012): 73% MS 25% Non-MS/USA 2% Foreign 96% Black 1% Asian 1% Hispanic 2% White

5 Introduction Alcorn State University Students: Low mean ACT score (18) 84% Pell eligible 49% FR enrolled in a remedial course Lack of: math and science skills, critical thinking, basic software training, technical communication skills Low six-year cohort graduation rate (37%)

6 Introduction Bachelor of Science in the Department of Agriculture (248 students) Agricultural Economics (40 students) Agribusiness (84 students) Agricultural Sciences (84 students) Plant and Soil Science Emphasis Animal Science Emphasis Forestry Emphasis General Agriculture Emphasis Agricultural Education Emphasis Veterinary Science Emphasis Environmental Science Emphasis

7 Goal The goal of this presentation is show current water and environmental science programs developed at Alcorn State University. Research Outreach and Extension Teaching and Mentoring

8 Teaching BS in agricultural sciences with emphasis in environmental sciences

9 Teaching PS 458 GIS Applications in Natural Resources An overview of geographic information technology applications in natural resources, agricultural systems, watershed analysis, and environmental science. Intensive hands-on practices with relevant desktop and online software programs.

10 Teaching PS 460/560 Watershed Hydrology / Groundwater Hydrology Application of the fundamental principles of quantifying the basic processes occurring in watersheds. Hydrologic impacts of land use and management activities on watersheds will be emphasized.

11 Teaching Environmental software Critical thinking Applied math Communication skills Data resources Speakers Lab and field demonstrations

12 Mentoring

13 Research Assessing the spatial and temporal variability of pathogens and water quality in Alcorn State University ponds. Coliscan Petrifilm Quanti-Tray/Colilert

14 Research Assessing the spatial and temporal variability of pathogens and water quality in Alcorn State University ponds. Dissolved oxygen values increased and fecal contamination decreased as water was moved throughout the outlet of the system

15 Research Acid Neutralizing Capacity of Forest and Aquatic Ecosystems in Mississippi and Louisiana ( ) Currently, potential acid deposition impacts and acid neutralizing capacity of the forests and aquatic ecosystem are unknown in Mississippi and Louisiana. The USDA Forest Service received funds from the Environmental Protection Agency to restore and protect watersheds that have been impacted by emissions from the Big Cajun II power plant.

16 Research Acid Neutralizing Capacity of Forest and Aquatic Ecosystems in Mississippi and Louisiana ( ). Collect water samples: 100 sites in the Kisatchie National Forest, Homochitto NF ~ 30 sites, and Desoto NF ~30 sites Follow USDA Forest Service Water Sampling protocols. Handle and ship water samples to the U.S. Forest Service laboratory in Fort Collins for analysis. Develop statistical analyses of field water sampling Develop watershed characterization studies using geographical information systems.

17 Research Adaptability, Efficiency, and Impact of Irrigation Systems and Scheduling Methods on Small and Limited Resource Vegetable and Fruit Farms in Mississippi ( ). To understand factors influencing the adoption, efficiency, and impact of irrigation systems and scheduling methods for irrigation on small and limited resource vegetable and fruit farms in MS

18 Outreach and Extension

19 Summary 2013 Budget = $160K Student Wages: $6K Env. Students: 0 Outreach: 4 Presentations: 3 Publications: Budget = $190K Student Wages: $25K Env. Students: 6 Outreach: 8 Presentations: 2 Publications: Budget = $330K Student Wages: $4K Env. Students: 6 Outreach: 2 Presentations: 4 Publications: 2016 New faculty member

20 Acknowledgments

21 Questions Thanks!