Megan Flint: Effects of Land-Use Change on Soil Properties - Implications for Future Urban Development

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In this project, Megan tested the soil at a former ballistics and testing facility in order to determine how land use affects the hydrology of the soil, which has implications on future land development. Here is what Megan had to say about the experience:

What I Did:

"Land use changes have a profound effect on soils, yet the long-term hydrological impacts are little understood. Properly characterizing soil hydrology in rural areas is key to understanding factors such as flood hazards, contaminant transport, and ideal placement of storm water control measures. At the field site, we used electrical resistivity surveys and soil sensors to monitor the moisture patterns and conductivity of the soil. We found that, despite being categorized as the same soil series, there was an immediate difference in the two sites 5 meters apart. There is no public record of these activities, so if the land was ever re-developed, the hydrology of the site could be miscalculated due to the assumption that the soil was not altered by humans. The accomplishment I am most proud of is presenting the research as a poster at the American Geophysical Union conference."

What I Learned:

"This project experience introduced me to the various aspects of the field I would like to enter. I was able to meet and network with professionals in said field, as well as work on my own professional skills. These skills include public presentation, working with equipment and organizing data, and experience in professional writing. Throughout this experience, I have grown more confident in my abilities as both a student and as a researcher- I was able to gain valuable experience in professional conference settings and in field work. I was able to learn skills that I can perform on my own as well as how to work with a team in the field. I have grown in my communication skills- both verbally and in my writing. I hope to apply these skills for the duration of my higher education and into my professional career as a future geologist."