Scott McKinstry recently completed an undergraduate internship at the Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) under the mentorship of UMCES Ph.D. student Joel Bostic.
Feeding the world's growing population is one of the great challenges of the 21st century, particularly in China, which has nearly a quarter of the world's population but a fraction of the cropland. A recent study looks at both the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of crop trading in China for the first time.
"I am creating a species distribution model for a couple of different species of birds within and surrounding the C & O Canal National Park. My model is trying to understand how changes in forest configuration and land cover would affect the distribution of sensitive bird species. I hope to help inform resource managers on decisions regarding land protection and forest management."
Each summer, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology offers undergraduates the opportunity to conduct a research project in marine sciences to support increased diversity in STEM fields.
Dr. Mark Monaco (NOAA & CBL PhD 1995) will discuss how cutting-edge technologies, like remote sensing and sonar, are being used to advance ecosystem based management.
Peggy Derrick, Vice President with EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., and member of the UMCES Board of Visitors, will present "Application of science and engineering as a career in environmental consulting."
