Students Set to Participate in Capstone Improvement Showcase

East Stroudsburg University will be represented for the first time at The Capstone Improvement Showcase. Four seniors studying environmental science participated in Commonwealth-University Capstone partnership over the course of the spring 2021 semester. Capstones are initiated by the governor’s office, and are similar to internships. The ESU students will present their work at the Showcase on Wednesday, May 5.

Brittany O’Connor, from Emmaus, Pa; Nino DiOdoardo, from Pen Argyl, Pa.; and Alexis Leith, from Nazarath, Pa. worked as a team on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) climate change capstone to help Jermyn Borough implement a Climate Action Plan. The students focused on green storm water management and invasive species. They looked at creeks and water systems to compare the impact of different types of green storm water infrastructure by utilizing watershed modeling programs they learned in the classroom. They also studied invasive species on riverside habitats and came up with ideas on how to moderate the impact of these species. The team went through the cost analyses of these projects to determine the best strategies for the borough to use to meet its goals.

Brandon Dunphy, from Blakeslee, Pa., worked on the PADEP National Survey Capstone. He worked with state agencies throughout the nation to learn more about water quality regulations. This study involved researching other states’ regulations to come up with a plan for Pennsylvania to better protect water quality while balancing the cost. Dunphy’s work will be used to help shape the future of Pennsylvania policy.

For more information about environmental sciences at ESU contact Paul Wilson, Ph.D., professor of biology at 570-422-3212 or email pwilson@esu.edu.

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