Fellow Bios
Angela Cowan
Thesis Title: "Multi-Organizational Physicochemical and Biological Assessment of Indianapolis Reservoirs"
Graduate Dept: Department of Earth Sciences
Degree Sought: M.S.
Research Advisor: Dr. Lenore Tedesco
Lab Website: Click Here
Teacher Partner: Brooke Furge
Partner School: Center for Earth and Environmental Science
School URL: Click Here
Research Goal
Research Goal My research goal is to explore the physicochemical drivers and impacts of eutrophication as they relate to nuisance algal species and water quality of three Indianapolis Water supply reservoirs.
Description of Your Research
I am pursuing my Master’s degree in earth and environmental science—with an emphasis on limnology and the biogeochemistry of Midwestern watersheds. My thesis work will focus on a multi-organizational physicochemical and biological assessment of Eagle Creek, Geist and Morse Reservoirs throughout the growing seasons of 2008-2009. Our goals are to provide a baseline of data that can be utilized to assess the potential for and impacts of nuisance algal blooms, support adaptive management strategies throughout the area, and improve upon the sustainability and aesthetic quality of the reservoirs.
Examples Of How My Research Is Integrated Into My GK-12 Experience
Throughout my fellowship I will be be an outdoor education facilitator working with the Discovering the Science (DSE) of the Environment program with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at IUPUI. The DSE curriculum focuses on bringing inquiry-based scientific and technology-centered learning opportunities to local middle and high school students and teachers. I have shared my research experience and thesis work with them by designing and implementing my own DSE program based on limnology and algal blooms. As an extension of the DSE’s Water Quality Studies, the Algal Bloom program involves identifying and assessing physical, chemical and biological components of school-site streams/ponds. Students research and analyze conditions associated with algal blooms to predict the likelihood that one will occur at their school site. Thus, the IUPUI Urban Educators Gk-12 fellowship will afford me opportunities to use my teaching background and outreach experience to involve students in experiential science education through authentic research, while promoting an ethic of conservation and stewardship.
Currently, My GK-12 Classroom Is Investigating
Links of Interest