Lycoming College News

Clean Water Institute recognized

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute (CWI) recently received two recognitions for its environmental efforts.

The CWI received one of the 16 “Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds” awards presented April 28 in St. Marys. The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their efforts toward the Pennsylvania Wilds initiatives of economic development, planning, community revitalization, community character stewardship and conservation. The Pennsylvania Wilds region encompasses the counties of Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren.

The CWI has already completed 43 stream assessments and plans to work with the PA Fish and Boat Commission in the coming months to assess remaining streams in the Pine Creek Basin.

In addition, CWI interns Zachary Bassett, Zebidiah Buck, Laura Walter, Lauren Mesko and Lori Smith were recognized May 2 at the annual CromaCollege workshop in Williamsport, Pa.

For more than 16 months, the interns and Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and director of the CWI, participated in a project for Cromaglass Corporation of Williamsport, which manufactures wastewater treatment systems. The project tested the efficiency of BioFilter technology for improved wastewater treatment. The students highlighted the results of their project at the workshop.

Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1812 in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation.

Recyclemania results announced

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College was one of 630 colleges and universities from across the U.S. that recently participated in Recyclemania, which is in its 10th year of competition.

During Recyclemania, Lycoming’s buildings and grounds staff collected plastic, glass, cans, cardboard and paper from receptacles across the campus. The recyclables were weighed and data was recorded weekly by Alyssa Tomaskovic and Steve Wanner, interns in the College’s Clean Water Institute.

During the eight-week competition, the College recycled a total of 10,943 pounds of materials, including roughly 1,451 pounds of plastic, 3,707 pounds of glass, 1,257 pounds of cans, 2,900 pounds of cardboard and 1,628 pounds of paper. The results showed an increase of more than 3,500 pounds of waste recycled compared to last year’s total.

Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and CWI director, partially attributes the success to an increase in the number of recycling bins, improved collection procedures and greater campus awareness.

“This helps to demonstrate that by raising awareness about recycling on campus, more students are willing to sort their trash from what can be recycled and help keep a significant amount of material out of the landfills,” he said.

Lycoming pledges to reduce carbon footprint

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College President James Douthat has called upon all members of the College community to support initiatives to reduce carbon emissions on campus. On Wednesday, April 20, during a ceremony on the steps of Long Hall, Douthat signed the Lycoming College Climate Commitment pledge. Members of the campus community were then invited to add their signature to a Climate Commitment banner to be displayed on campus.

“This is an interesting and important step for the College,” said Douthat. “It also is important to note that the document I signed is authorized by the board of trustees, so this becomes an institutional commitment. The pledge produces a new set of responsibilities, a new process and a new procedure for many people on this campus, including the students, as we move forward with this commitment.”

The Lycoming pledge was crafted by the College’s sustainability committee, led by co-chairs Dr. Neil Boyd, chair of the business administration department, and Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and director of the College’s Clean Water Institute.

“This is a great day to think about how organizations connect to their physical environments,” said Boyd. “Today’s event is a celebration of a milestone for the College, a top-down institutional affirmation and commitment to environmental sustainability. We are committed to win-win situations, where we can help the environment and at the same time help the institution with its fiduciary goals. Today’s event is clearly a testimony to the hard work of the entire sustainability committee.”

Modified from the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, Lycoming’s pledge affirms the belief that institutions of higher learning must exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by modeling ways to reduce carbon emissions and promoting positive stewardship of the earth.

Making emissions reduction and sustainability a part of the curriculum and other educational experiences for students will be a priority. The College recently developed a sustainable business management track within its business administration major as well as an interdisciplinary environmental sustainability minor. Solar panels have been installed on top of the Heim Building and an on-campus biodiesel production facility was recently opened. Additionally, the College dining hall is now trayless, which is helping to reduce energy, water and soap consumption and food waste.

The College’s building and grounds members have been significantly involved in a variety of the sustainability efforts on campus, ranging from recycling to energy conservation initiatives.

In response to the commitment, Lycoming will begin developing a comprehensive plan to continue to lower total carbon emissions. All greenhouse gas emissions will be inventoried annually to track progress. The College will establish a policy to build all new campus construction to at least the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or equivalent. Renovation projects will also adhere to environmental guidelines. Additional carbon-reducing activities include implementation of an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy and continued participation in the national RecycleMania competition.

Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1812 in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation.

Petokas interviewed regarding endangered species

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Dr. Peter Petokas, research associate in the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute, was recently interviewed by Tom Pelton, journalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Bay Daily and WYPR, a regional National Public Radio affiliate in Baltimore, Md.

The interview related to a permit application in Maryland for the deep-mining of coal beneath the Casselman River. Petokas’ concern is that mine discharge in the river will alter the water quality, causing potential harm to the Eastern Hellbender salamander – a Maryland endangered species.

In the interview, Petokas said, “Given that the population is already at such a low level, you could eliminate the entire population from the Casselman should a mine open that would affect water quality in the river.”

Petokas and students from Lycoming College have been studying the Eastern Hellbender in north-central Pennsylvania for the past seven years, and will be continuing their studies this summer in relation to development of the Marcellus Shale gas industry and potential impacts from global warming.

The article can be read here, and the podcast is available here.

Students participate in Unassessed Water Study

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Clean Water Institute hosts unassessed water initiative

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute and the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a presentation on the initiative to assess the water quality of unassessed streams in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Heim Building G-11.

The program will be introduced by Bill Worobec, Lycoming alumnus and chair of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission board, and features Dr. Mel Zimmerman, Lycoming professor of biology and director of the CWI, and Robert Weber, fisheries biologist with the PFBC.

In a summer 2010 pilot study, Lycoming student interns, under the supervision of Zimmerman, were given a list of unassessed waters in Pine, Lycoming, Loyalsock and Muncy Creek watersheds. The program will review the initiative and present data from last year and plans for upcoming sampling this summer.

The unassessed water initiative was officially launched in 2010 as part of PFBC''s five-year strategic trout management plan. Last year’s efforts supported four summer interns with more than $10,000 in grant funds from two organizations. This year, new funding will support four to six interns.

There are more than 45,000 unassessed waters in Pennsylvania in which the status of fish populations is not documented. Partnering with colleges and conservation groups, PFBC is attempting to sample these streams in order to determine which merit the greatest protection.

Lycoming participates in Recyclmania

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

College begins biodiesel production

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

Clean Water Institute to host gas leasing discussion

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute and the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a public meeting on the issue of gas leasing in public state forest lands on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in Heim Building, G-11, Barclay Lecture Hall.

Speaker Nels Johnson of the Nature Conservancy’s Harrisburg office will describe a study conducted with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the impact of leasing additional state forest land. The study includes a mapping analysis of surface disturbance effects on the sustainable balance and character of remaining state forest lands not yet leased for gas development.

In addition, Doug Kepler of Seneca Resources will discuss the corporation's plans for the development of the 2008 DCNR gas lease in the Tract 100 - Hagerman Run – Grays Run area in the Lycoming Creek watershed.

The event is free and open to the public.

Lycoming hosts 20th annual biology teachers workshop

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Lycoming College hosted its 20^th annual Biotechnology Teacher Workshop on Nov. 23 in the Heim Science Building. More than 60 teachers from 35 school districts in Pennsylvania and Maryland attend the event, titled “Biotechnology: Touching All Parts of Life.”

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Edward Gabriel, associate professor of biology at Lycoming, and Mark Temons, Muncy Junior/Senior High School biology teacher.

Participants attended sessions offered by several Lycoming professors and Temons. The presentations included:

“If I Only Had a Brain: Using Technology to Explore the Human Brain,” led by Dr. Mary Morrison, assistant professor of biology

“Analyzing Microbes in the High School Lab,” led by Dr. Jeffrey Newman, chair and assistant professor of biology

“Interpretation of Data from Real Time Monitoring of the Susquehanna River Watershed,” led by Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and director of the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute

“Preparation of Human Chromosome Spreads,” led by Temons, with the participation of Muncy High School students

Teachers taking part in the day-long program received educational materials and a certificate for six hours of professional development credit.

Students present research at annual microbiology meeting

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Three Lycoming College biology students presented their research at the Annual Meeting of the Allegheny Branch of the American Society for Microbiology on Nov. 6 at the Clearfield campus of Lock Haven University.

Kristen Collins, a senior from Nazareth, Pa., won a second place award for her oral presentation on “Polyphasic Characterization of Comamonas franzi, a novel species from the Loyalsock Creek.”

Two other students presented research posters: K.C. Failor, a senior from Mechanicsburg, Pa., on “Development of Multi-Locus Sequence Typing for the Flavobacteriaceae,” and Jordan Krebs, a sophomore from Roaring Spring, Pa., on “Molecular and Phenotypic Characteristics of a Novel Species and Related Type Strains Suggest a Reorganization within the Genus Chryseobacterium.”

The students’ research was conducted with Dr. Jeffrey Newman, chair and assistant professor of biology at Lycoming. Other colleges represented at the meeting included Juniata College, Mount Aloysius College, Saint Vincent College, Lock Haven University, Lock Haven University-Clearfield, Duquesne University, Bucknell University and Penn State University

Students complete scuba certification

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Fourteen Lycoming College students received their Professional Association of Diving Instructors open water scuba diving certification. Students completed their open water dives on Sept. 24 and 25 in an area of the Loyalsock Creek known as “Slab Town.”

“Scuba certification is good for life - students can now incorporate diving in their world travels and observe up close and personal the freshwater or marine habitats and biological diversity of fish and other aquatic organisms,” says Dr. Mel Zimmerman, professor of biology and a member of the PADI. “I get great joy observing how students react to breathing underwater and seeing how close they can get to a fish!”

The students included David Ballard, Jonathan Bastian, Brittany Buckley, Katherine Crosmer, Domenico Giordano, Robert LeComte, Kimberly Morris, Quentin Reinford, Dan Snyder, Lindsay Stern, Laura Walter, Denyse Walters, Emily Welliver and Ashley Welsh.

Since 1984, Lycoming has offered PADI open water and advanced open water certification courses for physical education credit. Zimmerman coordinates the courses through A Water Odyssey SCUBA Inc., run by Lycoming alumnus Frank Morrow.

Geologists to lead discussion on Marcellus Gas Drilling

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute and the Responsible Drilling Alliance will co-sponsor a discussion on Marcellus Gas Drilling on Friday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in the College’s Academic Center D-001. Geologists Dr. Michel C. Boufadel and Dr. Anthony Ingraffea will be presenting their perspectives on drilling issues as they discuss hydrofracking.

Hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, is a process that results in the creation of fractures in rocks in order to increase the output of a well. The technique is most commonly used to stimulate gas wells and increases or restores the rate at which the gas can be produced from a reservoir, whether from a traditional or more unusual source, such as shale rock or coal beds.

Boufadel is a professor and chair of Temple’s civil and environmental engineering department. Boufadel is concerned with the environmental impact of oil drilling. In the height of this year’s BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, he used computers to guide responders trying to contain the spill.

Ingraffea, in addition to being a professor of civil and environmental engineering, is a member of the Cornell Fracture Group. Comprised of faculty, research associates and graduate students, the mission of the group is to create, verify and validate computational simulation systems for fracture control in engineered systems. Ingraffea's research concentrates on computer simulation and physical testing of complex fracturing processes.

Clean Water Institute to co-host program on Marcellus Shale gas issues

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway will lead a discussion on the Marcellus Shale development during an event hosted by Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited and the Lycoming College Clean Water Institute on Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. in Room D-001 of the College’s Academic Center. William Worobec, president of the PFBC Board of Commissioners, will also be in attendance.

Arway will present the commission’s perspective on how aquatic resources are impacted by Marcellus Shale development projects, explaining the commission’s role in enforcing pollution laws and making a case for enacting the proposed severance tax.

Arway explains that, since 1909, the commission has had the authority to enforce water pollution laws and it will continue to ensure that Marcellus projects are designed and implemented with as little environmental resource impact as possible.

The protection of fishing and boating activities is crucial to the operation of the commission, which relies almost entirely on fishing licenses, boat registrations and federal funding to pay for everything it does. Therefore, it is imperative that the commission is aware and ahead of the Marcellus development projects because of its responsibility to protect fishing and boating resources.

“If we received a portion of the severance tax,” said Arway, “we could take a collaborative approach with both the industry and other agencies that are reviewing and advising projects.” It is his hope that the commission not only gathers to review and comment on projects, but that it works with developers and other agencies to enforce water pollution laws and ensure the protection of resources.