2021 Hybrid Student Symposium on the Environment
Online Video Showcase of ALL Presentations (via YouTube)
Monday, November 29 - Thursday, December 2
Live Poster Presentation
Thursday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Photo Contest (Online and Live)
Monday November 29 - Thursday, December 2, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Live Oral Presentations
Thursday, December 2, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Student Symposium on the Environment is hosted each December by Westminster College to highlight environmental study, research, artistic expression, and service work being done by students in the region. Individual, group, and class projects are welcome. Students from all disciplines, ranging from high school through graduate school, are encouraged to participate. Research posters, art work, oral presentations, and even performances are welcome.
This year’s symposium features a new submission category: photo gallery and contest. We are also seeking submissions that relate to the theme of environmental justice.
For this year’s event, all submissions will be in the format of a 2-3 minute video (or graphic files for photography entries). A dedicated YouTube channel will house the video showcase, using the comments feature to encourage dialog between the viewers and student presenters.
For those who wish to also participate in person, the face-to-face portion of the Symposium will take place on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, during an evening symposium.
In accordance with guidelines from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the 2021 Student Symposium on the Environment will require that all participants in its in-person event – including, but not limited to, presenters, attendees, exhibitors, staff, and guests – be fully vaccinated. Attendees must also be fully masked at all times.
All submissions will be evaluated by volunteer judges, and awards (cash prizes) will be announced in multiple categories during the in-person event.
All submissions are due by November 16, 2021, via the submission portal below.
All Symposium participants will be eligible to take part in a future employment and internship initiative. Look for an email with additional information.
Register
2020 Award Winners
Ecosystem Investigations ~ Best Video
Nicholas Leo & Gena Carter, Chatham University
“Stream health assessment of the Buffalo Creek watershed through macroinvertebrate sampling”
Adviser: Dr. Ryan Utz
Ecosystem Investigations ~ Honorable Mention
Erin Ward, Blaine Sorrick, Taylor Williams, Grace Snyder, Victoria Lisbon, & John Cybak, Westminster College
“The Effects of Heavy Metals on Soil Macroinvertebrates at an Abandoned Pittsburgh Steel Mill”
Advisers: Dr. Patrick Krantz & Dr. Diana Ortiz
Environmental Education ~ Best Video
Taylor Williams, Westminster College
“Lawrence County Community Action Partnership Ag Lab Internship”
Adviser: Dr. Kerri Duerr
Environmental Education ~ Honorable Mention
Zoe Husnick, Duquesne University
“Little Sewickley Creek Methods to Measure Sediment INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO”
Advisers: Dr. Brady Porter and Dr. Elizabeth Dakin
Business, Policy, Society ~ Best Video
Nicole Mackenstein, Dan Ritter, Zach Ramfos, & Michaela Hays, Westminster College
Advisers: Dr. Helen Boylan, Mr. Brian Petrus, & Dr. Alison DuBois
Business, Policy, Society ~ Honorable Mention
Gabbey Cionni, Hannah Pursel, Sean Davis, & Brock Barrett, Westminster College
Advisers: Dr. Helen Boylan, Mr. Brian Petrus, & Dr. Alison DuBois
Viewers’ Choice Award ~ Best Video
Sierra Earle, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“Diatom diversity, abundance, and richness variation among four different habitat types”
Adviser: Dr. Holly Travis
Viewers’ Choice Award ~ Honorable Mention
Erika Caldro, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
“Effects and Recovery of Sewickley Creek Watershed from Acid Mine Drainage”
Adviser: Dr. Timothy Savisky