Windsor Students Took Part in BU Wetlands Research

Three Windsor Central High School students were able to use the latest technology and multiple scientific disciplines to conduct research in collaboration with Binghamton University.

Katelyn Briel, Jamie Oliver and Josh Stone and teacher Laurie Hulbert participated in the Wetlands Research Experience (WRE). The goal of the WRE is to inspire students to become involved in the research of wetlands through the fields of biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental studies, geology and remote sensing technology, or drones.

BU staff and students guided the group from Windsor through several sites around the campus. Students collected sample data and discussed the importance of wetlands and the impact of various sources of pollution on water quality.

The Windsor group also spent a portion of the day in some of the research labs at the university. The Windsor students also learned about Binghamton University's Freshman Research Immersion and Summer Research Immersion Programs. These programs offer college freshmen the opportunity to conduct research projects in a multi-mentored supportive environment in state-of-the-art laboratories. Traditionally, college students would not have these kinds of research opportunities until much later in their college years, usually not until graduate school.

This visit in July is another example of the numerous collaborations between the Windsor Central School District and Binghamton University this summer. The Windsor Strong Academy was based at Binghamton University's Downtown Center in Binghamton. Windsor staff worked in conjunction with the BU Graduate School of Education to run the academy. Students from BU's Graduate School of Education and Engineering School have also helped teach campers at Knight Lights this summer.