University of New England

UNE environmental studies class received undergraduate research symposium award
 
BIDDEFORD, Maine - University of New England Professor Pam Morgan’s “Restoring Coastal Habitats in the Gulf of Maine” spring 2008 class has received the College of Arts & Sciences’ (CAS) Undergraduate Research Symposium Award. 

The award honors the Department of Environmental Studies class for its design of a UNE Coastal Trail and a Coastal Wetland Restoration Project on UNE’s Biddeford campus.
 
The two projects, once completed, will provide many benefits to the UNE community, including new educational opportunities and aesthetic experiences for students, staff and faculty.  The Coastal Wetland Restoration Project aims to restore a healthy, fully ecologically functioning coastal wetland that will accentuate and preserve the beauty of UNE’s coastal location. 

In addition to providing beautiful views of the Saco River, The Coastal Trail project would create an outdoor teaching and study space, including interpretive panels, which could be enjoyed by UNE students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors and prospective students.
 
Morgan states, “The students have been excited to be part of a project right here on campus - to research the health of the marshes along the Saco River and to help restore a marsh right next to the kiosk. This project has given them the chance to put what they learned in the classroom into action.”
 
Student Johanna Marsters continued with the project even after the spring semester ended; she is now completing research and restoration work on the marshes along the Saco River. Marsters states, “Working on this project has not only been a great educational experience for me, but also has given me the opportunity to give back to UNE in a way that is important to me.  I have been able to help protect this gorgeous natural treasure chest that UNE has in its front yard.”
 
Morgan adds, “The work that Johanna Marsters is doing as a follow-up to the class has given her a chance to acquire some hands-on experience in the environmental science field, and she will present her findings at a conference in Rhode Island this fall.”
 
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Art Goldstein, Ph.D., comments, “The research that is done by UNE students, in courses such as that taught by Professor Morgan and as independent research projects under the direction of faculty, is an integral part of their education.  Students learn it’s not only about “book learning” but that there is exciting and important work they can do.  Professor Morgan and her students deserve a lot of praise and credit for their work, and I am proud they have received this award.”

(Press release issued Oct. 7, 2008)