Next generation scientists tackle water quality

Thanks to a generous grant from Berkshire Hathaway Energy Gas Transmission and Storage, students in the SV Center for Biotechnology Research will gain invaluable experience through research efforts aimed at safeguarding water quality. The $2,600 grant will be used to purchase a HOBO data logger system to measure stream health of the Little Connoquenessing Creek, which flows around the secondary campus in Jackson Township. The Bluetooth data logger will take continuous measurements of water conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. The data will be downloaded from the logger for use in student projects and will also be shared with Three Rivers Quest (3RQ).

3RQ is a program of the West Virginia University Water Research Institute whereby waterways covering 25,000 square miles in five states are monitored for health. The program brings together academic researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation groups to collect, analyze, and monitor important water quality data. With the newly acquired water logging system, students from the SV Center for Biotechnology will play an important role in contributing to real world research related to protecting water quality.

Pictured with the grant award are two Seneca Valley Biotech Research Center students (center) with Karen Tarullo, Berkshire Hathaway Energy GT&S Senior Land Agent/Grant Committee, and Tom Lavelle, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Science teacher.