Kent State East Liverpool’s Environmental Justice Conference was held April 20, featuring guest speakers, student research presentations and information focused on local environmental issues. This year’s theme was Simple Living on the Ohio River. Several students were recognized for their research and presentations.
The featured speaker was Dr. Xiaozhen Mou, associate professor of biology at Kent State University, whose research focuses on bacteria in natural aquatic environments. Her presentation title is “Cyanotoxins and PPCPs: Two Types of Common Contaminants in Freshwater Systems.”
Also during the conference, Randy Schneider, a local riverboat captain with Murray American Transportation, participated in a question and answer session, titled “Making a Living on the Ohio River.”
Student award winners included:
Humanities Essay:
- Jessie Rogers, first place, for “The Dupont Disaster in the Ohio River Valley;”
- Kamren Klakos, second place, for “The Ohio Trail of Tears.”
- Dr. Ali Erritouni, English, judged the essays.
Science Essay:
- Julia Spalding, first place, for “Deforestation;”
- Madison Diehl, second place, for “Coastal Wetlands Against the Forces of Humans.”
- Dr. Farid Fouad, chemistry, judged the essays.
Poster:
- Brandon Burwell, first place, for “What Are We Breathing In;”
- Madison Kendall, second place, for “Cherokee Nation.”
- Judges included Gabrielle Marshall, Kayla Prekup and Andrew Prekup.
Cutline A: A group of presenters at the Environmental Justice Conference with Dr. Lydia Rose.
Cutline B: Jessie Rogers with his first place humanities essay entry.
Cutline C: Julia Spaulding’s entry earned first place in the science essay category.