Remote sensing for water quality
We are exploring the use of remote sensing data to analyze the water quality of the North Bay Area with NASA Landsat imagery that allows us to quantify the amount of chlorophyll in any body of water.
Virtual reality software for water education
We created virtual reality software that enhances user understanding of how atmospheric variables change during a rain event.
Effects of fire on soils
Multiple studies on the effects of fire damage on soils after the Tubbs and Nuns fires in 2017 in Sonoma County.
Tracing groundwater/surface water interactions
We observed the change in ion composition along Copeland Creek on the Fairfield Osborn Preserve. Where the ion concentration increased, we conclude that groundwater is being discharged into the creek.
Microplastics in the Russian River
We conducted research into the spatial distribution of microplastics along the Russian River to identify the spatial distribution of microplastics.
Taste as an indicator of water quality
To determine whether students are able to test differences in water that relate to contaminants in the tap water on the SSU campus, we sampled tap water in all of first-year housing communities and two academic buildings (Stevenson and the Student Center). Samples were analyzed for chemicals such as lead and chlorine.
Wildlife abundance on Copeland Creek
We compared species abundance along two areas of Copeland Creek (Fairfield Osborn Preserve and SSU campus) using wildlife camera photography. We found more diversity on the SSU campus than at the Preserve.
A powerline arc detector for wildfire prevention
This project provides early detection of arcing power lines which have led to many of the recent California wildfires.
Characterization of landslide susceptibility
We study a landslide at the Osborn Preserve using hammer seismic and refraction tomography. By reconstructing the landslide's plane area, we better understand future risk of destabilization.
Preserving biodiversity with traditional knowledge
A new partnership is using traditional ecological knowledge to enhance the preservation of California biodiversity. We began the process by identifying and locating specimen Black Oaks at Pepperwood Preserve.