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Eight Videos Feature Ecosystem and Community-focused Research

(HARRISBURG, PA) – Pennsylvania Sea Grant is excited to announce the launch of eight videos featuring research funded by the program. The stories cover research topics that address pressing coastal, watershed, and community-based issues. The research was conducted across the Commonwealth.

The stories highlight the research topic, questions researchers sought to answer, and their findings through in-person interviews, in-field and in-lab activities, and on location footage. The videos are available online via the program’s website, and YouTube Channel. The production was made possible through funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Since 2012, Pennsylvania Sea Grant has invested over $5.7 million in Great Lakes, coastal, and watershed research. The funding supports research project that have the potential to yield solution-based results to assist decision makers, address pressing coastal and watershed issues, and develop or update statewide ecosystem management strategies.

“We’re thrilled to be sharing these unique stories, which highlight important issues happening in ecosystems and communities across the state,” says Kelly Donaldson, PA Sea Grant Communications Lead and Producer of the video series. “Each research project is helping to advance our understanding of the issue and to improve the health of our watersheds and communities. It’s exciting to learn about research that isn’t just sitting on a shelf – but being applied in the real world.”

Topics include monitoring wastewater for COVID-19 and other pathogens, monitoring wastewater for pharmaceuticals as an indicator of community health, stream response to development and stormwater, the invasive Mystery Snail, Lake Erie bluff retreat, and phragmites and sea level rise. Two of the videos feature multiple researchers, who share their passion for science, what led them to careers in research, and guidance for individuals considering a career in research.

The timing of the launch aligns with Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s recent announcement of research funding available for the 2026-2028 and the request for research proposals.

“Pennsylvania Sea Grant supports research that expands our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, coastlines, and watersheds,” said Dr. Sean Rafferty, Research Director for Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “Research projects that encourage solution-based results, contribute to enhanced water quality, and that lead to natural resource management strategies in Pennsylvania are highly desirable.”

Researchers in Pennsylvania are invited to submit pre-proposals for projects that focus on Pennsylvania’s coasts and watersheds within the Lake Erie watershed, and Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins. Deadline for pre-proposals is Friday, February 14, 2025. Details about the research funding opportunity, resources for researchers, and previously funded research is available online at https://seagrant.psu.edu/research/.

The videos are available online at https://seagrant.psu.edu/communications/videos-and-media/ and via the Program’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@PASeaGrant2025.

Monitoring Wastewater for Pharmaceuticals as a Potential Indicator of COVID-19 Cases

The research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring wastewater to detect pharmaceuticals as an indicator of community health. This research project aligns with the video Detecting COVID-19 in Wastewater.

  • Principal Investigator: Heather Preisendanz, Ph.D., Penn State University, State College, PA

Detecting COVID-19 in Wastewater

This research monitors wastewater to detect COVID-19 and other pathogens. This research project aligns with the video, Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater and COVID-19 which features research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Principal Investigator: Heather Preisendanz Ph.D., and Matt Jones, Penn State University, State College, P

The Invasive Mystery Snail

This research is being conducted in Erie, PA, to fill the knowledge gap about the aquatic invasive species, the Mystery Snail. Research includes a series of field and laboratory studies to determine the abundance, distribution, habitat preferences, population genetic structure, and contaminant burden.

    • Principal Investigator and Co-PIs: Dr. Lynne Beaty, Dr. Adam Simpson, and Dr. Sam Nutile, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA

Stream Response to Development & Stormwater in Southeastern PA

This research includes physical, chemical, and biological monitoring at five carefully selected stream locations, in southeastern Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, which drain impaired, rehabilitated, and relatively pristine basins. Results of this study offer critical information-based guidance to Pennsylvania municipalities.

  • Principal Investigator and Co-PI: Dr. Virginia Smith, Villanova University, and Lesmes Mora Jerez, Ph.D., Florida International University (formerly of Villanova University), Philadelphia, PA

Lake Erie Bluff Retreat

This research was conducted along the shores of Lake Erie in Erie, PA to improve understanding of the relationships between coastal processes, hazards, and sediment supply associated with bluff retreat on the Lake Erie coast.

  • Principal Investigator: Anthony Foyle, Ph.D., Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA

Phragmites and Sea Level Rise

This research explores Phragmites, a plant found in wetlands, marshes, and other areas throughout the world. Natural resource management efforts focus on removing Phragmites because it establishes dense monocultures that dominate and can change ecosystems. This research explores the idea of managing Phragmites differently, to protect coastal marshes and wetlands from the threats of sea level rise.

  • Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas Mozdzer, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA

Conversations with Researchers

This compilation features several researchers who share stories and insights about their careers in science, their current research topics, and guidance for students considering a career in science and research.

    • Researchers: Dr. Lynne Beaty, Lesmes Mora Jerez, Ph.D., Matt Jones, Dr. Thomas Mozdzer, Heather Preisendanz, and Dr. Virginia Smith, Erie, Philadelphia, and State College, PA

 

Researcher Profile, Anthony Foyle, Ph.D.

This video features Anthony Foyle, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology and Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Dr. Foyle shares the background of his research into Lake Erie bluff retreat, his path to a career in research,  and provides guidance to students considering a career in science and research.

 

January 15, 2025

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