Over the summer, Defiance Research Alliance hired two newly graduated local students from Ayersville High School to work in the Maumee Watershed Research Center. As Secondary Research Assistants, Mabel McGuire and Taylor Waldron worked with Defiance College staff, students, and faculty to collect samples in the field, conduct lab testing, learn about water quality, and understand Defiance’s unique position within the Maumee Watershed.
In addition to the work of our Secondary Research Assistants, Freshwater Research Technician, Katelyn Smith, has been working on a project with the focus of the anazlying diatoms in tributaries of the Maumee River. She aims to understand how different species of algae respond to seasonal changes in water quality, which can help predict environmental impacts on the watershed.
Overall, Defiance Research Alliance continues to make significant strides in environmental research. The alliance contributes to a deeper understanding of water quality in the Maumee Watershed by hiring local graduates and the dedicated efforts of researchers like Katelyn Smith. Outreach efforts only further amplify the positive impact of DRA’s work. Together, these initiatives not only enhance local environmental knowledge but also strengthen the community’s role in protecting and preserving our vital water resources.
