OIT Environmental Science Students Learn at Crater Lake
Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Newsroom
Oct. 22, 2009
 OIT students Alex Lindsey and Sarah Purvis monitor tagged fish in Sun Creek |
Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) is offering a new Biology course during the Fall 2009 Term. Students in the Field Methods in Environmental Science course gain exposure to environmental professionals and different careers in the environmental sciences. This course also creates unique learning opportunities for students and strengthens relationships with Klamath Basin agencies and partners. Through OIT’s partnership with the National Park Service at Crater Lake National Park, students have the opportunity to apply field methods and state-of-the-art instrumentation to address real-world environmental problems. Field courses not only enrich the environmental science curriculum, but also provide lasting professional and personal experiences for both students and faculty.
“This course is a chance for students to piece together all aspects of their OIT education in relationship to a particular environmental issue,” said OIT Environmental Sciences Assistant Professor Carrie Wittmer.
As part of this course, students worked with two Crater Lake National Park employees: David Hering, fisheries biologist, and Chris Wayne, Geographic Information Systems Specialist, to learn electrofishing basics, monitoring of fish fitted with Passive Integrated Transporder (PIT) tags, use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in field applications, life history of native bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), riparian area vegetation, and water quality monitoring.
“Students get so engaged when they are outside, working with professionals who can connect their classroom experiences with hands-on science research,” said Wittmer. “They were motivated by the commitment, dedication, and extensive knowledge of the Crater Lake researchers. It is experiences like these that can inspire students to make lifetime careers in the environmental sciences.”
Students camped at Lost Creek Campground within the park and contributed to the bull trout monitoring program’s long-term data set through this authentic field experience. Next year, OIT will offer a similar field course in another Klamath Basin location.
About the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
The bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences at OIT is a degree in science methodology and applied analysis, focusing on applying state-of-the art field methods, instrumentation, data analysis and the study of environmental problems. Three technical emphasis areas are offered: Watershed Science, Sustainable Technologies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
More information can be found at www.oit.edu/programs/enviro.
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- National Park Service Announces Appointment of Dr. Gary Machlis as Science Advisor to the Director – August 12, 2009
- Extra pair pays off in Crater Lake Rim Runs – August 9, 2009
- Wilderness proposed at Crater Lake – August 07, 2009
- Oregon Wild warns legal action on Crater Lake helicopters – August 6, 2009
- Cantwell: Jarvis Well-Qualified for the ‘Greatest Job in the World’ – July 28, 2008
- Senator Wyden issues statement condemning Crater Lake National park helicopter tours – July 27, 2009
- Desert Ridge Wildland Fire continues burning at Crater Lake National Park – July 21, 2009
- Whitney Wildland Fire nears containment at Crater Lake National Park – July 21, 2009
- Cameron (Cam) Sholly has been selected as the new superintendent of Natchez Trace Parkway – July 15, 2009
- Rep. Dicks supports Jon Jarvis for nomination of National Park Service Director – July 10, 2009
- USGS volcanologist Charles Bacon gives Mount Mazama geologic history talk – June 23, 2009
- USGS volcanologist Charles Bacon receives award at Crater Lake National Park – July 8, 2009
- Review: Geologic Map of Mount Mazama and Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon by Charles R. Bacon – July 7, 2009
- Free entrance weekends at Crater Lake National Park – June 20, 2009
- Oregon Congressman Proposes “Aerial Gondola” to Wizard Island – Summer/Fall 2009
- Lichen Survey Hits the Jackpot One-Day “BioBlitz” Uncovers 61 Species Not Previously Recorded at Crater Lake – Summer/Fall 2009
- A Conversation with the Park’s Chief of Terrestrial Ecology – Summer/Fall 2009
- Black Bear Census Set to Begin: Park to Estimate Population Using Hair Samples and DNA – Summer/Fall 2009
- A promise fulfilled on roadless forests – May 28, 2009
- Crater Lake Lodge opens for 2009 season – May 21, 2009
- Marcella Isabella Stine (1918 – 2009) – May 22, 2009
- Lawrence Campbell Merriam Jr. (1923 – 2008) – May 22, 2009
- Wayne R. Howe: 1920 – 2008 – May 21, 2009
- Passing of John Bowdler (1925 – 2009) – May 4, 2009
- Parks receive stimulus funds: Crater Lake, Lava Beds to use funding for improvements – April 24, 2009
- Mercy Flights makes life-saving donation to Crater Lake park – February 24, 2009
- Rescue at Crater Lake: specialized rescue team saves man from icy slope – February 2, 2009
- Former National Park Service director George B. Hartzog Jr. dies – January 31, 2009
- Ski patrol member watches over park: Niel Barrett is a charter member of the ski patrol at Crater Lake National Park – January 30, 2009
- Paradise in Blue: Snowshoe trek at Crater Lake informative, easy, free – January 22, 2009
