TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
As greenways take on growing importance in cities, Texas State University student William Moore spent the summer participating in a federally funded research project to better understand and improve these urban outdoor havens.
Moore, urban and regional planning junior, was one of 10 students selected to participate in the Socio-Ecological Role of Greenways in Urban Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The program is funded by a three-year, $405,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and includes three cohorts. The first cohort was hosted at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the second was hosted at SIUE, and the third will return to Chattanooga.
The purpose of the program is to have “undergraduates conduct primary interdisciplinary research and activities to assess the socio-ecological characteristics of greenways within multiple cities that reflect various stages of future urban growth,” according to the NSF-REU collaborative website.
Led by SIUE professors, the students collected data by conducting research on greenways, also known as bike trails or linear parks, in Edwardsville, Illinois, at the beginning of the 10-week residential program. They surveyed vegetation and ant abundance to gather information about possible indicators of biodiversity and habitat complexity along the greenways.
They also rode bikes equipped with microclimate sensors to gather humidity and temperature data along trails, and compared their findings with the local ambient temperature to determine hot and cold spots.
“I made a lot of really cool connections, like both of my principal investigators and the other students I worked with from around the country,” Moore said. “The program helped me realize that I enjoy a work environment where everyday could be different and one where I get to go out in the field.”
Near the end of the program, the students analyzed the data they collected, produced their findings, and worked on individual projects. For his project, Moore conducted a suitability analysis to determine the most optimal sites for bike share docks in Edwardsville, if the city were to implement a docked bike share system.
“Throughout the summer, we got to meet with local partners and stakeholders, and learn from experts in both natural and social sciences,” Moore said. “I think REUs are a great experience for anyone who might be drawn to research, especially for those interested in pursuing an advanced degree.”
Visit the NSF-REU collaborative website for more information about the program.
