Kandice Spera Examines Region's Creek Habitats, Environmental Sites

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Environmental science major Kandice Spera, left, records measurements of Beauty Creek on the west side of Valparaiso as part of a summer research project. She's recording flow rate measurements.

VALPARAISO, IN (09/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Kandice Spera is one of two Valparaiso University students gaining a better understanding of environmental issues in Northwest Indiana this summer as part of an international effort to promote stewardship of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The environmental work, taking place at more than a half dozen sites across Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, is being conducted with support and leadership from GLISTEN (Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship Through Education Network), a three-year project harnessing the expertise and innovation of college faculty and undergraduate students in eight states and two Canadian provinces.

Spera, a junior environmental science major from Bluffton, Ind., has been testing the flow rates and levels of sediment of various other elements that could affect the health of living species – plants, fish and other organisms – in Beauty and Salt creeks along with other streams in the area.

"This is real field work ... you have to go in and get dirty to get the data," said Spera. "We take the water samples back to Valpo labs to find the phosphorous concentration levels and to labs at IU-Northwest where testing is done to measure suspended solids (sediment) in the water."

Spera, the daughter of Mark and Maryann Spera of Bluffton, Ind., said she is motivated by knowing that her work can help make a difference in protecting the natural environment.

"There are many species of these little creatures that live in the bottom of the stream, and if there's too much sediment they won't be able to live," said Spera

Laurie Eberhardt, an associate professor of biology who is supervising the students' work this summer, said research gives each student an opportunity to personalize their educational experience.

"These students are working with environmental organizations in the region and with students from other schools as a way to build close relationships between these organizations and local universities, to gain valuable skills for future environmental careers, and to help develop future service learning projects for Valpo courses," Eberhardt said.

More information about Valpo's Department of Biology and Environmental Science Program can be found online at www.valpo.edu/biology or www.valpo.edu/environmentalscience.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is a comprehensive university that enrolls more than 4,000 students on its campus southeast of downtown Chicago. A community of purpose-driven, empowered, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion, Valpo has been identified as one of the top master's-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years.

More than 110 undergraduate academic programs are offered through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college-Christ College, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.