University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources students Griffin Nuzzo and Matthew Russell have earned the Agricultural Research Division funding for their undergraduate student research projects.
Nuzzo’s project is “Mapping permeability distribution in the Platte River Streambed.”
“I am extremely proud to be part of this project,” the senior water science major said. “This project focuses on surface and ground water interaction, and Nebraska being home to the Oglala aquifer and 23,000 river miles, this interchange is very important. Understanding stream and groundwater interaction will give us insight on how to manage and allocate freshwater resources more efficiently, which in turn can start new trends in freshwater management especially as we enter this trying time in global water shortages.
“Being awarded this grant would be great start to my career in the water science field.”
Russell’s project is “Validating the Cosmic-ray Neuton Method for Estimating Soil Moisture.”
“The Cosmic Ray Nuetron Probe is a new technology that has implications in both soil moisture mapping as well as precision agriculture,” the senior environmental restoration science and water science major said. “My hope for this technology is that it can be used on a large scale to help improve agricultural irrigation techniques and eventually become a stepping stone towards improving water management while meeting global food production needs.
“Receiving this award means that I will be able to travel to AGU in San Francisco to collaborate with scientists who are working on similar hydrologic problems.”
As a condition of their awards, both will need to present research findings at the UNL Undergraduate Research Fair in spring 2017 and/or at a profession meeting of their advisor’s choosing. Dr. Jesse Korus is serving as Nuzzo’s advisor, and Dr. Trenton Franz is serving as Russell’s.
— Shawna Richter-Ryerson, Natural Resources
More details at: snr.unl.edu