Download 1-5 Poster Session Abstracts

FALCON Poster Session
Saturday, December 6, 2008
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel (Virginia City II Room)
Student Section:
1.
Title: Detection of vegetation changes from 1959-2004 using aerial photos north of the San Francisco
Peaks, Arizona
Presenters: Daniel Barbone
Institution/organization: Navajo Technical College
Abstract:
The purpose of my study was to use aerial photos from 1959 to 2004 using geo-referencing as a
tool to detect vegetation changes. One of the methods is to use historical photos to get a spatial coverage
of past vegetation from 1959. Scan the images with a high resolution of satellite imagery but temporal
resolution of these data is low so we increase the temporal resolution to show spatial vegetation changes
over a longer period of time. When scanning images it can be stretch and the flight of the airplane may
not be parallel with the land base distorting images, therefore it is important these images spatially as well
to determine error. Piñon-juniper woodland changed rapidly due to mortality in reaction to a severe
drought in the 1950’s and 2002, 2003. Forest patches accelerated more uneven, and high soil erosion rates
were initiated in the ecotone shirt.
2.
Title: Renewable Energy programs at Navajo Technical College
Presenters: Erwin Chaco
Institution/organization: Navajo Technical College
Abstract:
Renewable energy is becoming more familiar to the world such as Solar Power and Wind Power.
As Native Americans, Mother Earth and Father Sky help us live on this Earth. Mother Earth gives food to
nurture the human body and shelter from harm. Father Sky produces oxygen from photosynthesis and
keeps the earth at a balance temperature throughout the seasons. Renewable energy is harnessing the
Earth’s natural energy from Mother Earth and Father Sky. At Navajo Technical College we are learning a
great deal of Wind Power for the past semesters by building a wind turbine at the lowest cost possible.
Materials were found in a local hardware store and used wheel hubs from an automobile or trailer.
Making Wind Power possible to teach others and having a low cost project for our Native people.
3.
Title: Water Quality on the Northern Navajo Reservation
Presenters: Nichole Cody
Institution/organization: Diné College
Abstract:
Water quality on the Navajo reservation has always been one of the greatest concerns to the
Navajo people. In many rural areas on the reservation, water wells provide the only source of water to
both the people and their livestock. Unfortunately, many of the wells are unregulated and may pose health
threats as a result of natural and biological contaminants. The hypothesis for this research is that:
Unregulated water wells contain contaminants that threatened the health of the Navajo people and their
livestock. The purpose of the project is to provide an understanding of the distribution and extent of
contamination in the Shiprock region, to provide the results of this analysis to the well users, and to
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provide resources to allow users to monitor their water source. The method is to use water sampling data
taken from the water wells and NNDOT 1-meter true color imagery as the background to map the
distribution of the contaminants. Results found that many of the water wells were shown to have different
sources of contamination such as Escherichia coli, uranium and arsenic. The main priority is to present
the results to the communities that use these water wells and letting them be aware of the contaminants
that pose a threat. Because many of the communities are not aware of the certain contaminations their
water wells hold, the mapping interpretations are sources that will assist in educating the Navajo people.
In future research, these data will be used to assist in identifying different sources of contamination
affecting these water wells.
4.
Title: Water Quality studies in the EVER internship program
Presenters: Santana Yazzie
Institution/organization: Diné College
Abstract:
Water quality is a term used to describe the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of
water. It’s hard to label water as “good water” or “bad water.” Because of the chemicals in the water,
Fluoride is one kind of element that used in water to prevent tooth and gums disease, but her on the
Navajo Nation the Dine people without running water are force to haul water from windmills and water
pumps with bacteria and other unknown elements in the water.
The summer internship (EVER) program gave us a special training on how to test the water pH
levels and how to uses the GPS unit. During our training we learn the types of bacteria and elements that
we could find in the water and the health effect from long term exposure to poor water quality.
Arsenic is an element that could be found in our drinking water. Arsenic is an inorganic
crystalline element occurs naturally in the environment. Long term exposure throught drinking water can
cause cancer to skin, lung, bladder, and kidney.
Lead is an inorganic metallic element that can be hazards to babies and young children in
physical and mental development.
Fluoride is an inorganic, nonmetallic halogen element, is put into the water to make your teeth
strong, the health effect is bone disease, mottled teeth.
Copper is metallic element used for house hold plumbing copper can cause nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea and stomach cramps. Infants under one year of age can sustain permanent kidney and liver
damage if they suffer long-term exposure to elevated levels of copper.
These elements like arsenic were our main concerns; the Dine people are still hauling water from
windmills for their livestock and domestic uses. So the project began by dividing the interns into two
groups, seven people to each group. Before leaving we prepare everything in the evening before leaving
work, so that in the morning everything would be already. We got the sample containers and pH strips
ready, and the GPS units were pre-calibrated. Every morning we went out to the field and got seven to ten
windmills surveyed everyday for two weeks. We were all sign certain job, two people were assign to do
the water sample, and when they had to get water from a flat water surface they were told not to put there
finger in the water nor put the lid faces down. Another person had to stand next to the water source to get
the GPS coordinate. Two other people took radiological readings using a Ludlum-19 Micro-R-Meter, the
first reading had to be one meter from the windmill and the second reading was taken 15 feet away from
the windmill. Then the radiological meter had to be taking at the ground which we call contact we had to
count to ten and record it into the data sheet, the next reading had to be lift radiological meter to chest of
the person that is taking record and again count to ten and record. We also had site recorders, they
recorded they location of the wind mill and what kind of livestock were using the wind mill. Then the last
person would record everything like GPS, pH, water samples, and radiological reading. We alternate all
jobs position so that everyone would get the feel of how to work with the other instruments.
After we were done in the field, we would ahead back to Dine College and do a bacteria test on
the water we collected. We pour reagent into the water and shook the water in till the substance was gone.
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Then pour the water with the substance into Quanta tray. Then we sealed it in the Quanta-tray sealer and
place in incubator for 24 hours.
The color of the water would tell us if the water had bacteria or any other kind of element. The
color yellow means negative for bacteria, the color magenta (purplish red color) meant total coliforms
with some type of bacteria, and the color magenta/fluourescent meant it had E.coli.
What we found in the water was mostly Arsenic, Uranium, and E.coli. Red Mesa and Aneth were
the locations of high risk for contamination. This is what we found when we got the reports back from
Reno.
What are plans are now is to present what we found to the committee, so they could plan and act
on it. We test the water to show how the element in the water could be hazard on their health, so we plan
on provide pH strips to the Chapter House so that they can test their committee drinking water.
5.
Title: Mapping Disturbed and Undisturbed Lands for Ant Habitat
Presenters: Roberta Hayes
Institution/organization: Diné College
Abstract:
The prevalence of ants is common worldwide therefore an excellent subject to study in a
biologically and geographically diverse environment such as the semi-arid region of the Four Corners.
This study is a comparison of ant distribution in two sites, one disturbed and one undisturbed. The effects
of the disturbance are significant to the ant colonies and may indicate potential problems for the whole
environment. The disturbed and undisturbed sites are located on the semi-arid Navajo reservation in NW
New Mexico in an area that has been subject to uranium mining. The data that has been utilized are land
cover maps, Digital Ortho Quarter Quads (DOQQ’s), Digital Raster Graphics (DRG’s), Digital Elevation
Models (DEM’s), radiometric readings collected in the field, historical aerial photos, and field samples of
ant populations and species distribution. The tools used were hand held Global Positioning System (GPS)
field equipment, ENVI to geocorrect aerial photography and a Geographical Information System (GIS)
for mapping and visualization.
6.
Title: Using Social Behaviors to Determine Dominance in Polistes sp. Wasps at Palo Verde National
Park, Costa Rica
Presenters: Allyson Two Bears
Institution/organization: Sitting Bull College
Abstract:
Sitting Bull College currently participates in a Tropical Ecology program in which students are
sent to Costa Rica to perform research projects. I have been fortunate to be a part of this program for two
years. While in Costa Rica, we began a study on local insect species. With the help of Ethel Villalobos, a
professor at University of Hawaii and originally from Costa Rica, Polistes wasps social activity were
studied. The following is the abstract from that study.
By observing the behaviors displayed by the Polistes, a species of paper wasps, the nest will show
a dominant individual, or the queen. The individual with the highest level of activity and time
spent in the nest will be used to determine the queen. Specimens were collected at Palo Verde
National Park, Guanacaste Providence, Costa Rica. All specimens (25 indiv.-2006, 14 indiv.2007) were marked for identification and a thorax measurement (5.77mm average width) was
recorded. Observations were made during our stay at the park between May-June 2006 and 2007
at various times. A dominant individual was shown in all nests in both years of the study.
Dominance behavior, previously described in other studies, were also observed in these
individuals.
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Studies like this one will continue as students travel to Costa Rica. Sitting Bull College plans to
continue this program for its Environmental Science students. This is a great opportunity for us, students.
The research experience is a rare opportunity to be in a tropical environment. And we also get to be part
of another culture that closely resembles the Native American.
7.
Title: Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) Range Expansion to North Dakota
Presenters: Adam Rookey1, Jamie Murphy1, Jeremy E. Guinn1, and Patrick Isakson2
Institution/organization: 1Sitting Bull College and 2North Dakota Game & Fish Department
Abstract:
The existence of spiny softshell turtles in North Dakota and on the Standing Rock Reservation
was confirmed during trapping studies conducted by North Dakota Game & Fish Department (2006) and
Sitting Bull College (2007). A total of 35 specimens (23 female, 12 male) were collected along the
Missouri River between Washburn, ND (the northern-most occurrence) and the mouth of the Cannonball
River at the Missouri River (the southern-most occurrence). The mean curvilinear carapace length was
25.48 cm and average mass was 1495.96 g. These measurements are within the size range reported by
other studies in neighboring states. This information indicates that the range of the spiny softshell turtle
has expanded by several hundred miles. We recommend further study along the Missouri River and its
tributaries in North Dakota to establish a more complete distribution of softshell turtles in this region.
8.
Title: A Marketing Plan for Lakota Popcorn
Presenter: Amy Murphy, Don Torgerson, Don Bad Moccasin, Ardis Bad Moccasin
Institution/organization: Nebraska Indian Community College
Abstract:
The semester class project of the Principles of Marketing class was creating a marketing plan for
Lakota Popcorn. The course objectives were aligned with student learning outcomes. The student’s
learning outcomes are (1) Students will grow in Native culture; (2) Students will effectively communicate
through listening; as well as, written and oral speaking skills in English and Native Language; (3)
Students will apply critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills in both academic and community
environments; (4) Students will practice research and investigative skills, exploring diverse topics; (5)
Through learned time management skills, students will develop and practice balance in careers and
academics. The first course objective was to implement marketing concepts and strategies into tribal agribusiness. The outcome consisted of students exploring and analyzing a Native owned popcorn
production, processing corporation whose philosophy is based on Native traditions. Another outcome
illustrated that the project was a team effort developing skills in leadership and group dynamics. This was
substantiated by the development of a mission statement and conducting a SWOT analysis. The
partnership between the marketing class and Lakota Popcorn provided an avenue for students to
implement marketing concepts into practice and interact with the community. The impact of the project
on the college was an improvement in attendance and retention after the third week of the semester.
Because of the success of this venture, future agri-business courses will expand partnerships with
community based businesses.
9.
Title: Using Traditional Culture and Knowledge to Develop New Ways of Alternative Energy
Presenter: Cheryl Hovgaard
Institution/organization: Blackfeet Community College
Abstract:
The Blackfeet Reservation has superb wind energy potential, class 7. The Department of Energy,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory classifies wind speeds that rank from a marginal class of 2 to
superb class 7.
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Preserving Blackfeet culture sites are vital, and by using traditional knowledge, the Blackfeet
Community College, (BCC) will continue to develop new ways of implementing alternative energy
methods for use at the college. By looking at the seasonal settlement patterns, the Blackfeet used wind
specifically in hunting and gathering and the areas in which they camped.
The Bison jumps targeted specific sites, and these sites were used only when the wind directions
allowed the Blackfeet to coax the Bison over the jump without the detection (smell) to the Bison. Wind
also played a vital role in the establishment of camps, and collecting and harvesting plant life. Although
conflicting opinions exist, scientific research indicates Blackfeet have used seasonal settlements for
10,000 years.
The Blackfeet Community College has installed a Bergey BWC Excel 10kWClass Wind Turbine
to supplement the 8,704 sq ft Natural Resource Building.
Future plans: Education and training in wind technology will enable the Blackfeet tribe and the
BCC to move forward in new wind projects.
Conclusion: Combing wind energy and other alternative energy sources, (such as solar, hydro,
geothermal and biomass) and with the partnership of federal agencies and other tribal colleges, BCC can
develop and use high reliable, efficient wind generation. Wind energy is the fastest growing source of
electrical generation and many upgrades have been introduced world wide since the 1980’s. The
Blackfeet have an enormous potential for wind powering not only the reservation but using this resource
for other economic developments.
10.
Title: Developing a computerized guide to hairs of mammals in northern Wisconsin.
Presenter: Matthew Naugle
Institution/organization: Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College
Abstract:
The use of hairs in the identification of mammals is not new. This technique has been used by
biologists since the 1940’s, but it requires a guide to the characteristics of hairs so that they can be
distinguished as individual species. Diet is one way in which hair identification can be useful. By
examining an animal’s scat (droppings) biologists can learn what the animal was eating because hairs can
survive the digestive process. The goal of this project was to develop a computerized guide to hairs of
mammals in northern Wisconsin. The CD is organized in a step-down method. Fifty two mammals
were chosen to be included in the CD based on their presence in Wisconsin. I studied hair analysis
techniques to learn how to identify key characteristics of hairs (eg. Medulla, scales, length, width, and
color band) . I examined several hairs from six different body regions (ie., neck, dorsal, rump, tail,
ventral, and head) on 20 of the 52 mammals. There are two different ways to use the CD. The first one is
to go to the mammal’s home page. This will show the user what the hairs from that species look like.
The other way is to search the CD by hair characteristics. Once the characteristics of the hair are inputted
the database provides a list of mammals that meet these characteristics. The future of the project is to
complete the remaining 32 species, refine the database search function and improve the quality of the
photos in the CD. This CD can be expanded to add new identification techniques like teeth.
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Faculty/Institutional Section:
11.
Title: Academic and Extension Projects at Tohono O’odham Community College
Presenters: Paul Buseck and Clifford Pablo
Institution/organization: Tohono O’odham Community College
Abstract:
The Tohono O’odham Agriculture & Natural Resources program started development in April
2004, and has grown to include two associate’s degree tracks, an agriculture extension program, and a
summer youth enrichment program. An advisory committee has played an active and important role to
help guide the program’s direction. We are excited about future learning and teaching possibilities on the
Tohono O’odham Nation, and using our abundant local natural and human resources to take care of our
land and our health. Activities and impacts of extension and academic programs will be discussed on the
poster. This poster presentation will highlight academic and extension projects as part of land grant
programs, with the hope of fostering discussion with attendees of the FALCON conference, including
Tribal College staff and students, USDA representatives, and other interested parties. Feedback received
from poster viewers will be used to innovate new projects, or create new directions to existing projects.
12.
Title: 1994 Land Grant Institutions Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Initiative
Presenters: Vigil Dupuis1 and Susan Ratcliffe2
Institution/organization: 1Salish Kootenai College and 2North Central IPM Center at the University of
Illinois
Abstract:
The project will include the North Central, Great Plains and Western states that have 1994 Tribal
Colleges and Universities and/or Tribal Nations (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma,
Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). While there are many great
collaborative programs involving IPM in these states and others, there is not a centralized source
documenting the needs and current IPM programming on the thirty-one 1994 Tribal Colleges and 561
Federally-recognized Tribes.
We propose to conduct a needs assessment survey that will be sent to key individuals at the 1994
Tribal Colleges, 1862 Land Grant Universities and Tribal Nations. This survey will begin to address the
gap in information regarding the current IPM programming and interest in future collaborative
programming opportunities to expand IPM training and adoption on the 56 million acres held by Tribal
Nations. The North Central IPM Center will serve as a repository for the data and will work to foster new
collaborative relationships, as well as work to strengthen existing programs based on responses to the
survey. Using data from the survey as guidance, key stakeholders will be invited to participate in a
strategic planning session that will be held on Monday, March 23, 2009, in Portland, Oregon, in
conjunction with the 6th International IPM Symposium, “Transcending Boundaries.”
13.
Title: Integrated approaches to determine the biological impacts of the invasive aquatic plant, flowering
rush (Butemous umbellatus).
Presenters: Virgil Dupuis
Institution/organization: Salish Kootenai College
Abstract:
Salish Kootenai College (SKC) is leading investigations to determine the biological impacts of
the invasive aquatic plant, flowering rush, (Butemous umbellatus). Flowering rush is invading shallow
aquatic habitats in Flathead Lake, the Lower Flathead River, and is becoming established in the Columbia
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River System. SKC Extension has an integrated approach of research, education, and outreach to
investigate the biological potential and impacts of flowering rush, determine the genetic profiles of
Columbia River System infestations, test control and management methods, provide undergraduate
educational opportunities, and educate the public and land managers along the Colombia River System to
the threat of flowering rush.
Sustaining natural systems that are habitat for native fish, wildlife, and plants are essential to
Tribal communities. SKC works with Tribal Cultural Preservation specialists, biologists, and
environmental protection authorities. Our goal is to develop a long term, regionally based, scientific
approach to a serious invader of native aquatic habitats along a thousand mile long river system.
14.
Title: Building local food systems and facilitating behavior change.
Presenters: Virgil Dupuis
Institution/organization: Salish Kootenai College
Abstract:
Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Extension is building local food systems by helping consumers
and local growers meet at the market place. We are conducting food preparation and nutrition education
sessions with Senior Citizen Center cooks and schools emphasizing the benefits of fresh food and
including unprocessed whole grains in the diet. SKC has partnered with the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes Human Resource Development and Tribal Health Departments, Flathead Extension,
Montana State University Extension, the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, the Kellogg
Foundation, and the USDA Food Distribution on Indian Reservation Program.
15.
Title: Native American consumer perspectives: An exploratory study of the relationship of triballydefined assets and consumer sentiment
Presenter: Henry Thompson1, Joan Goodman2, George Hayes3, and John Phillips4
Institution/organization: 1Chief Dull Knife College, 1Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute,
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Montana State University, and 1John Phillips Consulting
Abstract:
This research project sought to answer several important questions of national and tribal
significance. First, the project asked, what factors associated with tribally-defined assets can influence
consumer sentiment for agricultural products? Secondly, it asked, what other unique tribal factors and
community strategies can inform rural and economic development in the food and agricultural sector?
The answers to these questions were pursued using qualitative research methods under a community
assets or capitals conceptual framework.
The project is based on the scientific rationale that argues four main points: (1) that consumer
demand is a function of the willingness to buy (consumer sentiment); (2) that consumer sentiment
(confidence) is defined and measured in primarily financial terms; (3) that Native Americans’ cultural
perspective views economic development in primarily non-financial terms; and (4) that non-financial
factors must be explored to determine Native American consumer sentiment and demand.
16.
Title: Hypoglycemic properties of Thimble berries and Saskatoon berries.
Presenter: Saleia Afele-Faamuli
Institution/organization: USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
Abstract:
Thimble berries and Saskatoon berries appear to have hypoglycemic properties that can be
validated through cell culture trials. This research suggests promise in managing diabetes mellitus. The
evidence: a weak, but consistent response to extracts of these plants with or without added insulin. This
traditional treatment used by the American Indiana in Browning, Montana, may be of great importance to
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the estimated 18.2 million Americans who live with diabetes. It also has an important affect on National
health issues as this condition costs about $132 billion annually.
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