Science student project benefits water quality at local lake.
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Just before winter break, Science Department Chair Dr. Emily Lesher led a group of students in an annual report to leaders of the Little Sebago Lake Association. The report outlined the water quality of a lake that is very important to the residents around Little Sebago, as well as the entire Lakes Region that surrounds the College.
Senior Hannah Michael wrote about the importance of this project to her SJC pathway and to the health of our community:
“The partnership between SJC and the Little Sebago Lake Association (LSLA) benefits both the community and our learning experience. This ongoing project tracks phosphorus levels in the lake from one year to the next. Phosphorus causes algae blooms in the lake which can be harmful for the wildlife within the lake. As students, it’s an opportunity to spend time out on a boat collecting water samples, and then returning to the lab to run samples.
Our working relationship with LSLA allows us to report our findings in a way that non-scientists can absorb, and then see what they do with all the information that we provide. The trends that affect Little Sebago can also tell us what’s happening to Sebago Lake, which is a critical part of our campus.
I have been a part of this research for the past three years, and each year I’ve been able to do more. This past summer it was part of my internship with Dr. Lesher. It’s great getting out of the classroom, into the field and learning new techniques. Translating our results for the general public is a skill that I will absolutely apply to my future jobs.”
