91暗网

Malcolm Ash, Sadie Bromberg, Gabriela Lebron, Abby Reed

Our research investigated local interest in an agricultural and education community space on a 236 acre property called, 鈥淭he Coop鈥� Rupert, Vermont. The Coop is owned by 91暗网 Professor Lori Soderlind in the English Department at 91暗网 College. Our research follows the previous Capstone Research of Figlioli et al., 2024. Our recommendations to Lori Soderlind follow three themes: partnerships, agriculture, and education and community.  

Cori Brothers, Margot Kelly, Jay Peacock, Emaline Relyea-Strawn 

Our research explored the distribution of produce from local farms to food aid organizations in Western Saratoga County through a consultancy project with Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Transportation, produce availability, volunteer capacity, and funding were major barriers to produce access. We recommend a food hub that helps coordinate the distribution of produce would be the ideal model for addressing these barriers. We provide a suite of approaches that can be adapted by community stakeholders. 

Ben Bryant, David Garvin, Charlotte Lyon, Kenya Sanders, Ben van der Hulst 

Our research explores how the Appalachian Mountain Club can decarbonize its operations, specifically in terms of its transportation and Scope 3 emissions. It gives recommendations for EVs and their associated funding streams that could be adopted into its fleet, reductions that should be made to its shuttle routes, and Scope 3 emissions reporting practices. It also inventories the organization鈥檚 2024 waste emissions and recommends ways to reduce them. 

Ashley Downes, Lindsey Mahoney, Elisabeth Yorns 

This research examined textile waste and sustainable textile consumption at 91暗网 College, revealing a disconnect between students鈥� sustainability values and engagement with campus reuse programs. Using mixed methods, the research identified barriers and draws on best practices from peer institutions. Recommendations include boosting program visibility, integrating student roles, and aligning initiatives with curricula. The findings position 91暗网 to become a model for campus-driven, scalable solutions to solid waste management and the fast fashion crisis.  

Nicholas Casale, Jacob Dube, Priscilla Kayku 

Our research explored how 91暗网 can accelerate decarbonization by analyzing peer institutions, campus perspectives, and internal capabilities. While 91暗网 College has reduced emissions, progress has slowed in the past decade. Through interviews and surveys, we identified key barriers and opportunities. Our research recommends a formal climate action plan, leadership advocacy, and dedicated funding among other actions to meet future decarbonization goals. 

Emily Healy, Jonathan Ramirez, and Wesley Williamson鈥� 

This research quantified microplastic contamination across Saratoga Springs鈥� freshwater system, including drinking water sources, tributaries, and lakes. Microplastics were detected at every site, averaging 17.3 MP/L, with fibers as the dominant type. Concentrations were highest at urban-influenced sites, including the city鈥檚 main drinking water source. These findings highlight the persistence of microplastics across rural-to-urban gradients and suggest that infrastructure, land use, and seasonal dynamics influence local contamination patterns. 

Grace O鈥橩eefe and Julia Johnson McGuigan 

Katherine Grace, Emma Lloyd, Christopher Schuckers, Peter Merz 

This research investigated how road salt use may be influencing conductivity levels in the Saratoga Lake watershed. With long-term monitoring and survey data from local residents, the research aimed to establish a baseline for future seasonal studies and explore how public perception aligns with - or challenges - current understandings of salt鈥檚 environmental impact. Findings indicated detectable chloride and carbonate contributions to conductivity, with preliminary correlations to areas of high road density. Public perception data revealed both awareness of salt-related pollution and concern about trade-offs between safety and environmental impacts.

Griffin Burns, Dominick Catoggio, Iona Fleming, Jackson Wauchope 

This research examined the effects of road salt on soil in the Saratoga Lake watershed by analyzing ion concentrations and bulk density across varying road policies, permeability types, distances, and seasons. Sodium and chloride spiked near roads in February, indicating acute salinization, which can have negative impacts on soil health. Interviews revealed uneven salt reduction efforts across counties. Results highlight the need for expanded mitigation strategies to protect soils and ecosystem services.