Student Scholars & Faculty Mentors
Projects funded by our internal grants program. Search the table to find students or faculty mentors that share in your interests, and could help you achieve your goals in research, creative activity, or service.
Survey and Analysis of Biodiversity at Lake Allure, Lancaster County, PA
Name: Papavasilis,
Advisor: Dominique Didier
Department: BIOL
Award: Student Research Grant
Abstract: Abandoned limestone quarries are known to be locations of biological diversity due to human impact and natural reclamation of the environment. Lake Allure in Quarryville, Pennsylvania is one such quarry that shows indications of biological importance in both species richness and species diversity. In Fall 2020, several exploratory dives were conducted revealing two rare freshwater phyla, Porifera and Cnidaria. The goal of this research project is to conduct a comprehensive biodiversity survey using GIS and SCUBA to further examine the unique flora and fauna of Lake Allure. Since Cnidarians such as freshwater jellyfish are exceedingly rare, this research project will provide an excellent opportunity to document the lifecycle of these organisms. In addition, Porifera provide niche habitats for insect larvae and are indicators of environmental health. Another goal of this biodiversity survey is to photo document the flora and fauna of the lake for potential publication and conference presentations. Lancaster Scuba Center's "Second Thursday Seminars" will allow for community outreach to educate SCUBA divers so that we may preserve the unique ecosystem of Lake Allure unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.