Campus Connection

A group of UW-L students has calculated the carbon footprint of the college campus. Other students monitored people’s energy expenditure in a Zumba fitness class. And others have tracked what happens in the Milky Way after a star dies. Students will present this research and more during the 14th Annual Celebration of Student Research & Creativity from 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Friday, April 15, during national Undergraduate Research Week. Undergraduate and graduate students will give oral and poster presentations throughout the Cartwright Center. To calculate UW-L’s carbon footprint, students estimated carbon dioxide emissions from sources such as the campus coal plant, outsourced energy, people commuting, school trips and study abroad. “The main point is to see where we are at and where we would like to see our school go and then inspire people — create a little fire underneath them — to start thinking about it,” explains Sarah Graf, a UW-L senior involved in the project. They found the campus produces nearly 50,000 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide and other related greenhouse gases. That’s equivalent to burning 5.6 million gallons of gas or driving 8,500 cars over the course of a year, considering the average person drives 15,000 miles per year and the average car gets 23 miles per gallon, said Rob Tyser, UW-L biology professor. They also outlined scenarios for how to reduce the campus carbon footprint by substituting wood chips and natural gas for coal. Students are discovering how their studies translate to solving real-world problems, says Tyser. “Climate change is a worldwide issue,” he notes. “We are learning more about that issue and what we can do to mitigate the effects of climate change.” The day will continue with a 1 p.m. keynote presentation by Chad Hammerschmidt, ’97 and ’99 alum and assistant professor of Earth & Environment Sciences at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, at Valhalla Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Founded on his experience as a student and mentor, the presentation will emphasize the importance of student-focused learning experiences, faculty mentoring and pursuit of advanced academic degrees. The event concludes with a 1:30 p.m. recognition and awards ceremony. If you go— What: Celebration of Student Research & Creativity Where: UW-L Cartwright Center When: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 15 Admission: Free