Experiential Learning

Carmela Buono's Aresty Research Project: Effects of Invasive Plant Species.

After completing an Aresty Research Assistant project with Dr. Jean Marie Hartman, looking at impacts of urbanization on watershed performance, I developed a strong interest for invasive plant species.

My George H. Cook Honors thesis titled "A Study of the Biotic and Abiotic Effects of Rubus phoenicolasius in a Mixed Oak Forest" looked at the abiotic and biotic effects of Rubus phoenicolasius or more commonly known as wineberry in a mixed oak forest. Wineberry is a thorny shrub common along road sides and edges of forests. It was initially brought to the United States from Asia for cultivation but it escaped and forms very dense thickets that could out compete native plants. My research thesis is assessing how wineberry affects natural systems by looking at how it affects decomposition rates, light availability, species richness, and the survival of tree seedlings. Carmela mainly worked out of the Hutchinson Memorial Forest, New Jersey.

The best thing about my research experience? "Spending time outdoors and being able to appreciate natural spaces first hand!" Being able to participate in hands on research has motivated me to pursue a Graduate School Program in Ecology.

All photos courtesy of Carmela Buono.