Have you ever heard of “earthworm ecotoxicology?”
Earthworms are one species of animal greatly affected by the “stuff” put onto/into the Earth…since they live in “earth” itself!
Stony Brook University Sustainability Studies Program students and others who are interested have the awesome opportunity to take part in an ongoing hands-on research project headed by Dr. Sharon Pochron.
The project entails taking a look at the effects of potential toxins on the health and survival of earthworms, and conducting experiments to find the answers to a variety of questions, including:
- Does acid rain kill earthworms?
- Does Roundup cause earthworms to lose weight?
- Does the use of fertilizer cause infertility in earthworms?
It’s dirty work, but someone’s gotta do it!
Dr. Pochron takes students on who would like to earn one to three research credits, or just serve as project volunteers. Students have the opportunity to select, research, and present their own experiments to the public during Earthstock and to URECA.
In addition, students could potentially get their work published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal! Contact Dr. Pochron if you are interested in being a part of this awesome research!
Can you dig it?
Sharon Pochron, Ph.D.
Professor and Earthworm Ecotoxicology Researcher
Sustainability Studies Program