Session B: 10:45AM – 12:15PM
Science. Session B – Poster Presentations, Ballroom, Union
SESSION B (10:45AM-12:15PM)
Location: Ballroom, A. Ray Olpin University Union
A Planned Device for Solar Powered Water Purification for Disaster Relief
Evelyn Fuentes, Utah Tech University
Thomas Keate, Utah Tech University
Christian Riordan, Utah Tech University
Faculty Mentor: Aaron Davis, Utah Tech University
SESSION B (10:45AM-12:15PM)
POSTER B29
Studies predict that extreme weather events, due to climate change, are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude. Specifically, the flooding impacts from a hurricane may lead to the loss of necessary infrastructure like water treatment plants. This is especially concerning due to the loss of drinkable water available. In response we, as a multidisciplinary team, plan to develop a purification device that is able to effectively filter waste and sewage-contaminated water to allow communities and families, without available infrastructure, to receive drinkable water. We will be testing different processes of filtration to find the most efficient and cheapest method. This process of filtration would be possible due to a foldable solar array that would power a pump to push water through a filtration system. The solar array would supplement other disaster relief options due to its ability to be used without constant supervision, and it would be capable of continuous, reliable use. This would allow for the production of drinkable water in the event that water purification infrastructure was down, but contaminated water was available. The solar array and water purification device would be portable for fast deployment, with options of building a larger device, as part of a disaster relief preparedness package. If successful, this device has the potential to increase disaster preparedness and save lives through providing clean water.
Isolation and Identification of Soil Fungal Species Associated with Juniperus osteosperma
Hailey Sermersheim, Utah Valley University
Tyler Shaver, Utah Valley University
Kylee Larsen, Utah Valley University
Faculty Mentor: Olga Kopp, Utah Valley University
SESSION B (10:45AM-12:15PM)
POSTER B30
Juniperus osteosperma, known locally as Utah Juniper, is one of the most abundant trees in the Utah desert and commonly found in higher montane areas. Endemic to Utah and surrounding western states, J. osteosperma is a monoecious perennial evergreen characterized by its bushy appearance, rounded crown, small scale-like leaves, and berry-like cones. J. osteosperma provides important habitat and forage for many native plants and animals, with several bird species depending on the cones for forage during fall and winter months. The identification and cataloging of native plants such as J. osteosperma and their associates is of utmost importance for proper rangeland management. Understanding how the sum of individual factors within an environment affect one another leads to informed decisions on land