Abstracts

1. Ningzhu Bai, Christopher Tonra and Risa Pesapane: Identifying host intrinsic and extrinsic variables affecting tick infestation on Passerine birds (Order: Passeriformes) in Ohio

The geographical ranges for ticks and tick-borne diseases are actively expanding with migratory passerines considered as one of the drivers. Wild birds also play an important role in maintaining and transmitting ticks and associated pathogens within endemic regions. However, it is uncertain how the roles would vary among individuals of different species of avian hosts at different times of the year. We conducted year-round active surveillance of tick infestation on passerines at banding stations and tick abundance in the environment in Ohio. We found patterns of intra-annual variations of tick infestation and heterogeneity among individual birds. Our goal for this study is to identify individual characteristics and life history traits that affect tick infestation prevalence and intensity. This study will contribute to the body of literature on bird-tick interaction and will help elucidate the roles of birds in the ecology and epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. 

2. Evan Behmer-Porter and Risa Pesapane: Coastal Ticks En-Gulf Ohio: Habitat distribution and phenology of Amblyomma maculatum along a field-edge gradient in Frankling County, Ohio

Gulf Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum), vectors of Rickettsia parkeri spotted fever, are an emerging medical and veterinary public health threat recently identified in Franklin County, Ohio. The Gulf Coast ticks’ range has been expanding due to climate change, land use changes, and host migration. This study sought to quantify the risk of this dry- and heat-tolerant tick species to public health. To accomplish this, this project focused on the habitat selection of Gulf Coast ticks in relation to anthropogenic use areas bordering field edges. Scioto Grove Metro Park, located south of Columbus, Ohio, was sampled weekly for Gulf Coast ticks between May and September 2024. Four parallel tick drag transects were sampled along a field-edge habitat gradient during each bout. The results indicate that Gulf Coast ticks specifically seek out edge habitat bordering areas of significant anthropogenic use. At greater macroclimate temperatures, Gulf Coast ticks were found predominantly in the tall grass side of the field-edge border. At low temperatures, Gulf Coast ticks were found in manicured lawn. The Gulf Coast ticks collected in this project vastly outnumbered those collected via local and state public health agency tick surveillance. Overall, this research suggests that a significant risk of tick exposure exists in areas bordering open field habitat, a habitat underrepresented by Lyme-prioritized surveillance protocols. Therefore, there is a need for systematic, habitat-targeted surveillance to quantify the holistic risk of tickborne disease transmission in Ohio and other newly invaded territories.

3. Hayden Belleville, Alia Dietsch, Keely Fisher: Characterizing the Experiences of Visitors to National Wildlife Refuges: Results from the 2018-2023 National Visitor Survey  

The National Visitor Survey (NVS) is a collaboration between social science researchers from the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University, the Human Dimensions Branch of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and staff from the American Conservation Experience (ACE). The first 5-year cycle of the NVS was conducted from 2018-2023 on Refuges with more than 50,000 annual visitors. The NVS traveled to 141 National Wildlife Refuges across the country, and contacted thousands of visitors with the goal of providing managers, planners, visitor services specialists, and the public with reliable baseline data about Refuge visitors and their experiences at Refuges. Both digital and paper-copy options of English- and Spanish-language surveys were made available to visitors who agreed to participate after being contacted onsite by ACE staff. Results reflect myriad recreation activities, trip characteristics, contributions to local economies, and beliefs about the importance and satisfaction of vital aspects of the National Wildlife Refuge System. For example, survey results demonstrate overwhelming satisfaction with visitor services, facilities, and experiences at most refuges nationwide. Results of this effort are informing site-specific decisions related to Comprehensive Conservation Plans, associated step-down plans, and transportation plans, as well as national-level efforts to incorporate social and ecological data for improved system-level decision-making.

4. Ella Church and Lauren Pintor: Effects of native fish reintroduction on macroinvertebrate communities in a glacial wetland

 Wetland ecosystems in the Great Lakes region are increasingly degraded due to habitat loss and pollution, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services. The reintroduction of native fish species offers a potential strategy to restore these habitats, yet ecological factors influencing reintroduction success remain poorly understood. One critical resource required for the success of reintroduced fish populations is the availability of food resources, such as aquatic macroinvertebrates. This study investigates the relationship between aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and the reintroduction success of three native fish species—the Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Lake Chubsucker—in two beaver-made ponds in the Ashtabula region of Northeast Ohio. Annual fish surveys and macroinvertebrate sampling will be conducted to monitor inter-pond reintroduction outcomes and assess seasonal ecological interactions. It is hypothesized that greater macroinvertebrate diversity will support higher reintroduction success, and that the dietary breadth of each fish species will influence its population establishment. By identifying key factors driving successful fish reintroduction, this research aims to inform and enhance restoration efforts in degraded freshwater wetlands.

5. Josh Davidson and Chris Tonra: Examining the Predictors of White-throated Sparrow Spring Departure Date

Migratory birds encounter a variety of obstacles while migrating that can have profound negative effects on breeding success. These obstacles and their effects are exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change in addition to novel obstacles, such as advancing producer phenology. As such, migratory decisions have the capacity to impact breeding success and therefore population dynamics which in turn have serious implications for conservation. At present, most studies of phenological decisions by migratory birds have focused on long-distance migrants. Here, I focus on examining the predictors of spring departure date for a boreal-breeding short-distance migrant, the White-throated Sparrow. I determined the departure date for 42 motus-tagged White-throated Sparrows and qualitatively investigated spring departure date’s relationship with a spring phenology indicator, common lilac, and winter weather. I found that sex best predicted spring departure date with male sparrows departing earlier. Additionally, departure date and winter weather remained stagnant while lilac phenology advanced. These results align with previous work regarding White-throated Sparrow migratory and phenological decisions and emphasize the occurrence of male migratory birds departing and arriving earlier than females in the spring. Furthermore, advancing producer phenology and stagnant White-throated Sparrow phenology highlight the need for future research to increase statistical power and identify phenological mismatches and associated conservation implications.

6. Olivia DiGiovine and Nicole Sintov: Consumers Exhibit Disposal Bias in Product Sustainability Judgments

Consumers often believe recycling is more effective than making sustainable production decisions. My study explores the underlying perceptions that contribute to this “disposal bias.” In three studies (total N=979) I investigate: 1) cognitive accessibility of production vs. disposal impacts; 2) feelings of responsibility for choosing vs. disposing of products; and 3) perceived sustainability based on production vs. disposal attributes. In Study 1, participants completed an online survey measuring cognitive accessibility of production and disposal impacts. In Study 2, Ohio State University undergraduates completed an in-lab survey which measured ascribed responsibility for production vs. disposal impacts. In Study 3, Ohio State University undergraduates completed an online survey evaluating the sustainability of products based on their material and disposal attributes. Study 1 revealed that for overall environment (t(398)= -3.27, p=0.0012) and land use impacts (t(398)= -6.05, p=0.001), cognitive accessibility was higher for disposal versus production, but no differences were observed for greenhouse gas, energy, or water. Study 2 revealed that participants felt more responsible for the environmental impacts of a product at disposal versus product choice (t(294)= -5.04, p=0.001). Study 3 revealed that participants rated the overall sustainability of products higher if they were disposed sustainably but produced unsustainably, compared to the opposite scenario (-8.27<t(284)< -2.29, 0.001<p=0.02). Advancing knowledge on “disposal bias”, these findings provide evidence for several mechanisms that can explain this effect. Based on my results, I advocate for interventions to encourage consumers to consider the entire life cycle of a product, not just the disposal, when assessing sustainability.

7. Naseem Dillman-Hasso: Examining the persistent effects of incentives on pro-environmental behavior change: When is paying people not enough?  

Numerous pro-environmental behavior (PEB) change interventions use financial incentives to promote desired behaviors. However, the lasting effects of incentives have not been fully studied within this context, and other contexts indicate inconsistent outcomes of incentive-based programs. This meta-analysis examines whether incentives have a persistent, long-lasting effect on PEBs. Across 16 studies, we find that incentives promote PEB when in place (g = 0.51), and when removed (g = 0.23). However, this effect is only significant when incentives are contingent upon behavior change. These findings highlight the need for more research to fully understand the long-lasting implications of incentive-based behavior change programs, suggesting that there may be contexts where financial incentives are less appropriate, and types of incentives that lead to less persistence. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.

8. Meghan Edwards: Understanding Agroforestry Practitioner Motivations, Barriers, and Support Networks in the Eastern United States

Agroforestry, a broad spectrum of practices which integrate trees and shrubs into other forms of agriculture, is only in use on a reported 1.7% of all farms in the United States, according to the most recent Agriculture Statistics Survey. However, these practices received historic amounts of support in the Climate Smart Commodities program and the number of farms reporting their use increased across the country between 2017 and 2022. Agroforestry has the potential not only to sequester carbon, but also to improve soil and water quality, diversify farm income streams, support animal health and well-being, and contribute positively to farming communities. Despite a growing body of research into the impacts of agroforestry on the environment, relatively little is known about the practitioners themselves. This research uses semi-structured interviews to investigate who is practicing agroforestry, why they have adopted these practices, how they have obtained information and support for these practices, and what barriers they have encountered along the way. As an alternative agricultural practice, agroforestry receives minimal support from traditional extension or state agency programs. Even interested technical service providers may be uncomfortable providing advice for complex, interdisciplinary polycultures that go beyond their particular area of expertise. This research will serve as guidance for these technical service providers by identifying gaps in service and highlighting practitioner motivations beyond payments for ecosystem services. With a better understanding of agroforestry practitioner motivations and experiences TSPs, policymakers, and nonprofits will be better prepared to support the responsible adoption of agroforestry practices in the United States.

9. Carl Engstrom, Stephen Matthews, Christopher Tonra, Laura Kearns, Roger Williams: Territory composition and response to forest management in four Neotropical migrant passerines

The present-day forests of Ohio do not match historical conditions, which has contributed to long-term declines in North American bird populations. Informed forest management can help land managers create conditions that benefit both forest health and the forest bird community. Research identifying habitat relationships and response to management for avian species is critical for guiding future management strategies that address conservation issues. I studied the impacts of a novel climate-adaptation forest management plan on the forest bird community by examining fine-scale habitat relationships for four species of long-distance migrating songbird (Wood Thrush [Hylocichla mustelina], Ovenbird [Seiurus aurocapilla], Cerulean Warbler [Setophaga cerulea], Scarlet Tanager [Piranga olivacea]) at study units in Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest in southeastern Ohio. Between my field seasons, the study units received a midstory thinning treatment as part of the management plan. I studied the effects of midstory thinning on territory densities and nest success of the focal species to understand how different species in the forest bird community responded to management. Territory densities for the midstory nesting Wood Thrush declined significantly following midstory thinning on the treatment units, while densities for the other three species remained unchanged. Although Wood Thrush density decreased between years, I found no differences in daily survival rates for nests between years or across study units. Results from my study will serve as a baseline for ongoing avian research on the study units that will provide understanding as to how the forest bird community responds to a novel climate-adaptation forest management plan.

10. Aaron Giganti and Suzanne Gray: Turbidity as a Driver of Carotenoid Coloration in Bluegill Sunfish

Human activities are contributing to increasing nutrient and sediment loads to aquatic ecosystems, leading to elevated turbidity and reducing the visual capacities of aquatic organisms. Reduced water clarity is known to reduce foraging success in various species. Springtime turbidity, in particular, may interfere with visual communication during spawning, altering how individuals choose mates and care for their offspring. Together, these factors could alter the expression of pigment-based sexual signals. Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) are an important recreational fish in North America, stocked as a target species as well as a prey source for game fish such as Largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans). Male bluegill display vivid orange breast coloration, derived from dietary carotenoid pigments, during the breeding season—a trait which may signal genetic quality to potential mates. Turbidity has been shown to reduce sexual selection for carotenoid coloration, and, further, promote hybridization between closely-related species as individuals are less capable of distinguishing between con- and heterospecifics. As bluegill are known to hybridize freely with other Lepomis sunfishes, contributing to reduced genetic diversity in fish assemblages, it is important to understand how turbidity alters nuptial coloration in male bluegill. I plan to collect male bluegill in central Ohio reservoirs to assess their carotenoid coloration, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and Fulton’s condition (K) at varying turbidities. This project will contribute to a growing understanding of how visual ecology impacts spawning and recruitment in North American fisheries.

11. Xucheng Hu, Franklin Jones, James Ippolito: Soil Inorganic Carbon (Calcite and Dolomite) Determination Using the Modified Pressure-Calcimeter Method  

Calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) are two primary minerals as carbonates present in the soil. Sherrod et al. (2002) modified a pressure-calcimeter method to quantify soil inorganic carbon (SIC) content using a relatively simple approach. The original manuscript determined that a 6-h reaction time was required by validating the soils that contained only calcite, however, dolomite-containing soils were neglected. The crystalline structure of dolomite is more ordered than calcite, and thus, if soils contain appreciable dolomite, the modified pressure-calcimeter method may not fully determine the presence of all SIC. This study evaluated the optimal incubation time for calcite and/or dolomite-containing soils using the pressure-calcimeter method as compared to the Chittick apparatus and results from the Sherrod et al. (2002) manuscript, using reaction times that varied from 2 to 48 hours. Results identified 6 hours as the optimal reaction time for maximum CO₂ release from dolomitic soils, similar to that suggested by Sherrod et al. (2002). Among 18 soils containing varying concentrations of calcite and dolomite, the pressure-calcimeter and Chittick apparatus methods were strongly correlated (R² = 0.98), supporting the accuracy of the pressure-calcimeter method in quantifying total SIC content. Compared to traditional methods, the pressure-calcimeter method offers enhanced safety, efficiency, and scalability for large-scale soil analysis and will capture all SIC (i.e., calcite + dolomite) using a 6-h reaction time.

12. Anna Kolganova, Rattan Lal, Jeff Firkins, Nicole Pickard, Ben Wenner, Kelly Mitchell, Murray Minnema: Inhibition of methanogenesis with biochar in combination with nitrate in continuous culture of ruminal microbes

Dairy cattle emit methane. Biochar (BC) could inhibit ruminal methane production based on redox-active chemical elements. Feeding nitrate inhibits methanogenesis, but nitrite accumulation in blood can be fatal. BC can retain nitrate. We investigated the combined effects of BC and nitrate on ruminal methanogenesis. Rumen fluid from 2 cannulated Holstein cows was used to inoculate 5 dual-flow continuous culture fermenters in 5 periods in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. The treatments were control, BC (2% DM), nitrate (1.5% DM), BC + nitrate (2% DM both), BC + nitrate (1% DM both). Periods were 8 d of microbial adaptation plus 4 d of sampling. All fermenters were fed 50 g (DM) of a pelleted 50:50 forage:concentrate diet every 12 h. Fermenter methane and hydrogen emissions were measured using the Micro-Oxymax detection system. Data were analyzed using protected LSD pairwise comparisons. Feeding BC and nitrate decreased daily methane emissions by 36 and 45%, respectively. Combining BC and nitrate decreased daily methane emissions by 71 and 89% for 2 and 1% doses. All BC-containing treatments decreased daily hydrogen emissions, but no significant difference in effects between treatments was observed. The 1% BC + nitrate combination decreased ammonia concentration by 22%. The combination of BC and nitrate was most effective in methane suppression, with BC potentially adsorbing hydrogen or enhancing the potential of nitrate to divert aqueous hydrogen away from methanogenesis. Further research should explore the safety and efficacy of feeding BC + nitrate as a methane mitigation strategy in live cattle.

13. Hyeonsong Lee and Nicole Sintov: The Tesla Effect: When Innovation Outshines the Environment

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for achieving a low-carbon future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. However, Tesla, as a leader in the EV market, has increasingly attracted consumers based on factors unrelated to environmental concerns, such as performance, style, and technological innovation. This trend raises critical concerns because if consumer motivations for purchasing EVs increasingly prioritize non-environmental factors, the original purpose of EV adoption—to mitigate environmental impact—risks being overshadowed, which could undermine global sustainability efforts. This study investigates how consumer preferences for Tesla have evolved over time, particularly examining whether buyers prioritize attributes like performance, style, and technology over environmental considerations. Using data from the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project Consumer Survey (N = 58,512) and employing binary logistic regression, results reveal that Tesla's popularity has increased, yet its environmental appeal has diminished, with a 13% decline in consumers choosing Tesla for environmental reasons. Instead, performance (26%), style (34%), and technological innovation (32%) are increasingly prioritized. These findings suggest a growing misalignment between consumer motivations and the environmental goals of EV adoption. Policymakers and manufacturers must address this gap by realigning marketing strategies and incentives to enhance the environmental appeal of EVs while continuing technological innovation.

14. Alisa Mancini, Madeline Wilson, Lauren Pintor: Round Goby (Neogobious melanostomus) Foraging Patterns Under Current and Projected Climate Conditions of Lake Erie

Round gobies, an invasive species from Eurasia, were introduced to the Great Lakes in 1990 via ballast water. They have been found in Lake Erie since 1993, where they prey heavily on eggs and fry of native species. However, they are also a food source for native species. Due to species interactions, understanding climate change impacts on invasive species is as crucial as for native species to make accurate, ecologically relevant predictions. To gauge how round gobies will be affected by future climate conditions, a laboratory study was conducted to determine how year 1 and year 3 fish forage in response to increased water temperatures, reduced oxygen, and increased turbidity. The giving-up density framework was used to analyze feeding preferences at near and far foraging patches relative to a refuge site under current and projected water conditions. Divider removal within tanks scared some fish away from the refuge and influenced foraging. Due to this, total consumption was analyzed without the different foraging plates. The results showed that large gobies consistently ate more than small gobies, but that total consumption did not differ between the climate conditions for either size class. This suggests that at least for the extent to which the climate conditions were altered in this experiment, round goby foraging is not impacted. This supports existing research that highlights how resilient and tolerant round gobies are of different climate conditions. Future research should focus on goby foraging and behavior in more extreme conditions in the presence of predators.

15. Samantha Mertens and Nicole Sintov: Positive spillover when people have agency over an initial sustainable decision, but negative spillover when agency is denied

Spillover generally refers to patterns of behavioral (in)consistency, however, empirical evidence of the effect is mixed. Further, less understood is the role of choice in the spillover process. Thus, using a 2-way-between-subjects experiment, I examined the role of agency in behavioral spillover. In an online beverage ordering scenario, participants (N = 654) indicated preference for one of two straw options. Those assigned to the agency condition chose their preferred straw, while those assigned to the denied agency condition had to choose the straw opposite of their preference. Participants were then told they could keep their $1 compensation or allocate any portion of it to an environmental donation fund. The relationship between straw type and environmental donations was sequentially mediated by reactance and ascribed responsibility. Giving (vs. denying) participants agency over straw choice resulted in less reactance, which predicted feeling more responsible for the impacts of their straw decision, which in turn was associated with higher environmental donations. Thus, interventions that remove or reduce perceived agency over initial behaviors could result in patterns of negative spillover.

16. Mike Penka: The Effects of Turbidity on Reaction Distance of Smallmouth Bass to Fishing Lures of Different Colors

Lake Erie is regularly experiencing massive changes in water quality that may affect commercially and recreationally important fish populations. Increases in turbidity result from summer algal blooms and meteorological events such as storms and wave movement that stir up sediments from the lake bottom. Algal and sedimentary turbidity both decrease light penetration, but algal turbidity leaves water with a green coloration, while sedimentary turbidity has no substantial effect on water coloration in Lake Erie. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are an economically important species in the Lake Erie sport fishing industry and are visual predators. Turbidity increases can substantially impact visual ability in Smallmouth Bass, potentially impacting their interactions with fishing lures. I studied the effects of algal and sedimentary turbidity on the reaction distance (i.e., the distance at which a fish detects an object) of Smallmouth Bass to two common lure colors, black and gold. I conducted experiments using wild-caught Smallmouth Bass in a controlled laboratory setting at Ohio State University’s F.T. Stone Laboratory in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. When tested under algal turbidity fish had the shortest reaction distance, followed closely by the sedimentary turbidity treatment, meaning they had to be closer to the lure in order to detect it. Reaction distance relative to the clear control treatment was reduced 41.4% under the sedimentary turbidity treatment and 58.3% under the algal turbidity treatment. There was no difference in reaction distance related to black or gold lure color. This research suggests that both algal and sedimentary turbidity significantly reduces the effectiveness of fishing lures, in particular during algal blooms.

17. Maddie Pitzer, Sophia Kinsler, Jenna Malloy, Ethan Staffiera, Craig Upton, Kate Zaparaniuk, Audrey Zeng, Allison Rober, Zachary Steffensmeier, Kevin Wyatt: Temporal evaluation of food-web structure and carbon fixation rates at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, Columbus, Ohio  

Photosynthetic microbes (i.e., algae) are widespread in temporary aquatic habitats, such as wetlands. Recent research suggests that algae can play an important role in wetland primary production, especially during wet periods, but there is currently a lack of knowledge on their contribution to overall wetland carbon uptake. Furthermore, algal carbon is a labile food source for aquatic macroinvertebrates, making this energy pathway susceptible to trophic regulation. The overarching goal of this research is to quantify the contribution of algae to wetland carbon uptake rates and the movement of algal carbon through the aquatic food web. We are conducting this study at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, a long-term research facility on the campus of Ohio State University that includes two constructed wetlands. Beginning just before the seasonal ice thaw in February 2025, we are in the process of sampling physical and chemical water parameters, food-web structure (i.e., linking biofilm, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, fishes), and ecosystem carbon flux, once each month throughout the year. We anticipate that algae are important for overall carbon uptake within the wetland ecosystem, but the fate of this labile energy source is unclear. Results of this study will provide insight into the role of algae in regulating aspects of carbon cycling and storage in constructed wetlands. More specifically, our results should help to calibrate models linking short-term carbon uptake with longer-term carbon sequestration, especially in constructed wetlands where algae are abundant owing to elevated nutrient levels associated with agricultural runoff. 

18. Sophia Roberts and Marijke Hecht: Purpose under pressure: Educators’ navigation of environmental action and advocacy

Environmental education (EE) plays a crucial role in responding to the breaching of multiple planetary boundaries and the emergence of new environmental leaders. This study investigates how environmental educators navigate the affordances and constraints of incorporating action and advocacy into their EE practices. Environmental action within EE aims to engage learners in participatory experiences that often manifest through hands-on approaches. Meanwhile, environmental advocacy aims to build a learner’s awareness, critical perspectives, and engagement with sociopolitical issues relating to the environment. Both action and advocacy are increasingly crucial for enacting holistic, meaningful EE experiences. Data for this project are drawn from a larger study of two professional development programs for in-service EE teachers which occurred in Northern Ohio. The methodological approach consists of thematically coding transcriptions of group discussions amongst the participating educators. This examination will explore various factors that shape educators’ strategies and navigations of action and advocacy in their practices. The analysis will highlight factors like policies, legislations, social expectations, sociocultural norms, and organizational culture. The aim of this work is to better understand how implementing environmental action and advocacy may promote or hinder potential educational experiences. The findings intend to provide valuable insights on how to best support educators’ pursuit of environmental action and advocacy in their practices.

19. Anna Rose, Stephen Matthews, Risa Pesapane, Matthew Shumar: Tick Infestation Consequences for Ohio Appalachian Breeding Birds.

Tick populations are on the rise in Ohio Appalachia accompanied with an increase of human tick-borne disease cases. Birds are identified as potential competent reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens, and neotropical migrants are essential transport vehicles for both ticks and their diseases. Though the impacts on nest success are unknown, birds experience physiological impacts due to tick blood feeding which can disrupt their breeding ecology. My project explores how tick infestation impacts nest success in four focal species depending on the height of nest sites and adult foraging habits. I predict that adults and nestlings of species who forage and nest closest to the ground in tick-infested leaf litter and shrubs [Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina)] will experience relatively higher levels of tick infestation compared to mid-story nesting and foraging species [Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)] and those with no ground contact while foraging and nesting in the canopy [Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous)]. In 2024 and 2025, I will find and monitor nests to determine nest success and check adult parents and their chicks for ticks. In 2024, preliminary results had total of 62 nests found with ticks present on 38.9% of chicks in mid-story nesters and on 41.7% of ground nesters. In 2025, I will continue nest searching and monitoring for the four focal species at 2024’s sites at Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest near Zaleski, Ohio. This project will fill a knowledge gap to understand which species are vulnerable to high tick burdens that could impact nest success.

20. Olivia Ruppert and William Peterman: A comprehensive ensemble approach to habitat suitability modeling for the gray fox in Ohio

The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is widely distributed across North America and northern South America, yet its habitat preferences in the Midwest remain poorly understood.  In Ohio, evidence suggests gray fox populations have declined in recent years. Although typically associated with deciduous forests and woodlands, Ohio’s landscape has undergone significant anthropogenic change since the 1800s, leading to the prominence of agrarian and urban landscapes. The objective of this study was to develop an ensemble habitat suitability model for the gray fox in Ohio from presence data that was collected from camera traps, visual sightings, harvest, and mortality reports between 2013 and 2024. We predicted suitability using land cover and topography covariates through four modeling approaches, which were then integrated into an ensemble model to improve predictive performance. We generated three ensemble models at different scales: 30-m native NLCD, 500-m, and average gray fox home range size. Preliminary results indicated that forest, agriculture, and topography variables were important predictors of gray fox suitability across all four individual models. Agriculture had a strong negative effect on model predicted probability of presence, while forest was positively associated. Topographic ruggedness had a positive effect at low to intermediate levels. These findings provide insight into gray fox habitat requirements in Ohio. The resulting models will inform conservation planning for the species persistence across the state and be used to inform future habitat connectivity analyses. 

21. Jamie Rye Allen: Social perceptions of marine vs. terrestrial animals used for food and an intervention to expand regulatory scope  

Although marine animals used for food are technically meat, many consumers do not perceive them as such. This leads some self-identified vegetarians to continue eating marine animals, far more of which are killed to feed humans every year than terrestrial animals. Fishing and aquaculture practices negatively impact the environment in many ways, such as adding greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution. As such, it is crucial to reduce marine animal consumption to decelerate environmental degradation. The current research includes two preregistered studies with a total of 1,689 participants. The first study seeks to measure social distance between humans and eight different animals commonly used for food: three terrestrial and five marine. Results of this study find that marine animals are construed as more socially distant than terrestrial animals. The second study compares two messaging interventions regarding marine animals, aimed at expanding one’s scope to include them. One message highlights a common goal between humans and an animal, a strategy informed by research on human-human relationships. The other message anthropomorphizes an animal, a strategy informed by research increasing human empathy in human-non-human animal relationships. Results of this study show that the common goal message compared to the anthropomorphism message was more successful in expanding regulatory scope. Both experimental conditions in all animal conditions performed better than the control conditions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

22. Bishista Shree and Jeffrey Jacquet: Present practices and perspectives on transitioning to renewable energy sources among Nepali-speaking immigrant households in Columbus, Ohio

The transition to renewable energy sources is a critical component of achieving environmental sustainability, yet research on the energy practices, preferences, and barriers faced by diverse and marginalized communities is lacking. This study aims to examine the practice, perspectives, and barriers to transitioning to renewable energy sources among Nepali-speaking immigrant and refugee community in the United States. Columbus Ohio is home to one of the largest Nepali-speaking communities in the United States, estimated at over 30,000 individuals, many of whom are refugees from Bhutan.  This study employed a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews conducted in Nepali among 26 Bhutanese Nepali immigrant households to explore their transportation, cooking, and heating practices. These interviews focused on identifying practices, perspectives, and barriers to adopting renewable energy. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns and perspectives, with results categorized into key domains. Participants represented diverse age groups and economic backgrounds to ensure varied insights. Results: Among the 26 respondents, more than half 54% (n=14) reported using gas-based cooking systems, and the majority 85% (n=22) relied on gas-based heating systems. While 40% (n=10) preferred using electricity for cooking and heating. Participants cited safety as a key advantage of electricity in cooking but many participants noted that the higher cost of electricity posed a significant barrier.  Two of the 26 respondents (8%) owned electric vehicles, and a majority identified insufficient charging stations as the primary obstacle to adopting EVs, while others perceived increased cost as the major barrier. The majority of the respondents conditionally supported the use of electric-based technologies, such as EVs, Electric cooking stoves, and Electric heating systems provided that electric costs become more affordable. The findings highlight that the transportation, cooking, and heating practices of Nepali immigrant households in Columbus are deeply influenced by economic considerations and infrastructure availability. The preference for gas-powered vehicles, gas-based stoves, and heating systems stems from their affordability, reliability, and alignment with current infrastructure. However, participants expressed conditional openness to transitioning to renewable alternatives, such as electric vehicles, electric stoves, and renewable heating systems, provided that financial barriers, such as high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure, are addressed. Addressing these barriers through targeted policies and programs will be essential to enabling sustainable energy adoption within immigrant communities while respecting their practical needs and economic constraints.

23. Jaspreet Singh, Jim Ippolito, Greg Labarge, Manbir Rakkar: Impact of different inorganic phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates on soil P pools

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. To meet crop needs, P is typically applied as chemical fertilizer. After application, P distributes into soil pools with differing plant availability: soluble-P (readily available), calcium-, iron-, aluminum-bound, and reductant forms (least available). As a result, crops use only 10–20% of applied P, leaving much of it unavailable. This surplus reduces fertilizer efficiency and increases environmental risks like eutrophication from runoff and leaching. Ohio trials show P application increases available P without significantly improving yields. Understanding soil P pools may clarify yield inconsistencies. This study examines the effects of three P fertilizer rates—control (0x), maintenance (1x), and buildup (3x)—on soil P pools and yield across three Ohio sites: northwest, western, and north-central. Sites received P fertilizer from 2006 to 2020 and entered a drawdown phase (no P) in 2021. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected in summer 2024 (soybean phase) and analyzed for oxalate P saturation to assess runoff risk. Inorganic P pools (soluble, Al-P, Fe-P, reductant-P, Ca-P) were quantified via five-step sequential extraction. Results showed highest P saturation in buildup (9.12%), followed by maintenance (7.09%) and control (5.67%). Buildup added 15% more inorganic-P than maintenance and 35% more than control. Labile pools were more affected, increasing runoff risk. The results of this study highlight the impact of fertilizer rates on both readily available and stable inorganic P pools in soils, crop production and their potential effect on water quality.

24. Hunter Slear and Stanley Gehrt: Spatial ecology and survival of Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in Ohio

Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) populations have seen a decline throughout the Eastern and Midwestern United States, including Ohio. This decline has been tracked for decades with anecdotal reports, but no evidence is clear on the cause of the gray fox population decline. Currently, researchers at The Ohio State University are using radio tracking and Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to examine spatial movements, cause specific mortality, and habitat preferences of gray foxes throughout the state. A total of 22 gray foxes have been live trapped and fitted with GPS collars to provide high resolution location data at fixed time intervals. Preliminary data analyses are being conducted to determine gray fox home range, core area, dispersal patterns, and habitat use. Survival analyses are currently being conducted to determine monthly and annual survival rates. Additionally, field investigations are being used to collect data on gray fox reproduction and identify specific causes of mortality for individuals. Findings from this research will help reveal the factors limiting the gray fox population in Ohio. Results will provide scientific based data to inform future policies and management decisions for gray foxes in Ohio and in the Midwest.   

25. Madeline Stewart and Jeremy Brooks: Proximity to rain gardens: Resident perceptions and economic benefits

Rain gardens, depressed green areas designed to collect rainwater runoff, are used as a tool to boost water quality and reduce threats from flooding. In Columbus, Ohio, an initiative through Blueprint Columbus is installing them municipally for the next thirty years. While the efficacy of these bioretention facilities have been examined thoroughly, resident perceptions and social benefits have not. There is no literature that understands how municipal rain gardens impact the property values of residences nearby. In addition, it is poorly understood how proximity impacts resident perceptions of rain gardens. The impacts of proximity to rain gardens on property values will be found using ArcGIS to calculate rain garden distance from properties and the hedonic method for calculating property values. Changes in resident perceptions due to rain garden proximity will be measured using ArcGIS and results from surveys done in Clintonville and Linden. I expect to find that resident perceptions become more negative the closer they live to a rain garden, whereas properties closer to rain gardens see a boost in value compared to properties further away. My results may reveal gaps in resident understanding of rain gardens, and open new opportunities for the city of Columbus to increase support in its green infrastructure initiatives. 

26. Egondu Umeobi, Thomas Ducey, Mark Johnson, Jim Ippolito: Soil health alterations via compost additions to natural and remediated heavy metal- contaminated mineland soils

The Oronogo-Duenweg mining belt in southwest Missouri is an EPA Superfund site due to Pb-contaminated soil and groundwater from historic mining and smelting. Remediation has removed Pb-contaminated overburden, uncovering nutrient-deficient C horizons containing elevated Cd and Zn concentrations, which impede natural revegetation. This study evaluated compost at rates of 180 and 360 Mg ha-1, monitoring changes in soil properties observed at naturally revegetated sites, native prairie locations (i.e., the soil health benchmark), and areas receiving compost treatments. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was employed to assess physical (bulk density (Bd)), water-stable aggregates (WAS)), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity (EC)), nutrient (plant-available P and K), and biological (soil organic C (SOC)), microbial biomass C (MBC), potentially mineralizable N (PMN), and β-glucosidase activity (BG)) soil health indicators and soil health scores.  Soil metal concentrations were analyzed using Mehlich-3 and 0.01M CaCl₂ extractions, while plant metals were extracted with HNO₃ and H₂O₂. Compost-treated soils exhibited overall soil health comparable to native prairie; both had greater overall soil health than the natural revegetation site. However, 360 Mg ha-1 rate led to excessive Mehlich-3 extractable P compared to 180 Mg ha-1. Mehlich-3 extractions revealed that the compost added Cd and Zn to the system, yet Cd and Zn concentrations from the 0.01M CaCl2 extraction were negligible in the compost-treated soils.  Plant heavy metal concentrations were below tolerable limits for livestock consumption. A target compost application rate of 180 Mg ha-1, or lower is suggested for balancing phosphorus and metal concentrations while improving overall soil health.

27. Cara Wolfe: Cascading grassed waterways effectively treat agricultural runoff

Nutrient delivery is of concern in the western Lake Erie basin due to reemerging eutrophic conditions. Non-point source farmland runoff contributes to excess nutrient pollution and subsequent harmful algal bloom development. Cascading waterways are a new conservation practice to address these water quality challenges in landscapes heavily dominated by agricultural production. These systems involve a consecutive series of descending water retention basins with vegetation between cells placed within traditional grassed waterways, designed to infiltrate and treat localized surface runoff. This study aims to quantify Phosphorus and Nitrogen concentrations and load reductions through four cascading waterways in northwest Ohio using chemical analysis of stormwater runoff and grab samples.

28. Nancy Zhu and Kelsea Best: Historical Redlining and Multitemporal Heat Exposure in Columbus, Ohio

Background: Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and intensity with global climate change, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are at heightened risk of negative health effects. Urban areas are especially vulnerable to heat due to urban heat island effects, but the degree of heat exposure within a single city can vary greatly. At the same time, the legacy of redlining practices across the United States has contributed to a variety of social outcomes and inequities that persist today, all of which influence community vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Here, we investigate whether redlined areas in Columbus, Ohio experience unequal exposure and susceptibility to extreme heat at multiple times of day. Methods: We combine redlining data, socio-economic indicators, and morning, afternoon, and evening heat index data at the census tract level. We employ Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions to assess the relationships between these data and heat exposure. Results: Results reveal that historically redlined neighborhoods in Columbus face significantly higher temperatures, especially in the morning and evening. Higher rates of poverty and higher proportions of populations under the age of 17 were also significantly associated with elevated heat exposure. Discussion and Conclusions: Our results point to compounding vulnerabilities to extreme heat based on historic redlining, income, and age. Results raise concerns about nighttime heat exposure in addition to daytime. These point to the need for equity-centered solutions that account for historic injustice to address extreme heat within the city of Columbus.