The City of Elk River has long been a leader in recycling participation and organics recycling involvement. In fact, the city was one of the first to implement single stream recycling and household organics collection in the state of Minnesota. Elk River organizes recycling collection for single family homes, splitting these residents between two haulers; […]
University: University of St. Thomas
Examining Effects of Climate Change on Tree Species
The City of Elk River has not investigated its position on climate change and adaptation or its potential effects on the ecology and landscape of the city. Using climate models, Conservation Biology students will explore potential effects of climate change on specific tree species, focusing on street trees. Students will examine how climate change may […]
Read More… from Examining Effects of Climate Change on Tree Species
Climate Adaptation: Historical Perspectives
The City of Elk River has not investigated its position on climate change and adaptation. The city is situated on the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Along with a large number of wetlands, there is a significant amount of floodplain throughout the city. Increased rainfall has increased flooding potential for parts of our city. In addition, […]
Designing an Outdoor Performance Space for Big Lake’s Lakeside Park
The City of Big Lake is interested in designing a bandshell for Lakeside Park. Concerts are held at the park every week during the summer and the performances currently take place on a temporary stage. Many lake-oriented parks throughout the region feature a lakeside bandshell as a signature architectural piece and this is something Big […]
Read More… from Designing an Outdoor Performance Space for Big Lake’s Lakeside Park
Analyzing Energy Efficiency Upgrades of Public Infrastructure
The City of Delano seeks to increase the energy efficiency of its public infrastructure to reduce energy use and costs. Students will collaborate on two projects: 1) a benchmarking study of public buildings and 2) an analysis for street lighting upgrades. Based on their analysis, students will propose potential improvements/upgrades to public buildings and evaluate […]
Read More… from Analyzing Energy Efficiency Upgrades of Public Infrastructure
Designing Parks for Experiential Engagement
The City of Big Lake has several parks with aging playground equipment that needs to be repaired or refreshed as well as new parks that are being developed. The City is interested in exploring alternative designs for these parks by asking the question — is there a way to create a better park experience? Students […]
Modeling Impacts of Mining on Groundwater
The Center for Applied Mathematics supports and funds summer student research that applies mathematics to real-world problems. The Freshwater Society would like to examine the potential effects of mining in the UMore development on groundwater in Dakota County. Student researchers will investigate the question: How will the removal of sand and gravel impact water reaching […]
Examining Land Use Scenarios for Vacant Lots
Students will examine the effects of various land use scenarios on stormwater runoff and pollinator habitat connectivity. Specifically, students will examine possible effects of the conversion of vacant lots in North Minneapolis to alternative uses (e.g., urban agriculture, pollinator habitat, raingardens, or a combination of uses) on stormwater runoff rates. Students will also examine optimal […]
Read More… from Examining Land Use Scenarios for Vacant Lots
Minneapolis Campus Bicycle Master Plan
Students will collaborate with Facilities to design and conduct focus group or survey research with target groups within the St. Thomas community to support the development of a Bicycle Master Plan. Student-designed survey and focus group research will examine possibilities for infrastructure and programming to encourage members of the St. Thomas community to bike to […]
Creating a Solar Powered Picnic Table Prototype
Students in the senior design clinic will create a usable prototype for a solar powered picnic table installation. This solar powered picnic table installation will serve the general public visiting Orono Park (18583 Gary St. NW) along the shores of Lake Orono. The park and beach attract thousands of visitors each year. The park has […]
Read More… from Creating a Solar Powered Picnic Table Prototype