Senior Research Projects

 SCVTHS Agricultural Science Seniors Taking on Research Projects with Professional Guidance.

Coursework

Students in the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) Agricultural Science program have already successfully completed three years of coursework in basic agricultural science. First year students learn the basics of each facet of agriculture in basic animal, plant, environment, ecology, engineering, and communication. While second year students complete coursework in plant science and third year students in animal and plant biotechnology. 

Students in their fourth year get to dedicate class time toward specializing in an agricultural facet they want to pursue beyond high school. In this final year I like to describe this year as a mini-master's degree. Senior students get to find an agricultural problem they want to investigate in animal, plant, environment, ecology, engineering, or communication. They then contact a professional in the field to help guide their project for a question they can answer within high school constraints. From here they design an experiment, run the experiment, collect data, analyze the data, and plan to communicate their results. 

Senior project progress

We are currently finishing up first contact with our professional guidance. Students and I have been excited and honored by the support we have received so far this year. Our professionals have been incredibly helpful and inspiring. Below are the seniors and their current topics. 

Alejandra - Currently working with Dr. Lauren Cook, Marine Science professor at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Jenna Krug, Environmental Specialist NJ DEP. Alejandra is currently interested in examining how carbon molecules impact local water pH and aquatic wildlife. 

Christina - Currently working with Virginia Osnato, Ecologist Coordinator of Duke Farms. Christina is interested in using bioacoustics to monitor and measure biodiversity on SCVTHS campus and how maintenance practices may impact bird and amphibian populations. 

Eden - Currently working with Irene Wieners, Visiting Professor of Writing with William Patterson University. Eden would like to study how attractive visuals from spring flowering bulbs can have an impact on the learning environment in school classrooms.

Jake - Currently working with Dr. Joseph Heckman, Extension Specialist of Soil Fertility of Rutgers University. Jake is interested in studying soil nutrient availability and uptake with interest in human health.