News from Grand Valley State University

Biology

Showcase highlights student research

Despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico, senior biology major Brendan Kosnik learned some of the island's trees and plants are very resilient. Kosnik was among 30 undergraduate researchers who gave presentations July 24 at the Summer Scholars Showcase held in the DeVos Center.

Jul 26, 2018


Community event led by GVSU faculty, staff explores how math impacts nature

The 7th annual Allendale Community Field Day offered West Michigan community members of all ages the chance to learn about how math impacts the natural world. The free event, coordinated by Grand Valley faculty in collaboration with Allendale Public Schools, took place June 16 on the district's K-8 campus.

Jun 20, 2018


Endangered falcon chicks banded at Eberhard Center

The peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species in the State of Michigan but might not be for much longer. Two falcon chicks were born in early May in a nesting box installed on the roof of Grand Valley's Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, adding more numbers to the diminished population in the state. On May 24, a team from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources traveled to the 9th floor of the facility to band the falcons.

May 25, 2018


Students conduct research to help preserve two historical Grand Haven parks

Two parks in the Grand Haven area may continue to grow and thrive for many more years thanks to research conducted by a group of more than 30 Grand Valley students. During the winter semester, students collected and analyzed forest vegetation data in Duncan Woods and Mulligan's Hollow. The research was conducted in response to conservation concerns Grand Haven city officials expressed about the health of the ecosystems within the two parks.

May 10, 2018


Local middle school students learn about creative side of STEM fields during event

About 90 local middle school students embraced the fields of science, technology, engineering and math during a daylong, interactive STEM event hosted by The Association of Women in Science (AWIS) - West Michigan. "Fall in Love with STEM," which took place February 10 at Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College, offered workshops and activities focusing on the fields of geology, math, physics, biology and chemistry.

Feb 12, 2018


Alumna shares Laker Effect through passion for environmental advocacy

Angela Chaffee's love for nature and the environment began during her childhood while enjoying fishing trips with her father, gardening with her mother and spending countless days exploring the flora and fauna of the outside world. That love grew into passion, which Chaffee, '04, further nurtured while attending Grand Valley. Chaffee currently serves as the outreach and events director with the Connecticut River Conservancy in Greenfield, Massachusetts. In this position, she strives to protect the Connecticut River, and prom

Jan 30, 2018


GVSU study: Huron River contributes $78.6 million to southeast region annually

Grand Valley State University and the Huron River Watershed Council teamed together to research the economic impact and value of the Huron River and the 104-mile Huron River National Water Trail that flows through a five-county region in southeast Michigan.

Oct 26, 2017


Professor spends 45 days in NASA simulated space mission

Tim Evans, associate professor of biology, spent 45 days inside HERA, a mock spaceship located at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Working 19-hour days performing a variety of scheduled tasks, including virtual reality missions to the surface of an asteroid, NASA researchers will use the information gathered during this simulation to help prepare for possible future explorations to Mars, asteroids and the moon.

Aug 4, 2017


GVSU snake disease research featured on National Geographic

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only venomous species of snake native to Michigan, is currently on the U.S. Endangered Species List due to the ongoing threat of snake fungal disease. A team of faculty and students at Grand Valley are hoping to change that through their research, which was recently featured on National Geographic. The National Geographic video spotlights Jennifer Moore, assistant professor of natural resource management, and her team conducting research at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings.

Jun 12, 2017


Endangered falcons establish breeding nest on Eberhard Center

Two peregrine falcons are currently using the Eberhard Center as their new penthouse suite for the first time since a nesting box was installed on the building in 2009 by a team of faculty and students. The peregrine falcon is currently listed on Michigan's Endangered Species List.

May 11, 2017