Yusupha Jammeh, Biology

Justin Janssen, Environmental Studies
Amber Bury, Environmental Studies

Abstract: Cheap and reliable adsorbents are a critical component of hazardous waste management. This study will be focused on removal of methylene-blue from water solution through adsorption process. We will prepare micro-aggregates from kaolin and starch, and use them as adsorbing material in the removal of methylene blue from water. A Spectrophotometer will be used to measure the progress of adsorption of methylene blue on kaolin-starch micro-aggregates. No less than 60% or more than 95% of methylene-blue should be removed from aqueous solution through adsorption on micro-aggregates. Kaolin-xanthan ratio that yields micro-aggregates of highest removal efficiency will be determined. This study was made possible through Minnesota Space Grant Consortium and Center for Environmnetal, Earth, and Space Studies funding.

Amanda Johnson*, Aquatic Biology

Abstract: Freshwater invertebrates are an integral part of lake and stream ecosystems.  Identifying the type, density and diversity of invertebrates is important in understanding the dynamics of a body of water.  This study illustrated the invertebrate population density and diversity in the years 2006 and 2007 in Beltrami County.  Field collections were made by Bemidji State University students in the fall semesters of 2006 and 2007.  Results, on average, showed a slight decrease in the number of specimens for many of the major phyla in 2007 compared to a similar collecting period in 2006.  Higher temperatures and lower precipitation may play a role in accounting for these differences.  This data suggests that populations of invertebrates vary from year to year in both species density and diversity.

Luke Johnson, History

Abstract: In the 12th century, a period marked by economic growth and social change, numerous religious movements developed based on the principle poverty as religious perfection. Some of these groups were welcomed by the church while others were rejected as heretical. Regardless of the Catholic Church’s position towards them they represented a shift in religious need the traditional church was not satisfying. While many criticized the growing wealth, power, and luxury of the Church and clergy, wandering preachers drew large followings and represented a desire for religious austerity and a return to an apostolic lifestyle. As education increased among the laity in this period, many began to see wandering preachers resembling Christ and his Apostles more so than the Church of this period.