UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

East Texas High School to Present GLOBE Research Project

August 12, 2013

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

August 12, 2013

Students from Hawkins High School have completed their research project conducted through the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment Program and assisted by The University of Texas at Tyler, a GLOBE Partner.

HHS sophomores Allyson Edwards, Madison Jaco and Hope Hughes will attend the 2013 GLOBE Annual Partner Meeting this week in Maryland to present soil characterization research they developed through their collaboration with students from New Delhi, India. The student teams have been working together since meeting at the Indian Environmental Society International Science Festival in October 2012 at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi.

The UT Tyler-GLOBE Partnership assisted in preparing the students to present the research at the meeting and also facilitated the Hawkins delegation to attend the festival last fall.

“These young scientists from Hawkins will present their findings to students from nine countries at the GLOBE Student Science Research Exhibition. We are proud of their efforts to expand their research focus and serve as excellent role models to younger students in their school,” said Dr. Teresa Kennedy, UT Tyler Office of International Programs executive director.

As part of their GLOBE Collaboration Soil Research Project, both schools took climate-related measurements and investigated research questions regarding climate and soil to compare Texas and India. Their hypothesis states that soil quality will tend to decrease as proximity to public places spoiled with filth and litter increase. Hawkins students have regularly discussed their project via Skype with the New Delhi team at very late hours due to the time difference, Kennedy added.

The students’ ongoing research project aims to collaborate in measuring, investigating and understanding the climate system in local communities and around the world.

“Further experimental studies with our friends in India on soil and hydrology are needed on this ongoing project. We are hopeful to continue and build on our collaboration efforts with East Point, New Delhi, India,” said Audra Edwards, participating Hawkins High School teacher.

GLOBE is a hands-on international science and education program that brings together students, teachers, scientists and community members in more than 110 countries to develop environmental awareness, understanding of other cultures and a sense of global community.

Managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation, GLOBE is in its 18th year of implementation.

For more information, contact Kennedy, 903.565.0120 or tkennedy@uttyler.edu or visit http://www.uttyler.edu/globe.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 7,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.