Love Rivers and Reefs? Join Dr. Smith’s Research Journey

Dr. Kelly J. Smith, Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Elmira College, wants to foster the next generation of students who can help in the fight against coastal erosion. Smith, who recently joined EC from the University of North Florida, is continuing research she started there that is restoring local coastlines at three national parks in Florida and Georgia. The important work offers opportunities for students with interests in Biology and Environmental Science a chance to get hands-on experience, so Smith is recruiting EC students in hopes they will join her on their research project.

“I’m looking for engaged students,” Smith shared. “ They don’t need to have a lot of experience, but they ideally have dedication and interest.”

So what’s involved?

The National Park Service awarded nearly $800,000 to UNF to expand the creation of a structure that Smith and her UNF colleague, Dr. Raf Crowley, created called POSH units. These structures fuse recycled oyster shells together with eco-friendly materials. They are formed into a structure that rests on top of the sand or shore. When grouped, the POSH units create an oyster reef that helps clean the water and gives aquatic animals a place to live. Early results show the POSH structures reduce wave energy, trap sediment, build up the shoreline, and attract oysters faster than similar designs. Much of the energy eroding the shores is from boat wakes.

To engage EC students, Smith first plans to survey their interest in the project and later develop a Term III course where students can travel south to study the POSH units and explore other ways to prevent coastal erosion.

Smith believes her work could help the Finger Lakes region, where she grew up. Her parents are EC alumni, and she feels a strong connection to the area's lakes and rivers.

“We have similar erosion issues here in the Finger Lakes from boat wake energy,” Smith explained. “There are talks locally of adding bulkheads, a small retaining wall near the shore, to address the waves created by boats. But, based on our experience in Florida, I would promote methods that involve planting shoreline vegetation since the roots help stabilize the soil, and reduce erosion.”

In the meantime, students interested in exploring and developing a research project related to coastal erosion and the development of POSH units should email Smith directly or stop by her office.

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