Research

The Possibilities are Endless

Since 2007, students completing both thesis-centered and individual research projects have utilized Zena Forest as their study site. Through exposure in their curriculum, more and more Willamette students are becoming familiar with the possibilities of research at Zena.

Senior Thesis Projects

Kelsey Copes-Gerbitz '11

Use of Historical and Ecological Information to Determine Land Use History of Zena Forest, 1850-1935

Tyler Hoecker '11

An Inventory and Analysis of Coarse Woody Debris and Management History at Zena Forest

Erika Michelotti '11

Blackberry Removal Techniques

Sara Dinovi '10

A Case Study in Environmental Education

Luke Johnson '10

A Quantitative Analysis of Riparian Habitat

Mary Lugg '10

Field Survey of Bird Species

Alexandra Ninneman '10

Quantifying Culverts and Stream Blockage

Peter Stonebraker '10

Harnessing Rain Water for Domestic Use and Agriculture

Marleta Sullivan '10

Fender's Blue Butterfly Habitat Survey

Stacey Sunken '10

Stream Analysis of Viable Fish Habitat

Albert Wright '10 

Vigor Study on Relic Orchard Trees

Maria Savoka '09 

"Land Use and Vegetation Change at Zena Forest, Oregon, 1935-2005"

Katelyn Wright '09

"An Analysis of Removal Techniques for Vinca major: Effectiveness, Environmental Impacts, Cost, and Time"

Robert Andrus '07

"How Tree Rings Reflect Wood Quality: Evidence from Industrial and Sustainably-Managed Stands"

Independent Research Projects

Jeff Bennett '10 and Albert Wright '10

Windy: A student led initiative to build and develop a wind generator to power Zena Farm projects