Student Achievements
Biology Graduate Student Awarded NASA Grant
February 02, 2022
Biology graduate student from the Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI), Jonathan Walt, received a grant from NASA’s Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC).
GVSU is one of 11 academic affiliate MSGC institutions in Michigan. MSGC provides funding for research and educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff in the form of seed grants, program grants, and fellowships.
Walt was awarded an MSGC grant to continue his research on classifying invasive species in wetlands by using remote sensing. This research uses satellite imagery on the cloud-based program Google Earth Engine to find potential locations of common reed (Phragmites australis) and narrow-leafed cattail (Typha angustifolia). He has been collecting known locations of these species throughout Michigan this past summer and fall and compiling the characteristics of the locations to determine where other similar patches of vegetation are. He was inspired to conduct this research to give back to the environment.
“…I have been given so much through nature and the diversity that lies therein, and I want to reciprocate by caring for and learning about natural systems and how they function,” said Walt.
The graduate student will also be creating habitat suitability models for these species under future climate change scenarios. He is working under the mentorship of AWRI associate professor Dr. Sean Woznicki.
Walt received his Bachelor’s in Biology with an emphasis in plant sciences and ecological restoration, and his minor in Ancient Greek at Calvin University. His previous work during his undergraduate studies consisted of implementing rain gardens along roadsides, maintaining and improving natural areas on campus, and conducting botanical surveys throughout Kent County. His future plans include moving into a position in ecological restoration and working his way up to a management position.
“I hope to work in the Great Lakes area as this is the place that I grew up in, care about deeply, and know the best.”
Congratulations, Jonathan Walt! Keep up the amazing work!