Research teams from GEO 181 First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES) present the results of their research projects focused on Lake Michigan dunes and Calvin University’s Perseverance Dune.
FYRES 2024 students gathered around a sampling location to collect data.
2025 Dune Research Presentations
The GEO Seminar Series at Calvin University invites public lectures each semester on topics related to geology, geography and the environment. The GEO Seminar on 4 December 2025 from 3-4:30pm will be Dune Research Presentations by First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes research teams. Please join us in person at Calvin University in North Hall 078 or on Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83981516476?pwd=gbqjPTqwK42UH9DJvar7gv8co4dKtl.1
Presentation Topics and Research Teams
Impacts of Unmanaged Trails on Sand Movement
by Makayla Goodrich, Lucy Giessen, Renata Laird, and Mia Powell
Tick Habitats on Dune Slopes
by Peter Baima, Jacob Kissinger, Micah Mackenzie, Betsy Perez, Kaley Sheahan, Jonathan Solis
Study of an Active Blowout
by Ian Emmelkamp, Bibi Moricette, Nancy Oteney, and Cohen Schneider
Unmanaged Trails and a Rare Dune Thistle
by Willem Klop, Asher McNeil, Ivy Ries, and Alisha Steinmann
Wooded Dunes as Tick Habitats
by Benjamin Cooper, Jared Genthner, Levi King, Cole Schmidt, and Polly Zenk
Previous (2024) Presentations
The GEO Seminar on 5 December 2024 from 3-4:30pm was Dune Research Presentations by First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes research teams. To see the video of the entire event which was livestreamed via Zoom: https://youtu.be/69TzLs4Zi2U. Links to videos of individual presentations are available below.
Emerging Dunes Found Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline https://youtu.be/JREWvS-8Pqo
by Syann Benckhuysen, Mary Claire Davis, and Abigayle Seigneurie
Threats to Cirsium Pitcheri at Rosy Mound Natural Area https://youtu.be/owPCXSo0Y4o
by Rhys Bedford, Nathan Boersema, Sam Hagberg, and Elem Rottman
Characteristics of Succession on a Lake Michigan Blowout https://youtu.be/o8Rl6AxwnSc
by Lilliah Engel, Hope Gritter, Lucas Phelps, Jace Porter, and Susannah TenHuisen
Impacts of Building a Boardwalk on a Dune https://youtu.be/oOeAuGL5tak
by Emily Baartman, Tyler Gerrick, and Jordyn Holtsoi
Vegetation Patterns and the Effects of Trampling on Blowouts https://youtu.be/j9R9nEKMXyY
by Kelsey Brunsting, Charles Kuiper, Linnea Pothoven, and Josslin Wright
Sand Fences and Rare Thistle Patterns on a Managed Dune https://youtu.be/GZtivGtxV3s
by Bethany Carlson, Rebecca Evenhouse, Maia Peterson, and Corinne Van Stratt