ETSU Dep of Env and Occ Health and Safety Sciences

ETSU Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences graduate students, Lanie, Zach, John, Elizabeth, Rubaiya, Ellen, presented their research work at the Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day. The posters drew public attention and were presented very well! The judges advised Lanie, Zach, and John to enter the competitive nomination next year. .rhf

Congrats to Dr Scheuerman with his 40th work anniversary at the ETSU College of Public Health!

South Indian Creek is a stream that flows through Unicoi County Tennessee, alongside highway I26. The Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory at ETSU has been monitoring physical, chemical, and microbial water quality parameters since 1994. Since this monitoring has been ongoing, the objective of this study is to see the stream rebound from the construction of I26, which caused disturbance in the stream. Data from 1994-1997 and 2025-2026 will be compared at four different sites. The study hypothesizes that the water quality of the South Indian Creek has continuously improved since the construction of I26. Water quality parameters that are measured include alkalinity, hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and heavy metals that dissolve in the water. The heavy metals analyzed include calcium, magnesium, nickel, zinc, and iron.

Authors: Hamrick LR, Pittman Z, Miles J, Blankenship R, Sills A, Hunter O, Dr Scheuerman P.
Contributors to the project: Ajayi OA, Barnes A, Day E, Gribble C, Hethcote A, Horton C, McDaniel D, Quilty I, Sellars M, Scott K, Suggs H, Taylor J.