Research Question:"How does the presence of fungi, mycelium, mycorrhiza contribute to overall health of natural ecosystems and in what ways can it be utilized to improve modern-society?"
Thesis Statment:The presence of fungi, mycelium, and mycorrhiza contributes to the overall health of natural ecosystems by balancing nutrients, allowing connections between plant communities, cycling carbon, and aiding soil structure/porosity. It can be used in modern society in medicinal applications, alternative (net-zero) materials, and important processes to improve our poor climate.
TED Talk Location And Time:Julian's Room, 5:30
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Thesis Paper: The Mycorrhizal Network
Personal ProjectDescription: There are two parts of my final senior project: Personal and Action. For my personal project, I focused on expanding my knowledge in the world of science and in the mycorrhizal network. I achieved this goal by exposing myself to collaborative hypotheses, methods, and planning formation. This required me to gain a deeper understanding of scientific method. The goal was to collect soil samples, grow basic seedlings, and observe mycorrhizal development. My hypothesis was that we would see a greater development in mycorrhizae among old growth trees vs new growth. Through my personal project, I gained new knowledge about the scientific process and field work.
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Action Project:Description: Through my research for my final thesis, I learned about the complexities and importance of mycorrhizae and mycelial fungi in plant and soil health. For my action project, my goal was to create a piece that delivered information about the mycorrhizal network and mycelial fungi in a tangible way for a general audience. To achieve this, I planted basil seeds as well as raised pre-grown herbs/plants and treated them with mycelium in both the soil and in a watered dilute. Before-hand, I tested soil for crucial chemical properties (like nitrogen). Through the process, I conducted multiple soil tests in plants with the mycelium to see the difference in healthy chemicals in accordance with fungal treatment. To help others gain a better understanding of mycorrhizae and its importance in plant and soil health, I will be giving away each treated plant (along with a care guide) and created simple informational posters. This will allow others to make a connection with mycorrhizae in their own homes.
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