NRM 405, Senior Thesis in Natural Resources Management, is required of all students majoring in Natural Resources Management beginning in the 1992-93 academic year. The purpose of the course is to provide an opportunity for you to bring together the knowledge you have acquired through course work, internships and work experience; to use that collective knowledge in formulating a question in natural resources management; and to demonstrate competency in problem solving, analysis and written and oral communication. The senior thesis is a research report that includes the following major components:
1) identifying and defining a question on some aspect of resources management,
2) attempting to answer the question by conducting an experiment, gathering survey data, analyzing existing literature, etc.
3) discussing and/or defending your conclusions and supporting them with existing literature;
4) and sharing your findings with others.
These components differ from a term paper by adding an element of creativity and independent thought. The thesis goes beyond reporting what others have done and allows you to formulate your own question, research it, and defend your conclusions.
Effective communication is one the most important skills that every student of natural resources management should master. Regardless of the area of specialization, the ability to write and speak clearly in your field of expertise is essential. The senior thesis course provides an opportunity for you to practice good writing and speaking skills within the context of natural resources management. Your efforts will be judged both on content and your ability to effectively communicate with your peers and faculty.
CHOOSING A TOPIC
Use your classroom discussions and work experience to identify a topic area that interests you. Talk to other students, your academic advisor, and other faculty members about your idea. The specific topic is your choice, but it must be approved by your advisory committee.
Find a faculty member whose interests are most closely associated with your project. Your faculty advisor will assist you in refining your ideas and, most importantly, will make sure the project is feasible in the short amount of time. Complete a thesis topic description form, and submit it to your committee by the deadline.
The thesis project may or may not involve an experiment or laboratory research. Also, it may or may not represent original research. However, the topic should have a level of complexity that distinguishes the senior thesis from a term paper. The topic should be one that provides for independent thought and critical analysis.
A paper reviewing the published methods of germinating white spruce seeds is a good term paper, but it is not acceptable as a senior thesis. A paper based upon an experiment comparing several methods of germinating white spruce seeds at different temperatures could be a good thesis. A comprehensive review of the literature on a particular topic is appropriate as long as it contains an analysis or critical review of the literature. For instance, an outline of the literature relating to land use practices in the Tanana Valley would not be sufficient for a senior thesis. However, a critical comparison of land use practices on public and private lands could be appropriate.
The SALRM faculty compiled the following list of topics that might be explored in a senior thesis. This list should serve as a catalyst to help develop your own ideas. Your chosen topic should reflect your own interests, and should be discussed and finalized with your thesis advisor.
Compare the resource planning process of a native corporation with that of a public agency
Compare and evaluate the public involvement process of two resource plans
Discuss the use of GIS in planning processes
Evaluate the effectiveness of interpretive programs for a public entity such as Creamer's Field Wildlife Refuge
Survey potential wilderness users to compare perceived needs and appropriate management classes
Use artificial trampling techniques to simulate recreational use and identify the hardiness of different grasses
Study the communication effectiveness of public hearings for various agencies
Conduct a case study of an agency's public relations program on a particular topic
Conduct an experiment on feeds and growth analysis of swine using Alaska feed products such as crab meal
Discuss animal rights in Alaska, the issues, public concerns, the law
Explore the controversies surrounding the use of chemical growth promoters in beef and swine production
Explore the effects of 24-hour photoperiod on flower initiation, growth and development of a specific plant
Improve the speed and uniformity of seed germination for a horticultural crop by preconditioning treatments. [top of page]
Explore the utilization of local forest products in Alaska
Evaluate the attitudes of elementary and secondary school teachers toward natural resources management
Identify urban forestry needs in the Fairbanks area
Discuss renewable resources management strategies of Alaska native corporations
Discuss fuel wood management strategies for state forest lands in Alaska
Conduct seed germination experiments with Alaska wildflowers
Develop interpretive programs for preschool and elementary school children in the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Develop a strategy for Alaskan agricultural product marketing
Compare agricultural development among countries in the circumpolar north
Study riparian leave strip characteristics and windthrow
Identify individual forest tree stand age characteristics
Forest tree crown width/diameter or height relationships
Isolate nitrogen-fixing bacteria from Alaska native legumes
Study the effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on plant nutrient requirements
Survey consumer perspectives of Alaska-grown food products as compared to imported products
Conduct a chemical quality assessment of an Alaska-grown food product
Survey river users on the Deshka River
COMPLETED SENIOR THESES TITLES
1993 Hammond, Timothy. Use of GIS to determine relative cost of access zones for sections of the Tanana Valley State Forest. Advisor, Dr. John Yarie
1994 Pigors, Jeanne. The effect of composting on weed seed germination. Advisor, Dr. Charles Knight
1995 Sampson, Jennifer. The Arctic Circle site plan and its relation to the Bureau of Land Management planning process. Advisors, Drs. Susan Todd and Alan Jubenville
Grover, Raymond. Identification of alkaloids in Alaskan Lupinus spp. with reference to crooked calf's disease. Advisors, Drs. Lyle Renecker and Fred Husby
Hollingsworth, Jamie. Survival and Growth of Late-summer Planted Conifers in Interior Alaska. Advisor, Dr. Ed Packee.
Russo, Robert. Salmon oil as a moose deterrent in Alaska gardens. Advisor, Dr. Charles Knight
1996 Adams, Scott. A preliminary analysis of solid waste and wastewater pollution in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Advisor, Dr. Susan Todd
Burke, Toby. The Bryophyte and Lichen Flora of Interior Alaska's Boreal Forests with Reference to Species at Risk from Forest Management in areas with Similar Flora. Advisor,Dr. Glenn Juday.
Kern, Christine. Canola Residue and its Potential as a Natural Herbicide. Advisor, Dr. Charlie Knight.
Schoening, Franz. A Legal Analysis of the "Intent Requirement" for criminal Prosecution of Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Advisor, Mr. Harry Bader.
1997 Clark, Stacy. Can Outdoor Wilderness Programs Change the Attitudes and Behaviors of Rural High School Students? Advisor: Dr. Carol Lewis
Downing, Jason. Economically Useful Plants for Southeast Alaska. Advisor: Dr. Pat Holloway
Gilbert, Larry. Topographical pH Variance of Soils on the UAF Campus. Advisor: Dr. Charles Knight.
Hippe, Tyrone. Youth Design of a Forest Management Plan for Lost Lake Scout Camp. Advisor: Dr. John Yarie
Janak, Chris. Mapping Spruce-lichen Sites from Landsat-TM Data. Advisor: Dr. Dave Verbyla
Lown, Samantha. Irrigation and Radial Growth of White Spruce in Fairbanks. Advisor: Dr. Glen Juday
Meumann, Jacqueline. Effectiveness of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Third Grade Water Science Curriculum as Environmental Education. Advisor: Dr. John Fox.
Milne, David. Comparing two Forest Fire Mapping Techniques: A Case Study in Wood Buffalo National Park. Advisor: Dr. Dave Verbyla
Pigors, Rochelle. The Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station-First Ten Years. Advisor Drs. Pat Holloway and Terrence Cole
Swor, Rhonda. Comparison of Hulless Barley and Naked Oats in Early Weaned Pig Diets in Interior, Alaska. Advisor: Dr. Fred Husby
Voshell, Emily. Environmental Factors Affecting the Nutrient Levels of Carex. Advisor:Dr. Steve Sparrow
Wickstrom, Cheryl. Landscape Plant Materials for Fire Resistance. Advisor: Dr. Mike Panciera
Lommax, Terri. Effective Team Design: An Analysis of the Dalton Highway Planning Team. Advisor: Dr. Susan Todd