Agricultural Runoff: EOS Alumna Assists in Determining Nutrient Pollution Levels in the Chesapeake Bay
Environmental and Ocean Sciences alumna Kelly Hayden ‘23 (BS), is currently working as a faculty assistant in the nutrient management and water quality extension lab of Gurpal Toor, PhD. Dr. Toor is a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland. A recent article in Bay Journal, “Study aims for reality check on nutrient runoff from farms” details the current research being undertaken in Dr. Toor’s lab.
The goal of the project is to quantify how much runoff is leaving the agricultural field and heading towards the Chesapeake Bay and nearby waterways. Hayden’s role in the project includes assisting with the long term monitoring project by collecting water samples from agricultural fields in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to better understand nutrient runoff with an emphasis on phosphorus. Hayden’s work involves field work and laboratory tasks, in the form of collecting runoff samples from autosamplers in the field, ensuring instruments are calibrated and analyzing samples for various forms of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Hayden's experiences in the Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences contributed to her success following graduation. She shares, “I had the opportunity to participate in field trips where I obtained ample experience in fieldwork. The classes offered in the department gave me the opportunity to learn from constructive criticism as well as the tools to work in a collaborative setting.”
Her advice for current and prospective students is to connect with your professors and explore opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. Hayden assisted in the research of Emily Zavacki ’23 (MS), a graduate student in the lab of Chair and Professor of Environmental and Ocean Sciences Nathalie Reyns, PhD, during her time at USD, which gave her a better understanding of graduate level work in environmental science. She also credits Adjunct Assistant Professor Eric Cathcart, MS, with his assistance in securing an internship during her senior year that led to her first job after graduation. Hayden shares, “The EOS department is full of professors who truly want their students to learn and succeed. Students are given real world skills through copious amounts of field and lab work.”
Hayden will continue to work in Dr. Toor’s lab as a faculty assistant as part of the long-term monitoring study to update Maryland’s phosphorus management tool and plans to pursue a graduate degree in the next few years.