Eight students in two teams, Field of Streams and Up the Creek, produced new knowledge about basin geology and urban environments through their work, which took them wading through local waterways to collect water and soil samples and measure stream flow. Led by Laura Sanders, professor, earth science; Jean Hemzacek, instructor, earth science; and Kenneth Voglesonger, assistant professor, earth science, the project sought to characterize the chemical and physical variation of streams in a major urban setting spanning a glacial lake-plain and morainal system.

This opportunity provided the students a better understanding of Chicago-region geology and hydrogeology, and provided experience with project planning, field methods, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. "I learned a lot of different techniques in the field and lab and got practice on safe sampling," said Field of Streams team member Trish Downie. "I can definitely tell this project has given me experience that I can take with me."

The students are considering presenting the results of their research at NEIU's 18th Annual Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium and perhaps even go on to the Geological Society of America's annual meeting. "The research data that we collected have produced some interesting results," said Up the Creek team member David Salinas. "I believe a project like this would be a valuable educational tool for any earth science student."

The Muddy Waters project was made possible through funding from the NEIU Student Center for Science Engagement, which was recently created through a grant of more than $2 million from the Department of Education. The grant money will be used to support Hispanic and low-income students majoring in STEM sciences: biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, mathematics, and physics. "I'm a separated Latino mother of three precious children trying to pursue a career in the earth sciences," said Field of Streams team member Ruanlly Santizo. "It's wonderful that NEIU has these opportunities."