Undergraduate Research

Testing the Waters

Nikki Skrinak’s research took her out of the classroom to the banks of the Olentangy River in Columbus.

“I loved getting out of the classroom and collecting water along the Olentangy River and at the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park,” she said.

Skrinak studied the effects of dam removal and sewer overflows on the concentration of pathogens in the river. She regularly tested the quality of the water in the river near the Fifth Avenue dam, which is under consideration to be removed.

“By collecting water quality data before the dam is removed, researchers in the future can make quantitative comparisons with water quality data after the dam is removed,” she said.

After graduation, Skrinak plans to earn dual master’s degrees in rural sociology and ecological engineering at Ohio State. “My research experience has helped prepare me for a career in academia by teaching me how to build relationships and communicate with graduate students and faculty,” she said.