Enhancing Ecological Stewardship Through Community Engagement by Evaluating the Impact of the Highlands Science Symposium & 'Spring into Sustainability' Day
Theresa Lee
Co-Presenters: Shalini Katawal, Audris Torres, Sophia Nazzaro, Krishna Shah, Nayhomi Castillo
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Enviornmental Sciences
Faculty Research Mentor: William Heyniger
Abstract:
The New Jersey Highlands holds significant ecological value, yet public awareness about this region and scientific engagement remain limited. Greater knowledge and community involvement are essential to effectively preserve local ecosystems and biodiversity. Through this senior capstone project, this team worked with the Highlands Council and the Kean Skylands Campus on two separate events designed to foster long-term ecological stewardship: 1) the Highlands Science Symposium (3/24/25), which was a forum of scientists including expert panels and targeted presentations on topics such as forest ecosystems, water quality, and rare species conservation. 2) The “Spring into Sustainability” Community Day (4/12/25) engaged residents, K-12 students, and sustainability advocates through interactive activities, hands-on demonstrations, and exhibitions. Participants will explore key sustainability concepts, including climate change mitigation, recycling, and wildlife conservation. To measure impact, attendee participation will be tracked through session engagement, and post-event surveys will assess knowledge retention and research collaboration outcomes. Surveys and observational studies will evaluate the event’s impact on community awareness and commitment to sustainable practices. The goal of these initiatives is to institutionalize these events, creating a sustained platform for scientific advancement, public participation, and ecological conservation, contributing to the ongoing protection of the Highlands region.