Title:
Forest to Faucet: Safeguarding Clean Drinking Water through Brook Trout Science Conservation
Talk Description:
Please join us at the Sparks Bank Nature Center on Thursday, September 28th from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. for an enlightening talk from master’s candidate at UMBC, Aiman Raza, who will provide insights into her research on the interconnectedness that exists between clean water, biodiversity, and human well-being. We will explore the far-reaching consequences of compromised water quality, including the impact on wildlife, habitat degradation, and potential threats to public health. We will discuss the urgent need to protect and conserve indicator species that thrive in clean water environments, such as the majestic brook trout. These remarkable fish serve as sentinels of water quality, serving as a barometer of the overall health of our waterways.
“By understanding the importance of identifying, conserving, and restoring populations of brook trout, we can gain valuable insights into the state of our local water systems.”
—-Aiman Raza
Speaker Biography:
Aiman Raza is a biology master’s student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, researching how environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to monitor brook trout populations in the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Aiman’s research team consists of UMBC professor Tamra Mendelson, scientists at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, and the Gunpowder Riverkeeper. She has been conducting research on how temperature, distance, and filter pore size affect brook trout eDNA detection and will be defending her thesis next spring. Additionally, she is an ICARE fellow, which stands for Interdisciplinary Consortium for Applied Research in the Environment, a program that is focused on increasing the diversity of the environmental science workforce and using community-engaged research to solve problems in and around the Baltimore Harbor. Aiman is passionate about wildlife conservation, environmental justice, and inspiring others to make a positive impact on the environment.
Please join us to gain a deeper understanding of the steps you can take as individuals and as a community to protect our local water resources. Discover how your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to the preservation of our waterways and brook trout, ensuring the availability of clean drinking water for all.