Eastern Student Jeffrey Fontaine of Dayville Undertakes Fieldwork Related to Undergraduate Research Project

2017 Sep 1

Eastern Environmental Earth Science (EES) students recently participated in hands-on fieldwork related to their respective undergraduate research projects. Jeffrey Fontaine '18 of Dayville was one of the students who performed fieldwork with an EES professor-mentor as part of research that will continue into the fall and spring semesters.

Fontaine is developing models that quantify coastal change by mapping an eroding bluff at Napatree Point in Watch Hill, RI. These data sets help define the current geometry and position of the shoreline, which can be compared with previous, though less detailed, measures of the coastline.

"I accompanied my professor and another student to my summer research location in Napatree Point to collect pictures of the bluff and profile lines. The photos are to be used with software that uses digital photogrammetry (DP), which essentially renders overlapping 2-D images into an accurately scaled 3-D model. The model can then be manipulated and measured in order to collect data," said Fontaine.

Fontaine's project is one that both EES Professors Drew Hyatt and Bryan Oakley are collaborating. Fieldwork related to the project also involved another student, Bryce Mase, though Fontaine will be proceeding with individualized research with Hyatt. Fontaine also assisted another student, Ryan Cueto, on Cueto's project at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.

"The research at Napatree is meant to investigate the change in the bluff face in correlation to research done by other students over the years. The model of the profile lines will be tested in order to investigate whether this method is an effective way of mapping a profile in comparison to methods used previously. Most of the time spent on the project involves working with the software and making several different models to assist in presenting findings," said Fontaine.

Hyatt said, "One of the interesting and new ways in which our EES research students will further understanding of their sites is through change-detection analyses, which involves comparing point clouds of the sites from two different times in order to quantify change in terms of the volume of sediment eroded or deposited at the site."

"I was very surprised by the amount of accuracy and precision possible with the proper time and equipment used in the field. I'm excited to continue to work on my project through the spring 2018 semester in order to bring it together perfectly. This research has helped me understand the workflow and general knowledge necessary for working in the field of earth science. It has also helped me build my resume and has provided me with more connections in terms of future available jobs in this field," said Fontaine.

"I believe that undergrad research beneficial for students because it gives students a chance to work in their field of study and benefit from 'beginner' experiences in preparation for future work. It also helps build a resume and deeper connections within the department with which you are affiliated. In turn, this helps students build better connections with other students and professors with similar work interests," he added.

According to Environmental Earth Science Professor Bryan Oakley, "The involvement of undergraduate students in research is significant in several ways; it allows us, as faculty members, to continue to pursue our research interests and maintain a connection with cutting edge techniques. The students gain valuable research and presentation experience that is a vital part of their experience at Eastern. I would say that Eastern EES holds its own in comparison to any top tier undergraduate institution regarding the depth, variety and outcomes of student research projects."

Fontaine plans to attend graduate school after graduation. "As an in-state commuter, my favorite thing about Eastern is the quality of education I've been able to receive at an affordable cost."