"They gain knowledge of the watershed and coastal ocean and their excitement comes across in the K-12 classroom."

Dr. Bob Chen's research utilizes high resolution elements within the Neponset estuary and GIS measurements of the land use types throughout the watershed. Combined with the area's proximity to UMass Boston, engaging his graduate students in gathering field samples became a priority. Graduate students from his lab have been sampling the watershed in 30 different locations for the last three years, going out once a month, regardless of the weather.

This collection of sample measurements offers a full sweep of water quality data. The data have provided substantial information about the interactions within the coastal watershed, between the estuary and the coast, highlighting the connections as well as the potential changes over time. This body of knowledge is promoting predictions about how those interactions may be altered, given climate change and/or land use change. If land is developed or the sea level rises,how will the different fluxes of carbon be affected?