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Collaboration is crucial to science discoveries at Old Dominion University.  This summer, four undergraduate students from Norfolk State University (NSU) did research in the Department of Ocean & Earth Sciences (OES) with Professor Margaret Mulholland, Ph.D. The NSU students who completed a research-focused internship in the Mulholland Lab were Sonia Koech, Kamal Woodley, Janae Brown, and Aaliyah Allen. 

The NSU students worked with Ben Schilling, an ���� OES graduate student in Dr. Mulholland’s lab and were co-supervised by Professor Ashley Haines, Ph.D., from the NSU Department of Biology. 

Their projects focused on nutrient dynamics and water quality in key local waterways:

• Sonia Koech and Kamal Woodley investigated chlorophyll concentrations and the impact of nutrient levels on harmful algal blooms in the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia.
• Janae Brown and Aaliyah Allen assessed nutrient concentrations in Knitting Mill Creek, a tributary of Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia.

The NSU students presented their findings at the Summer Intern Conference organized by the Elizabeth River Project and hosted at the Ryan Resilience Lab on July 18. The students showcased their contributions to ongoing research on coastal ecosystem health.

This is the third year that ����’s Department of Ocean & Earth Sciences has collaborated with NSU to provide interns opportunities to explore their interests in marine science. “Interns are contributing to ongoing research aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Dr. Mulholland. “It is vital that undergraduates gain research experiences to acquire the skills and knowledge they’ll need as future environmental scientists and engaged community members.” 

According to Dr. Haines: "This collaboration between Norfolk State University, Dr. Mulholland’s lab at Old Dominion University, and the Elizabeth River Project is a powerful example of how academic institutions and community organizations can come together to create real-world learning opportunities. By creating opportunities for summer interns to investigate water quality in the Elizabeth River, we're not only advancing research on our local waterways but also preparing the next generation of environmental scientists and leaders with the hands-on skills they need for successful careers."

Inspired by her experience in the lab, Sonia Koech has chosen to continue her involvement as a student volunteer in Dr. Mulholland’s lab, supporting various ongoing research projects. This collaboration highlights the value of interdisciplinary mentorship and real-world research experiences for undergraduates, while advancing our understanding of environmental challenges in the Hampton Roads region.