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Research Projects with the Town of Durham

The Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research is working with the Durham Town Administrator and the chairs of town committees to identify research topics of mutual interest to the Center and the Town, and undergraduates who would like to work on those topics. Collaboration could take place through student participation in the Center’s Undergraduate Research Award and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship programs, as well as through the variable-credit INCO 590 course.

At this point, two town committees have suggested specific research projects that we hope students and potential faculty mentors will find of interest.

The Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) is interested in getting undergraduates involved in:

  1. Looking at the feasibility of, and process for, Durham participating in programs aimed at reduction of greenhouse gases, sustainability and use of alternative fuels—for example, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (www.iclei.org).
  2. Studying the use of the Swap Shop at the Durham Recycling and Transfer Station—who goes and how often, and for what practical and social purposes? The Swap Shop provides residents a place to recycle and reuse materials that might otherwise be disposed of as trash.
  3. Analyzing the recycling rates of the Durham community—how many people recycle and which recyclables do they recycle?

The Durham Parks & Recreation Committee has identified the following potential projects:

  1. Conducting a study of local pre-teens and teenagers to determine their recreational interests and needs. This could involve a literature search, preparation and administration of a survey, and running focus groups, along with report writing and formulation of recommendations.
  2. Carrying out research on current town policies and ordinances involving recreation properties in Durham. Topics of interest include those related to general access, hunting, motorized vehicles, trails, camping, fires, and hours of operation. This research is a first step in development of a town property use policy.
  3. Surveying and studying existing parks and recreation programs in other small New Hampshire towns and formulating recommendations for the design and development of a model parks and recreation program in Durham.
  4. Investigating potential sites for playing fields. This entails identification of criteria for suitable sites, including physical characteristics and applicable zoning requirements, and inspection of sites (possibly including the use of GIS).

This is a wonderful opportunity for UNH undergraduates to carry out meaningful research and learn more about town government. Please contact Molly Doyle, Program Associate, at 862-3453, or molly.doyle@unh.edu, for more information.