Student Info
Name: Mason Jacques
Term: Winter 2018
Credits: 16
Title: Characterization and Standardization of Biochar and Biochar Production
Contact Info
Contract mode: ILC
Sponsor name: Dave Muehleisen
Internship Info (if applicable):
Internship hours/wk:
Internship credits:
Academic credits:
Field Supervisor
Field supervisor:
Title:
Organization:
Subcontractor
Name: Sarah Williams
Title:
Organization: Evergreen State College
Program Description
Narrative: This one-quarter project, entitled Analytical Characterization of Biochar, is designed to explore the production and standardization of biochar as a soil input using various feedstocks that are both native and invasive to the Pacific Northwest. Specific learning objectives are to gain a foundational understanding of biochar, biochar production, and proper laboratory training for future lab analysis. Students will learn to produce, analyze, and apply a viable biochar to effectively utilize as a soil amendment for climate mitigation and overall plant/soil health. Texts to be studied include: Soil and Environmental Chemistry by William Bleam, Biochar: A Guide to Analytical Methods by Balwant Singh, Biochar and Soil Biota by Natalia Ladygina, and Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology by T. Komang Ralebitso-Senior and Caroline H. Orr. This program will also incorporate field trips to various farms and labs to better understand lab techniques and practical applications of biochar. Locations to be determined.
| Learning objective | Activity | Deliverable |
| Research and understand foundational biochar production and applications | Research and readings include peer reviewed journals and textbook readings.
Books included (list on complete): Soil and Environmental Chemistry, Biochar Applications, Biochar and Soil Biota, and Biochar: A guide to Analytical Methods Upwards to 30-40 hours a week spent reading. |
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| Obtain an understanding of finding relevant grants and applying for them. (i.e. travel and activity grants) | With my classmates we will research grants available to us and apply for them as needed. Only a couple of hours a week as needed. | |
| Become qualified on required lab equipment to prepare for ensuing lab analysis of biochar. | I will do the required reading/studying as well as receive proper training on relevant lab equipment for future proper lab analysis. | |
Evaluation of Work
- Narrative evaluations from field supervisor and/or subcontractor
- Narrative mid-quarter and final self-evaluations
- WordPress ePortfolio