SciGirls I 2015 Day Nine

O what a beautiful morning, O what a beautiful day! A visit to Leon Sinks with Greg Hitz, hydrogeologist, was very enjoyable this year - no mosquitoes!!!!! We conducted water testing at two sites: Fisher Creek and Hammock Sink. There the girls tested the water for nitrates, clarity, ph, and we tried (although unsuccessfully) dissolved oxygen. Even though the walk was quite extensive, it was overshadowed with the splendid canopy provided by the natural shade of noble trees. From there we made a quick stop at the Department of Environmental Protection (thanks Jackie for the water test kits and the bottle rocket launcher). Then we shuttled over to the UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center in Quincy. Did you know that by 2050, the world population is estimated to be around 9 billion people? The research facility is home to scientists who may cover any of the following areas: Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Forestry, Soil Science, or Ecology. A SciGirls standing ovation goes to the ladies who took time out of their busy schedules to speak with us on their careers in Agricultural Science: Dr. Ann Blount, Dr. Cheryl Mackowiak, Dr. Holly Ober, Dr. Sheeja George, Dr. Christine Bliss, and Dr. Anna Osiecka. Dr. Bliss spoke specifically on carinata(Ethiopian mustard) which is being harvested to be used as jet fuel. We were amazed with the pictures of the Florida Bonneted Bat, only found in South Florida, presented by Dr. Ober who is a wildlife biologist. Dr. Osiecka provided the unique opportunity to see the Moringa oleifera (the drumstick tree), which can be used as food, in medicine, industry, agriculture, and horticulture. Yes, yes, yes, what an eventful day. We can't believe there is only one day left of SciGirls I 2015. And it promises to be more amazing than the first nine!