CState Environmental students and grad took part in professional symposium
Cincinnati State Environmental Engineering Technology (EVT) students and a program graduate participated in the annual Symposium and Workshops of the Aquatic Animal Life Support Operations (AALSO) professional organization, held Mar. 5-9 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Environmental Engineering Technology Program Chair Dr. Ann Gunkel (above, 2nd from left) also attended the Symposium and presented information on how Cincinnati State has incorporated AALSO cetifications into the curriculum for EVT classes, in response to recommendations made by the program’s Advisory Board members.
Dr. Gunkel is a member of the AALSO Education and Training Committee.
During the Symposium, EVT students Nathan Malsbary and Erin Ford (right) helped assemble the Big Automated Water Loop (BAWL).
BAWL is an automated 5,000 gallon fully-functional aquatic system that supplies water to Symposium vendors so they can teach their workshops.
- Erin and Nathan helped to unload a trailer with all the parts, stage the parts for assembly, and then assemble the loop.
- After assembling the BAWL, the students assisted with other installation activities and gained experience with pipefitting and solvent welding.
- Both students said the BAWL was their favorite experience of the Symposium because of the opportunities for new learning.
EVT graduate Noah Freed (left) presented a poster session about in-home pond development and construction.
- Noah was the recipient of the 2020 AALSO scholarship, and was honored at this year’s Symposum since the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID.
- After his graduation from Cincinnati State, Noah was hired by the Newport Aquarium, in part because of the Level 1 AALSO certification he earned through the EVT program.
During the Symposium Erin Ford took the Water Quality Level 1 certification test and Noah Freed took the Life Support System Level 2 Certification. Both learned they had passed the certification tests as part of the Symposium banquet program.
Ann said the information provided by participating in the Symposium is critical to providing high-quality education for EVT students and preparing graduates to enter the workforce in a variety of environmental disciplines.
Courses EVT 230 (Treatment Technologies) and EVT 246 (Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants) began incorporating AALSO certifications in 2018.
- Cincinnati State is one of only 11 colleges or universities in the U.S. that has incorporated AALSO training into the curriculum, and was the first school to offer students the ability to earn two different certifications as part of their student experiences.
- This year three EVT 230 students earned the Level 1 Water Quality certification and two EVT 246 students earned the Level 1 Life Support Systems certification. One student earned both certifications.
AALSO was formed in 1994 when approximately 30 zoo and aquarium Life Support System professionals met to discuss water filtration systems. Now the organization has over 1,000 members, 500 certified operators, and about 300 vendor members.
AALSO encourages advancement of the science and technology of life support for care of aquatic systems and animals. The organization provides a forum for water quality and mechanical system professionals at zoos and aquariums, along with curators, researchers and vendors, to exchange information and ideas to enhance stewardship of the animals in their care.
(Photos provided by Ann Gunkel)