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Stream Ecology Institute

This summer, search under rocks for crawdads and salamanders, test stream waters for salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen and learn how those elements interact with living and non-living components of stream systems. At this summer institute, you’ll explore how a fish, an insect, algae and even an old tire, influence each other and are affected by one another in a continuum — from small streams to large rivers.

You’ll engage in learning experiences about the environment and long-term ecological studies, as well as explore career possibilities in science and ecology.

Students entering grades 10–12 are invited to register.


About the Program

Eager to begin your studies and to investigate:

  • If plants affect the presence of aquatic invertebrates?
  • How the material in the stream bed influence aquatic communities?
  • The correlation between stream flow, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and fish populations?

For a full week, you will be taught the fundamentals of water quality, macroinvertebrate and fish sampling, and identification. You’ll get plenty of hands-on experience using the latest equipment and methods employed by professionals in the field of aquatic ecology.

On the final day, you will present your findings, using the latest in computer technology, to a panel of science educators and natural resource professionals.

Join us for this exciting college life experience while learning the basics of stream ecology!


Highlights

At Stream Ecology Institute, you’ll get a chance to:

  • “Immerse” yourself in the Susquehanna River Basin ecosystem to learn about numerous components of the streams.
  • Learn how water movement, fish, invertebrates, vegetation, bacteria, water chemistry and pollution affect the creek.
  • Explore regional creeks from the bottom up and develop your own study to investigate an aspect of the creek that interests you.

Other highlights include:

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking in state parks
  • Visit to Penn’s Cave
  • Daily field trips
  • Sample collections in rivers, creeks, and small streams
  • Electrofishing in local streams
  • Study of headwater streams
  • Final research presentations for families

Information to Know

Things to Bring
  • Toiletry Items
  • Pillow
  • Snacks, drinks (if desired)
    There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave.
  • Blanket (if desired)
    Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket and towels will be provided.
  • Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
  • Business casual outfit for presentations on Saturday morning
  • Casual clothing for classes and most scheduled events
  • Swimwear
  • Athletic clothing for kayaking, basketball, tennis, etc.
  • Water shoes
  • Chest waders (optional)
  • Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
  • Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
  • Alarm clock
  • Spending money (for bookstore and evening snacks, if desired)
Check In & Final Day Protocol

151 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.

Check-In

Sunday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge

Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.

Final Day Protocol

Culminating Group or Individual Presentations; Lunch with University Faculty and Personnel and Check-Out

Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out and collect keys, meal fobs, etc.

Program participants will present their final presentation on Saturday, 10–11:30 a.m.
Presentation Room: Natural Science Center, 128 A&B

Lunch, hosted by the faculty of the sponsoring academic department, will be immediately following the presentations for participants and their family members.

Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in both events on Saturday and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.

Directions to the presentation area will be available at check-in on Sunday afternoon. Lunch will be in the same building as the check-in.

Students will check out of their rooms immediately after lunch on Saturday and must return room keys and building fobs at that time.

Health Services

While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.

Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals, and Urgent Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.

The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.

Cars on Campus & Leaving Campus

Cars on Campus

If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning. 

Leaving Campus

  • Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
  • Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Contacting Students via Mail & Phone

Cell Phones

Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.

To reach students on campus, please call: 

  • Event Management Office
    570-372-4354
    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m. 
  • University’s Main Switchboard
    570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
  • Susquehanna University Campus Safety
    570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime) 

Mail

Families can send mail to participants at the following address:

Event Management Office
Stream Ecology Institute
Susquehanna University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Required Forms

*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, in order to comply with local, state and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.

Required Forms

Medical and Conduct Forms (PDF, Full Packet)

Costs & Refund Policy

The $875 comprehensive fee includes room, meals and all program materials.

  • Must be registered by June 24.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.

A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration.

Deadlines

All registrations must be submitted no later than June 24.

All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.


Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy

Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.

Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.

Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.

Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund.

Institute DirectorS

The Stream Ecology Institute is run by Susquehanna University faculty and staff who study and monitor environmental issues within the watershed. The program is born from dedicated faculty who are committed to the research to define and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play within the Susquehanna River Basin boundaries.

Jack Holt 

Professor of Biology
Susquehanna University 

Dr. Holt and his lab study algae and macroinvertebrates in small headwater streams and the large main stem of the Susquehanna River. He follows the two types of living communities to see how they change through seasons and how they vary through years. Within that variability he looks for patterns that inform him about the health of the aquatic systems. Visit  Holtlab on Facebook  for updates. 

Michael Bilger 

Adjunct Faculty in Biology
Susquehanna University 

With the university’s Freshwater Research Initiative, Bilger and his team were involved in six stream restoration projects with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. He partnered with Penn State University to study smallmouth bass from four sites on the Susquehanna River and surrounding creeks. Bilger was also involved in a joint study to dissect the stomach contents from thousands of crayfish to identify what they have been eating.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact Us

Summer Pre-College Programs

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Location

Degenstein Campus Center