Project:

Urbanization Effect on Plant Biodiversity in NYC Neighborhood

Students:

Najifa Shumaya, Ishrat Ashrad, Emily Lee, Jennifer Qarri

School:

High School for Health Professions and Human Services, Manhattan

Mentors:

Rocheli Apilan

Abstract:

Biodiversity is known to be an important factor in all environments on earth, it can be found all around us, in some places more than others. In this study, we aim to compare the biodiversity in two urban neighborhoods. More specifically, we will be trying to answer, is the biodiversity of plants different in the neighborhoods in the Lower East Side, Manhattan and Astoria, Queens? To address our question, species of plants found in and around group member’s homes and neighborhoods will be identified. We will be comparing the biodiversity of plants in these two neighborhoods to hopefully determine how urbanization affects plant biodiversity and how it possesses a threat to biodiversity in NYC. Using the DNA Barcoding Protocol, we will be able to compare the extracted DNA of all the plant samples. This will help us differentiate the plant biodiversity of a very urban neighborhood, the Lower East Side, Manhattan and a slowly urbanizing Astoria, Queens.

Poster:

Team samples: