C A M P U S lected data to calculate each tree’s biomass. Instead of cataloging every tree at Lehigh, and because there is already data available onmany of the trees on South Mountain from Booth’s ecology course, the team focused on the Asa Packer campus. They also picked an area that was representative of the tree diversity across campus so the data could be extrapolated, according to Booth. “It gave me the chance to appreciate nature and Lehigh’s Campus from a new perspective,” Quawiy said. “Measuring trees for three hours might sound boring at frst, but it was actually very relaxing.” In the spring, students worked with Ben Felzer, associate professor of environmental sciences, who introduced them to allometric equations, which can estimate the amount of carbon in the trees. The students also built an interactive webmap with their data that can be used for a virtual campus tree tour. In addition, the students hosted an in-person tree tour on Arbor Day, showcasing some of the trees they cataloged and demonstrating how they measured the trees. John Schleder, an arborist with BrightView Landscape, provided additional information on the trees, and the group planted a Princeton American elm tree on the Clayton University Center lawn. —Stephen Gross C H R I S T A N E U SCAN TO VIEW LEHIGH’S VIRTUAL TREE TOUR Ochs Named Director of Marcon Institute The institute is dedicated to research on social justice issues Holona Ochs, associate professor of political science, has been named director of Lehigh’s new Marcon Institute, which is dedicated to research and study that infuences perspectives, practices and policies on racial justice. The institute was established with a $2.5 million gift from Lehigh Valley philanthropist Charles Marcon. In this new role, Ochs will establish a program of study and engagement in community issues surrounding race and equity. “Central to Lehigh’s mission is to develop the leaders of tomorrow,” said Lehigh Provost Nathan Urban. “Under Holona’s leadership, the Marcon Institute will ensure that Lehigh students are prepared as leaders who think critically about the problems of racism and inequality, and work with and within their communities to effect meaningful change.” The Institute’s objectives are twofold: to foster student research that promotes research and progress toward racial and social justice, and to create programming with educational value to students and the Lehigh Valley community. Ochs, who called the institute “an investment in an “WE SHOULD REALLY BE antiracist future,” has a vision THINKING ABOUT WHAT WE for the institute that is rooted in the ideas of American writer CAN DO AS AN INSTITUTION and social activist bell hooks, with organizing principles of OF HIGHER EDUCATION love and community. “We should really be think- TO MAKE BENEVOLENCE ing about what we can do as an institution of higher education MORE OF A REALITY.” to make benevolence more of —HOLONA OCHS a reality, or more believable to people at least,” she said. Donald Outing, vice president for equity and community, said Ochs is “a proven leader who is not afraid to engage in the difcult conversations associated with doing the antiracist work critical to creating lasting change.” Ochs will spend the next several months meeting with individuals across Lehigh’s campus to discuss ideas for the institute, formalize collaborations and determine what students can do to contribute to anti-racism in constructive ways. “I want to make sure that everything that the Marcon Institute does uplifts all of the antiracist work that people on campus have already been doing,” she said. Ochs earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical marriage and family therapy from Kansas State University. She then worked for several years as a therapist specializing in trauma-related disorders. She went on to earn both a doctorate and master’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas.—Kelly Hochbein S UMM E R 2 0 2 2 | 7
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