Research

Members of the Center are involved with a variety of research projects, and often open these projects to student participation. Some of our major research focal points are listed below, but more information can be found on the individual pages of our team.

Currently, we are directly involved with: the Elwha Project, the world’s largest dam removal/river restoration project; with research in Costa Rica associated with tropical rainforest biology and management; and, in conjunction with the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council, with a NASA Project to develop a Solutions Network for water management.

Dwight Barry serves as Senior Personnel on both of these NSF grants; he is the lead instructor of the REU Program and the Education and Outreach Coordinator of the Elwha Research Consortium RCN.

Dwight Barry and Bill Eaton are also exploring the genetic and functional diversity of the microbial communities of the Olympic Peninsula, particularly in the Elwha River watershed.

Brian Hauge serves as the Director of Undergraduate Research and coordinates the REU Program.

Brian Hauge and Bill Eaton co-direct a tropical biology research program in Costa Rica.

Dan Underwood is investigating the impact of forest management practices on ecosystem response, particularly associated with the prey base of the northern spotted owl.

Jack Ganzhorn is assessing the fish productivity and habitat of the Elwha River, other regional rivers, and the nearshore environment of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Jeff Mauger is writing a book on the Ozette Project.

The Northwest Institute for Renewable Energy (NWIRE) is made up of Peninsula College faculty and administration, the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County, local tribes, school districts, Clallam Transit System, private Businesses, Clallam netWorks Economic Development Council, the WSU Extension, the USDA RC&D and local biofuel producers.  Our mission is to promote production and use of renewable energy on the North Olympic Peninsula through education and research.

Student Research Projects directed by Jerry Estberg, on Lightning Climatology

See our team or our sites for the Elwha Project or Costa Rica for more information.