Our View
<b>CHEROKEE CHAT - </b> PhD tribal water quality standards
May 5, 2009 — This Friday, I will participate in the Graduation Ceremony for Graduate students at Oklahoma State University (OSU).
Although I have a month or so before I defend my dissertation, there is no summer graduation ceremony.
When I defend my dissertation in front of a Committee of four OSU professors and earn their approval, I will graduate with a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Biosystems Engineering.
My dissertation topic is 'Numerical Nutrient Criteria Supporting Cherokee Nation's Culturally Significant Waters.' The research has a direct benefit to the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma.
When I am done, I will be able to present my findings to the Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission for incorporation in our future Tribal Water Quality Standards. The final paper will be available online at okstate.edu.
My research is investigating phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients and the algae response in rivers and streams. One aspect of the research investigates the Oklahoma Scenic River standard for phosphorus on rivers such as the Illinois.
Without scientifically defensible water quality standards, water rights are hollow.
Many of you have supported me throughout my research which began in June of 2005. As I wrap up this life journey, I want to invite you to join my family and I at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8 in Stillwater. A local gathering will be held after I complete my work.
Special thanks to the National Science Foundation for my Louis Stokes Fellowship support as well as Oklahoma State University Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
To contact the Tribe, call 453-5000. The operator will connect you with the appropriate department.
Tribal programs and services are administered by the Chief's staff at the Tribal Complex. Tribal hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save a trip to Tahlequah by using the Tribe's Internet tools at www.cherokee.org. Almost all applications are available online to print from home.
If you have questions, issues or concerns about the Cherokee Nation government, please email me at cara@caracowan.com or write me at P.O. Box 2922, Claremore, OK 74018.
- Our View
-
-
Leadership Rogers County wants you
There is still time to be a part of the next class for Leadership Rogers County.
-
RSU: Why the success?
Rogers State University has been in the news a lot lately. New buildings. National honors. High-profile graduates.
-
They walked before us to make the road less bumpy
There was someone here before you and there will be someone that follows. There are people who paved the way, broke the land, opened the path, paved the road that we might make our journey with less bumps and potholes.
-
Gap across the wide Missouri completed
After much speechifying and positioning the crossing of the wide Missouri Street closure has been completed. Claremore City Councilors unanimously voted to close the street, which is east of the current Rogers County Courthouse, to make way for construction of a new $23 million facility.
-
BENCH SITTIN' - What is Obama thinking?
There are no second chances to make a first impression. Apparently President Barack Obama never learned this lesson.
-
The power of 13
No need to worry. Today has been a great day with no dark clouds hovering above.
-
It is so hot... how hot is it?
The late Johnny Carson coined the comedic device of making a statement to prompt the audience to ask for the coming punch line.
-
Plenty of yuks in ‘Schmucks’
As a longtime student of the theatre — so much so that I spell the word theatre with an “re” rather than and “er” — I’m well aquatinted with the farce.
-
Are greener pastures luring leaders away?
Longtime Mayor Brant Shallenburger has resigned. He is leaving the Claremore City Council, as well as Claremore for a new job.
-
BENCH SITTIN' - What’s walking without a little music?
Mind over matter. No pain, no gain. That is the way of the 1970s when it comes to training and getting fit, at least that’s what Renetta Harrison has been telling me over the past five weeks.
- More Our View Headlines
-
