Brugia Malayi - Clark Science Center - Smith College

Summer with CEEDS
Elizabeth Esposito
Over the course of the summer of 2012, while interning for Reid Bertone-Johnson, I conducted research and design projects,
as well as completing many other tasks. Individually, I researched the components of an American Chestnut Seed Orchard, so
that one could be installed at the Ada & Archibald MacLeish Field Station. I focused on layout, integration with the Field Station,
irrigation, and solar electric fencing. I visited other orchards and accrued information under the guidance of Professor Paul Wetzel.
With his help, I was able to fully understand the history and possible future of the America Chestnut. In order to receive funding
from the American Chestnut Foundation to complete this project, I created a list of materials and prices, as well as a layout of
the orchard. I completed my layout using AutoCAD. Under the direction of Susan Froehlich, I researched the materials necessary
to create and electric fence around the site, which would incorporate a design by an engineering student. Through this project, I
became aware of different aspects of the design process.
With the other interns, I collected GIS data about Ward Three in Northampton to be used in future research efforts. Using
InDesign, we created two primers of previous student work that used areas of Northampton as design opportunities. The
primers were presented to town leaders. For this endeavor we learned how to design and format the pages in the primer to best
communicate the designs. In the final weeks, we were teaching assistants at the Field Studies for Sustainable Futures camp, a
branch of the Summer at Smith program for high school girls. The group work helped us to master group dynamics and time
management skills. (Supported by the Smith College Botanic Garden Landscape Studies Fund)
Advisors: Reid Bertone-Johnson, Marcia McNally, Paul Wetzel and Susan Froehlich
2012
A seed orchard I visited.
102