West Virginia University student Kara Dallaire was recently awarded a scholarship from the National Association of State Land Reclamationists.

As a nationally recognized authority on the reclamation of mined lands, the organization advocates the use of research, innovative technology and professional discourse to foster the restoration of land and water affected by coal and mineral mining activities.

Dallaire, a native of Bonnyville, Alberta, Canada, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in soil science in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. She was selected to receive the $1,500 scholarship from a national pool of applicants. It’s awarded each fall and may be used by the recipient to cover costs associated with education and research expenses.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” she said.

Dallaire traveled to Wise, Virginia, in September for one of the organization’s meetings where she was awarded her scholarship and gave a presentation on her current research topic.

“My research is related to reforestation of coal mines and I’m looking at the growth of hardwood species on different mine soils,” she explained. “Mining has disturbed the forested landscapes of West Virginia and I hope to provide information that is useful to coal mine operators and will help them accomplish successful reforestation of their sites.”

Dallaire graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental and conservation sciences in land reclamation from the University of Alberta in 2007. She then secured a position with a worldwide consulting firm where she was involved with pre- and post-disturbance assessments of reclamation planning on oil sands developments in northern Alberta.

-WVU-

law/10/14/15

CONTACT: Lindsay Willey, Public Relations Specialist
304.293.2381, Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu

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