In May, NIU science students will have the chance to travel to Ontario, Canada, with two geography professors to simulate global warming and observe the effects changing temperatures have on sugar maple plants.

Geography department professors Lesley Rigg and David Goldblum were awarded $260,000 after submitting a proposal to the National Science Foundation.

“Our project seeks to simulate climate change on sugar maple plants currently growing in Canada,” Goldblum said.

“The hope is that we will get some insight into how natural ecosystems might respond to future climate change today, rather than having to wait 50 years to see the impact.”

Participating students will live in Lake Superior Provincial Park between May and August to monitor the effects of the controlled climate change.

The students will carry out field and laboratory experiments and present their findings at scientific conferences. The experiment will last three-and-a-half years, but students are able to work on a semester schedule.

Though participants will be paid for their involvement, Rigg hopes the students ultimately find a love for fieldwork.

“We want to promote science as something meaningful,” Rigg said.

Not only does the experiment help evaluate the worldwide problem of global warming, but it shows that NIU sees importance in involving undergraduates, Goldblum said.

Money from the grant will provide for field equipment, travel and salary for participants, Goldblum said. If interested, students should contact either Rigg or Goldblum for more information.

“The bottom line is the more a student gets involved the better,” Rigg said.