Permafrost degradation is leading to rapid wetland formation in northern peatland ecosystems, altering the role of these ecosystems in the global carbon cycle. I reviewed the literature on the history of the MPP theory, including tracing its origins to The Second Law of Thermodynamics. To empirically test the MPP, I collected soils along a gradient of ecosystem development and: 1) quantified the rate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production--literally cellular energy--to test the MPP; 2) quantified greenhouse gas production (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and microbial genes that produce enzymes catalyzing greenhouse gas production, and; 3) sequenced the 16s rRNA gene from soil microbes to investigate microbial community composition across the chronosequence of wetland development. My results suggested that the MPP and other related theoretical constructs have strong potential to further inform our understanding of ecosystem development. Soil system power (ATP) decreased temporarily as the ecosystem reorganized after disturbance to rates of power production that approached pre-disturbance levels. Rates of CH4 and N2O production were higher at the newly formed bog and microbial genes involved with greenhouse gas production were strongly related to the amount of greenhouse gas produced. DNA sequencing results showed that across the chronosequence of development, the two relatively mature ecosystems--the peatland forest ecosystem prior to permafrost degradation and the oldest bog--were more similar to one another than to the intermediate, less mature bog. Collectively, my results suggest that ecosystem age, rather than ecosystem state, was a more important driver for ecosystem structure and function.
This study intended to provide people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder a creative outlet to experience dance and other art forms as a way of expressing themselves. Other potential benefits were observed throughout the exploration, including social interaction, coordination, and confidence. An interpretive phenomenological research model analyzed participant and parent verbal reflections, written feedback, and video recorded movement sessions to understand and interpret the participant's experience and the potential value of creative movement. The study was conducted over a seven-week period, which included 13, 30-minute movement sessions held biweekly along with interviews, discussions, surveys, and journaling. The research revealed dance empowered each participant to explore his/her creativity and exercise personal expression. The feedback received from the participants and parents through interviews and reflections revealed the participants did exercise and discover social, physical, emotional, and creative expression throughout the study.
The ASU School of Dance presents School of Dance LIVE!, September 7-9, with works by dance faculty, performed at Galvin Playhouse.
The ASU School of Dance presents Undergraduate Projects Showing, April 11-12, with works by dance undergraduate students, performed at Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio, PEBE 132.
The ASU School of Dance presents Graduate Projects Showing, April 4-5, with works by dance graduate students, performed at Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio, PEBE 132.
The ASU School of Dance presents The Dance Annual, March 2-4, with works by dance faculty, alumni, graduate, undergraduate, and visiting artists, performed at the Galvin Playhouse Theatre.
The ASU School of Dance presents Fabrications, January 27-28, with works by undergrad students, performed in PEBW 139 and 140.
The ASU School of Dance presents Graduate Projects Showing, October 20-21, with works by dance graduate students, performed at Margaret Dance Studio, PEBE 132.
The ASU School of Dance presents Fall Graduate Concert, October 29, with works by MFA students Rebecca Blair Hillerby, Micaela Church, Emily Newman, Karryn Allen, Rebecca A. Ferrell, Ashlee Ramsey, John Leonard, and Randi L. Frost, performed at the Dance Studio Theatre.
The ASU School of Dance presents The Dance Annual, April 15-17, with works by dance faculty, alumni, graduate, undergraduate, and visiting artists, performed at Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio.