Students lead the way in protecting Theta Pond through hands-on water research

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu

At the heart of the Oklahoma State University campus, Theta Pond is more than a scenic backdrop for photos and evening walks — it’s an active classroom. This year, a team of environmental science students from the Ferguson College of Agriculture is studying the pond’s water quality, applying advanced sampling techniques and gaining experience with real environmental challenges.

The research project, led by graduate student Grace Shea and supported by undergraduate students Kaleb Rigdon, Liz Knam and Annabelle Pearce, focuses on measuring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and evaluating the effectiveness of the pond’s aeration system.

Connecting science to the water’s edge

Research at Theta Pond has been an ongoing effort for several years in response to concerns regarding HABs within the pond, said Scott Stoodley, OSU Environmental Science Program assistant director of research and Shea’s advisor.

“Over the summer, the aeration system went down, and the concentration of harmful algal blooms skyrocketed,” Pearce said. “We’re sampling different sites to see if the new aeration system is helping and what the algae levels look like across the pond.”

With the aeration system now repaired and updated, the students are collecting data to evaluate its functionality and assess whether the pond’s overall water quality is improving.

HABs emerge when excess nutrients, often from runoff or nearby activity, enter a waterbody and fuel rapid cyanobacterial growth. These bloom events can create stressful conditions for aquatic life by reducing the amount of dissolved oxygen available in the system.

“Algae are naturally present in ponds,” Pearce said. “The issue comes when excess nutrients allow cyanobacteria to grow rapidly and form bloom events. These blooms can limit dissolved oxygen for fish and other organisms. Aeration helps by circulating the water and increasing oxygen exchange at the surface.”

A canoe, a probe, and new technology

Fieldwork days begin with checking the weather — a crucial step in accurately gathering samples.

“We try to go when it’s the wind speed is below 10 miles per hour,” Pearce said. “It’s hard to control the canoe when it’s windy.”

Each sampling trip includes gathering a multiparameter probe, gloves, sample bottles and the canoe, which students paddle across the pond to six designated sampling sites. They take surface and depth readings every half meter, collecting data on turbidity, oxygen levels and temperature. 

The team also utilizes BloomOptix, a microscope-based AI tool, which analyzes photos from water samples to detect harmful algal blooms.

The BloomOptix program is currently on loan from the Grand River Dam Authority to the City of Stillwater, which has, in turn, loaned the equipment to the OSU research team for use at Theta Pond.

“It’s an AI program that reads the microscope pictures and tells us if there are HABs present,” Pearce said. “It’s really cool to see technology being part of our work.”

Mentorship at the center of the project

While the science is rigorous, students say the mentorship component has been equally transformative.

“Having a graduate student who already knows the equipment has helped so much,” Pearce said. It’s made everything smoother and less stressful.”

Rigdon agreed, noting that learning from someone with a few years’ more experience makes the process feel more approachable. 

“It’s easier working with other students who have more experience,” he said. “They can teach you the ropes, and it just flows smoother.”

For Shea, mentoring undergraduates has been one of the most meaningful parts of her graduate experience.

“It’s really fun,” Shea said. “I like the idea of helping someone find a new path or giving guidance if I can. And having more people available for fieldwork — that’s always nice.”

Karen Hickman, director of the OSU Environmental Science Program, said the project represents the land-grant mission in action. 

“This project promotes sampling and analysis skills students learn in their major courses, while also connecting graduate and undergraduate work,” Hickman said. “It’s teaching, research and outreach all coming together. It’s a full circle.”

Real-world experience with lasting impact

Beyond the science, the students said the project has strengthened their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, all of which are essential for environmental careers.

Knam said the experience has shown how dynamic the pond truly is and how much unseen effort goes into producing reliable data.

“Over the sampling period, I’ve seen the pond shift dramatically, both visually and in the data,” she said. “Most people don’t realize how much coordination and persistence go into consistent sampling; everything from timing the visits around weather to handling equipment and ensuring data quality. But it’s incredibly rewarding to know each sample contributes to understanding a real environmental issue on campus.”

“Field and lab work are key components of any environmental science career,” Hickman said. “These hands-on projects expand students’ skill sets, and for the Theta Pond project, Grace is gaining valuable project and team management experience.”

For Pearce, the project reinforced the idea that applied knowledge can shape professional confidence.

“In class, you always have a professor or teaching assistant,” she said. “But being out there, making decisions, working through challenges — it feels more personal and meaningful.”

Today, the updated aeration system is helping maintain consistent dissolved oxygen throughout the pond, reducing the risk of algae-related stress on fish and plant life. The student team is still documenting HABs, but at significantly more manageable concentrations.

As for outcomes, the team hopes their work will help reduce HAB concentrations and contribute to the long-term stewardship of one of OSU’s most beloved landmarks.

“Theta Pond is a staple for campus,” Shea said. “People take pictures there, relax there. Keeping it healthy matters.”

Story By: Ellie Moser | elmoser@okstate.edu