Mentors

Dr. Gregory Rohrer, Ph. D.

Dr. Rohrer works as the W.W. Mullins Professor of Material Science and Engineering and the Head of the Material Science and Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University.

He currently is researching the properties of polycrystalline structures and has won numerous awards for his work.

Dr. Rohrer was able to help us in choosing a plastic or other material that would function well when placed in a reservoir.
He recommended that we look into the following options:

1. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
1. Both durable and UV stable (it wont degrade when exposed to UV light)
2. Used in marine buoys
3. Easy to manufacture
4. Unfortunately, it is unable to be 3D printed or vacuum formed
2. Fiber Glass Resin
1. Both durable and UV stable
2. Used in boat hulls
3. Difficult to manufacture
4. Costs significantly more than other options
3. UV Stable Coating
1. Coating used on reflective parts of toys
1. Cost Efficient
2. May not be as effective as necessary
2. UV coating used in camera lenses and windows
1. Relatively Cost Efficient
2. Vapor deposited, making manufacturing difficult
3. UV stable sealant
1. Easy to apply and test
2. Cost Efficient
3. May not be safe in reservoir

 Dr. Molly Mehling, M. En., Ph. D.

Dr. Mehling is an assistant professor of ecology and sustainability at Chatham University. 

Her research currently deals with freshwater ecology and ecotoxicology as well as community engagement.

In the past, she has worked on many projects, including developing a database of Sierra Nevada lakes and reservoirs, studying micro-invertebrates in nearshore littoral lakes and reservoirs in the western US,  and assessing the environmental and conservational conservation efforts in Prebel and Butler Counties, OH.

Currently, she is working on developing plans for managing the Allegheny Reservoir and methods for monitoring urban stream restoration.
She helped us focus our efforts and determine that our covers should be used as a short term solution.