Edwin Walck

• SOAR Position: Member
• Major: Professional Pilot and Flight Dispatch
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Jeremy Aber

Current Focus: Natural and Anthropogenic Ecosystem Loss Following Establishment of Percy Priest Lake

Project Description

Working with Dr. Jeremy Aber in Geosciences. my research project focused on identifying and quantifying the ecosystems submerged by the formation of Percy Priest Lake, using pre-lake historic aerial photographs and ArcGIS mapping. The ecosystems examined were natural ones, such as croplands, cedar glades, woodlands, and forests, as well as anthropogenic ones, including buildings, roads, and bridges. I found that the largest ecosystem lost was mostly croplands in the Stones River floodplain and the next highest ecosystem lost was woodlands. Other ecosystems lost represented 13% or less of the area. In addition, at least 188 houses and barns along with four bridges were destroyed.

Why does this topic interest you?

This topic interested me initially because I started to explore old and abandoned infrastructures in the Middle Tennessee area with historical aerial photographs available on the web. When I was younger, I would often accompany my dad birdwatching near the boat ramps at Percy Priest Lake, and the time I spent in the area led me to start researching the history of the land under water. To give my project direction, I decided to focus on the ecological effects the lake’s establishment had on the area and to determine the extent of that destruction. However, my fascination with the history of the area and the lake itself has always been much broader. I have always had an affinity for historical maps, so when the opportunity came to work with old aerial photographs and maps to study the Percy Priest Lake area, I was certain to make the most of it.

What are your professional aspirations?

My professional aspirations are to continue with my undergraduate degree and go into flight dispatch as a career. However, I would like to diversify my education and pursue a master’s degree in a field of study outside of aviation. As such, this would broaden by job opportunities and allow me to see how I can bring different fields (like aviation and GIS) together.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

Find communities of people who are interested in the same topic as you and join in the discussions by going with your gut feelings but be open-minded to other possibilities.

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