U.S. Army Corps of Engineers researchers Afrachanna Butler and Catherine Thomas will address several environmental concerns during a seminar at 3:30 p.m., May 7 in Hardin Hall 901. The seminar is free and open to the public.

Butler, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers research physical scientist, will discuss “Determination of Root Exuded Compounds from Bermuda Grass and Perennial Ryegrass.” The talk will explore concerns related to the potential environmental impacts of lead contamination associated with military training ranges.

Butler has worked at the Environmental Laboratory, United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksbug, Miss., since 2001. She began her career on a temporary appointment as a contract student and progressed into her current full-time position in 2007.

Thomas, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers research biologist, will discuss “Environmental Impact Assessment of the Copper Bullet.” The talk will explore concerns related to the increasingly recommended use of copper projectile bullets for both military training and civilian shooting sports.

Thomas has worked at the ERDC for three years. Her current research investigates the propensity of copper metal to corrode in soil under varying conditions.

For more information about the seminar, contact Tala Awada, professor of plant ecophysiology, at tawada2@unl.edu or 402-472-0232.