Purdue University student Colby Smock has been recognized for his research on erosion control solutions. Smock, a senior majoring in agribusiness with a minor in natural resources and environmental science (NRES), received the Undergraduate Award for Humanities & STEM Research. Smock has been working on a project titled “Erosion, Aesthetics, and Acceptance – A Shoreline Story in Data and Design” since 2022. He assisted Dr. Aaron Thompson, director of the Center for Community & Environmental Design (CCED), in developing the project. Smock played a key role in creating a survey for Lake Michigan shoreline landowners. This survey gathered information on how landowners view using natural solutions to address erosion problems in coastal communities in Indiana. This special award honors undergraduate research that combines both humanities subjects (like history or literature) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.