Three local students in a geography capstone course at Youngstown State University will be presenting their findings on a study on ways to revitalize the village of Wellsville on Friday, Dec. 17 at 1:00 p.m. in Warren City Council Chambers.

The students - Katharine Donnachie, Heather Davis and David Thompson will be meeting with Wellsville Mayor, Bob Boley, Wellsville City Council members and interested residents on Friday to discuss the results of their 16-week study, "Be Well in Wellsville: A Community Revitalization Plan."

The students conducted the study as part of their senior capstone project. The students determined principles that guide community revitalization projects in Wellsville, identified, the elements required to successfully revitalize the village and studied the motivations needed to support and participate in forging a new direction for the village among other findings.

The study was conducted under the direction of YSU geography professor Dawna Cerney. Cerney says she's proud of the students' hard work during this project.

"They are great examples of the intellect and skills of professional geographers," Cerney said.

Cerney says in the past, capstone projects included the village of Leetonia, the Mahoning County Landbank and Western Reserve Land Conservancy / Ducks Unlimited.

This project culminated as a complete community resiliency plan for the village. According to Donnachie, the plan includes policy actions, green infrastructure recommendations and methods for long-term climate change adaptation and mitigation.

"I am exceptionally proud to have been part of this fantastic research team," Donnachie said.

Donnachie is currently a senior at YSU and plans to graduate in the spring of 2022 with bachelor's degrees in environmental science and geography.

Thompson is graduating in spring of 2022 with a bachelor's degree in geographic information systems and cartography and is currently interning at the Economic Action Group in Youngstown.

Davis is graduating with a bachelor's degree in geographic information systems and a minor in Spanish. She is currently working as a GIS analyst for New Era Technology Inc. in Boardman.