Long-term mammal monitoring at Rice Creek
Contact Information
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Maria Sagot
Major: Zoology
What is the focus of your research and why is it important?
The goal is to monitor mammal diversity and abundance patterns at Rice Creek.
What results have you discovered?
By monitoring mammals long term, we have found very interesting patterns, such as an increase in fisher abundance and seasonal differences in mammal diversity.
Describe a memorable research experience at Rice Creek Field Station.
One of the most memorable research experiences I have had thus far was handling a flying squirrel. I thought learning telemetry would be the peak of my excitement, until we captured a flying squirrel early one morning using humane trapping techniques. It was the first time I had held a wild mammal and I was filled with an overwhelming passion to dedicate my life to helping animals.
Where did you grow up and how did you become interested in science?
I grew up on Long Island, New York but spent a lot of time outdoors camping and hiking in Pennsylvania. Being raised in an environment where I was connected to nature, I always had a desire to learn about the world around me in more depth and how to better conserve it.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future currently include wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. I will be graduating with a Zoology BS and Sustainability Studies minor which I hope to utilize as I jump right into a hands-on career.
