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Professor Studies Insect Diversity
Delano Lewis, an associate professor in biology, is conducting a three-year study on potential links between the diversity of birds and the diversity of the insects they feed on.
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For some time, bird watchers have noted the decline of bird populations throughout the world. More recently, a decline in insect populations has also come to people’s attention. Dr. Lewis’s research is examining the ecological linkages between these phenomena at Ellis Bird Farm, located a short distance southeast of Burman University.
Dr. Lewis uses several different collection methods for his research. The Hester Dandy sampler facilitates comparisons of freshwater fauna collections from various wetland sites. These comparisons help determine the health of the freshwater ecosystem at Ellis Bird Farm.
To attract ground insects, Professor Lewis uses white, blue, and yellow bowls containing a soapy solution. These are called pitfall traps when they are sunk into the earth. Identical bowls (“bee bowls”) also attract native pollinators. Lewis explains, “To arrive at valid Photo by Colin Hill comparisons, we are sampling in five different habitats. The times are dependent on the weather, but our sampling attempt is maintained for as close to 60 days as possible.”
Genetic samplings of bird droppings can determine the groups of invertebrates birds feed on. In addition to these standardized collection methods, Lewis also compares opportunistic catches (with and without insect nets) to gather important information on the diversity at Ellis Bird Farm.
Ellis Bird Farm is known for its educational outreach. School children, college students, retirees, and the general public—all will benefit from the added body of knowledge Delano Lewis’s research will provide.
Book Launch
The Koine Immersion Series by Dr. Stephen Reasor
The Koine Immersion Series is designed to help students learn, enjoy, and become more comfortable with the Greek language. In this first volume, Dr. Stephen Reasor, professor of Biblical Greek at Burman University, guides students through the beginning elements of the Greek language via the inductive approach.
The “inductive approach” or the “communicative approach” introduces students to language learning in an interactive, fun, semi-immersive, and embodied way. It draws on the best insights from linguistic theory and language pedagogy to both bring the language to life and bring life to the language. The Koine Immersion series will have students listening to, speaking, reading, writing, and “watching” the language. The Stephen Reasor electronic format Chair, Religious Studies of this resource allows students to take short assessments along the way and receive instant feedback.
The Koine Immersion Series, Volume 1, is available in digital Mac or PC format from the publisher, GlossaHouse.
