At left, biologist Doug Glazier removes a mouse from a trap with the assistance of Caitlin Stormont ’10. The mammalogy course is taught using trapped mice, moles, voles and other small mammals. Larger animals are harder to work with. All animals are live-trapped and released. At far right, Sonia Suarez ’11 examines the biting radius of a bear skull with Ramakrishnan.
—John Matter, associate professor of biology
fence lizard endocrinology, as well as a host of applied research projects. “One of our long-term objectives is to characterize the species and plants in all the habitats around the Field Station,” says biologist Doug Glazier of one research plan. “With all the habitats we have out there, we will be able to compare forest mammals to meadow species to grassland mammals.” Many of the faculty and students involved with the wildlife program believe the College’s dedication to experiential education, coupled with the unique teaching facilities at the Field Station, will make Juniata’s latest POE an incomparable experience. “What Juniata is offering us is the opportunity to do what we love and also help the world in any way we can,” says Andy Adams ’08, of Reading, Pa. “I think the growing concern with endangered species and increased oil drilling are issues that young people want to play a part in and make a difference—not just in the United States, but across the world.” >j< 35
2008 Spring-Summer
Juniata a leading-edge player in providing a more handson undergraduate wildlife science experience. Boyd also says increased federal funding for biodiversity projects and non-game species projects have increased job opportunities for recent graduates. The summer residential program gives students unprecedented access to “the field.” As in “going out into the field to collect specimens.” The summer program will run activities throughout the day and sometimes at night (“Most mammals are nocturnal,” explains Glazier.). The four-hour classes will give faculty a chance to take advantage of teachable moments by moving the classroom outdoors. The summer time frame also means there will be more animals, snakes, salamanders and birds to see and discover. “Classes like these are one of the reasons I wanted to come to Juniata, because the kind of interaction that takes place out in the field is good for me and good for the students,” Matter says. “That’s a lot better than me pulling a dead rat snake out of formaldehyde and asking students to describe it.” Another critical part of Juniata’s program separating the College from the pack is an emphasis on undergraduate research. Ramakrishnan says every student with a wildlife POE will complete a senior capstone research project and present their findings at the College’s Liberal Arts Symposium. She says there are a few ongoing research projects that students can participate in, such as deer population studies, deer browse studies, water-quality monitoring, and
“Classes like these are one of the reasons I wanted to come to Juniata, because the kind of interaction that takes place out in the field is good for me and good for the students. That’s a lot better than me pulling a dead rat snake out of formaldehyde and asking students to describe it.”