Research at the Preserve
Much field-based research has taken place in natural
areas on or near campus prior to the establishment of
the preserve in May 2001. However, only anecdotal information
about this research is available. One goal of the preserve
is to better document research activities.
The preserve contributes to the research mission of
the University at the undergraduate and graduate level.
For example, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
(BSES) majors will be able to conduct required research
projects in environmental sciences in protected natural
environments close to campus. Similarly, the Biology
Department, with over 1,000 majors, encourages undergraduates
to conduct independent research through its L490 program.
Other academic units also encourage similar undergraduate
research projects appropriate for the preserve. Field-based
graduate research leading to the Masters or Ph.D. degree
also occurs in many programs (e.g. Geological Sciences,
Geography, Biology, SPEA, HPER). For example, approximately
one-half of the 50+ graduate students in the Evolution,
Ecology and Behavior program in Biology conduct field-based
research. The preserve provides an important resource
for those studies.
Periodical Cicadas Information
We at the preserve took full advantage of the 2004
emergence of Brood X. While the rest of you removed
the invasion's casualties with snow shovels, we filmed,
photographed, and observed the largest known insectual
orgy with abandon. Now we are ready to share what we
learned with the rest of you.
The Brood X project has its own Web
site, which we have filled with facts and photos
about our escapades with the cicadas. We also have an
interactive presentation
created by IURTP and Wonderlab with a grant from the
National Science Foundation. The presentation specifically
targets schoolchildren, but the videos and maps will
certainly interest adults as well. Finally, our ambitious
graduate students authored an award-winning, feature-length
documentary which may be obtained by contacting the
preserve office.
Prospective Research and Grants
If you are currently conducting research at the Preserve,
or are interested in starting research, please fill
out a Research
Activity Form. Small grants are available for research
at the Preserve. To apply, please submit a
Grant Application Form as well as a Recommendation
Form. Please submit all forms to the preserve
office.
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