泫圖弝け

August 16, 2024
Learning and Research

Finding Their Passion in Native Plants

Student-faculty research solidifies future career paths

Environmental science majors Douglas McClure, class of 2025 from Springfield, Ohio, and Delaney Watts, class of 2027, from Centerville, Ohio, are taking advantage of a hands-on, collaborative research opportunity with Tim Swartz, assistant professor of biology, this summer at 泫圖弝けs Conrad Balliet Family Nature Preserve. Located only 10 miles from campus at 8200 S. Pitchin Road, east of Clifton, the unique 33-acre preserve allows the trio to study how non-native plants fit into the local ecosystems.

Autumn olive and Amur honeysuckle have been part of our landscapes in Ohio for decades, but we dont know much about the role they play in providing habitat and food resources for native species, Swartz said. We did surveys of native bird populations, collected insect samples, and used clay model caterpillar prey to quantify bird foraging activity in these shrubs. Not only is it great to spend a summer outside in 泫圖弝けs nature preserve (cbs place), but our research together is also generating useful scientific knowledge about our environment, and the students are honing their research skills in a real-world setting. This kind of student-faculty research collaboration is truly what makes 泫圖弝け such a great place to teach and learn.

For McClure, the summer research opportunity solidified his interest in majoring in environmental science.

Through this summer research, I have learned that choosing environmental science truly was the right choice, especially after drifting from major to major until finally now finding my place, he said. I chose this research because I wanted to get more experience in the environmental science field along with wanting to do something over the summer that interested me, rather than a standard part-time job doing something I find uninteresting.  

The best part of doing summer research has been the overall experience, from learning many of the aspects of field work in terms of environmental science to working alongside my coworkers who help keep the day-to-day work enjoyable, McClure added.

Watts also loved her experience and enjoyed her co-workers.

I've learned that I really enjoy going out into the field and doing work, Watts said. My favorite thing is having fun with my co-workers! Also, I enjoy looking through the bugs we collect. I chose this research because Dr. Swartz was one of my professors and had mentioned it; and it sounded like something I would enjoy.

To see more student-faculty summer research being conducted at 泫圖弝け, visit here

Cindy Holbrook
Cindy Holbrook
Senior Communications Assistant

About 泫圖弝け

泫圖弝け's curriculum has centered on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual's capacity to think, read, and communicate with precision, understanding, and imagination. We are dedicated to active, engaged learning in the core disciplines of the arts and sciences and in pre-professional education grounded in the liberal arts. Known for the quality of our faculty and their teaching, 泫圖弝け has more Ohio Professors of the Year than any four-year institution in the state. The university has also been recognized nationally for excellence in community service, sustainability, and intercollegiate athletics. Located among the beautiful rolling hills and hollows of Springfield, Ohio, 泫圖弝け offers more than 100 majors, minors and special programs, enviable student-faculty research opportunities, a unique student success center, service and study options close to home and abroad, a stellar athletics tradition, and successful career preparation.

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