JACKSON, Wyo. — Four University of Wyoming (UW) graduate students will present their scientific research in Jackson this weekend at a casual event at the Teton County Library.
According to the UW news website, the university’s Biodiversity Institute will host a Science Cafe that is free and open to the public at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1. The four students will present research in the form of 15-minute casual talks with Q&A periods after each session. The Biodiversity Institute touts the event as a relaxed opportunity for the public to hear the latest in biodiversity science. Light food and beverages will be offered.
“At the Biodiversity Institute, we believe it’s important that students receiving our biodiversity graduate student research enhancement grants communicate their projects with the public,” Biodiversity Institute Communications and Marketing Specialist Abbey Morales was quoted as saying in the UW article. “We encourage our awardees to connect with communities through public outreach that best suits their projects and audiences. Our Science Cafes are particularly popular with communities and students as a way to share the amazing research that’s happening at the University of Wyoming.”
Daniel Coles, a master’s student of botany, will present “A Flora of the Bighorn Mountains: Insights into the Region’s Botanical History, Plant Diversity and Significant Discoveries.” His research is composed of a broad inventory of plant life in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. He collected 8,500 specimens to document the region’s diversity of flora.
Lindsey Gapinski, a Ph.D. student of ecology and evolution, will introduce “Forest birds are declining … How community science can help!” Gapinski has investigated the decline of western forest bird populations in North America and the underlying causes of the declines. Her research highlights the value of community science programs in working toward bird conservation.
Meredith Journey, a Ph.D. student of aquatic biology, will discuss “Plankton at the Peak: Zooplankton of Wyoming’s High Alpine Lakes.” Her exploration of lakes in the Teton and Wind River ranges reveals the important role that endemic zooplankton play in maintaining alpine watersheds and ecosystems.
Chuck Williams, a master’s student of freshwater ecology, will present “Float around and find out: Thermal mapping of the Snake River.” His studies focus on variations in water temperature of the Upper Snake River in Wyoming and how thermal changes can shape the critical habitat of the native Snake River cutthroat trout.
Visit the event’s Facebook page here.
