Students Document Summer Research Excursion in Travel Blog

What happens in the University of La Verne’s Biology lab does not stay in the lab – at least not during the summer.

Six students and faculty from La Verne’s Biology Department embarked on their annual summer research trip to Magpie Ranch in early June. The goal? Exploration and research for projects they are working on and will continue to work on this fall.

Genelle Watkins, Kylie Upthegrove, Stephany Gonzalez, Kelly Giordano, David Gonzalez, and AJ Johnson made the trek to Montana, joined by Assistant Professor of Biology Heidy Contreras, Biology Instructor Pablo Weaver and Associate Professor of Biology Kat Weaver.

The group made their way through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Sundance, Utah and Teton National Park before arriving at their destination at Magpie Ranch.

Located in Drummond Montana, Magpie Ranch is La Verne’s research station, operated by Professor of Biology Emeritus Bob Neher and his wife Mary. They both dedicate their time hosting students and faculty every year in order for them to gather data on plant and animal life, ecosystems, pollution and more – depending on their area of study.

On this trip, the students have immersed themselves in the fields collecting aquatic insect samples for their Marine and Freshwater class, surveying creeks and rivers for metal containments that could possibly affect animal life, observing Mountain Bluebirds to gather data on brood parasitism and more.

“It is a great opportunity for our students to see another part of the country and to gain hands-on experience researching our natural world,” said Prof. Kat Weaver.

Keep track of the students’ adventures in their continuously updated travel blog HERE.