This summer, I had the opportunity to work as a research intern at Allee Memorial Woods, focusing on Eastern Box Turtles. My work combined field observation, data collection, and hands-on experience with wildlife ecology. Each day in the woods brought something different, sometimes it meant hiking through thick woods to locate turtles with radio telemetry, while other times I recorded habitat conditions or surveyed what plants were in the area. The work was fun, and it deepened my appreciation for both the resilience of these animals and the complexity of their ecosystems.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was learning how long-term ecological studies are carried out in practice. I saw firsthand how valuable consistency and detail are in scientific research, especially when working with species that live for decades and whose populations change slowly. This experience gave me perspective on how small data points gathered today contribute to larger conservation strategies in the future.
This summer also inspired me to begin developing an accelerometer device to track turtle movement patterns. The goal is to better understand what turtles are doing when they are out of sight, like resting, walking, foraging, or engaging in other behaviors. I will continue refining and testing this project during the school year, with the hope that it can provide insights into box turtle ecology and support long-term conservation efforts.
I also enjoyed spending time with the other interns. Working together in the field made the long days rewarding, and I learned a lot from hearing their perspectives. I especially appreciated Dr. Carlson’s guidance throughout the summer, he was always willing to answer questions, share his expertise, and challenge us to think critically about the bigger picture of conservation research.
I am grateful to the donors who made this internship possible, as well as to Dr. Carlson and the Wabash biology faculty for their support and mentorship. The summer not only confirmed my interest in biology but also gave me the confidence start research of my own and explore different approaches to studying life. I look forward to building on this foundation in the future.
