From geologic surveys to small mammal trapping to documentary film-making, the Friends Research Fund grantees were hard at work these past several months collecting research for their projects.
Each year, the Friends Research Fund awards research grants to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a faculty-supervised project that enhances an understanding, appreciation, preservation, and/or protection of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Read about the fascinating work our most recent recipients have accomplished below!
Eli Livezey and Mac Patton, are recent graduates of Evergreen State College. Their research focuses on analyzing the genetics of two species of lichen found in the Monument. Their research is advised by Dr. Lalita Calabria.
Over the 2019 summer, Eli and Mac traveled to the Monument and collected specimens of Lipstick Lichen (Umbilicaria phaea var. coccinea) and Common Rock Tripe (Umbilicaria phaea var. phaea). After completing the collection process, they sent the samples to an off-campus lab to have their metagenomes sequenced. The results of this sequencing are still being analyzed. In addition, Eli and Mac are currently trying to isolate and identify the pigment responsible for the red color of Lipstick Lichen using thin-layer chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Sam Cooke, is a recent graduate of the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in Geology. Working with his advisor Jad D’Allura, Sam researched different volcanic rocks and mapped their compositions in the Northwest part of the Monument.
Sam’s geologic research in the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument consists of determining spatial and temporal boundaries of volcanic eruptions and subsequent geologic events that occurred in this area beginning approximately 30 million years ago. In addition, Sam has produced a preliminary map of the NW part of the Monument near Grizzly Peak that maps out the Wasson Formation rocks that are south of Dead Indian Memorial Highway. The map is based on quick road traverses, LiDAR, aerial photo interpretation, and limited field checking. Samples that were collected during his field research are still waiting to be made into thin sections for microscopic and geochemical analysis. This analysis will help determine the age dates of the samples in order to create a higher resolution chronology.
Crystal Nichols, earned her undergraduate degree in Aquatic Biology from Ball State University, and she recently received her M.S. in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University. Crystal’s research led her to create a documentary about the Monument titled The Monument. Her project is supervised by Dr. Stewart Janes. Crystal is currently in the final editing stages of the film and will be debuting the film at the Monument Research Symposium.
“The creation of this short film is the result of nearly 1,200 miles of driving, 80 miles of hiking, and innumerable hours editing down nearly 10 hours of raw footage. The Monument has taken me on an exciting exploration of more of the Monument than I ever thought I would experience. My hope is that it will do the same for those who watch the film. But my hope for the film is not to tell the whole story of the Monument, but to ignite an appreciation for the wonder and importance of the Monument, and the variety of life it represents.”
Clare O’Connell, is a Humboldt State University graduate, who graduated Summa Cum Laude this past May with a degree in Zoology. She is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Wildlife Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University. Clare’s research in the Monument took place during the summer of 2019, with her research focusing on small mammal trapping under the advising of Dr. Melissa Hawkins.
During her summer research, Clare collected data on the Tamias siskiyou chipmunk. This species belongs to the Townsend’s chipmunk species complex, which includes a number of cryptic Pacific Northwestern “species” which currently have undeciphered genetic relationships. Clare’s research analyzes five of the cryptic species within the complex, deciphering phylogenetic and morphometric components.
Come and hear more about these student’s research findings at our annual Monument Research Symposium at Southern Oregon University Science Auditorium on March 5th, 2020! Find out more about this event here.
Interested in helping foster students’ research in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument? Donate to the Friends Research Fund today!
- Written by Courtney Buel, Student Board Member, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou NM
Photos by student researchers
