The summer flies by fast when you are immersed in research and conservation projects (and mud and sand…) at The Wetlands Institute. From late May through early August, CCRP interns design and conduct independent research projects, contribute to annual data collection for ongoing research projects, and help with conservation efforts. They also do the important work of spreading the information they learn to people of all ages through conservation and outreach programs, and work with volunteers.
The program is aimed at providing undergraduate students a comprehensive experience working in coastal systems, new field and analytical skills, and professional development – but in the end those of us who work with the students learn so much too! This summer CCRP interns made great achievements in their projects, all presented August 7 at the Annual Intern Symposium.
Pictured left to right: Elliott Fackler, Sydney Godbey, Addie Schlussel, Michael Stankov, Patrick Williams, and Matthew Shippee.
Intern Projects Overview
Elliott Fackler (Bloomsburg University) crafted an Esri StoryMap from field surveys and several years of data collected on stranded horseshoe crabs along the Delaware Bay through the reTURN the Favor program.
Sydney Godbey (Ursinus College) explored new methods for locating and tracking behavior of juvenile diamondback terrapins.
Addie Schlussel (St. Mary’s College of Maryland) added new depth to our understanding of patterns of movements of terrapins on local roadways to aid conservation measures.
Matthew Shippee (University of Virginia) compared disturbances and reaction indices of colonial nesting birds at two sites in southern New Jersey.
Michael Stankov (University of Connecticut) mapped territories and disputes of American Oystercatchers at an important nesting site.
Patrick Williams (Stockton University) finalized his two year project examining structure and change in the terrapin population in two local creeks.