Lipscomb students assist with Penn State research at Radnor
Chris Pepple |
When seniors Paige Griffin and Jesse Germeraad signed on to work at Radnor Lake State Natural Area, they found themselves with much more than just an average summer job. Their internships at Radnor led them into the roles of rangers, researchers and educators.
“These two students are getting to do a little bit of everything with these internships. They have great mentors at Radnor and are getting excellent hands on experience. These internships allow our department to participate in the community at large and allow Jesse and Paige to add to a body of research knowledge in their field of study,” said Jon Lowrance, professor of biology and faculty advisor for both students this summer.
Griffin’s internship as a seasonal interpretative specialist is paid through the state of Tennessee. Germeraad serves in the same position through a Lipscomb internship. “Jon Lowrance is one of the main reasons these two students are here with us. We were able to pay for one intern through state funds and receive a second intern through Lipscomb. It’s a perfect example of the state working with the private sector to mutually benefit both groups. They are getting to do research that most students don’t have access to. We are getting two exceptional interns,” said Steve Ward, park manager at Radnor.
Much of the research Griffin and Germeraad assisted with stems from the work of Dr. Robert Loeb, associate professor of biology and forestry at Penn State DuBois. Loeb is continuing the work begun thirty years earlier by researchers examining how vegetation has changed due to human usage. Loeb has been building upon the previous research. Before Dr. Loeb arrived at Radnor this summer, Griffin and Germeraad began locating and marking the 21 previously studied forest sites in Radnor Lake State Natural Area.
“Jesse and Paige did a lot of legwork for this project. Once I arrived at Radnor, we worked together using identical sampling methods that other scientists had used. We systematically measured the forest again. It was exciting to work with the students and share with them the techniques used in the field of historical ecology. Radnor Lake is a rare gem to study and this work will be part of the science of long-term ecological research. My hope is that my research will give Steve Ward an idea of how forests will change in the future in order to maintain a mature forest and make management decisions about the future of the natural area,” said Loeb, whose research is supported by a Faculty Awards for Merit and Excellence Grant from the DuBois Educational Foundation.
“It was very interesting to work with a professor onsite. We were recording data on the types and sizes of trees we located. I had studied ecology in the classroom, but this work was a lot more in-depth. Dr. Loeb was open to questions and he shared a lot of his information and research techniques with us. I also enjoyed being available to help with other projects. This summer has given me a good window to view the life of the rangers and researchers. This internship has been mentally and physically hard at times, but you really feel like you have accomplished something when the day is done,” said Germeraad.
“I enjoyed all of my experiences at Radnor. I have been able to work on research with Dr. Arnett through my previous Lipscomb classes. This summer Jesse and I also helped out with water quality research projects. Getting to know the kids through Radnor’s educational programs has also been fun. I really enjoyed working with the Junior Ranger program and going on one of the canoe floats down the Buffalo River. We helped with a ten-mile clean up float where participants cleaned up debris from the banks. It was a fun day and it made a difference,” said Griffin.
Radnor Lake is one of the largest pockets of wilderness (1,200 acres) in the United States in close proximity to a major city. Its protected ecosystem allows a remarkable diversity of plant life and wildlife to survive. The six miles of trails allow visitors to experience the natural area without leaving the Nashville area. The Radnor staff leads a variety of programs for all ages including wildflower walks, moonlight hikes, canoe floats, and reptile programs. Research is a valuable part of Radnor’s history. Germeraad and Griffin have now added to the rich history at Radnor. They have worked with the children, showing the next generation of rangers, hikers and researchers the value of protecting the area. They have also contributed to the research that will offer guidance to those currently serving and protecting this resource.
“Jesse and Paige were very bright, motivated students. Working with them made what could have been an arduous task very rewarding. I hope other students I work with are of the same caliber as Paige and Jesse,” said Loeb.
“Lipscomb’s biology department has ten students total working on research projects this summer. We are very fortunate to have key donors to our department who allow our students to gain invaluable experience in their field of study. Five of our summer interns are continuing research here in our labs. Five others are spread out through the community working at Radnor, at Vanderbilt and at the medical school at South Alabama. Contributors such as Dr. Jim and Heather Loden and Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Gallaher have allowed us to complete our third year of student research. We are grateful to all who have helped make our research and internship program successful,” said Lowrance.