March 4, 2025
Shawnee State University students Cameron Davis and Reagan Lewis recently presented their own research at this year’s Ohio Natural History Conference. Their project focused on a biodiversity survey they are conducting among three shelter caves at Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve.
“Our goal is to collect biodiversity data across three seasons – fall, winter, and upcoming spring. At the start of each sampling season, we set up four game cameras at each cave to monitor diversity.”
During each sampling, the pair identifies mammal tracks, conducts herpetology surveys, collects invertebrates, set up small mammal traps, measures soil temperatures, and records weather conditions. So far, the duo has captured data on Peromyscus spp. (field mice), Sciurus carolinensis (eastern gray squirrel), and Odocoileus virginianus (white tailed deer) as well as two salamander species and a variety of insects and non-insect invertebrates. They are also identifying the abundance of ferns, mosses, lichens, and liverworts at each cave. Their final survey will be conducted at the end of the semester, when they will then review and compare the three seasons of data collection to gain a better understanding of biodiversity in the cave habitats.
Working with their advisors Dr. Sarah Ivers and Dr. Erik Larson to prepare to present at the Ohio Natural History Conference, Davis and Lewis were grateful for the feedback and guidance as they developed their poster layout and practiced the key talking points they wanted to share with others.
“Getting to share our research at a conference like this was really an incredible experience. It is really neat to be able to share something you are passionate about with others who share many of the same interests.”
Having the opportunity to present their research was a valuable asset to the pair as they complete their degrees and prepare for their future careers.
“Collecting data from the field, compiling it into a shareable format, and then presenting it to others are key skills that we will use often throughout the future.”
SSU’s Department of Natural Sciences offers challenging and rigorous degrees in biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as four science education programs with grades 7-12. The programs offer one-of-a-kind field opportunities that are enhanced with a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to develop strong relationships with mentors as they explore research opportunities that are related to their interests.
To learn more about the Natural Sciences programs at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/science.