The Conservation Biology Lab studies the genetic, ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that drive amphibians’ microbial diversity.
We are based in the Biology Department at Swarthmore College, PA, USA. Our school is a primary undergraduate institution.
In our lab we promote teamwork and collaboration in a respectful and welcoming environment! We value everyone’s perspective and we strongly believe that diversity and creativity should not only be valued but celebrated.
Projects in the Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA, USA
We take advantage of the Crum Woods at Swarthmore. We hike during different seasons and we learn tools to monitor wildlife such as camera traps, and surveys to sample frogs.
Summer research in Chamela, Mexico
Over the summer we travel to warmer climates. The lab visited the Chamela Cuixmala Biology Field Station from the National University Autonomous of Mexico, UNAM. We spent 3 weeks to collect samples for microbiome projects in frogs. During our stay in the field station, we sampled at night learning to write and code during the day.
Outreach events, Swarthmore Public Library
We hosted an event for kids called “Who do we share the Crum Woods With?”. Our goal was to share with kids and their parents the biodiversity they shared their backyard with. The event outline was
1. Screen an educational video about the Crum Woods wildlife and what we can do to protect it.
2. Show and tell with specimens from the Swarthmore Biology Department collection like taxidermy skins and skulls
3. Show and tell with camera traps, how they work and how we use them
4. Wildlife bingo activity using this Hong Kong bilingual game
Outreach events, Biodiversity Pavilion, Mexico City
We had the amazing opportunity to share our research at the Biodiversity Pavilion at the National University Autonomous of Mexico, UNAM. We had different stations showing the museum visitors what are the steps we follow for data collection and the equipment we use. This included: finding the frogs, swabbing, taking pictures and doing lab work.
Lab members
Isabella Wyatt
I am a junior at Swarthmore College from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I am passionate about the natural world, and have a keen interest in conservation and environmental justice. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, fencing, and exploring the Crum.
Leila I N'Diaye
I am a 3rd year Bryn Mawr biology major, aiming to specialize in the study of reptiles and amphibians. I live in Pittsburgh, and I grew up in Mali and Ghana in West Africa. On the weekends I play hockey, go hiking around Philadelphia, and watch Love Island with my friends!
Aimi Holmes
I am currently a biology major working towards a career in conservation. Having grown up in Idaho, my hobbies include going on long walks along the Snake River, playing with my dog, and exercising with friends and family. I am interested in exploring new ways to expand conservation efforts in my community through environmental outreach.
Stephanie Kim
I'm a junior at Swarthmore College. I am a double major in biology and computer science! I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, exercising, and reading.