Welcome to my new blog!
Here I will be writing about some of my experiences working for the Michigan State University Hyena Project! My goal is to blog about once a week. However, I'm guessing that I wont have a lot of time or internet speed so we'll see how this goes when I get there. Below is some general info on myself and the project.
About me: I grew up in Grand Haven, MI and after high school moved to Portland, OR to attend Lewis & Clark College. I absolutely loved my four years at LC and met some truly incredible people. I ran on the cross country and track teams all four years and loved every minute of that experience. I fully plan on following the team as much as I am able to next year and I do regret that I will not be able to attend meets. Besides athletics, my other time intensive activity was working in the Binford spider lab. Walking into Greta Binford's office my junior year was one of the best decisions I made at LC. I had an invaluable opportunity to join a research lab and explore arachnid biodiversity and molecular evolution. I learned so much while in lab and I will be forever grateful for Greta and Pam's continued support.
About the hyena project: I think the best way to introduce you to this project and avoid a massive wall of text is to show you a nice 2010 BBC video about Kay and her research team. This is a cool video that also shows what some of our camp is like.
My job will be as a research assistant (RA). What does that mean? Well my description of services section on my contract says: "Collect behavioral data from hyenas; collect samples or measurements from specific animals; send written reports to PI at regular intervals; maintain demographic records for groups of hyenas; record sightings and locations of non hyaenid carnivores; basic ecological monitoring throughout study area in Masai Mara National Reserve; maintain research equipment; oversee work staff of Kenyan employees; maintain strong, positive relationships with park managers and Masai neighbors."
So that is basically what will keep me very, very busy next year!
I will be back blogging soon with more fun facts about hyenas and the Maasai Mara ecosystem (don't want to bore you too much with my first post)!
