Supporting Important Research
Swenson College faculty and staff from across many disciplines have taken advantage of the Research & Field Studies Center to demonstrate field work techniques, gather data and further their research.
For example:
- Students in Biology Professor Julie Etterson's classes have used the Center to better understand genetic and ecological factors that influence the rate of adaptive evolution in natural plant populations.
- Biology Professor John Pastor has used the site to examine how wild rice population boom and bust cycles are influenced by the release of growth limiting nutrients from decaying litter.
- Students with Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Alison Hoxie have been able to learn more about sustainable energy thanks to a unique windmill on site that generates power and produces trackable data.
These are just a few examples of how this site can provide unique, hands-on learning opportunities for UMD students and faculty.Â