Rebecca Davis ‘15
Squirrels, the most common campus critter, are the subjects of two biology students’ summer research.
Funded by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, Brendan Martino ’16 and Kate Ackert ’16 have been examining the jumping patterns of squirrels to see if they take the safest route or the shortest route when traversing. They are also studying similarities between the movements of squirrels and those of humans.
Greg Byrnes Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, is overseeing the project that began last summer. In January, Marino and Byrnes presented some of their findings at a biomechanics conference in Austin,Texas.
“I’m very fortunate because not everyone gets this kind of opportunity as an undergrad,” Martino said. “Dr. Byrnes gives us a lot of freedom to do our research. It’s an awesome environment to work in.” Ackert became involved in the project during the 2014 spring semester. As a member of Siena’s diving team, she is interested in how the squirrels used a mini-diving board to their advantage while jumping.
“Grad schools require research and there are so many opportunities to get involved in research here at Siena,” Ackert said. This experience is about preparing Ackert and Martino for their next big leap in life.
