We have been able to train and mentor a large number of student researchers on this project.  To date, 5 graduate students and over 30 undergraduates have worked with us.

The following graduate students are conducting (or have conducted) thesis or dissertation research in this system:

STUDENT

Matthew Barbour, MS

SDSU

Ryan Johnson, MS

UC Davis

Scott Dorr, MS

SDSU

Bree Putman, PhD

SDSU

Alex Barszap, PhD

UC Davis

THESIS/DISSERTATION

Consequences of biotic and abiotic factors on rattlesnake foraging behavior

Design of a bio-robotic California ground squirrel for use in natural rattlesnake environments

The response of free-ranging sidewinder rattlesnakes to foot drumming displays of desert kangaroo rats

Experimental examinations of the function of ground squirrel antipredator displays toward rattlesnakes

Research in robotics and control systems (title TBD)

GRADUATION

Dec, 2011

Sept, 2009

Aug 2014 (exp)

May 2015 (exp)

Dec 2015 (exp)

CURRENT POSITION

Doctoral student at University of British Columbia

Professional engineer

Graduate student, SDSU

Graduate student, SDSU

Graduate student, UC Davis

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

We believe that opportunities to work on research projects like this are key not only for graduate students, but for undergraduates as well.  To demonstrate the impact of our project on the large number of undergraduate students that have been involved, we thought it would be most effective to simply ask them; so we solicited comments from students that have worked with us in the past.  Here is what past students had to say:

KENNETH HUANG

“I'm not exaggerating when I say my field experience with Rulon Clark's lab changed my life both professionally and personally.  Over the course of ten weeks, I and other field team members learned basic and important field skills necessary for working in field biology, such as trapping, marking and tracking animals, observing and recording animal behavior in the field, and conducting experiments with tethered animals.  I also learned a great deal about the fascinating science and animals we were studying.  The combination of actually seeing animal behavior firsthand in the field and being surrounded by intelligent and engaged people interested in the same things I was created an educational experience entirely different from any I had through coursework.”

Kenneth is currently an MS student at Oklahoma State University

ZACHARY CAVA

“In the summer of 2009 I worked as a volunteer with Dr. Clark’s lab, during which time I assisted in a predator-prey study focusing on rattlesnakes and ground squirrel interactions. This was one of the most memorable experiences in my life. While working on this project I gained skills critical to my subsequent employment as a field biologist, and which I will surely continue to apply in years to come. Most importantly, coursework alone could never have prepared me for my chosen occupation as effectively as working out in the field with Dr. Clark’s lab.”

Zachary is currently a research technician at the USGS

SEAN TANGCO

“The six weeks I spent observing and collecting data on rattlesnakes and ground squirrels in Dr. Clark's 2010 summer field school was remarkable! It's one experience to read and listen about how researchers collect data in the field, but the opportunity to sense the slight variations of the local climate, observe the patience of a preying rattlesnake, and take responsibility for setting up field equipment, elevated me into the actual process of conducting scholarly research. I developed rapport with scholars from diverse backgrounds, both nationally and internationally, which all helped me better understand the variety of factors that must be accounted for to produce robust research.” 

Sean is currently an MA student in anthropology at San Diego State University

MARK HERR

“During the summer of 2012, I spent two and a half months in the field with the Clark Lab interning as a volunteer research assistant. The work was long, tedious, difficult, and absolutely worth it – and what I knew at the outset I now know doubly well in hindsight: the experience has been far and away the most valuable contribution to my professional development thus far.  This summer was also, quite simply, an awesome time – and although the work was tough, the payoffs have been enormous.”

Mark is currently finishing his BS at University of Pennyslvania

TREVOR DARRAGH

“I feel incredibly lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work as a field research assistant, especially because it involved snakes.  Prior to this trip, I had never gotten any first-hand experience doing research for a noteworthy lab.  Not only did I get to see what it's like, but I got to meet people that share my interests that I can network with in the future.  I also picked up some skills I didn't have previously, such as learning to use radio telemetry, techniques for handling venomous snakes, and how to use various software.  I believe the skills I learned and experience overall have given me a better chance at continuing with my career goals and hopefully doing research of my own in the future.”

Trevor is currently finishing his BS at Lynchburg College

ERYNN REBOL

“My experience working in the field with Dr. Clark taught me multiple skills that cannot be taught in a lab. Spending three months with the same people every day teaches you to cooperate with multiple different types of personalities, and to appreciate the differences that are there. I also enjoyed being around a mentor 24/7, it gives you the chance to constantly learn and ask questions. Most importantly, being able to experience an experiment, see how research is made, introduces you to different ways of thinking. The best part of working in the field is the ability to be with/around the creature you are studying and see it in action in the wild, behaving naturally. There is no better way to understand, or to get interested, inspired, and downright OBSESSED with something, than to spend a whole summer living with it. There is no greater feeling.”

Erynn is currently finishing her BS at Willamette College

HOSSEIN AYAZI

“My time working with the Clark Lab was invaluable during my development as a researcher in the ecological sciences. Unlike coursework or lab experience, which by their nature cannot completely communicate to students what field research looks like and requires, I acquired from my experience additional skills in field methods, communication, problem-solving, and independent and team-based work under oftentimes adverse conditions. To not understate the importance of field research experience, these skills have been crucial to my success thus far as a PhD student in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley.”

Hossein is currently a PhD student at UC Berkeley

ERIC SCHRODER

“My work with the Clark lab in the field was a great experience.  The field crew got along really well and I gained friends that I still keep in contact with to this day.  I gained valuable professional skills such as GPS and telemetry that helped me gain employment.  Also, volunteering as an undergraduate helped me decide whether I wanted to pursue future field research opportunities.” 

Eric is currently an MS student at Western Illinois University

JESSICA FORT

“My experience working with Dr. Clark in the field not only allowed me to gain practical hands-on experience with wildlife research techniques (radio telemetry, field videography, etc) but inspired me to pursue my masters in Conservation Biology.  I had spent my undergraduate career learning about research methodology but it wasn´t until working in his lab that I had the chance to finally apply what I had learned.  Through this experience I realized how much I enjoy working in the field and it helped prepare me to take the next step in my academic career.”

Jessica is currently applying to several MS programs

DARREN FRASER

“While working in the field with the Clark lab, I learned the basic, but essential, skills needed to conduct field research. I also had the opportunity to learn what would be required of me and how to prepare for the career path that I have chosen through interaction with the current and future biologists that worked alongside me. With this unique experience in field work I am better prepared for the remainder of my schooling and the rest of my career.”

Darren is currently finishing his BS at San Diego State University

JESSICA TINGLE

“This summer was my first field experience after graduating, and my first herpetological field experience working with a lab. I feel like it has put me in a much better position for future field jobs and for graduate school for a couple reasons. First, I applied to quite a lot of jobs for the summer, and was turned down for almost every single one on the basis that they want someone with a master's degree and/or several months of previous experience. It creates this horrible catch-22 where you need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience without getting a job. The summer position with the Clark lab gave me and other students a way out of that catch-22 by taking us on and teaching us the skills we needed to work on the project. It was a nice group to work with because we learned a lot about animal behavior, and we also gained some technical skills like radio tracking, processing reptiles and rodents, and using software to monitor the animals. Several of these are things that I will likely be able to put to use on future projects, perhaps even on my own project once I start grad school.”

Jessica is currently finishing her BS at Cornell University

REY AYON

“Having the opportunity to conduct research in the field solidified my interests in wildlife biology. The first time I was to go out to do field work at the Blue Oak Ranch Reserve to be a part of Team Crotalus, I remember feeling proud, as I would literally be a part of a team of scientific researchers. I felt like at this early stage of my academic career, I was already becoming the scientist I only dreamed I'd become years later. The day-to-day physical and spiritual challenges posed by working in the field provided a constant opportunity to strive for success, and that success was achieved. Working in the field was an invaluable experience that showed me first-hand that I have what it takes to be a scientist, and took this attainment out of the context of school, offering real-world proof of my scientific capabilities.”

Rey is currently finishing his BS at San Diego State University

ANNIE MAGUIRE

"Although my classroom and research experiences at UC Berkeley were world-class, my training as a biologist acquired real-world significance when I assisted Dr. Clark with his field project. I learned the limits of our current scientific knowledge and the importance of forward-thinking projects like Dr. Clark's. In addition, I was able to watch him navigate the unexpected problems that always appear with field research and, as a result, learned valuable lessons in flexibility!"

Annie is is currently applying to Veterinary Schools

MATTHEW STRIMAS-MACKEY

“Volunteering at the Blue Oak Ranch for Dr. Clark was one the most valuable and most enjoyable experiences I had in undergrad. The wide variety of skills I gained while working on this project-such as animal handling and radio telemetry-have been extremely valuable to me in subsequent field jobs and in applying to grad school. Dr. Clark encourages independence in his volunteers and is always open to ideas and suggestions, but he is also happy to provide help and mentoring when needed. Working at the Blue Oak Reserve is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore an absolutely beautiful area with a great group of like-minded wildlife enthusiasts. Anyone with an interest in working with wildlife in the field would benefit from volunteering on this project.”

Matt is currently an MS student at University of Guelph

GRETCHEN ANDERSON

“The summer of field work I spent with the Clark lab was, in all honesty, one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have always known that I want to work with reptiles, but participating in this field work helped solidify my future career plans. It was my first experience working in a lab and conducting field work. I have no doubt it was instrumental in getting me into a graduate program. I met some amazing people along the way and this experience will stay with me for my entire life.”

Gretchen Anderson is currently an MS student at University of Alabama

EMILY STULIK

"My experience working with Dr. Clark's research team was instrumental in propelling my career as a field biologist. As my first real taste of field work after graduating college, I learned invaluable research skills such as focal observations, radio telemetry, and mark/recapture techniques that I still use today. My experience as a whole is one I credit to gaining future positions and is a perfect example of how students can benefit by honing their interests and skills in the field."

Emily is currently an MS student at Indiana-Purdue University

TARA EASTER

"The experience I gained with animal handling, radio telemetry, GPS navigation, and simply conducting research on a unique project has already helped me succeed in pursuing a career in field biology. But working on this project was more than a resume boost. I learned personal skills needed for living the life of a field researcher - sharing chores, living in close quarters, working long hours, not always getting to shower - these are not as glamorous as seeing a rattlesnake strike a squirrel, but they often are the things that really help you grow."

Tara is currently finishing a BS at University of Virginia