W H A T A W E E K ! !
While learning some crucial skills through workshops and a thorough introduction to the CIRES curriculum, I found myself feeling more prepared and less nervous about my summer research. The overnight trip to the Mountain Research Station did a lot to build a strong foundation between the members of the cohort, (thanks, Deb!) which I think makes us all feel more confident, enthusiastic and supported as we begin our individual projects. Personally, I have never felt more immediately comfortable with a group of people, and I think that speaks to our diverse backgrounds as well as shared interests.
Today I was able to sit down with both of my mentors to discuss my project in greater detail, and was excited to hear that I’ll be challenged with creating a metric for comparing interstitial temperature data with pika occupancy of talus habitats! There will also be an opportunity to do additional observational research on pika-plant interactions, via a survey of high altitude nurse shrubs.
Love the pictures! I am excited for you.
-Nicole