The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) recently participated in a county-wide job shadow day, giving high school juniors and seniors a glimpse into available science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) roles on Savannah River Site once they graduate.
Office of Environmental Management
April 9, 2024
minute read time
A local high school student peers under a microscope at a macroinvertebrate as part of a field excursion hosted at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Conference Center job shadowing day inspired to give high school juniors and seniors a taste of what wildlife ecologists and field technicians do.
AIKEN, S.C. — The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) recently participated in a county-wide job shadow day, giving high school juniors and seniors a glimpse into available science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) roles on Savannah River Site once they graduate.
Under guidance of the SREL Outreach team, the students engaged in various hands-on activities to gain insight into careers such as ecologist and field technician.
"I was delighted that SREL provided the opportunity for my students to see what the job of a wildlife biologist entails,” says Kacee Poppy, local chemistry teacher from South Aiken High School and lead organizer for the SREL excursion. “This experience was truly eye-opening for my students because many of them thought a biologist just walked around in the woods all day and got to play with animals. However, as a result of this field trip, they now understand how much work goes into collecting data about various types of creatures by utilizing specialized trapping techniques.”
During the event, the students learned about local flora and fauna, identified organisms, watched trail camera videos, looked through microscopes, conducted water sampling and safely interacted with animals captured in the field.
The students left the event with a newfound appreciation for nature, and a heightened sense of curiosity and excitement for the world of ecology.
“Afterwards, several students told me the trip solidified their interest in the field and they were inspired and excited to pursue becoming a wildlife biologist," Poppy said.
Geared to inspire and impact the next generation STEM workforce, the job shadow day was one of many opportunities SREL offers the community, especially students, throughout the year.
-Contributors: Katrina M. Ford, Lauren Maynor
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