Garreth sets his feet in the swamp and gives us a rundown on his summer research venture.
By: Dylan Fry
Garreth Logan '19 prepares a trap for his herpatology survey. Photo: Dylan Fry '19.
Garreth Logan 鈥�19 of Casco, Maine, devoted time out of his summer for biology research. 鈥淚鈥檓 mainly doing this in preparation for my senior Capstone Project, which is a project that culminates in a final product or presentation. I'm also seeing if herpetology鈥搕he zoological study of reptiles and amphibians鈥搃s what I want to pursue.鈥�
Garreth trudges and sloshes to the same bog near Sebago Lake every single day to conduct a herpetological survey and to set small traps to catch amphibians and reptiles. For him, it鈥檚 an easy process: place trap, plot the point on his GPS, and check back in 24 hours.
On this day, he identified three Green Frogs and one Northern Water Snake, immediately pulling out his notebook and writing down definitive qualities about them. 鈥淭o check back in on the traps every 24 hours is actually state law, and it makes sense. I鈥檓 not looking to hurt anything, I just want to study and track, you know?鈥�
鈥淢y major is Biology pre-vet聽so I can get my foot in the door with wildlife research,鈥� Garreth said when asked about his career plans. 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure if I want to pursue herpetology, but at least with a degree in Bio pre-vet I鈥檒l be able to make that choice.鈥�
Garreth also wants to use his senior research project as a resume building experience. His project has led him to contribute data to the (MARAP). Run by the (MDIFW), MARAP uses field data submitted by volunteer researches to produce a map of amphibians and reptiles. MDIFW maintains a comprehensive database on the distribution of Maine's 34 amphibian and reptile species.聽This map is sectioned by region and lists known amphibians that live there. Garreth is also building his own map of Maine, similar to the MARAP project.
Northern Water Snake documented by Garrett Logan '19 during his survey. Photo: Dylan Fry '19.
Garreth Logan '19 takes a break from his biology research near Sebago Lake. Photo: Dylan Fry '19.
Garreth contributes to the Saint Joseph鈥檚 College community by being an active part in extra-curricular activities, as a member of the Commuter Association. The Commuter Association is a group on campus made up entirely of commuters, who come together to discuss their thoughts and opinions. The president of the association also holds a seat on Student Government, creating an accurate representation of the commuter community鈥檚 needs.
Garreth feels gratitude to both 色虎视频 and to his advisor, Dr. Lucas Bernacki, for giving him this opportunity at research.
鈥淲hy did I pick Saint Joe鈥檚? Well not only was it affordable for me, but I love Maine. I want to work here and I don't want to leave it.鈥�
Learn more about the Biology Pre-Veterinary major聽within Medical Biology or about the Sciences at 色虎视频,聽in general.
