Vegetation Research in Yellowstone

Hello! My name is Lydia Morgan and I am a rising senior in the Class of 2025. I am pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry while on a pre-optometry track. This summer I had the opportunity to participate in a research project at Montana State University focusing on the quantity and nutritional quality of vegetation in the greater Yellowstone area.

A Day in the Life

A typical day in my research work at Montana State University was a blend of fieldwork and laboratory analysis. We started our days early (usually around 5 AM) to commute to our research sites and maximize the cooler morning temperatures for plant sampling and fieldwork. After a quick briefing with my team, we would head out to our designated research sites in the expansive and breathtaking landscapes of the greater Yellowstone region.

Our site destinations were predetermined in our MSU campus computer lab, using a random plot generator program which draws a 20 by 20-meter area for our study to allow for accurate yet random data variations. We would then further select three one-meter sections within this predetermined plot for detailed sampling. The fieldwork data collection involved taking standardized clippings of the vegetation and soil samples from each of these sections. Samples were bagged and labeled with their locations, so they could be further analyzed.

After collecting the samples, we would return to the campus lab to begin analysis. Each plant sample was identified by species, dried, and weighed. This meticulous process helped us understand the plant composition and biomass of each area we sampled. The samples were then stored for further future analysis, which will include tests for plant digestibility and hopefully chlorophyll levels, which are crucial indicators of vegetation health.

Accomplishments and Goals

Despite initial delays in our fieldwork due to the late arrival of our ASD (a handheld spectrometer), we made significant progress on the sample collection aspect of the project. The delay allowed us to focus on developing a detailed map of our research sites using a GIS computer mapping program. This map was essential for our systematic sampling approach. Assisting with the detailed planning for our fieldwork taught me a great deal about the many variables and parameters that have to be considered when designing a scientific study.

One of our key accomplishments was the creation of a numbered grid system which could be overlaid on our research map. This system enabled us to use a random number generator to select precise sampling points, ensuring that our data was random and representative of the area.

Looking ahead, the goal is to analyze the collected samples for plant digestibility—a measure of how much nutrition animals can extract from the vegetation. Additionally, we began a collaboration with MSU professors to establish a standardized protocol for measuring chlorophyll levels in fresh samples, which will enhance the understanding of location dependent plant health.

Connecting to My Academic Journey

This internship was a meaningful part of my Whitman career! It has helped to bridge my undergraduate academics as a biology major with real world hands-on lab experiences. Although my educational focus is biology and optometry, the opportunity to join a research team has helped me develop my abilities to work effectively on a team, plan meticulously, and analyze data critically; all of which are skills that will be beneficial in my future as an optometry student.

My summer research at Montana State University has proved to be an invaluable experience. It has expanded my academic horizons and provided me with practical skills. As I continue my journey at Whitman College and beyond, I am confident that the lessons learned this summer will play a crucial role in shaping my future career.