Borderlands Research Institute Staff and Students Shine at Recent Statewide Wildlife Meeting
The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University was well represented at the annual Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society meeting that was held in February in Corpus Christi. The meeting draws wildlife professionals from across the state who gather to learn from each other through workshops, research presentations, and networking.
This year, 38 Sul Ross students and staff members attended the meeting, taking part in a variety of workshops and committee meetings, as well as presenting research. Students tested their skills by taking part in Quiz Bowl and Plant ID competitions, and several BRI participants were recognized during the awards ceremony.
Two BRI staff members, Dr. Justin French and Thomas Janke, each gave an oral presentation, and Dr. French’s work was accepted as one of the prestigious Cottam Award presentations.
Ten of the graduate students (Barbara Sugarman, Carolina Medina-Nava, Daniel Wilcox, Jacob Locke, Jamie Cooper, Joshua Coward, Matt Hewitt, Rachel Bittner, Taylor Daily, and Trey Johnson) gave a total of six oral presentations and five poster presentations.
Five undergraduate students (Daniel Botello, Erin Bittner, Katherine Haile, Noel Rodriguez, and Weston Conine; all affiliated with BRI’s Undergraduate Mentorship Program) gave one oral presentation and four poster presentations.
Sul Ross’ Quiz Bowl and Plant ID teams placed 2nd and 3rd overall, respectively, out of all other University/College undergraduate teams.
BRI was also honored to have several folks recognized during the award ceremony, including:
• Dr. Louis Harveson, co-author on the Outstanding Popular Article titled Using Genetic Tools to Guide Management of Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas Mule Deer
• Dr. Lalo Gonzalez was accepted into the 4th cohort of the James G. Teer Conservation Leadership Institute
• Jacob Locke was the recipient of the Sam Beasom Memorial Scholarship (top graduate student scholarship)
• Daniel Botello was recognized as the Outstanding SRSU student as well as earned 4th place overall for individual plant ID scores
• Multiple BRI students placed in the photography competition with their entries.
The Wildlife Society, founded in 1937, is an international, non-profit scientific and educational organization serving and representing wildlife professionals in all areas of wildlife conservation and resource management. Their goal is to promote excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. The Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society was formed in 1965 and the first annual conference was held in 1966.
