Arriving mid-June, I joined an international team of researchers working on this summer field project. Lab members—representing countries such as France, Spain, England, and Canada—delayed their summer vacation plans in the name of science! Getting off to a slow start in June, July brought more promising weather. On sunny days we would gather at 9 a.m. at the university and drive to various locations. We studied damselfly populations at ten different locations, all near ponds or streams. On site, individuals and copulas were caught (using our trusty field buddy, the net). We then would transport our flying friends to “the lab” where we measured and collected data. Finally, they were released into the wild before we went home for the day. Of course our days weren’t only filled with work. As researchers in Sweden, we were entitled to our daily fika breaks. Fika is one of those words that cannot be directly translated into English (or any other language for that matter). It can be loosely translated into a coffee break, but it entails much more than just coffee. During these fika breaks, Swedes gather together and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea and usually a sweet treat. This is a time of rest and socialization and often leads to fruitful discussions. I think many wonderful ideas have been exchanged during these rest periods. In fact, it was during one of these breaks that I began to develop my present plan. I am currently working on a Fulbright Scholarship proposal to return to Lund University for the 2005-2006 academic year. My advisor and I drafted a plan for me to continue work on this project for a complete year. The extended project will incorporate genetic analysis with our already collected behavioral studies. More in-depth research could result in publications—which could help catapult my career. As I gather the pieces for my Fulbright grant application, I realize what an amazing opportunity I was given by participating in EAP. I used to think that these kinds of chances only came to those who were at the right place at the right time. But I now realize that opportunities are always present and those who go after them get them. For many who travel abroad to distant countries, coming home closes that chapter in their lives. Thankfully, for me it just fueled my ambitions and connected me with a source that would have otherwise remained untapped. I encourage those going abroad, or those who are still abroad, to think “outside the box.” Make opportunities for yourself where you think there might be none. Go beyond the courses and make your experience last. Who knows—maybe you’ll be the first to study marine biology in the Sahara! |
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ucky enough to have studied and worked at Lund University,
I was able to spend en sommar till (one more summer) in Sweden. Two days
after my UC graduation in June, I jetted off to continue research
with the damselflies. Ischnura elegens, commonly known as the blue-tailed
damselfly, is the smallest damselfly in Sweden. It spends one year
in the larval stage and emerges as an adult in late May/early June.
After emergence, the females undergo a color fixation. These different
color morphs can be noted and studied, and that’s exactly what we
did. 