Shannon Seidl, Biology and Environmental Science teacher at Salpointe, was one of 16 teachers in the United States who was awarded the Project Kindle fellowship through the Earthwatch Institute.
She will spend a week this summer studying owls in the Chiricahua Mountains, working with Dr. Dave Oleyar to study a small, cavity nesting species called the Flammulated Owl to see how their migratory and nesting patterns are affected by climate change.
Project Kindle also equips teachers with the skills and resources needed to lead student research projects. Next year, Seidl will lead a student expedition similar to her project this summer.
She will be working with Earthwatch to organize a student expedition where they will experience field research to help understand different aspects of the environment and how it is affected by human population change and growth. Participants and time are to be determined.
This opportunity provides both Seidl and students with irreplaceable experiential learning and hands-on application of science.