Scientist in Residence - Our Own Lupe Sears

Stepping out of her roles as JES E.L.F. coordinator, JES Ski Program co-coordinator, emergency vet technician, Bolton Valley Ski instructor and mother of two we were lucky enough to have Lupe Sears step into her role as a wildlife biologist for the day on Wednesday. Lupe left her usual spot in the back of school-wide meeting Tuesday to introduce herself to the school and to give a preview of her visit on Wednesday. Lupe spent Wednesday visiting just about every class in the school. Students learned about her past research studying birds and other wildlife on Midway Island in the South Pacific and her current work studying Common Terns on Lake Champlain. Lupe shared bird calls, interesting photos and she brought in some of the tags she uses to tag birds so she and her colleagues can track their movement. She stressed to students the importance of being precise and accurate when collecting and reporting data. Her current work with terns is very important. The Federal Government depends on the data she helps collect to determine if the common tern should remain on the Endangered Species list.  Students asked great questions and showed an interest in studying to be biologists!  Students will be glad to see Lupe around the building and a few teachers have asked her to come back to help on future life cycle units.
Thanks SO much Lupe for sharing your work and inspiring the students at JES.

 We are looking forward to next week's visit from two UVM physicists!