CMERC Undergraduate Research Program
Undergraduate education and training are central to the mission of Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center. Since 2019, undergraduate students have been conducting independent field research under the mentorship of MSU faculty based in multiple departments across the university.
In summer 2023, we launched a new, coordinated program for undergraduate researchers working at CMERC. The intent with this program is to provide students the opportunity to play an integral role in conducting student-led research and to do so in a supportive and enriched environment. While conducting summer research at CMERC, students are offered opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration.
Students may either apply to participate in an ongoing research project at CMERC or propose new work. Funding for these projects (summer salary, supplies, etc.) varies and we welcome students to inquire about potential internal or external sources of funding that may be available to them.
If you are interested in being considered for the CMERC Summer Undergraduate Research Program, please contact Dr. Rose Stewart (stewa684@msu.edu). We typically host an informational session early in the spring semester with the goal of placing students into positions by March of each year.
2024 CMERC Undergraduate Research Application - Applications due Fri, Feb 23!
Current Undergraduate Projects at CMERC
Wild Rice Growth Study
Undergraduate Students: Kailee Pearson, Jordan Zapata
Mentor(s): Jennifer Owen, Matt Chansler
Units/Partners: MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU Dept. of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences
Funding Sources: CANR Undergraduate Research Program, Society for Ecological Restoration, Private Donors
Timeline: 2022 to present
Description: Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) is a grass native to wetlands of the Great Lakes Region. Being native, the plant has existed with all the plants and animals around it for thousands of years. Wild rice is ecologically and culturally important, creating habitat for wildlife and food for people. The wild rice project at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center is a study on the environmental conditions affecting the growth of wild rice in the marsh. Started by undergraduate student and member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Kailee Pearson in 2022, this project is a continuation of her work with the Sault Tribe Wildlife Program as a field technician. Before the project was initiated, there was no wild rice growing in the Corey Marsh. During the first year, Kailee correctly predicted that the marsh’s muck soils would provide the perfect conditions for wild rice growth but observed that rice don’t survive large fluctuations in water level or major herbivory. Now in its second year, the project has wild rice growing in four plots, each with a section that allows and excludes herbivory using wire fencing. We know the rice is sensitive, and it usually disappears when a wetland is disturbed by pollution or draining. Therefore, in 2023 environmental conditions including soil quality and water depth are being measured, as well as growth, to determine a relationship between these factors. As the rice continues to grow and we learn more, we hope to understand how marsh conditions affect the growth of the rice, and how the rice affects the health of the marsh.
Survey of Historical Pesticide Use
Undergraduate Students: Sofie Johnson. Riley Korus
Mentors: Melissa Charenko, Jennifer Owen
Units/Partners: MSU Lyman Briggs College, MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Funding Sources: MSU Lyman Briggs Undergraduate Research Support, MSU Extension
Timeline: 2023 to present
Description: The MSU Muck Soils Research Farm (MSRF) operated on the site of the current Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center from 1941 to 2012. We are interested in the history of pesticide and fertilizer use at the MSRF during its 70 years in operation and how these activities may impact soil conditions today. Undergraduate students are conducting a survey of chemical use by reviewing historic journals kept by the farm managers between 1970 and 1985 as well as the annual reports produced by the farm. Once students determine which areas of the property were most heavily affected, a soil analysis will be done to compare soil characteristics at different locations. This research is important to help get an understanding of possible legacy chemicals that could still be present in the soil today. The analysis will help researchers determine future actions that can be taken to restore and rehabilitate the site to its natural state.
CMERC Wildlife Monitoring Project
Undergraduate Students: Riley Korus, Jordan Zapata
Mentors: Jennifer Owen, Rose Stewart
Units/Collaborators: MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife (Hailey Boone, Steven Gurney)
Funding Sources: MSU Extension, CANR Teaching and Learning Education funds
Timeline: 2023 to present
Description: We are initiating a wildlife monitoring survey using trail cameras to document mammalian presence and activity at CMERC. During summer 2023, a standardized array of ~ 20 cameras (separated by ~300m) were deployed across the property. These motion-triggered cameras will operate year-round and are equipped to take images day and night. Images will be collected and reviewed to characterize the mammalian population at CMERC, providing critical baseline information for future research activities. This effort also serves as a platform for training students in field-based research techniques, science communication, and engagement.
CMERC Fish Monitoring Project
Undergraduate Student: Griffin Bartscht
Mentors: Brian Roth, Jennifer Owen
Units/Collaborators: MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Funding Sources: CANR Undergraduate Research Program, Glassen Undergraduate Experience
Timeline: 2023 to present
Description: We began a fish monitoring program in summer 2023 to characterize the presence, size, and health of fish species inhabiting Corey Marsh. We have very little knowledge about species diversity, population sizes, presence of invasive/nonnative fish species, or the presence of species of conservation concern in the area. We are also testing different trapping techniques to maximize the efficiency of our surveys. We have found that most fish appear to be entering Corey Marsh from Burke Lake located on the MI DNR Rose Lake State Wildlife Area, and intend to do parallel surveys at that location for comparison. This project will increase our understanding of the local fish community and provide baseline data for future research studies.
Cavity Nesting Bird Study
Undergraduate Students: Hannah Landwerlen, Evan Griffis, Kelly Baltusis, Kelly Craig, Endi Piovesana
Mentor(s): Jennifer Owen
Units/Partners: MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Funding Sources: CANR Undergraduate Research Program, MSU AgBioResearch, Glassen Undergraduate Experience, Michigan Bluebird Society, Private Donors
Timeline: 2020 to present
Description: Monotypic vegetation is increasingly prevalent in natural communities due to agricultural activities and the introduction of non-native species. Currently, the open prairie habitat at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center is dominated by invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows depend on these open fields and prairies to forage for insects, and invertebrates decrease in diversity when vegetation diversity decreases. When fewer distinct prey species are available for bluebirds and swallows in habitats dominated by non-native plant species, there can be major impacts on breeding and nestling health. We are conducting a long-term demography study of these prairie species (EABL and TRES) in relation to wetland and prairie restoration research at CMERC. We are monitoring reproductive success and survival of these indicator species, as well as physiological and nutritional condition through blood sampling of both adults and nestlings. Results from this study will inform managers on the impacts of monotypic vegetation stands on avian health and fitness.
Secretive Marsh Bird Study
Undergraduate Students: Hannah Landwerlen, Evan Griffis, Kelly Baltusis, Kelly Craig, Endi Piovesana
Mentor(s): Jennifer Owen
Units/Partners: MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Funding Sources: CANR Undergraduate Research Program, MSU AgBioResearch, Glassen Undergraduate Experience, Private Donors
Timeline: 2020 to present
Description: Secretive marsh birds are important indicators of the health of emergent vegetated wetland ecosystems and are state-listed species of concern in most of the states in which they breed, including in Michigan. Populations have declined with the loss and degradation of wetlands, primarily through the expansion of agricultural activities and draining of land for growing crops. Additionally, secretive marsh bird are sensitive to invasion of non-native species, particularly Virginia rails whose abundance is negatively associated with presence of monotypic reed canary grass. We are conducting a long-term demography study of these marsh species (VIRA and SORA) in relation to wetland and prairie restoration research at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center. We are monitoring reproductive success and survival of these indicator species, examining (1) the availability of food through arthropod sampling, and (2) the birds’ diet through opportunistic fecal sampling. Results from this study will inform managers on the impacts of monotypic vegetation stands on avian health and fitness.
Sedge Wren Ecology Study
Undergraduate Student: Trevor Markwood
Mentor(s): Melissa Charenko, Jennifer Owen
Units/Partners: MSU Lyman Briggs College, MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Funding Sources: MSU Lyman Briggs Undergraduate Research Support
Timeline: 2023 to present
Description: Sedge wrens (Cistothorus stellaris) are small brown songbirds known for being a nomadic species, meaning they typically end up in different locations every year when they migrate. As a result, there can be a multitude of sedge wrens in an area one year, but the next year there could be none. Interestingly, Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center has been home to a plethora of sedge wrens every year for the past several years, and we are trying to determine what factors may be attracting them to this habitat. To better understand sedge wren ecology, we are conducting ground surveys to map out sedge wren territories. We also plan to conduct nest surveys to locate their nests and characterize nest composition, surrounding vegetation coverage, and other important factors. Our intent with this research is to discover why sedge wrens love Corey Marsh so much and what factors cause them to return every year. This information will allow for further research to investigate how sedge wrens affect the marsh and how the marsh benefits these birds.
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MSU Fisheries & Wildlife Students Share Internship Experiences
MSU undergraduate students participate in hands-on field research experience with wildlife at the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center, located just northeast of the main campus in East Lansing.
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Avian Influenza Virus Studies at CMERC
Dr. Jennifer Owen talks about how AIV is being tracked at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center.
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Cavity Nesting Bird Research at CMERC
CANR student Evan Griffis talks about his research project on cavity nesting birds at CMERC.
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Secretive Marsh Bird Research at CMERC
CANR student Hannah Landwerlen talks about her project to band and track marsh birds at CMERC.