Earthwatch Expedition: Alpine Meadow Study- This study was part of a long-term project at the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab in Colorado. Data was collected on flowering of the alpine meadow as well as types and numbers of pollinators in order to gather data on the population trends over time. Coolest Part: Running up the mountains catching butterflies! Teacher Fellowship at Rockford School of Medicine: During this summer I worked in a lab studying arteriosclerosis development in vasculature. The study involved working with rabbits that were fed high cholesterol diets and preparing casts of vasculature. These casts were imaged using the SEM and images were analyzed for cellular changes on the vascular walls. Strangest Part: Dissecting brains out of skulls. USGS Teacher Work Program- I spent a summer working with a microbiologist looking for naturally occurring microbes that could break down TCE contamination in soil. Most Tedious Part: Sterilizing everything in the autoclave and counting and counting and counting bacteria colonies! But, it was a very cool project! Pa. Governor’s School for the Life Sciences: This program was held at the PSU Hershey School of Medicine and focused on neurobiology. Teachers were invited into the various parts of the hospital and school of medicine to experience the newest findings, technologies and resources in the area of neurobiology. Grossest Part: Human cadavers, but it was awesome! FDA/NSTA Professional Development in Food Science- Sponsored by the FDA and USDA I spent a week in Washington DC research facilities learning about the issues and science behind food safety. Most Unique Part: Sticking my hand in a fistulated cow...what is this you may ask? Go to the link page and find out...it may even be worth some Extra Credit! Rainforest Ecology in the Quintana Roo Ecological Preserve. Camping on the beach, coral reefs, jungles, cool plants, howler monkeys.. Best Part? All of it!