USTF Student Jesse Wong Presents Research at the Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting 2019

I recently had the opportunity to present a long-term research project that Dr. Changwoo Ahn's lab has been working on for the past seven years at the Society for Wetland Scientists on June 29th-31st. During my time at the conference, I had the opportunity to overhear several different symposiums examining the various ways scientists and environmental businesses integrate science and technology in preserving wetland ecosystems. I also had the opportunity to connect with professionals and graduate students across the world ranging from here at home with researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to scientists presenting their projects all the way from China and Nigeria! At the end of the day, I had the chance to talk about the research that I have conducted with other folks in Dr. Ahn's lab examining how wetland ecosystems are affected by planting diversity and nutrient enrichment. It was both interesting and humbling to talk about our research as scientists both appreciated the work that the has done as well as asked some of us very difficult questions that none of us knew the answer to. One of the moments that stood out was when one scientist came up to our poster and started to ask about the infrastructure behind the wetland with the desire to replicate it in her lab in the North. It showed me how special this long-term project is and what potential it could bring to the scientific community. Overall, the experience was extremely rewarding with the connections that I have made and very inspiring to hear about what we as a scientific community are doing to preserve our wetlands. 

USTF Student Emma Wright Performs with her Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City

The trip was great! I sit here today reminiscing about this trip: the bustling streets of New York, the powerful sound of multiple choirs put together, and the glorious stage that we performed on. The opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall was made possible because of the University. As a musician, I know how important it is to have a lot of experiences. Experiences shape the delivery of the pieces we sing and play. The opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall made a trip with my choir into the chance of a lifetime. I had a lot of fun with my friends in the city and learned about many things both musically and personally. For example, how to strengthen your connections to those you perform with. I have learned a lot more about my friends than I had in the past, we'd sit together on the big rock in Central Park and tell each other stories or eat ice cream together as we sit near the fountain at night, without a care in the world. I believe it was these moments that brought us closer together, connecting the experiences we had with each other, to the music we made together. I have made worthwhile memories that will last a lifetime.