Faculty Spotlights
Faculty Spotlight: Joe Jacquot, Biology
What are your undergraduate research mentor experiences?
Student Scholars Day, Faculty Advisor, Michigan Space Grant
Would you briefly explain the focus of some of the most recent research you have mentored students in?
My research is in collaboration with Prof. Paul Keenlance and we have two main areas of current interest. First, we have been studying the reintroduced population of American marten in the Manistee National Forest to estimate their population size, habitat use, reproduction, and dispersal behaviors. Second, we are studying the prevalence of raccoon roundworm in the local area, a parasite that can infect many mammals and birds, including humans.
Why is mentoring undergraduate research an important component of your work?
I view undergraduate research as focused teaching, instead of having a large number of students in a classroom you’re working with a small number of highly motivated students in an immersive research intensive experience. My undergraduate research experience led directly to the work I carried out for my graduate studies and over the years I’ve observed that students seeking research experience are doing so because they see its direst reliance to the career path they are interested in pursuing.
If a student is interested in your field of research, what are some suggestions or tips you might share with them to help them get more involved and/or better prepared to engage in this type of research?
First, investigate faculty research interests to identify those faculty whose work is most interesting to you. Second, do some literature searching in the area of your interest and attend department seminars. Third, approach faculty about the possibility of carrying out research in their lab. It would be ideal if you came with ideas or questions about their work. If this does not pan out look for other possible research opportunities (e.g., AWRI, VAI, REU programs). Your academic advisor should be able to assist you in your specific discipline as well as the individuals you approach about research.
Who are some of your previous mentees, and what are they doing now?
Rebecca Norris – Ecologist at Michigan Natural Features Inventory; Tamara Hillman – finishing M.S. in Biology at GVSU; Melissa Cannan – working on M.S. in Biology at GVSU; Michael Rossi – working on M.S. in Biology at GVSU; Michelle DeMuro – pursuing a career in marine animal training.
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