We are continuing our series spotlighting Temple University Ambler students as they share insights into their research and their experiences on campus.

Samuel Ikpeme is a senior in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity in the College of Science and Technology.

“What drew me to my major was a general love of nature. I was previously a computer science major but after talking with my advisors and exploring what Temple was about, I decided that making the switch to Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity was worth it for me,” he said. “With the Temple Ambler Field Station, I’ve been going out with my fellow interns to the Temple Forest Observatory (TFO), gathering data, looking at saplings, grown trees and seeds falling from the trees. We’ve also been looking at camera traps to observe the wildlife — everything involving the ecosystem of the (TFO) and nearby Robbins Park.”

According to Ikpeme, his personal project with the Field Station has focused on “how the tornado in 2021 affected the Temple Forest Observatory.”

“It went right through and wreaked a lot of havoc, but it also presented an opportunity for us to go in and see how it changed the landscape. For me in particular, I wanted to explore how it changed the pattern and behavior of the wildlife,” he said. “I’ve been using the trail cameras we have set up in TFO to monitor the wildlife and see if their movement and behavioral patterns have changed pre- and post-tornado.”

Hands-on learning, Ikpeme said, “is going to be a brand new experience for a lot of students.”

“Maybe they didn’t think they wanted that experience before or just hadn’t had the opportunity. You have the chance to connect with other interns, volunteers and the people who mentor you throughout the process,” he said. “It’s very interesting and a completely different and valuable experience than working in a classroom. I think it prepares you whatever path you decide to pursue.”  

Students gain advanced training by engaging in hands-on research internships that bring alive the excitement of science through an inquiry-based experience. Student interns work alongside researchers in the field to support ongoing projects and can develop investigations of their own.

Students interested in becoming a Field Station Research Intern, should reach out to the Temple Ambler Field Station at fieldstation@temple.edu with their name, why they are interested in working with the Field Station, current transcripts, and current resumé.  

Learn more about the Temple Ambler Field Station at https://ambler.temple.edu/fieldstation.