Beaver Island class ‘unbelievable experience’ for group of six students

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Summer exists for many as a chance to pursue creative endeavors, save money, or simply relax during the few precious weeks that lie between spring and fall semester chaos.

However, for the select number of students who take their books, rain boots and adventurous spirits to the Central Michigan University Biological Station on Beaver Island, it means research and a lot of work.

“I would tell anyone that they have to go,” said CMU alumna Tiffany Makowski. “It is an unbelievable experience.”

Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island, often referred to as “America’s Emerald Isle”, rests 32 miles Northwest of Charlevoix. It is comprised of several inland lakes and marshes in addition to a small settled region where approximately 600 people reside year-round and hundreds of others opt to vacation. The CMU Biological Station is situated on the island and provides resources and equipment to conduct undergraduate courses in biological sciences and globally relevant research projects.

Although undergraduate students are invited each summer to complete various Biology courses on the island for credit, this year an undergraduate research program was also conducted. Nearly 40 students from seven institutions applied to participate in this summer research program, but only six students were accepted for the 10-week program.

“All of the students who applied were extremely well qualified and highly motivated and enthusiastic, so it wasn’t easy to select just six,” said Jane Matty, associate dean of science and technology.

The intensive program focused on eight topics including dispersal behavior in dragonflies and the nesting behavior of Caspian terns, a type of seabird. The summer program provided a unique opportunity for those accepted to gain professional, hands-on experience in their intended fields.

“Students often rise early so they can get to their field sites to collect samples or make measurements at first light,” Matty said. “Doing scientific research is a full-time job, so these students typically work many hours each day though not necessarily on a fixed schedule.”

Former participant Rosie Wagner agreed with Matty regarding the work required of students.

“Learning (on Beaver Island) is hands-on and creative,” Wagner said. “Everyone on the island, including students, teachers and the Beaver Island residents, make up a whole community.”