Update from Jesse Taylor-Waldman '07

Jesse (l), working at a forest plot in Highstead Arboretum during summer 2007.

This past summer I worked as a forest ecology intern at Highstead Arboretum in Redding, CT. The program I was involved with was part of the Harvard Forest Summer Research in Ecology program. We were based out of the arboretum but conducted most of our field studies in the surrounding towns of Redding, Weston, and Ridgefield. Our research focused on the theme of understanding how land use history, environment and disturbance have shaped the forests of southwestern CT and it was divided into two different projects: 1) variation in regional forest composition and the distribution of invasive plant species; 2) the impact of deer on forests, particulary the regeneration of tree saplings. Over the summer we sampled over 60 forest plots, and got really good at identifying the local flora. All in all a great experience!

Currently, I'm living in Brooklyn, NY where I've been teaching 8th grade science and math at a private school called Magen David Yeshiva, since September. It's been a great experience: being able to apply my science background from Connecticut College into a teaching position. I've also started a recycling initiative at my school to recycle all waste paper and there are now paper recycling boxes in all classrooms! (February 22, 2008)