Student Spotlight: Ethan Hammer


Ethan Hammer
Wildland Resources
Contact: ethan.hammer@aggiemail.usu.edu

 

Each year the Office of Research chooses a few of our many exemplary Undergraduate Research Fellows to be Spotlight Students. We interview these students to learn more about their experiences as researchers and as undergraduate students at USU.

Ethan Hammer is studying Conservation & Wildlife Ecology in the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources. Ethan has been involved in research since his freshman year at USU, has received an Undergraduate Research & Creative Opportunities grant, has already presented at numerous conferences, and is a Goldwater Scholar.

About You

Q: What is your name and where are you from?

A: I’m Ethan Hammer and I’m from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Q: What are your interests outside of school and your research?

A: Essentially anything outdoors! I love to climb, backpack, and canyoneer with my brother.

Q: What is one fun fact about you?

A: My favorite tree is the bristlecone pine!

Your Studies and Research

Q: What are you studying?

A: I am studying conservation ecology, wildlife ecology, and a little bit of statistics.

Q: What is the focus of your research?

A: My Cedar Breaks National Monument wildlife project focuses on updating the park’s species list and improving remote camera methods to better detect small mammals, some of which can be climate change indicating species. My current research project, which is with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, focuses on determining the presence and abundance of the threatened Northern Mexican Gartersnake at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Q: What is your favorite part of your research?

A: My research has provided me opportunities to grow valuable connections with passionate and knowledgeable mentors, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Q: When did you know what you wanted to study?

A: Around the start of my senior year in high school.

Q: What led you to Utah State?

A: Pretty much everything. Utah State has a great college of natural resources, a wonderful campus, is quite inexpensive, and is in a beautiful location.

A Typical Day

Q: Describe a typical day in the lab/field.

A: Each field day begins with applying sunscreen and driving to a remote location. Next follows a hike or wade to cameras or traps. At a site, I download or record captures in the project database. This process is repeated many times during a field day. Most field days end with sharing the day’s summary with my mentor.

Q: What skills or expertise do you have/are you growing through your research?

A: From my past research endeavors, I gained a solid set of hard skills. I am currently working to grow my soft/peopling skills.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Logan/Utah State?

A: I love the greenery that engulfs Logan and Utah State. Whether riparian vegetation along the Logan river or the monkey puzzle tree outside the library, every moment outside is delightful.

Q: What has been a valuable USU resource for you and your research?

A: The Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant Program. This program has given my research an opportunity to improve through feedback and funding.

Mentor

Q: Who is your mentor?

A: Dr. Nicki Frey.

Q: How did they become your mentor?

A: Nicki was initially my supervisor for an internship I had at Cedar Breaks National Monument. After talking to the park’s natural resource manager regarding a data gap, I asked Nicki about working together on the project.

Q: What do you like about the collaboration process?

A: I love the learning that comes from the collaboration process. Through sharing thoughts and ideas, I have been able to learn and grow as a researcher and a person.

Q: What is one valuable thing that research has taught you?

A: Research has taught me that relationships are tremendously valuable. Having a good relationship with mentors and fellow researchers can positively impact your research and your personal life.

Do you have any advice for new research students here at Utah State?

Utah State University is a research institution, therefore USU staff are rigorously involved in research and are wanting to help you research what you are passionate about. Whether you need guidance, funding, or a new project, reach out! If you don’t know with who to start, connect to the Office of Research.