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Millersville University students sophomore Kate Vossen and senior Evelyn Orlowski wowed attendees with their all-star presentation on their findings during owl pellet dissection at the Barn Owl Event at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian School this spring. The PennVet professionals were impressed by their “depth of knowledge, engaging delivery, and the seamless flow of their presentation.” Their academic excellence and professional poise showcased the exceptional talent and dedication nurtured at MU.
Kate Vossen is a biology major with a concentration in animal behavior. She’s from Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
Why was this project important to you?
I have always loved animals, which translated into an interest in conservation. As a kid, I loved the television show Wild Kratts; that’s where I got my start in learning about conservation. As I have gotten older, I have been lucky enough to have some truly amazing opportunities in conservation. Last summer, I participated in a conservation education internship at Elmwood Park Zoo and
wanted to continue working in this field. I was lucky enough to have an amazing academic advisor, Dr. Brent Horton, who connected me to Dr. Aaron Haines and Evelyn Orlowski and the work that they were doing and quickly started helping and later presenting with Evelyn. I think it is so important to connect some serious topics, like the conservation of disappearing and endangered animals, with fun and educational activities like dissecting owl pellets. That kind of activity can be utilized in an educational setting for people of all ages and can really help with education on conservation. I certainly didn’t expect this project to turn into such an amazing experience in conservation education, but I am so glad it did.
What’s next for you?
Going back to work at my local doggy daycare, my yearly service project working on repairing homes in Appalachia and summer class at Chincoteague Bay Field Station, Virginia, for the summer until I come back to Millersville to start my junior year. Once I am back at college, I will continue to work at our campus rock climbing course, manage the mixed martial arts club as club president, and hopefully continue and expand our work in Dr. Haines’ conservation lab.
Evelyn Orlowski is a biology major with a concentration in animal behavior. She’s from Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Why was this project important to you?
I have always enjoyed dissections as a kid. Dr. Aaron Haines informed me of the opportunity to participate in research on this project. Working with professionals in conservation has been such an amazing opportunity that I have benefited so much from. I have gained interest and motivation from industry professionals to continue diving further into the project. This project has been meaningful to me because of the opportunities to work on a real-life problem affecting barn owls and small mammal conservation in the state.
What’s next for you?
Over the summer, I will work at a local veterinarian practice and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, fostering kittens and continuing this research project by identifying the skulls to genus.
