Cara Whalen, SNR graduate student, has been selected to receive an Irvin A. and Agnes E. Nelson Memorial Fellowship. The assistance provided by this fund is intended to help the recipient pay for travel expenses to attend a professional meeting for the purpose of presenting research results or other professional development opportunities.
"I was motivated to apply for the fellowship because I plan to use the funds to attend the Acoustical Society of America meeting in Indianapolis," Whalen said. "The conference will cover a wide range of topics related to acoustics – including bioacoustics – which is directly related to my thesis work."
Whalen's graduate research focuses on studying the effects of wind turbine noise on greater prairie-chickens. While at the conference, which takes place Oct. 27-31, she will present on the acoustic characteristics of greater prairie-chicken vocalizations.
"By presenting this talk, I will have the opportunity to receive feedback on my work from professionals in the field of acoustics," Whalen said. "Furthermore, the conference will also serve as a valuable opportunity to network and meet professionals. SNR students do not typically attend the Acoustical Society of America meeting, and by attending the conference I will have the opportunity to expand my horizons and increase my skill set."
Whalen plans to graduate in 2015 with a master's degree in natural resource sciences, specializing in wildlife ecology. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the fields of bird conservation and bioacoustics.
"I am thankful for being selected for the Nelson Memorial Fellowship," she said. "I enjoy being exposed to the wide variety of research that is being conducted by the many talented people of SNR. There is always something new to learn from the faculty, staff and students."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources