Research Projects
Current Research Projects in Biology
The Butte College Biology Faculty are passionate about Biology. One of the best ways to explore Biology and cultivate this passion is through hands on research projects. Utilizing the scientific method and troubleshooting a real project is the ideal way to deepen your understanding of the principle of Biology that you have learned in the classroom. On top of all that, research experience is a great addition to your resume. Currently the Biology department has the following ongoing research projects. Contact each project advisor to inquire about joining a research project team.
Alternatively, if your schedule is already full during the academic calendar for additional research projects, consider a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), a program organized by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Learn more about the NSF's REU program by watching this video about the research experience and Search for a Site here. Ask your favorite Butte College Biology Instructor to look over your application materials before you send them in! The MESA program at Butte College also coaches eligible students through this process as well.
Biological Wetland Educational Living Laboratory (BWELL)
The Biological Wetland Educational Living Laboratory (BWELL) is a 800-foot long Bio-Swale that was constructed on the Butte College campus in 2012 and then expanded to capture more runoff and provide additional treatment capacity in 2017. This artificial wetland filters parking lot runoff water contaminated with heavy metals, sediment, hydrocarbons, and other deleterious substances before entering Clear Creek which flows through the Butte College campus. This project has been designed and implemented by Butte College MESA students who are looking to gain experience on a real world problem. Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is an academic program that supports first generation community college students to excel in math, engineering, and science so they can transfer to four year institutions as majors in these fields. Currently accepting MESA and non-MESA students. Advisor: Mike Matiasek
Turtle Tracking
Butte College’s Main Campus, Oroville, CA, has a small population of western pond turtles (WPT), Actinemys marmorata, utilizing Clear Creek and abandoned oxidation ponds. Biology and Natural Resources students are currently assisting in a long-term project, under the direction of CDFW, with WPT capture, marking, data collection, radio telemetry, mapping, and the writing of reports. Currently accepting students. Advisors: Gary Lechner and Rick Wittsell.
Bat Research
Biology faculty member Shahroukh Mistry is currently performing research in Bat Biology. He is currently investigating bat diversity and activity in Northern California using acoustic monitoring. He is also studying the prehistoric distribution of extinct vampire bat species. Contact Shahroukh Mistry directly to find out ways to get involved in these and other related projects.
The Symbiotic Solutions Club also has a heavy research focus. Check out their page here.
