Meet Bryen Hobbs: A Passionate Undergraduate Biologist at Carleton
Bryen Hobbs is a final year undergraduate student in the biology program at Carleton University. He has been awarded Laura Thomas Summer Research Internship for making significant strides in the field of conservation biology. Last summer, Bryen has gained remarkable fieldwork experience while working in Dr. Christina Davy’s conservation lab, which he describes as “phenomenal” and transformative.
Fieldwork Focus: The Eastern Small-Footed Bat
Bryen with Harp Trap (designed to catch bats)
Bryen’s research centers on the Eastern Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii), a unique and elusive species native to Ontario. As the smallest bat species in the province, these bats prefer to roost in rock crevices, making them challenging to locate and study. Bryen’s work contributes to the limited knowledge about this rare species, where each small discovery enhances the understanding of their behaviors and habitats.
“I’ve always had a love for biology and nature, and working with this species has been a dream come true,” Bryen said. “The challenges of studying these bats only add to the excitement.”
A Larger Study on Bat Movements
Bryen’s research is part of a broader initiative led by Dr. Erin Stukenholtz in the Davy Lab, which investigates how bats find optimal foraging and hibernation sites, particularly for newcomers in their habitats. The study raises intriguing questions about bat behavior, such as whether they follow relatives or strangers to feeding grounds, and how social cues influence their movements.
Christina Davy, Associate Professor
“These questions are crucial for understanding the social dynamics of bat populations,” Bryen noted. “The more we learn, the better we can protect these fascinating creatures.”
To learn more, visit Davy’s Conservation Lab website.