UGA Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

Physalis angulata, or the Cutleaf Ground Cherry, is a plant well-suited to sunny, disturbed soils along fields and roadsides. Its small, edible fruits are enclosed in distinctive, papery husks, providing natural protection as they develop. This plant is able to thrive in challenging habitats. #Botany #NativePlants #EnvironmentalScience #UGASREL #Research #Education #Academia #Plants

This common musk turtle hatchling seems to be starting its journey with a little smile. The common musk turtle, native to the eastern United States, thrives in quiet, shallow waters with abundant vegetation. Primarily nocturnal, it forages for seeds, snails, and algae, contributing to the ecosystem in subtle ways. Known for its musky odor as a defense mechanism, this turtle also possesses an unexpected climbing ability, sometimes observed resting in trees. Despite its resilience, the species faces threats from water pollution and habitat loss, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these aquatic environments. #Turtle #MuskTurtle #UGASREL #Research #Herpetology #Ecology

The Red-Banded Fungus Beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) is an often-overlooked decomposer that feeds on polypore fungi, a group of fungi found on decaying trees. By consuming these fungi, the beetle aids in the breakdown and recycling of nutrients within forest ecosystems. This species is particularly adapted to forested regions, where it plays a role in nutrient cycling. #Forests #Beetles #Bugs #Insects #Decay #Decomposition #November #RedBandedFungusBeetle #UGASREL

Sceloporus undulatus, or the Eastern Fence Lizard, is a standout member of the Southeast's wildlife. With its rough, spiny scales, it's the only lizard in Georgia and South Carolina with this unique texture. Found mainly in open forests, these lizards contribute to a balanced ecosystem by feeding on insects and other invertebrates. Males are known for their vivid blue markings during breeding season, adding a splash of color to their rugged appearance. #EasternFenceLizard #Lizard #UGASREL #Wildlife #Herpetologist #Research #Ecology #Reptile

#MeetTheSRELTeam – ✨ Jacqueline Jacot ✨ Jacqueline is originally from Austin, Texas, and has been with SREL for one year as the lab manager for the Aubrey lab. 🎓 Where did you attend college and what degrees have you earned? I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and my master’s degree in (deep breath) Quantitative Methods in Biodiversity, Conservation, & Epidemiology from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. I also did a summer program on sustainable energy at Reykjavik University and a virtual course in radioecology from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. 🌲 What’s your favorite thing about working at the lab and why? My work often involves a lot of planning and coordinating, but I also work on a long-standing project studying the phytoremediation of tritium contamination using pine trees. The remediation of radiopollution is a topic I’m deeply interested in, and working on my research project excites me even when it isn’t going smoothly. 🧗 Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, reading, playing video games with my fiancé, and relaxing with my cat, Curie. 💡 What advice would you give to an aspiring student interested in research? Foster a sense of tenacity. Rejections, mistakes, and unexpected setbacks happen all the time in research—to everyone. It’s important not to let these moments keep you down for long if you truly want to pursue something. #UGASREL #EnvironmentalScience #ResearchJourney #Phytoremediation #MeetTheTeam #Research

Just a reminder that even in the corporate wilderness, sometimes you've got to show up as unapologetically spooky as this opossum. 👻  Bringing that 'wildly' unexpected energy to the office this Halloween! 🎃 Huge shout out to our very own Amanda Hurst for capturing this cute image! #Halloween #CuteAnimals #Opossum #Ecology

Science Article Alert - Dr. Xiaoyu Xu recently released an article on a novel approach of using biochar as a way to mitigate the effects of mercury on ecosystems during flooding events! Check out the whole article here --> https://lnkd.in/eNrZaccv The photo below is courtesy of Dr. Valentine Nzengung. It shows a sulfur-modified rice hull as viewed by a scanning electron microscope. #biochar #ecosystems #environmentalscience #ScienceIntheNews #ecology #environment #science #mercury

SREL had an exciting time at the 39th Annual SEED STEM Festival, where our theme centered on decomposers and scavengers. Our beetle exhibit attracted curious minds interested in nature’s recyclers, while our composting and fungi displays highlighted the essential roles of decomposers. Our avian ambassadors offered guests a unique look at some of the scavengers that help maintain balance in our environment. Events like SEED are crucial in inspiring future scientists and raising awareness about the importance of these often-overlooked organisms. #STEMeducation #ScienceOutreach #UGASREL #Decomposers #Scavengers #SEED #USCA #STEM #Outreach #USCAiken

Stumpy reminded us that alligators can communicate too. The constant movement of a forklift seemed to trigger his deep bellow, which reverberated through the water. This fascinating behavior is a way for alligators to communicate size, with larger gators producing deeper sounds. Alligators like Stumpy use these bellows to assert dominance and communicate territory without needing to engage in direct conflict. It's a prime example of how wildlife uses vocalizations for non-verbal communication. #UGASREL #Alligator #AlligatorBellow #Gators #Ecology #Research #Gators🐊

Tree sap is responsible for moving essential nutrients and water from the roots to every part of the tree. 🌳 Xylem sap delivers water and minerals, while phloem sap carries sugars and hormones to nourish growth. It’s fascinating to see how essential these processes are for a tree’s survival. And while maple syrup comes from sap, remember that not all sap is edible! 🍁 #Ecology #TreeHealth #TreeSap #Sap #UGASREL #TreeSapFrost #TreeSapConcentrates #Trees #Syrup #Resin #SapWood