Butterfly Lab

A Collaboration with the University of Washington

Washington Resurvey of Pierid Project (WARP)

In collaboration with Dr Lauren Buckley at University of Washington and in association with an NSF Organismal Response to Climate Change grant (Award # 2222089), Dr Gwen Shlichta leads a butterfly research lab on campus. The Biology majors series offers the opportunity for students to participate in authentic research. Students in BIOL&212 and BIOL&213 experience the entire research process and delve into the literature associated with organismal responses to climate change. Using the  cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae) as a model system, students investigate the butterfly's response to temperature changes. Students work on research in collaborative groups developing research ideas, designing and running experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results to peers, community members, and other scientists in the field. Students present their findings at the Edmonds College Undergraduate Research Symposium in June and have the opportunity to present at the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium in May.

This course-based undergraduate experience (CURE):

• Focuses on the local impacts of climate change.
• Connects you with hands-on research and teaches current research techniques and training.
• Builds students network by connecting you to the scientific community at UW and other climate change researchers.
• Exposes you to current scientific research at an R1 institution.
• Provides opportunities to continue research at UW & other labs.
• Builds your confidence and ability to do research.