Via the National Science Foundation, I again found a Research Experience for Undergraduates to further my research education. This internship was at Miami University, Ohio. I conducted research trying to elucidate the means by which an invasive spider species, Pholcus manueli, was successfully displacing the established spider species, Pholcus phalangioides. I tested the hypothesis that via direct competition, the size and motivation difference between the spiders gives the invasive an advantage. After measuring the spiders, I placed an invasive and established spider in a small container together. After a predetermined time, I removed the spider and returned them to their own containers. Unlike my previous experiences, here I worked with a large group of graduate and undergraduate students and furthered research that was already ongoing. Though I did work on my own research project, I spent a lot of time helping others with their own projects. I learned the importance of teamwork in research. Having people willing to help, makes everything a lot easier and enjoyable. I had previously found my research experiences to be intellectually stimulating, this was really the first time I found pleasure in what I was doing. At the end of the summer I presented my research for the department, and other interested professors. I have since also presented my research at the MNSU URS and the Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference (Dissemination 1-3)
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