Junior biotechnology major Samantha Paulus performed research with Dr. Norris during this year’s S3RP program. They traveled to western NY and followed shifts in hydrology, forest composition, and functioning after girdling trees in small forested plots to simulate an invasive pest (emerald ash borer, EAB). They also established several additional plots that are infested with the EAB in order to monitor these shifts over time as well as compare them to the simulated-EAB plots previously established. When asked what she liked most about this research, she said, “I’m trusted to work with high level equipment.” This was Samantha’s first research experience.