Butterfly Lab provides one of several unique undergraduate research opportunities at Edmonds College

Triton Visit Day at Edmonds College will take place on June 13 from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. , inviting prospective students and community members to explore the campus.

The event features an Undergraduate Research Symposium where students showcase their research on cabbage white butterflies, guided by biology instructor Dr. Gwen Shlichta. Shlichta's work focuses on the impact of climate change on this species, which serves as an indicator of ecological changes. Over 25 years ago, Shlichta began her research on these butterflies, and during the pandemic, she established a butterfly lab to engage students in hands-on research. The lab fosters collaboration among students, allowing them to develop research questions and conduct experiments.

Shlichta's collaboration with the University of Washington led to a $1. 6 million NSF grant to support undergraduate research experiences at Edmonds College. The findings from this research are critical, as they may signal broader ecological impacts affecting pollination services. This initiative highlights the importance of community college programs in providing substantial research opportunities.