05/26/2026
Flashback to OAS April Events: Student Wildlife Research Symposium (SWRS)
This inspiring, career-connected annual event showcasing student research focused on wildlife and natural resource issues was held during the Annual Conference of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO) at Shawnee State Park on April 9, 2026. Students shared their research through podium presentations and poster sessions, networked with peers and wildlife professionals from ODNR Division of Wildlife, and viewed a variety of fish from the Ohio River provided by the Ohio River Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) in their Life Below the Waterline traveling freshwater aquarium.
Pulling it all together was the keynote by Jordan Skates, Manager, Appalachian Hills/Wolf Creek Wildlife Areas for the Division of Wildlife. Jordan had been a student presenter at the 2018 SWRS and a multi-year participant in OAS Science Days. She shared how impactful experiential learning and networking were in influencing her career and how they continue to shape her career success. . Kudos to all the students and teachers for their participation in this wonderful event!