Department of Biological Sciences
![Chimney Swifts appear on tiles on structure in Downtown Kent.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/skilton_swifts_9.png?VersionId=CxweVF0ATMWLq7ts3y4qupwS1lgP.ruH&itok=V9ND-uZT)
Since she was a child, Caitlyn Skilton, a recent graduate of the zoology program at Kent State University, has harbored a passion for ecology, with a deep love for birds of all kinds. She chose to extend this love in her undergraduate work at Kent State. On December 1, Skilton, who also minored in photojournalism, hosted a reception for her “Flight of the Chimney Swift” immersive multimedia exhibit in the Design Innovation (DI) Hub’s Blank_Lab.
![Forest photo by Robert Boyd Forest photo by Robert Boyd](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/credit%20Robert%20Boyd.jpg?VersionId=9Ms5JUD_dTNrsaFHy2A5rkuq_kDsCOae&itok=tKyIvbBd)
Kent State researchers are studying the ways that insects help in the recovery of forests.
![The Herrick Conservatory by night. The Herrick Conservatory by night.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/384554764_333422866050470_6845440941825847826_n.jpg?VersionId=AYixrG1KTkFicDuzJrs6Fv1w_Pkk3DNK&itok=hezqJ8Ui)
The greenhouses behind Cunningham Hall cast a warm glow at night.
![dung beetle in a young girl's hand](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/dungbeetlefeatured.jpg?VersionId=BNFeuOkHDPFqdFUMbHu5.AGULFXGm1b_&itok=FAIKpCw-)
Insects, including dung beetles, are essential contributors to our ecosystem, but their populations are facing alarming declines, according to recent research. Kent State University Associate Professor Christie Bahlai, Ph.D., an expert at tracking insect populations, spoke to Nebraska Public Media about the issue.
![Close up of Sydney Weber taking a photo. Close up of Sydney Weber taking a photo.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/230928-syd_RD-00019-Enhanced-NR.jpg?VersionId=.b_qd529UYlRX0trb_DCca7V2uPuU7od&itok=rtd6DA32)
Kent State senior Sydney Weber sees extraordinary images through her lens and an exciting career in her future.
![Herrick Conservatory rain barrels Herrick Conservatory rain barrels](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/220916-Greenhouse-Tour_RD-00016.jpg?VersionId=OCyMAVqkyMWs3YjkqoYv9geFsUxxNEha&itok=M1rDtsg7)
A week-long fundraising plant event on campus will benefit the Herrick Conservatory.
![Bioblitz 2023 Map Bioblitz 2023 Map](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/BioblitzMap.jpg?VersionId=2ghua4DLQRj1_TNRIQzsZoY8m22Mt9Sj&itok=MpkTzZ9d)
Bioblitz is an annual Kent State event that invites anyone to explore nature and collect data alongside a faculty expert.
![Caldwell's Neuroendocrinology and Behavior Lab Group pose for a photo in Cunningham Hall Caldwell's Neuroendocrinology and Behavior Lab Group pose for a photo in Cunningham Hall](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/89A4795C-17B1-43FF-B3F7-F9ADDF776EB6_1_105_c.jpeg?VersionId=cn8zLh3mu8Ynhs9WvutsPiXf5cjE28U9&h=38f8ec29&itok=CynFMYCQ)
![Spring Research Forum header Spring Research Forum header](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/ps%204.10.jpg?VersionId=d5GkBoYirV4v2_bkhftzM9oqrTL7Pr_a&itok=i_NW4HT-)
Kent State researchers presented their findings in the RASP Spring Research and Innovation Forum.