Blogger Profile: Susanne Marczak
Susanne Marczak is a research technician for the Applied Animal Ecology Division of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research and also assists with administration of the Cocha Cashu Biological Station in the Peruvian Amazon. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with degrees in ecology, behavior and evolution (B.S.) and economics (B.A.). Throughout the year she provides support for a variety of local research projects but works primarily on efforts to restore grassland habitat through the reintroduction of California ground squirrels.
Citizen Science: Engaging People in Conservation Research
Citizen science is an extremely vital component of the work that we do here at the Institute. Without our many passionate volunteers who assist with data collection and entry, we would not be able to conduct research at the same magnitude that we currently realize. read more
Muddy Days in the Soil Lab
During the spring and summer, I worked on a team to collect soil samples from grassland habitats around San Diego County to create a habitat suitability model for California ground squirrels. Why do we care about ground squirrels and where they live? read more
Squirrels: There’s No Place Like Home
Ground squirrels serve as “ecosystem engineers,” building intricate burrow systems, clearing large amounts of vegetation, and serving as anti-predator sentinels for some species. They also play the role of dinner, too! read more
A New Nature
I grew up in a very different place than San Diego; I was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, where towns were smaller and times seemed simpler, and seeking entertainment outdoors was the standard. Nintendo hadn’t yet been invented, car phones were the next big thing, and nobody could have imagined that something like the Internet could ever exist. read more
