I am so excited to introduce to you our first featured scientist as part of our series “Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades”: Jake Bonello. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Society (Biology Focus) from Eastern Michigan University, where I had the privilege of studying with him. He currently works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service maintaining and improving the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge which is a wonderful stopover for waterfowl and worth visiting! Here’s a little bit about Jake from his own keyboard (notes from me in green):
What first sparked your interest in science?
My love for the outdoors as a kid. Playing in the mud isn’t just something I did for fun, it was a learning experience that helped me learn the fundamentals about wildlife, wetlands, and getting down and dirty in the name of exploration.
Describe your research in laymen’s terms:
My main focus is the restoration of Great Lakes coastal wetlands by managing invasive species, mainly plants. I spend my summer mapping their distribution, and my early falls treating Phragmites australis to try and bring about the highest biodiversity possible. (Invasive plants crowd out native plants and form big thick stands called monocultures which decrease diversity. We remove invasive plants to increase diversity which also increases the types of animals that can use the area for habitat). This provides stop-over habitat for wildlife on Western Lake Erie’s shoreline, and it’s within an hour’s drive for seven million people. (Hint: So go visit and marvel at all of the plant and animal diversity in your own backyard!)
What are your hopes/plans for your scientific future?
To continue working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in a more permanent capacity.
What do you think is the most important thing for the general public to know about science?
Habitat creation can happen in your own backyard! Refuges are nice, but don’t underestimate the power of green space in the middle of an urban environment. (Check out future posts from Seth about how to create green spaces in your yard!)
What non-scientific interests do you have?
Hunting and fishing are my two longest running interests, but I have recently taken up wildlife photography and that has become a true passion.
References for any scientific publications:
This link will take you to yearly reports from the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Annual Reports. These reports contain maps of areas affected by invasive species along the Detroit River and Lake Erie’s Western border as well as treatment reports and plans for each year since the project began. Jake has been instrumental in not only treating these invasive species, but in mapping them for these reports as well.
