Matthew Springer College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Dr. Matthew Springer is an Assistant Extension Professor of Wildlife Management in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Springer's research interests include wildlife damage management, human wildlife interactions, wildlife ecology, habitat use and management, and conservation biology.
In the last year, Dr. Springer mentored three undergraduate students involved in research projects with several more acting as interns for other projects. "I enjoy working with the individual students and watching them grow into future scientists in their own right," Springer stated. While he was an undergraduate student, Dr. Springer had "several projects that were class related but required a substantial amount of out-of-classroom time and fieldwork that gave me that research experience and drive to be where I am today." His experience with wonderful advisors inspired his education and mentoring style and explained, "the joy that appears on students' faces when a goal is accomplished or when they get to participate in the wildlife related fieldwork they have been dreaming about for years is really what I enjoy the most."
The research process is a valuable learning experience for undergraduates that offers lasting influence as students prepare for professional service. When approached by undergraduate students who are interested in research, Dr. Springer appreciates students with the following qualities: a genuine interest in the wildlife field, responsible and dependable student/worker, a willingness to try and learn on their own but willing to ask questions when they get stuck, and also a student who can complete tasks on schedule. If a student is considering undergraduate research, Dr. Springer encourages them to talk to their professors and advisors about potential research opportunities, "See if you can get them to talk about what their research involves." He also urges students to ask questions, "why are they doing [research], what opportunities exist within the job markets relating to this research, and are there opportunities to get involved and what would that entail?"
Thank you, Dr. Springer for your unwavering support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your dedication this week as our Faculty Mentor of the Week.