DSU Partners with Smithsonian National Zoo on Historic Trail Research
Source: http://www.dickinsonstate.edu/news/2026/04-april/dsu-partnership-national-zoo-research.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:24
DSU Partners with Smithsonian National Zoo on Historic Trail Research
Dickinson State University
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DSU Partners with Smithsonian National Zoo on Historic Trail Research
April 22, 2026
Related Stories
In celebration of the United States of America’s 250
th
anniversary, students from Dickinson State University’s (DSU) School of Applied Sciences
(SoAS) are gaining real
‑
world research experience through a unique partnership with the Smithsonian National
Zoo, contributing to a nationwide effort to document wildlife along the historic Lewis
and Clark Trail. Following in the footsteps of these famous explorers, a new generation
is re-surveying the trail to study changes in wildlife across America.
Under the guidance of Dr. Sarah Manka, Shawna Egli, and Dr. Colin Strine, DSU Environmental
Science and Biology students collaborated with Smithsonian scientist Brigit Rooney and
private landowners to deploy trail cameras at selected sites along the Lewis and Clark
trail. The project involved hands
‑
on training in camera placement, positioning, technical settings, and interpreting
environmental clues that indicate animal activity. Students Miranda DiBenedetto, Wesley
Isaac, and Kaleb Hamann were onsite deploying the trail cameras at the end of March,
applying classroom knowledge in a field
‑
based research setting.
After observing and assisting with the installation of the first cameras, each student
took the lead in setting up the remaining units. This approach emphasized technical
and leadership skill development, allowing students to practice decision
‑
making and problem
‑
solving in authentic research conditions.
“These experiences reflect the kind of learning that prepares students for scientific
careers,” said Dr. Manka. “Students are not just collecting data. They are learning
how to design research, work as part of a professional team, and adapt to real
‑
world challenges of fieldwork. We’ll see how the retrieval goes, as we might find
out how fast thorny bushes grow in North Dakota.”
The collaboration highlights DSU’s commitment to active, experiential learning. Throughout
the partnership, students will have participated in every stage of the research process,
from experimental design and field deployment to data collection and analysis. By
working alongside Smithsonian professionals and new collaborators, students gained
insight into how large
‑
scale scientific projects operate across institutions.
Later this spring, DSU students and faculty will return to the sites to reposition
the cameras for a new phase of data collection. Once images are captured, the photographs must
be processed. While the Smithsonian is partnering with Wildlife Instincts to handle data
management, DSU students and faculty will carefully review each photograph to confirm
animal presence and species identification.
This detailed analysis is particularly valuable for students like DiBenedetto and
Hamann, who are collecting trail camera data for their own independent undergraduate
research projects. The opportunity provides direct experience with skills essential
for careers in environmental science and ecology such as data verification and wildlife
identification.
The DSU and Smithsonian collaboration is part of a larger national initiative tied
to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The Lewis and Clark Trail Resurvey project seeks to
document the wildlife species that still roam freely along the historic expedition
route. Cameras are being installed across the entire length of the trail throughout
2026, bringing together public institutions, private organizations, and community
scientists to create a comprehensive photographic record of North American wildlife.
For DSU students, participation in this project represents more than a research opportunity – it
is a chance to contribute to a nationally significant scientific effort while building
skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Tags
School of Applied Sciences
earth and environmental sciences
biology
©
Dickinson State University
Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
Skip to footer content
News
DSU Partners with Smithsonian National Zoo on Historic Trail Research
April 22, 2026
Related Stories
In celebration of the United States of America’s 250
th
anniversary, students from Dickinson State University’s (DSU) School of Applied Sciences
(SoAS) are gaining real
‑
world research experience through a unique partnership with the Smithsonian National
Zoo, contributing to a nationwide effort to document wildlife along the historic Lewis
and Clark Trail. Following in the footsteps of these famous explorers, a new generation
is re-surveying the trail to study changes in wildlife across America.
Under the guidance of Dr. Sarah Manka, Shawna Egli, and Dr. Colin Strine, DSU Environmental
Science and Biology students collaborated with Smithsonian scientist Brigit Rooney and
private landowners to deploy trail cameras at selected sites along the Lewis and Clark
trail. The project involved hands
‑
on training in camera placement, positioning, technical settings, and interpreting
environmental clues that indicate animal activity. Students Miranda DiBenedetto, Wesley
Isaac, and Kaleb Hamann were onsite deploying the trail cameras at the end of March,
applying classroom knowledge in a field
‑
based research setting.
After observing and assisting with the installation of the first cameras, each student
took the lead in setting up the remaining units. This approach emphasized technical
and leadership skill development, allowing students to practice decision
‑
making and problem
‑
solving in authentic research conditions.
“These experiences reflect the kind of learning that prepares students for scientific
careers,” said Dr. Manka. “Students are not just collecting data. They are learning
how to design research, work as part of a professional team, and adapt to real
‑
world challenges of fieldwork. We’ll see how the retrieval goes, as we might find
out how fast thorny bushes grow in North Dakota.”
The collaboration highlights DSU’s commitment to active, experiential learning. Throughout
the partnership, students will have participated in every stage of the research process,
from experimental design and field deployment to data collection and analysis. By
working alongside Smithsonian professionals and new collaborators, students gained
insight into how large
‑
scale scientific projects operate across institutions.
Later this spring, DSU students and faculty will return to the sites to reposition
the cameras for a new phase of data collection. Once images are captured, the photographs must
be processed. While the Smithsonian is partnering with Wildlife Instincts to handle data
management, DSU students and faculty will carefully review each photograph to confirm
animal presence and species identification.
This detailed analysis is particularly valuable for students like DiBenedetto and
Hamann, who are collecting trail camera data for their own independent undergraduate
research projects. The opportunity provides direct experience with skills essential
for careers in environmental science and ecology such as data verification and wildlife
identification.
The DSU and Smithsonian collaboration is part of a larger national initiative tied
to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The Lewis and Clark Trail Resurvey project seeks to
document the wildlife species that still roam freely along the historic expedition
route. Cameras are being installed across the entire length of the trail throughout
2026, bringing together public institutions, private organizations, and community
scientists to create a comprehensive photographic record of North American wildlife.
For DSU students, participation in this project represents more than a research opportunity – it
is a chance to contribute to a nationally significant scientific effort while building
skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Tags
School of Applied Sciences
earth and environmental sciences
biology
©