1. Curiosity-Driven Science: The in Situ Jungle Biomechanics Lab in the Amazon Rainforest
- Author
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Stupski, S. David, Ferrer, Laura Casas, Harrison, Jacob S., Jackson, Justina, Mansilla, Carolina Paucarhuanca, Livano, Loribeth Maricielo Bolo, Narla, Avaneesh, Chai, Chew, Clark, Elizabeth, Ha, Nami, Nina, Jaime Quispe, Wold, Ethan, Reyes-Quinteros, Johana, Gallice, Geoffrey, and Bhamla, Saad
- Subjects
Quantitative Biology - Other Quantitative Biology - Abstract
Field work is an essential component not just for organismal biology, but also for the expanding umbrella of disciplines which have turned their attention towards living systems. Observing organisms in naturalistic contexts is a critical component of discovery; however, conducting field research can be a massive barrier for scientists who do not have experience working with organisms in a naturalistic context under challenging field conditions. Here we propose 8 critical steps for organizing and executing interdisciplinary curiosity-driven field research, drawing on the insights from The in Situ Jungle Biomechanics Lab (JBL). The JBL program is a field research course that helps early-career scientists gain experience in organizing and conducting interdisciplinary field research. JBL uses a curiosity-driven approach to field science education by encouraging early-career researchers to explore scientific questions in the Peruvian Amazon with a non-prescriptive approach to research output. We achieve an inclusive research space by bringing scientists from across disciplines together, with local communities to collaborate and spark new questions and ideas. To stoke curiosity, the JBL imparts a naturalist tradition set forth by organismal biologists of the 20th century who have extolled the merits of observing the natural world as a form of scientific exploration.
- Published
- 2024