Drones are becoming useful tools in ecological research with their expanded viewing capabilities. The Syracuse area is becoming an important testing ground for new drone applications. This intern will be based at the Cornell Biological Field Station in Madison County just east of Syracuse on Oneida Lake. They will work with aquatic and terrestrial researchers to incorporate drones in ecological research. An underwater drone will survey fish habitat and behavior, benthic invertebrate coverage, and unique fields of manganese nodules locally known as pancakes. Aerial drones will be used to assess aquatic macrophyte coverage in nearshore habitat, bird nesting on islands, and forest canopy structure. Video content from the project will be developed into a wide range of extension materials for education and research.
