In early September Dan Hernandez (Biology) 
was awarded $184,021 for a Research Initiation Grant to Broaden Participation in Biology (RIG BP) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). His project, “RIG: Aboveground and belowground effects of multi-species herbivory across a successional gradient in tallgrass prairie” will mentor undergraduate researchers and develop a new lab exercise in his Ecosystem Ecology course. The field and laboratory research in the Carleton Arboretum involves studying the effects of mammalian herbivory on insect communities in tallgrass prairie. The project will also develop K-12 outreach activities in collaboration with arboretum staff.