2025 Internship Project Overview

We worked at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), studying yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) in a high-elevation alpine environment. Starting in 1962, the RMBL Marmot project has over 64 years of data on these mammals and is one of the longest-running continuous studies on mammals in the world. Working alongside other undergraduate and graduate students, we recorded hours of observational data and handled trapping and processing the marmots. In addition to recording over 300 hours of social behavioral observations, we collected biological samples which we later processed in the lab. This intensive fieldwork experience allowed us to learn extensively, and with hands-on experience, the work that goes into ensuring the ethical trapping practices that comply with IACUC and environmental considerations.

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

vonHoldt Lab, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University

LOCATION

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado

 

Interns

Hannah Mulligan ’27
Major: Economics
Minor(s): Environmental Studies, Finance
"This was an unforgettable experience. I gained hands-on experience with animal handling, data collection and research teamwork, and saw firsthand how long-term studies are built. It was challenging and incredibly rewarding, and made me even more excited to explore behavioral ecology."
Pei Xiao Wu ’28
Major: Operations Research and Financial Engineering
Minor(s): Visual Arts
"Working in the marmot lab honed my skills with handling animals, collecting observational data and effective communication in a high stress environment. This unforgettable experience has made me more excited to explore the bounds of what long term studies contribute."

Click to view the end-of-project presentation

 

Bridgett vonHoldt
Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Mentors

  • Dan Blumstein, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Katie Adler, Ph.D. Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA
  • Taylor Bastian, Ph.D. Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA
  • Augustin Birot, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biology, University of Ottawa
  • Julien Martin, Associate Professor, University of Ottawa