Student Activities

To enhance student and early career professional experiences, students participated in planning GARD 2022. This student-led committee also planned various fun and professionally rewarding activities, which are outlined below. Students represent over half of the presenters at the 2022 GARD Conference. We are excited to see this level of interest and engagement by early career professionals!

08/04/2022

Welcome Social: On Thursday, August 4 students can enjoy heavy appetizers and a few free beverages at Zoo Knoxville with other conference attendees. Transportation to and from Zoo Knoxville will be provided by the conference. Buses will leave from the UT Conference Center between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. At Zoo Knoxville, students can enjoy the new Amphibian and Reptile Center (where the social is located), and the rest of the zoo. Zoo Knoxville staff have also offered to provide a few surprise experiences for conference attendees!

08/06/2022

Seven Islands Student Field Trip: On Saturday, August 6 students who registered for the Seven Islands field trip will have the opportunity to participate in a BioBlitz at one of Knoxville’s local treasures. Seven Islands is a birding park located just 30 minutes from the conference center in Kodak, TN. This 416-acre park is home to several wetland and stream habitats which support diverse amphibian and reptile communities. The park features more than 8 miles of trails for visitors to explore. Seven Islands is renowned for the numerous species of birds observed at the site (190 and counting). Park personnel have given us permission to perform a BioBlitz, where participants will document amphibian and reptile species observed throughout the park! Transportation to and from the park will be provided by the conference. All students wanting to participate in the survey will be provided nitrile gloves and be asked to disinfect footwear and other materials prior to and following the event. Vans will meet participants at the Hilton at 5:00-5:15 to transport participants to the park. Vans will leave the park at sunset to return to the conference hotel. If you are not registered for this even and want to participate, please contact Davis Carter (ecarte27@utk.edu).

08/07/2022

Ijams Student Field Trip: On Sunday, August 7 student who registered for the Ijams Nature Center field trip will have another opportunity to see some local herps and participate in a BioBlitz. Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre wildlife sanctuary located just 10 minutes from the conference center. This natural area features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails which wind themselves through the remnants of marble quarries that once were a major part of Knoxville’s economy. The mixture of man-made, and natural features has created an interesting landscape that supports numerous amphibian and reptile species. Students joining this trip can participate in another BioBlitz, enjoy a nice hike, paddleboard, or

go for a swim in Mead’s quarry. Transportation to and from the conference hotel will be provided. Participants can meet at the Hilton between 5:00-5:15 for departure. Vans will return at sunset. If you are not registered for this even and want to participate, please contact Davis Carter (ecarte27@utk.edu).

08/08/2022

Poster Session and Student-Professional Mixer: Students attending the GARD conference in person will have the opportunity to present posters or view posters created by their peers on Monday, 8 August. During the poster session, complimentary refreshments provided by several local craft breweries will be available. The social and poster session will be held in the 4th floor atrium at the conference center.

Students attending the conference virtually can participate on Gather Town. The GARD conference will be hosting virtual poster presentations and a social on Gather Town which will hopefully function much like an in-person conference gathering does. Participants can get a sneak peek of the GARD Gather Town space by visiting this link. Please email Davis Carter (ecarte27@utk.edu) if you have questions regarding the virtual meeting.

08/09/2022

Presentation Awards Ceremony and Social: On Tuesday, 9 August, the GARD conference will be holding an awards ceremony to recognize graduate and undergraduate students who won one of the several award categories. The award ceremony will be held in Room 413 at the UT conference center. Students who are recognized for their outstanding presentations will receive a monetary award as well as a certificate. Refreshments including local craft beer will be available.