Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center
banner
harriscentereco.bsky.social
Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center
@harriscentereco.bsky.social
The Harris World Ecology Center, housed within the Department of Biology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, promotes research, education, and outreach in biodiversity conservation.

https://linktr.ee/harriscentereco
Hey UMSL Students! Interested in attending a biology or conservation workshop or conference? Reach out to the Harris Center team. We’d love to explore how we can help make it happen.

📸 Dr. Jalene LaMontagne

#HWEC #UMSL#GradSchool #Biology #Ecology #Conservation #ProfessionalDevelopment #ESA
August 15, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Our Director, Dr. Aimee Dunlap, is a big fan of the rosy maple moth. With a wingspan of 1 to 2 inches, these pink-and-yellow beauties are the smallest of the silk moths.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite Missouri moth? Drop your pick in the comments. Bonus points if you tell us why!
July 21, 2025 at 9:53 PM
You all did amazing work, UMSL undergrads!! Special shoutout to Taylor, who, alongside grad student Becky Hansis-O’Neill and Dr. Aimee Dunlap, won an award for her research on bees and caffeine!

📸 Becky Hansis-O'Neill

#HWEC #UMSL #Undergraduate #Behavior #Evolution #Ecology #Biology #Research #STL
May 6, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Though the interview took place last year, its message remains just as vital today. Check out his beautifully stated message in the link in our bio.

📸 E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation

#HWEC #HermannWorldEcologyAward #Biodiversity #HarrisonFord #EOWilson
April 2, 2025 at 1:41 PM
These two friends and monoliths in their respective fields were champions of the same cause. Both men previously visited St. Louis to stand with the Harris Center and promote the work of our students while bringing awareness to the importance of conservation biology.
April 2, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Check out Soren's full story by clicking the link in our bio!

#hwec #UMSL #umslproud #STL #biology #ecology #gradschool #fish #evolution #extremeenvironments #caves #research #Mexico
February 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
In addition to receiving the prestigious R. C. Lewontin Early Award, Soren was also awarded a research grant from the Harris Center. UMSL students, applications for the next round of research grants awarded from the Harris Center will be due the first Monday in March!
February 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
If you’re an UMSL biology student interested in conservation ecology and want to attend a conference or workshop, the Harris Center can help support your journey. Reach out to us!

#HWEC #UMSLProud #STL #ResearchInAction #undergraduate #gradstudent #research #ecology #biology #biodiversity
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Graduate students Becky and Addy also presented their research, adding to the Harris Center’s strong representation at the conference. From everything we’ve heard, it was an incredible experience for all of our students.
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
He reflected on the experience:

"The conference was a great experience for me because it encouraged me to present my research again at other conferences. I was surprised at how people interact with each other in this type of event. It was very professional while welcoming as well."
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Undergraduate student Tim, who has been working on research funded by the Harris Center, also presented his work through a poster session to an interested crowd.
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
It was exciting to see all of the directions my educational journey in biology can bring me, and I'm looking forward to attending more conferences in the future." - Maddie
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
"It was my first conference, and I learned a lot about how they work. It was a great networking opportunity, and I learned about several internships that I can apply for...
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Undergraduate student Maddie, who has been collaborating with one of our graduate students on a long-term project, attended her first conference. She was thrilled to see research she’s contributed to being presented and to witness the audience's engagement and positive feedback.
January 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM

🌿 Fun fact: In high school, he built his own greenhouse for growing tropical plants! With a self-regulating control system he installed before college, it’s still thriving 20 years later.

Learn more about the Marchant lab through the link in our bio!
January 22, 2025 at 7:17 PM