DuBOIS, Pa. — Karter Witmer, a wildlife technology graduate and third-year wildlife and fisheries science major at Penn State DuBois, was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Penn State University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award for the DuBois campus.

Witmer’s research was funded with an undergraduate research grant awarded through Penn State's student engagement network. His work focuses on the use of white versus red light during banding operations of the northern saw-whet owl and reviews the impacts the light has on behaviors upon release. He presented his findings to the campus community during the undergraduate research presentations held on April 20 at the PAW Center.

The University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award is given out at research exhibitions and symposia across the commonwealth and recognizes undergraduate research that showcases accomplished and exemplary information literacy skills.

“Conducting my undergraduate research project has been one of the best experiences of my early professional career,” Witmer said. “I had no idea it would evolve into an experience with grants, professional conference presentations and research awards when I first worked with my adviser to make a research plan. The experience has taught me the power of research and communication, and how one is nothing without the other.”

Witmer also had the opportunity to share his research during the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies' annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, which was co-hosted in Hershey this year by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The annual conference brings together over 500 natural resources professionals in the fields of wildlife biology, fisheries and fisheries management, outreach and education, and law enforcement. The event provides opportunities for education, discussion and exchanging of ideas, according to the conference website.

During the conference, Witmer received the 2023 Pennsylvania Chapter of the Wildlife Society Felbaum Award. Awarded to one individual each year, the Frank Felbaum Scholarship was established by Frank Felbaum, longtime director of Pennsylvania’s Wild Resource Conservation Program and conservationist. The scholarship is a one-time $500 award intended to assist outstanding students who are pursuing a career in the wildlife field. Witmer is the fourth Penn State DuBois student to win the award, joining Nicky Leigey, Sean Lauer and Makayla Whaling, alumni who won in 2015, 2018 and 2020, respectively. 

“The research, professional society awards and campus awards I have received this year validate the work I have been putting into my early professional career,” Witmer said. “These awards and my joy collecting data confirms to me I am in the right field, and I have the means to positively and significantly contribute to it.”

In addition, Witmer was also honored with the Eric A. and Josephine Walker Award and the Wildlife Society Club member of the year award during the annual awards banquet at Penn State DuBois in April.

“Karter’s contribution to our campus cannot be overstated,” said Keely Roen, associate teaching professor of wildlife technology. “He possesses a rare combination of traits: a kind demeanor, curious nature and exceptional academic and field skills. I was fortunate enough to attend the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference with him and, if his presentation there was any indication, he will be extremely successful in the future.”