Fall research is already underway at Keystone College, with students stepping into the field just one week into the new semester.
During the first week of the Fall 2026 semester, senior capstone research student Alexis Warner headed into the South Branch of Tunkhannock Creek to begin a study of the crayfish populations found on the Keystone College campus.
Working alongside Dr. Joe Iacovazzi, Warner is sampling multiple sections of the creek to examine crayfish biodiversity, abundance, and body size. During each sampling session, crayfish are identified, measured, and documented before being safely returned to the stream.
The project is part of Warner’s senior capstone research experience and provides an opportunity to engage directly in the research process. From collecting field data to analyzing results and ultimately communicating findings, students gain experience with the methods and skills used by scientists in the field.
Research opportunities like this are a hallmark of the Keystone College experience. With its streams, forests, fields, and other natural resources, the campus serves as a living laboratory where students can take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings.
And this is just the beginning. With the Fall 2026 semester only one week underway, Keystone students are already getting to work on research that allows them to explore questions, collect meaningful data, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world right here on campus.
