KOUNTZE, Texas — A Rice University biologist who researches the Big Thicket shared science with Kountze High School students this month.
Dr. Scott Solomon presented his research on ants in the Big Thicket area and other countries throughout Latin America on Jan. 22, Kountze High School said in a news release.
Solomon's research compares native and invasive ant species before and after Tropical Storm Harvey. He shared data tracking the movement of both fire ants and crazy ants in Texas with graphs demonstrating their impact on native ant species.
Solomon also told the students about ant colonies participating in warfare, cultivating antibiotics for medicinal use and harvesting fungus from underground farms.
The professor's visit was part of the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust's partnership with the National Environmental Education Foundation's educational outreach partnership. Both groups have been exploring educational activities involving recovery and resilience after natural disasters.
Because Solomon is a Thicket of Diversity researcher with the Big Thicket Association, his project was funded by a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforcement action as part of a National Science Foundation grant, Kountze High School said.
"Dr. Solomon encourages citizen science and the involvement of volunteers in support of research," Thicket of Diversity spokesperson Mary Catherine Johnston said in a statement. "He sees opportunities for future involvement by students in ant research."
Solomon also told students to continue to their other studies in school, like learning to speak Spanish, because it can help them in their careers after they finish school.
He told the students he had been an exchange student to Ecuador, which helps him in his travels to Central and South America for research.
Solomon plans to visit Costa Rica in a few weeks to continue to study ant species.
