Assessing Bird-Window Collisions at UW Bothell: A Campus Research Initiative by Salina Nasir

When I began my research as an undergraduate this summer, I joined the Bird Window Collision Prevention project, lead by Dr. Ursula Valdez and Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, at UW Bothell because I wanted to do something to impact my campus in some way. I learned about this opportunity through the Biology Club, but I applied because I wanted to be part of research that would create a tangible impact for both the wildlife and the UW Bothell community.

We wanted to learn whether campus windows are safe for birds, and if they are not, could we identify measures to make them safer. We had some important questions that we wanted to ask like: how many collisions happen on campus? Are some buildings and windows more dangerous than others? Are there seasonal patterns? To answer some of these questions, our group worked out a protocol for surveying several buildings: the library, Innovation Hall, ARC, and UW1. Whenever we would survey, we would take notes on the species of the bird, location, time and characteristics of the window. We did not get as much data this summer as we were hoping for, but the protocols we developed will set the project up to move forward.

Our group also faced challenges too, especially at the beginning. Initially, we were uncertain how to make progress since our mentors had other conflicting responsibilities, and it took some time before we could get together to make a well-defined plan. Once the plan was made all the pieces started to fall into place. This experience reinforced for me how important communication is, both for my team and with mentors. Finding time to meet outside of class to discuss goals and planning next steps ultimately became one of the most integral pieces to keeping our work on track.

Along with the fieldwork, the summer research workshops were also beneficial to me. The topics ranged from communication, teamwork and collaboration, and professional development, and as I learned from other researchers, research is not just about collecting data, but about developing the competencies to work with other people. These sessions facilitated my thoughts about how I can engage in teamwork, how I communicate in an academic environment, and how I can apply these skills to my future career.

Reflecting on this experience, I have grown as a researcher and have continued to develop as a healthcare professional. My plan is to go to medical school, and I know that research will facilitate my preparation. Documenting collisions, noting minor details, and analyzing trends required the same patience, precision, and persistence required in medicine. This project helped remind me that science is more about the process, curiosity, and dedication to the project rather than just providing answers, something I will carry with me into medicine.

For new undergraduate researchers: progress is not always fast, but every task is building toward something bigger. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this project. This summer has shown me that research can lead to lasting change, even if we are making small contributions to it, and I hope to carry these lessons with me into the future.

Sincerely,
Salina Nasir

Learn more about the Research & Creative Projects for Undergrads at UW Bothell.