Summer research at the TEE lab: Shannon's experience

Hi, I’m Shannon, a Year 1 student studying Environmental Earth System Science at ASE. From June to July 2026, I had the opportunity to take part in the Summer Research programme, where I had my first foray into environmental science research.

This is me with my friends at the TEE lab!

My project was about investigating the composition of below-ground invertebrate communities in different plot types around Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Soil samples were extracted from different sites at CCNR, and I extracted, identified, and recorded the invertebrates found in the soil.

Prior to this, I didn’t have any knowledge or experience on science research or entomology, so at the start, I had no idea what I was doing. But under the guidance of Sonia and other researchers at TEE lab such as Xin Rui and Calvin, I learnt how to write a research paper, identify insects and run statistics using software such as RStudio!

Here are some cool insects I found! From left to right: Dung beetle (Onthophagus rutilans), leafhopper (Family Cicadellidae), ant (Aphaenogaster simulans).

Through this project, I have learnt so much, from the three families of springtails (Order Collembola) and how berlese traps are set up, to the basics of RStudio and scientific writing!

I made this kueh lapis-lookalike bar graph in RStudio!

After completing my report, I did a presentation on my findings to Professor Eleanor and Sonia, which was nerve-racking but served to consolidate my learnings over the past 2 months. Outside identifying invertebrates and writing my report, I also had fun sidequesting with friends at the lab, such as cleaning the greenhouse and getting lunch together!

A huge thank you to Eleanor, Sonia, Xin Rui, Calvin, Phya, Bertram, Zann and all the awesome people at TEE lab who made my first research experience such a fun and fulfilling journey!