Tyson Research Center

The Tyson Research Center is a 2,000-acre field station owned by Washington University and located ~20 miles southwest of the Hilltop Campus. Tyson consists of rolling hills of oak-hickory forest, as well as several small streams, ponds, old-fields and glades; the scenic Meramec River borders Tyson to the North. In addition, several other natural areas surround Tyson, providing a buffer from the everencroaching suburbs. Tyson provides a hub for a growing research program in environmental studies at Washington University. In addition, several Washington University courses use Tyson for field trips and outdoor laboratories.

Every year, dozens of research projects are carried out by Washington University faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. The majority of research projects are on environmental biology, including studies on conservation and restoration ecology, biodiversity, landscape ecology, population genetics, and animal behavior. Some examples include: amphibian habitat choice in response to environmental and ecological risks; pollination and herbivory of native and exotic plants; food web structure of fragmented landscapes; timber rattlesnake movement and gene flow; invasive species spread and management; environmental and landscape influences on pond biodiversity; ecology of vector-borne infectious diseases. Studies in geology, archaeology, environmental policy, education, and economics are also available for student involvement.

Students interested in research experiences at Tyson can receive credit through the Environmental Studies program or through several other campus departments, and are encouraged to contact relevant Washington University researchers. In addition, several summer fellowships are available through Tyson and other University programs for students interested in a more in-depth experience in field environmental research. For more information, please contact Tyson’s Director, Dr. Jon Chase (Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Environmental Studies), by email: jchase@wustl.edu