Kate's Thesis Ideas: Nature at Seneca Falls

For my thesis I would like to partner with the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. As I am primarily interested in educational outreach and programming, I would like to work with them to improve existing, or to create new, educational experiences for their visitors. Depending on the park's needs this could go in many different directions.

I am especially interested in developing a ranger guided tour or self guided tour about the nature near the historic home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I have been considering making didactic text displays or a brochure discussing the local birds. This semester I am taking an ornithology class and I am involved in Dr. Pagano's research lab studying migratory songbird nutrition in the local area. I could draw upon these experiences and additional research to develop a birding guide for the Seneca Falls region. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is nearby to the historic park and may be another useful resource to draw upon. Another idea is to have a similar guided tour (either self or ranger-led) but for the local fauna. In addition to researching the local plants for identification, I would connect the plants to their historic importance. I could look at the native versus invasive species and how invasive species were introduced and the impact that had on the ecology and economics of the area. Another point of interest is looking at how plants were used medicinally and culturally during Elizabeth Cady Stanton's lifetime, including any direct connections to her and other contemporary women's rights activists.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton House
Source: National Park Service

Why I chose Museum Studies and Biology

Hello, my name is Katherine Hensel, and I am beginning my thesis journey, aka beginning the end of my college experience. Even while applying to colleges I knew I wanted a career as an Interpretive Park Ranger. This goal led me to choose to major in Biology and Museum Studies with a History minor at RIT. I have always been passionate about history and the environment. Hiking and camping have been a constant in my life, first with family and friends, and then later with the RIT Outing Club. I have been visiting National Parks for as long as I can remember and I want to contribute to "America's Best Idea," as Ken Burns put it. At RIT, the Museum Studies program have enhanced and developed my interest in education and interpretation. The faculty have pushed me from just wanting to understand and share, to pursuing the best educational methods in order to communicate ideas with the public.

2008 Bryce Canyon National Park

2010 Arches National Park

2013 Yellowstone National Park

2014 Grand Canyon National Park

2015 Jewel Cave National Monument

2015 Mount Rushmore National Memorial