Meet Gigi Bucciachio: A Spotlight on Student Life at the University of Nevada, Reno

Gigi Bucciachio wanted more from college than just lectures. She dreamed of learning in the mountains and forests of Lake Tahoe. As a legacy student at Sierra Nevada University, she chose to study environmental science, eager for hands-on learning in a unique ecosystem.

For the past year, Bucciachio has been exploring the Tahoe Basin, leading a project on how climate change impacts pika populations. Pikas are small mammals related to rabbits and are highly sensitive to temperature changes, making them key indicators of climate trends. Bucciachio aimed to find out how temperature and predation influence pika activity during summer and fall. She set up 50 trail cameras with temperature loggers throughout the basin, capturing nearly one million images. Using AI software, she analyzed the data. The results revealed that higher daytime and nighttime temperatures reduced pika activity. Interestingly, in the fall, pikas remained active at night, potentially prioritizing food storage for winter despite the energy costs. This adaptation could be risky as the climate continues to warm.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Bucciachio’s research. Professor Chris Smith helped her secure funding and provided guidance. “Working with Gigi was like mentoring a graduate student,” Smith noted. “Her dedication was remarkable—she spent weekends hiking in the mountains to check cameras, even battling harsh weather.”

Bucciachio’s cameras didn’t only track pikas; they also captured a variety of wildlife in the Tahoe Basin. One exciting image may have been of a Sierra Nevada Red Fox, a rare and threatened species. Verification is underway with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. This potential sighting emphasizes the vast biodiversity of the Tahoe ecosystem. “I love the complexity of Tahoe’s environment,” she shared. “There’s so much to learn—from hydrology to the effects of tourism.” Understanding the area’s logging history and urbanization added depth to her research.

Bucciachio credits her growth to the small class sizes and hands-on experiences at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. “The close relationships with my professors were invaluable,” she said. This support has prepared her for the next step: graduate school at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she plans to dive deeper into environmental research.

The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe offers an immersive educational experience. Nestled beside one of the world’s most stunning alpine lakes, it combines the resources of a major research university with personalized, experiential learning. For students like Gigi, it’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about connecting with nature and contributing to meaningful research.

Source link