Sizable Research
Ohio Wesleyan Students Study How House Wrens React to Larger and Smaller Predators
Name: Avery Panozzo '25
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
High School: Mullen High School
Major: Biology and Sociology & Anthropology
OWU Connection Experience: Participating in Ohio Wesleyan's annual 10-week Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Panozzo and classmate Ava Swanson '26 of Mansfield, Ohio, spent their summer researching how predator size affects the defense strength of house wrens in Ohio.
A 3D-Printed Project
In their project abstract, Panozzo and Swanson explain: "We predicted that the house wrens would react less aggressively to large predators because the size disparity makes them unlikely to succeed in physically driving those predators away. To create identical predators of different sizes, we 3D printed and painted three separate models resembling an eastern chipmunk. …
"We found that, on average, male and female wrens responded less aggressively to the large chipmunk decoy," they concluded. "This result supports our hypothesis that house wrens use a sized-based threshold during nest defense."
With the help of mentor Dustin Reichard, Ph.D., associate professor of Biological Sciences, the students learned valuable lessons that, Panozzo says, she will carry through her journey in the field of biology.
This experience allowed me to conduct fieldwork, collect data, and contribute to ongoing research projects about interesting topics."
'Hands-On Research Experience'
"This experience allowed me to conduct fieldwork, collect data, and contribute to ongoing research projects about interesting topics … [such as] behavior, physiology, and reproductive success in two species of North American wrens."
"I learned from SSRP … how to refine methods and think critically about results. … I chose this experience because OWU has such a close-knit community and opportunities to work directly with professors, which allowed me to gain hands-on research experience and mentorship from experts."
My Favorite Moment
"My favorite moment of SSRP was the introduction week with our professor/mentor, Dr. Reichard. During this week, I learned how to properly handle and band birds. We caught a variety of birds that we were able to learn more about."
Outside the Classroom
"I am involved with varsity sports and Greek Life. I am a member of the softball team where I play outfield. I am also a highly involved member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority where I serve as the collegiate chapter president. I also had the chance to study abroad in Florence, summer 2023."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because it provided me with the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love at a competitive level while balancing my academics. I knew OWU would provide me with close relationships with professors and a supportive learning environment. … I was undecided about my major when I joined Ohio Wesleyan, but I always knew that I wanted to explore the Biological Sciences."
My Plans After Graduation
"I am still unsure of my plans after graduation. I know that I plan on applying to graduate programs. OWU will help me prepare for this task by supporting me with the OWU Career Connection office and this research experience."