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2026 Annual Meeting Workshops
PM, Friday, March 27
Lunch and transportation are not included.
Introductions to Data Management and Visualizations in R
Location: Walker building, Room 4
Time: 12:00-5:00
Number of participants: 40
Parking: TBD
Workshop Description: This workshop is designed for wildlife professionals with beginner-level R experience who want practical, hands-on skills for managing and visualizing real, messy datasets. Participants learn how to work within RStudio, establish R Projects, and data organization principles for reproducible workflows. Topics will cover a tour of RStudio, reading data into R, understanding object types, identifying and correcting errors, and creating visualization using 'ggplot2'. We will introduce effective strategies for troubleshooting and for using AI tools to support coding. By the end, attendees should be confident to manage, clean, and visualize datasets in a professional and efficient manner, creating a strong foundation for future analytical work. Please download the free R software onto a personal laptop to use during the workshop.
WORKSHOP FULL
Applied Wildlife Genetics for Conservation, Management and Forensics
​Location: Innovation Park
Time: 12:00-5:00
Number of participants: 15
Parking: free in lot adjacent to building
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Workshop description: Introduction to common applications of genetic data for addressing ecological questions. After a review of DNA structure and the amplification process, we will discuss which genetic markers are most appropriate for different scenarios. We will also cover commonly overlooked methodological errors and how to avoid spurious results. Attendees will have the opportunity to work with mock datasets and free software on their own laptops, or follow demonstrations by the instructor. Please download the free software below on a personal laptop to use during the workshop. Additional workshop information available upon request.
Topics: Mitochondrial DNA​, Nuclear DNA Sequences​​, Microsatellites​, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
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Resources:
WORKSHOP FULL
Enhancing Wildlife Education and Communication Through Immersive Technology
Location: Agricultural Science and Industries Building
Duration: 1:00-4:00
Number of participants: 15
Parking: Attendees responsible for paying for their own parking; PSU Garage nearby
Workshop Description: There is an increasing need in the animal health and wildlife sectors to communicate effectively with audiences that represent a wide diversity of demographics, learning styles, needs, and backgrounds. Consequently, both novel and traditional approaches should be considered to engage different audiences and enhance teaching, learning, and communication efforts.
This interactive workshop will introduce wildlife biologists and students to immersive technologies that can strengthen teaching and public communication. Participants will explore hands-on applications of 3D models, virtual reality, and 360° videos, and learn how these tools can be used to visualize complex concepts, support field-based learning, and engage diverse audiences. The session will also address practical considerations such as cost, accessibility, logistics, and lessons learned, while highlighting potential applications within the animal science and wildlife sectors. Attendees will hopefully leave with actionable ideas for incorporating emerging technologies into their own education and outreach programs.