When the semester break began in early December, I thought I would accomplish a good bit of prep and back-burned projects before departing to Costa Rica on 1/18/16. No such luck! While I did visit family for a long weekend, I immediately followed it with a great sinus infection. I then was healthy for SEVEN whole days, presented at #SICB2016, and then caught the flu that I am still fighting. What a rumble!

Given that we leave in just a few days, it's time to get on with all things SCIENCE and Costa Rica! Without further ado, let me introduce Megan Heier, my field assistant for this trip. Megan will help optimize the Encounternet system for use on the spiny tailed iguana (C. similis) as well as numerous other field jobs. This is the first time the system will be used on an iguana -- while the headaches are sure to come, it's also going to help fill in a small part of the secret social lives of lizards, Plus, it's Megan's first time traveling out of the United States -- should be a great adventure for all concerned!

Megan Heier is a junior biology student at UNC.  She is originally from Colorado Springs and has found that Greeley is not nearly as stinky as she always had been told.  She is interested in animal behavior and is exploring her future career options in research. Her hope is to eventually pursue a PhD in biology, but her specific area of study is not decided.  She has only ever met one iguana named Izzy who had a passion for hibiscus and going on walks.  Besides school, she loves taking care of her rats and elderly mouse, watching sitcoms, and spending an inordinate amount of time bird watching.