Norman, OK – Students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Biological Sciences program recently traveled to the Sam Noble Museum in Norman for an educational visit focused on reptile and amphibian biodiversity. They were accompanied by SWOSU professor Dr. Renan Bosque and visiting professor Roger Ledo.

During the visit, the students toured the museum’s Herpetology Collection, which houses more than 65,000 specimens from 50 states or territories and 54 countries. Collection Manager Hannah Eichelberger guided the group through the facility, explaining how biological collections are organized, reserved, and used for long-term research. Students had the opportunity to examine specimens such as marine iguanas, gharials, snapping turtles, and Gila monsters.

The trip gave students a closer look at the role of museum collections in scientific research, conservation efforts, and public education. It also offered a hands-on learning opportunity and helped students better understand the value of biological collections.

Experiences like this are one of the many ways SWOSU students engage with science beyond the classroom. The university’s Biological Sciences program offers opportunities for students to take part in fieldwork, research, and scientific conferences, building both practical skills and a deeper understanding of their field. Field trips, research projects, and faculty-led experiences are all part of how students prepare for careers in healthcare, research, education, public service, and more.

To learn more about SWOSU’s Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.