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Images of Research Competition

Editor's Notes

Images of Research (IOR) is an opportunity for current Murray State students from all disciplines to capture, share, and present the essence of their research in images. IOR showcases and preserves students' research in digital form and fosters engagement and creative endeavors. The jurors extend their thanks to the students who entered work for this semester's competition. The entries came from a wide range of disciplines including Agriscience/Agronomy, Studio Art, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, Psychology, Graphic Design, Journalism, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Graphic CommunicationsMedia, Business Administration, Electromechanical Engineering and Technology, Special Education, BIS, and Biology. The jurors' decision-making process was challenging as the submitted work was engaging, visually stimulating, and an excellent representation of Murray State student research.

Committee Members

Dana Statton Thompson, MLIS, MA, MFA, Associate Professor of University Libraries (Jury Chair)

Cintia Segovia Figueroa, MFA, Assistant Professor of Photography and New Media

Dr. Laura Sullivan-Beckers, Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology

T. Michael Martin, MFA, Associate Professor of Art & Design and Director of University Galleries

Abstract

It has long been a debate whether or not wild animals who have been taken into human care have a good quality of life. It doesn’t take effort to satisfy the hunger of a wild beast, but can you ensure they live out the rest of their days content in captivity? This is a question that I continue to research in my day to day routine of caring for rescued wildlife. It can be easy to rule in favor of release, but getting to know an animal’s specific situation can give a better understanding of why it is necessary that they remain in captive care. This is a photo of Barkley, a six year old Bobcat who has lived under the watchful eye of people for most of his life. As an eight week old kitten, he was struck by a car that shattered his back legs and lower spine. He made a successful recovery over the long course of a year, but his time in rehab has rendered him imprinted on humans. Because of his familiarity, he is no longer a candidate for release. While in many ways it is sad to know he will never be a true wildcat again, he proves everyday that he never lost his connection to his wild instincts. He spends his days hunting wild squirrels who have been unfortunate enough to wander into his enclosure, a good recipe for a happy feline.

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