Yellowstone Field Study Connects SWOSU Students to 1936 Research

Front, from left to right: Kyle Lane, Austin Buchanan, Jilian Crossland, Angellia Buford, Jaxon Mouser, Mary Kerr, Sariah Longoria, Leonel Lora, Wake Frymire, John Preston, and Dr. Renan Bosque. Back: Dr. Daniel Rocha

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students participated in a Yellowstone field study in March 2026, nearly 90 years after a 1936 expedition that documented the same landscape as part of the university's early field studies.

The recent trip focused on studying one of North America's most dynamic ecosystems through direct observation. The experience mirrors the 1936 visit, when SWOSU students recorded their journey in a diary that remains part of the university's history. While travel methods and scientific tools have evolved, the opportunity to observe wildlife in Yellowstone continues to provide a consistent point of connection across generations of students.

Dr. Daniel Rocha and SWOSU students Wake Frymire, Austin Buchanan, and Mary Kerr use field equipment to observe wildlife and scan the Yellowstone landscape during their study trip.

SWOSU students Sariah L., Austin B., and Leonel L. examine the ground as part of fieldwork focused on understanding Yellowstone's ecosystem.Left to right: Dr. Renan Bosque, Wake Frymire, Leonel Lora, Angellia Buford, Kyle Lane, Jaxon Mouser, Austin Buchanan, Sariah Longoria, John Preston, Mary Kerr, Jillian Crossland, and Dr. Daniel Rocha

During the visit, students observed a range of large mammals and predators in their natural habitats. Herds of bison moved across the landscape, while elk were frequently seen grazing in valleys and near surrounding communities. Students also encountered more elusive species, including moose, coyotes, and wolves, allowing for discussion of predator behavior and ecological roles. Red fox sightings added to the range of carnivores observed during the trip.

Bison move across a snowy Yellowstone landscape.

A red fox in the snow during the SWOSU field study trip in Yellowstone.

In addition to mammals, students also encountered notable bird species, including the bald eagle, a symbol of conservation success in the United States. Students observed additional ungulates such as pronghorn and mule deer, comparing how different species use habitats across the Yellowstone region.

"These are the kinds of experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom," said Dr. Renan Bosque, faculty member in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. "Seeing these animals in their natural environment allows students to connect ecological theory with real-world observations."

The group was guided by Yellowstone expert Brad Bulin and accompanied by SWOSU faculty Dr. Bosque and Dr. Daniel Rocha. The group traveled daily from Gardiner, Mont., into Yellowstone to observe wildlife, behavior, and habitat interactions while applying ecological concepts in real time.

The 2026 Yellowstone field study connects current students to a nearly century-old expedition that remains part of SWOSU's history. Alongside field experience, the visit demonstrates how hands-on learning in Yellowstone continues to play a role in the university's approach to studying ecology.

A 1936 publication documenting a SWOSU student expedition to Yellowstone, part of the university's early field studies.

To learn more about the SWOSU Department of Biological & 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.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.

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