
🦉 Miami senior tracks owls in the dead of night. Aiden Schmeling, a biology and sustainability major, has immersed himself in hands-on wilderness research throughout his college career. From banding saw-whet owls at Hueston Woods to catching giant catfish during lake water sampling, Schmeling has embraced the unpredictable nature of field work. His dedication impressed Hefner Museum director Steve Sullivan, who came to view him as a colleague rather than just a student. This hands-on experience has already paid off, landing Schmeling a job with the Alaska Fish and Game Department before his May 2025 graduation.
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🌿 Miami students fight to save beloved Cook Field from demolition. The university's plan to replace this 70-year-old recreational green space with a "District Arena" has sparked significant backlash from the student body. Despite administration claims that the project is "student-first," less than 2% of surveyed students supported building on Cook Field, while a petition to save it has gathered over 3,500 signatures. Environmental experts note that green spaces like Cook Field reduce heat island effects, improve air and water quality, and studies show they positively impact students' mental health. Students argue losing this central gathering place would diminish Miami's campus culture and community.
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👮♂️ Beaver outshines fellow officers to earn top police honors. Brookville Police Officer Timothy Beaver was named 2024 "Officer of the Year" for exceeding daily expectations according to Chief Doug Jerome. Beaver topped department charts for activity and citations while also training new officers and serving as both detective and patrol officer. His "lengthy" performance report highlighted numerous achievements, including a notable incident where he chased down and apprehended suspects who crashed a stolen vehicle. Chief Jerome called selecting Beaver for the award "an easy decision."
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