Research Opportunities

Providing mixed-method, multidisciplinary field and lab research experiences for SIUE students is a top priority of the McCarragher Biogeography Research Group. We address a variety of real-world questions related to human-environment interactions, socio-ecological impact, and the conservation of biodiversity.

I work hard to create a supportive, inclusive, interesting, and beneficial research environment for curious, enthusiastic, driven, innovative, and collegial students. So, if any of the following topics, current projects, and/or student opportunities interest you, feel free to contact me for more details.

Current Projects AND Student Research Opportunities:

• Exploring the socio-ecological characteristics of greenways within multiple cities reflecting various stages of future urban growth to develop an evidence-based, comprehensive framework for assessing habitat connectivity and the impact of greenways on the built/natural environment and city sustainability/resilience. Learn more about this project at the Urban Greenspace Research Collaborative.
  • Fall 2021 URCA Research Assistant positions are filled.
  • Spring 2022 URCA Research Assistant positions are filled.
  • Fall 2022 URCA Research Assistant positions are filled.
  • Watch for Spring 2023 URCA Research Assistant position openings: https://www.siue.edu/urca/assistantapplicationpage.shtml – to apply, scroll down to find ‘Geography’ then click ‘Apply Now!’ in the row for ‘Shannon McCarragher.’
  • Check out the frequently asked questions about URCA Assistant positions to learn more.
• Exploring the ecological impacts and underlying evolutionary mechanisms associated with the spread of Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) – an invasive shrub.

• Interdisciplinary investigations of unique closed depressions in Cumberland Plateau: geophysical properties, micro-climates, and vegetation communities.
• “Building a Smarter Chattanooga: Connecting our City to its Foundation” project – placemaking and community engagement with story maps. This project’s name has changed to The ChattaStory  Project.
• Story maps about Edwardsville, IL and East St. Louis, IL in an effort to facilitate and assess place-making, place-attachment, and community engagement.
• Investigating the role of urbanization in the spread of invasive plant species. Specifically, to what extent does distance from roads impact exotic invasive species densities?