Joe O’Brien
<span class="TextRun SCXW140797951 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW140797951 BCX0">A scientist who studies the relationship between living things and their environment.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW140797951 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
Southern Research Station
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When I was a graduate student, I studied the rain forest in Costa Rica. I was studying how climate influenced tree growth. Sometimes, I had to take measurements of leaves in the forest canopy. Using a crossbow, I would send a rope into the top of a tree. Then, with my instruments, I would climb 150 feet up the rope to the tree canopy. At the forest floor, only 3 percent of sunlight comes through. It is dark and gloomy there. I would slowly inch my way up into the bright, sunny, breezy canopy. I could see all kinds of wildlife up close. I saw toucans, parrots, monkeys, and butterflies. When I was finished, it was fun to rappel back down.
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