{"id":17687,"date":"2025-11-03T16:42:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T22:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/?p=17687"},"modified":"2026-02-16T10:06:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T16:06:14","slug":"maryville-university-learners-shine-at-sleec-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/maryville-university-learners-shine-at-sleec-retreat\/","title":{"rendered":"Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Learners Shine at Annual St.\u202fLouis Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (SLEEC) Retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ learners participate in advancing regional ecological research.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ learners presented innovative research on climate change, plant biology, and conservation at the 2025 SLEEC Retreat, demonstrating the University\u2019s commitment to empowering the next generation of scientific leaders.<\/p>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Learners Lead the Way in Regional Scientific Collaboration<\/h2>\n

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ learners presented nine original research projects addressing some of today\u2019s most urgent environmental questions at the annual St.\u202fLouis Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (SLEEC) Retreat. The retreat, a cornerstone event for the St.\u202fLouis scientific community, brought together researchers, educators, and learners from leading institutions to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and build lasting collaborations.<\/p>\n

The SLEEC Retreat is designed to harness the region\u2019s strengths in ecology, evolution, and conservation. This year\u2019s event featured a dynamic mix of oral presentations, a vibrant poster session, and a keynote address, all aimed at fostering innovation and partnership across the St.\u202fLouis area. Kyra Krakos, PhD, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Professor of Biology<\/a> and SLEEC board member, was proud to participate in the organization of this year\u2019s retreat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis retreat exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration in advancing scientific understanding,\u201d said Krakos. \u201cSLEEC provides a great platform for our students, and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ students are a strong presence in the local science community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building a Stronger Scientific Community<\/h3>\n

The SLEEC Retreat is a celebration of regional collaboration and a catalyst for new partnerships. By bringing together learners and experts from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Washington University in St.\u202fLouis, Saint Louis University, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and more, the event strengthens the St.\u202fLouis region\u2019s reputation as a leader in ecological and evolutionary research.<\/p>\n

Learn more about some of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s original projects below:<\/p>\n

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  1. Research Spotlight<\/strong>\n