Growing up in McDermott, Ohio, Reagan Lewis developed a lifelong connection to the natural world around her. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a biologist — a passion that has flourished at Shawnee State University.
“At Shawnee State, I’ve been able to pursue my love of biology both at home and abroad,” she says.
One of the biology program’s most memorable experiences is the trip to the Caño Palma Biological Research Station in Costa Rica. Nestled along the Caribbean coast and accessible only by boat, the station offers students hands-on experience in conservation research.
Reagan has participated in multiple trips, conducting tropical species surveys on snakes, river otters, macaws, and marine turtles. Her favorite moments have been working with sea turtles — counting eggs and excavating hatched nests — experiences she describes as unforgettable.
Shawnee State doesn’t just offer global experiences — it brings the field close to home. The university’s campus sits along the Ohio River and is less than 15 minutes from Shawnee State Forest, one of Ohio’s largest state forests. Here, students gain field experience through small mammal trapping projects, biodiversity surveys, and other hands-on research opportunities.
“Shawnee State has given me so many tools for success,” Reagan reflects. “I never imagined I’d be able to travel to Costa Rica or conduct the kinds of research I’ve done.”
Shawnee State University continues to provide students with opportunities to explore, research, and make a real impact — whether in Ohio or halfway across the world.
As Reagan says, “You really can stay home and go far.”
