is taking a big step forward in its ecological and evolutionary research with the establishment of its new on-campus Outdoor Vivarium for Oviparous Microbiomes – a dynamic new aviary facility located on the eastern edge of the Kent Campus near a thriving wetland.
Led by Assistant Professor Brian Trevelline of the Department of Biological Sciences, the aviary is more than just a space to house birds – it is a launchpad for innovation, education and community engagement. It is designed to bridge the gap between the controlled precision of indoor research labs and the dynamic variability of natural ecosystems.
The aviary is the first major step in transforming the area into a full-scale biological field station—an easily accessible resource for training the next generation of scientists. With the installation of essential infrastructure now complete, Kent State is ready to take the next steps and is seeking additional support from alumni, donors and federal funding agencies.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities for Student Researchers
“This facility reflects a bold investment in the future of biological sciences at Kent State,” Trevelline, who joined the faculty in November 2023, said. “It creates hands-on learning opportunities that are difficult to replicate in traditional lab environments.”
Unlike conventional labs, the outdoor aviary mimics natural environmental conditions, providing access to natural light, fresh air and varying microbial exposures, making it possible to study animals in conditions more reflective of their natural environments. The facility includes 11 rooms outfitted with heating, ventilation and advanced monitoring systems, including plans for AI-assisted behavioral tracking.
Beyond technical skills, students develop a deeper understanding of animal behavior, the ethical care of wildlife in captivity, and the role of microbes in shaping ecological interactions. For those interested in careers in ecology, wildlife biology, or veterinary medicine, this early exposure is invaluable.
The impact of the facility is already being felt by students.
“Working in this lab has been awesome,” senior zoology major Allison Remick said. “You get to have a lot of hands-on experience with birds. Most of the labs on campus are experimental or chemistry-based, but here we actually get to have contact with the birds and do husbandry.”
Senior environmental and conservation biology major Madeline Desmond agreed, emphasizing the unique research opportunities the aviary provides.
“We’re comparing gut microbiomes of birds kept in a naturalized environment versus an artificial environment,” Desmond said. “We're even trying to raise germ-free hatchlings that are completely sterile. Overall, just getting the aviary running and collecting some good data – it’s been a really valuable experience.”
The Broader Purpose: Exploring Microbial Mysteries
At the core of Trevelline’s research mission is a deeper understanding of the microbial relationships that shape animal physiology and behavior – specifically in birds, which play crucial roles in ecosystems and are a source of fascination for many. These insights have implications not only for understanding wildlife but also for addressing broader questions in public health and environmental science.
By preserving elements of the natural world, the aviary reduces the “captivity effect,” offering a clearer lens into how microbes shape bird development and evolution – especially during early life stages.
One area of focus includes exploring how microbes are transmitted from parent to offspring through the egg and surrounding environment. Future plans include incorporating remote monitoring technologies and breeding native and migratory bird species, which would enable researchers to investigate microbial inheritance across generations – an area still largely unexplored in avian biology.
“Wildlife research and the stuff that we're doing in general is so understudied and underfunded,” Desmond said. “Most research is going toward things like mice for biomedical studies. So, there's just a whole world of things that we don't know in the world of microbiomes and wildlife biology as a whole. It's such an important thing that we're all a part of and we just don't know so much about it, so we need to learn about it.”
Birds, known for their remarkable migratory capabilities and ecological importance, are more than just subjects of academic interest – they are gateways to public engagement with science and nature.
“People love birds,” Trevelline said. “They are a connection to the natural world, and through them, we can inspire broader environmental awareness and curiosity.”
An Investment With Lasting Impact
Facilities like the aviary are essential – but they’re also difficult to fund through traditional research grants, which often require infrastructure to be in place beforehand.
“Donations from our alumni and community are not just appreciated – they’re vital,” Trevelline said. “They allow us to build the infrastructure that forms the backbone of future research proposals to agencies like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Having this facility in place and these sorts of resources allows us to be more competitive for grants to do cutting-edge research and put Kent State at the forefront of ecological and evolutionary biology.”
Such investments ensure that Kent State students have access to leading-edge resources right on campus – something that sets the university apart from others with remote field stations that are often inaccessible to many students.
“I was originally a veterinary major,” Remick said. “But when I got into Dr. Trevelline’s lab, it changed my entire outlook on my career. Now I plan on continuing to do research. Facilities like this are so important for broadening the horizons of people on campus and educating people on aspects of wildlife research.”
What’s Next?
While the aviary currently focuses on non-native bird species, plans are underway to introduce migratory and native Ohio bird species, enriching the research and creating new educational opportunities tied to the local environment. With continued support, the wetland site will evolve into a comprehensive field station.
“I think that the site will continue to expand,” Trevelline said. “Now that we have some infrastructure in place at the wetland site, we can continue to expand into a larger field station-type environment for our students, so it is a really exciting time to be here at Kent State.”
For students, having such a resource right on campus is invaluable.
“Being able to go into grad school with foundational skills already under your belt is super valuable,” Desmond said. “It allows me to think better and design stronger experiments – and it makes me more appealing to a lot of grad programs.”
Join Us in Shaping the Future
To learn more about how you can support this initiative, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences or visit Kent State’s . A ribbon-cutting celebration will take place during Kent State’s Homecoming Weekend Oct. 10-12.
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Media Contacts:
Brian Trevelline, btrevell@kent.edu, 330-672-3895
Jim Maxwell, JMAXWEL2@kent.edu, 330-672-8028