Hi, my name is Jore Bagdonas, and I am a sophomore Biology major at Temple University. I joined the iEcoLab in September 2022, and I am currently working on a project investigating arthropod diversity in Philadelphia’s vacant lots. The goal of this research is to analyze how human practices of lot greening are impacting arthropod populations and species richness. I am eager to utilize research results for implementing new practices/methods that could benefit both the environment and the human population. Outside of my studies and research, I enjoy bird-watching and foraging for mushrooms (a practice I picked up through my Lithuanian family’s heritage).