​How do you get involved in scientific research?

​If you're curious about how the world around you works, and you want to pursue that curiosity through research, there are lots of ways to get involved. I got involved in science through a number of the routes described here:
>If you're in grade school (elementary, middle, or high school) talk to your science teachers about opportunities, or search online to find mentorship or outreach programs (like this one!) in your area. 
>If you're in college, check if your school has programs for science research (like this one). You can also apply to REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) programs, which are offered by many universities across the country (like this one). You can apply for REUs through multi-institution organizations (like this one) or by applying to specific programs directly.
>If you like research and think you want to keep doing it at a higher level, consider applying to graduate school (Master's Degree or Ph.D. program). Science Ph.D. programs (and some Masters programs) come with a funding package, so you don't have to pay for them like you would for medical school, law school, or college. Reaching out to a mentorship program (for example, like this one, this one, this one, this one) for graduate school applications can be a great way to get more information and/or start the process of applying.
>If you're not in school (or in between school programs), you can get involved in science by helping with ongoing projects by becoming a laboratory technician or a field assistant, volunteering in a museum, doing an internship or working for a government agency, taking online classes (like these), participating in citizen science and many other options.  

I also love engaging in scientific learning by visiting museums and watching nature documentaries! 

How do you catch lizards?

​There are lots of ways to humanely catch lizards to study them, and different methods suit different kinds of lizards. To catch anoles (also called tree lizards), the most common method is either hand-catching or using an extensible pole with a loop on the end ('lassoing'). By tying a slip-knot loop and attaching it to the end of a pole, lizards can be caught in tough spots that are beyond arm's reach (as demonstrated by Travene's expert skills in the photo) and without risking inducing caudal autotomy or hurting the lizard.
While the extensible pole works well, people on many Caribbean islands have been lassoing lizards long before its introduction-- a long, thin blade of grass with a slip-knot tied at the end will do the trick just as well! 
After catching a lizard, it's important to handle it with respect and care. Most anole species can drop part of their tail as a predator avoidance mechanism, so be sure not to hold a lizard by the tail. It's best to rest them on your hand, and gently clasp one of the hind legs so that the lizard feels supported but is also secure (as demonstrated by Javawney with this male Anolis grahami). 
​Some more info on finding and catching anoles here.

Some favorite edible protocols (aka recipes)

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (I like to put a whole pecan on top of each).
• Ginger Molasses Dark Chocolate Cookies
• Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
• Classic Snickerdoodles or Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
• Confetti Cookies (for a celebration)
• Campfire Scones, by Joy the Baker
• Vanilla Almond Orange Cloud Cookies
• Brown Butter Banana Bread (you can add chocolate chips, nuts, anything you like) 
• Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Pie, featuring the best buttermilk crust
• Oznay Haman

Like any good scientist, I like to optimize my protocols. Here are some tips that I've learned:
> a kitchen scale simplifies things tremendously and makes measuring ingredients easier and quicker.
> For nice puffy cookies, chill the dough for at least an hour. Or longer. Or put frozen dough in the hot oven.
> Most cookie dough can be wrapped well and frozen. If you pre-roll it into balls, that can make it even easier to go straight from the freezer to a hot over for a cookie in (almost) no time. Bonus -- the dough will already be cold.
> Brown butter is amazing. It adds a nutty flavor and is a great addition to both sweet (like cookies) and savory (like pasta) foods. Check out the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip recipe above to learn how to make it.
​> In general, it's good to mix all the wet ingredients and all the dry ingredients, and then combine them. It helps give a more even distribution. 
> I like Ghirardelli 60% Cacao chocolate chips, and King Arthur Flour. Otherwise I'm not too picky.
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