Recently, Houston high school student Ian Goldstein had the unique opportunity to intern with the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology’s Division of Reptiles and Amphibians.

As part of a senior-year program at his school, students spend the first three weeks of January participating in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Ian, who has long been interested in working with animals through his years at the Houston Zoo, was eager to gain experience in a research setting. While he had previously worked with primates and birds, this internship marked his first opportunity to work closely with reptiles.

At U-M, Ian was given the chance to design and carry out a small pilot research project, which was an introduction to what scientific research looks like in practice. His project focused on caudal luring, a behavior in which some snakes use the movement of their tails to mimic prey and lure animals closer.

Using museum specimens and CT scan data, Ian analyzed 48 snake species, examining vertebral counts, head dimensions, and diet. With the help of statistical analysis software, he tested whether caudal luring correlated with physical traits such as head size or feeding behavior. While his analysis showed no strong relationship between head shape and luring behavior, he did find a correlation between diet and the presence of caudal luring, which supports patterns previously suggested in the scientific literature.

Beyond the research itself, the internship offered valuable insight into museum-based science. Ian assisted with CT scanning, specimen preparation, ethanol changes, and general collections care, gaining firsthand experience with the foundational behind-the-scenes work that supports biological research.

“As both a museum director and a faculty mentor, I’m always struck by how transformative it is for students to work directly with collections,” says Alison Davis Rabosky, director of the Museum of Zoology, who formally hosted Ian during his internship. “Experiences like Ian’s capture exactly why research museums matter.”

Although he hasn’t yet decided on a specific career path, the experience helped broaden Ian’s understanding of what’s possible in the biological sciences. “It showed me how much there is still to learn,” he shared, noting that the internship gave him a clearer picture of how research happens behind the scenes.

Spending three weeks in Ann Arbor—far from his home in Texas—was also an adventure, complete with snow, cold weather, and a glimpse into life at a major research university. While many of his classmates stayed closer to home, Ian valued the opportunity to take part in a unique learning experience and to explore the alma mater of his parents.

For the Museum of Zoology, hosting students like Ian reflects a broader mission to inspire the next generation of scientists. Davis Rabosky adds, “Our collections are not just archives of biodiversity—they are active classrooms and laboratories where students, at every stage, can engage directly with the process of discovery.”