Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Laura Palmer

Laura Palmer is Associate Professor of Biology at Penn State Altoona, where she teaches a variety of courses involving cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and genetics.  Outside of the classroom, she is an avid nature photographer.  Dr. Palmer has a particular passion for photographing birds.  She also volunteers at Canoe Creek State Park in Hollidaysburg, PA, where she monitors Eastern Bluebird nest boxes during the Spring and Summer months.  The data she collects is part of a larger national effort focused on the conservation of bluebirds and other native, cavity-nesting birds.

These photos represent a subset of works from a collection called “Symmetry”.  Each photo, in a different way, reflects the basic biological concept of symmetry, a regularity in form or arrangement of component parts, which provides beautiful harmony and balance to our natural world.  With the exception of the Osprey (photographed in North Carolina in 2016), all other photos were taken in Central Pennsylvania between 2011-2016.

Withered Ironweed
Green Heron
Succulent
Pileated Woodpeckers
Osprey
Snowflake