Michael Schoonover, who received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2016, performed grant-funded research at Raccoon Mountain Caverns during the 2015-2016 academic year with UTC microbiologist David Giles. Schoonover, who received a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University in North Carolina, is now a physician assistant based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Cave dwellers: UTC alums share their Raccoon Mountain Caverns tales
UTC’s recent gift acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Caverns marks a new chapter in research opportunities for both faculty and students, but it’s not a new story for UTC students and researchers who have already delved into the wonders of the cave. Over the years, numerous students have conducted research or taken up roles in managing and exploring the caverns.
Deep discoveries: How UTC’s acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Caverns will shape (under)groundbreaking research
Approximately 15 minutes southwest of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus sits Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a complex cave system known for its extensive underground formations, diverse ecosystem and educational caving tours that showcase the geological wonders of the region. It is also UTC’s newest classroom and research laboratory.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns gifted to UTC
Donated to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns is UTC’s newest classroom and research laboratory. Located approximately 15 minutes southwest of campus, it is a complex cave system known for its extensive underground formations and diverse ecosystem.