INTRO COPY
INTRO COPY
INTRO COPY
INTRO COPY
INTRO COPY
Name: Hannah Zelina
Major: Physics and Biology
Grad year/class: 2027
"Iceland’s landscapes seem otherworldly compared to what we see here in Ohio. The terrain is under constant change, and it is almost like the Earth is alive due to the active volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers."
DRAWING HERE
"I wanted to see those sights firsthand and explore the science behind how they were formed."
"Iceland’s culture is intertwined with its landscapes and environment. This has strengthened their efforts to promote renewable energy and sustainable practices, serving as an example that if communities can work together to advocate for sustainability, it is possible to make meaningful changes."
"The most memorable part of the trip for me was probably when we got to hike across a glacier, where we got to peer down into a hole in the ice, which looked down into a stream of water melting off. This water flows to a glacial lagoon, which has been growing in recent years, a visible reminder of how quickly the landscape is changing due to climate change. It was eye-opening and tied directly to the course’s focus on why sustainability matters. "
"Yes, I would recommend this study abroad program. It is always more impactful to learn things outside of the classroom, especially for topics having to do with the environment. It is a great program for students looking to expand their horizons both academically and personally."
Name: Dalton Van Leeuwen
Major: Environmental and Conservation Biology
Grad Year / Class: 2028
"When I began my studies at Kent State, I knew that I would want to do at least one study-abroad session, and I have increasingly wanted to try visiting foreign destinations in order to see exotic wildlife in vivo. The Galapagos Archipelago was one of the places I had on my “bucket list”, so it was a major interest for me. I also had an interest in trying wildlife photography, and the unusual indifference the native animals tend to hold towards humans meant it would make an excellent “trial run” for learning how to take pictures of animals in the wild. I knew that the Galapagos faced a number of conservation challenges, and was hoping to see how these challenges were being addressed."
"For years, the animal that most drew me to the idea of visiting the Galapagos, and probably the most fascinating reptile in my view, was the Marine Iguana. No zoo in the world holds this species, so outside of preserved museum specimens the only way to see one is in their natural habitat! In addition, a number of interesting birds can be found on the islands, of particular interest to me where the Blue Footed Booby, Flightless Cormorant, Frigatebirds and Tropic Birds. Another animal I was really hoping to see, but that I had little expectations of achieving, was the Pink Iguana, which only occurs in the Wolf Volcano region on Isabela Island. I was very interested in seeing how conservation was being engaged with and knowing that we had a few days on the mainland of Ecuador I was desperately scanning every hillside we passed in hopes of seeing a Mountain Tapir. While our chances of seeing one were slim, the chances were above zero, and that gave me great excitement as well!"
"A number of days of the trip we were able to see conservation work in action; on San Cristobal and in Santa Cruz we were able to visit breeding facilities for a number of species of Galapagos Giant Tortoise, as well as being able to speak with a conservation organization that was raising funds to conduct a study that would determine what conservation methods should be implemented to help preserve the Pink Iguana! Our professor also works on a number of conservation related tasks, in relevance to the Galapagos he has done work on a number of the finches, and we spoke at length about their conservation challenges, in particular the issue with invasive species, a parasitic insect that has had a devastating effect on hatchling finches."
"I learned a great many things! From an educational standpoint, I was able to learn a lot about the issues facing the native finches, and how conservationists are working to protect them. I was able to see the process of captive-breeding giant tortoises, including the rearing procedures of each life-stage. I did not realize how much of the work done in the Galapagos relies on international donations, as opposed to funding from Ecuador. Before the trip, I did not know that the male and female marine iguanas tended to form sex-exclusive groups outside of breeding season. Speaking with other students, I discovered that even for others in the conservation or conservation-adjacent field, there exists a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on how conservation ought to be performed, what issues have higher or lower priorities, and what expectations were held for employment following graduation.
Similarly, this also led to introspective discoveries. I learned that just because someone else also values wildlife conservation, that does not mean that we necessarily hold the same views, and that I should put emphasis into fully understanding how I feel about important topics in the field and learn from the perspectives that others hold. Another thing that comes to my mind is the discovery that I really enjoy traveling to foreign lands, and I really enjoy photographing wild animals! Despite my love for wildlife, I had never left the country prior to this year, and only once a few months before the Galapagos trip, and not in the context of seeking exotic creatures. Similarly. I knew I would want photographs to remember the trip, but I didn’t know how much I would enjoy it."
"I think that all students should try a study-abroad trip if they have the resources and ability to do so or at least try to visit some other country than the one in which they live. Real life experience of a completely different environment and culture is something that cannot be achieved otherwise. Doing it via study abroad means that you get to do it in a more ‘controlled’ and secure way, and with other students who may share some of your interests!"
Name: Ava Snider
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Grad year/class: Sophomore (May 2028)
Ava Snider has always wanted to travel abroad and saw this trip to Iceland as the perfect opportunity for her first trip. "I was really hoping to get to see and learn about all of the fascinating things that make Iceland seem like a different planet. Such as the volcanoes, glaciers, lagoons, and not to mention all of their beautiful waterfalls," Snider said. The fact that it was faculty-led was another bonus, as it added to her feeling of safety on a first trip abroad.
"The class I took in Iceland focused on sustainability, landscapes, and culture. The most important part of fashion would be the culture and sustainability. Although they are currently working on sustainability issues like water, heating, and electricity, I was able to see some of the ways we could use just those to help cut down on carbon emissions in the fashion industry."
"I was able to focus on the fashion of Iceland and dive deep into their culture. I got to present my findings to all of my peers. Throughout the two weeks, each person presented on a topic they were studying so we were all able to learn about Iceland while also doing something we were interested in."
"It was also. Important to see their culture, as I got to learn all about the different outfits and patterns they use and what they symbolize! During the trip, we stopped at this really cool wool factory, where, when you're shopping, you can see right into the factory at all the machines and designs being made."
But more than just a biology lesson, this trip encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a broader understanding of global issues like biodiversity loss, conservation, and sustainable development. I want students to experience what it feels like to do science - asking questions, collecting data, and thinking about how their actions connect to global challenges, Lamichhaney said.