Students Study Biodiversity & Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica

Christina Walko, Karis Howell, Alexander Kabrich, Morgan Harig-Cook, and Emma Groff spent two weeks studying biodiversity in Costa Rica alongside Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Josh Hayes and Associate Professor of Biology and Physical Therapy, Dr. Eric Recktenwald. They partnered with Dr. Stephen Mech and Dr. Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar, professors from Albright College who brought students from their Tropical Ecology of Costa Rica course.

"Our trip to Costa Rica was designed to offer a real-world experience of the country with the highest biodiversity density in the world," said Rektenwald. "We explored tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, cloud forests, and both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Students were exposed to the intricacies of a conservation initiative, met with an indigenous tribe, and considered the ethics of ecotourism and sustainability - all in the presence of sloths, spider monkeys, pumas, tapirs, tree frogs, toucans, etc."