Under the Sea: Eagles Abroad Tackles India
Interested in studying in India? Neil Pelkey has created a great opportunity for Juniata students to enhance their knowledge of marine science first hand with a chance to study abroad in India. Study-abroad veteran Sara Lombardi gives us her take on the experience, as well as a bit of insight for students looking into the new program.
Question
What made you choose to go on this trip?
Answer
Well, my POE (Program of Emphasis) is Biology and Marine Science with Studies in Education. The India semester program specializes in Marine Science, so it was a good opportunity for me.
Q
How did you get involved with this trip?
A
I had to contact Professor Neil Pelkey, who is the coordinator for the India programs. There were also a couple applications that we all had to fill out, and Oceanography is a prerequisite for the course. We also had weekly meetings to discuss the trip and learn about the culture. These meetings were vital. Dr. Pelkey went above and beyond, and would even make us Indian food so that we became acclimated to the spices.
Q
How did you pack for India?
A
I packed two suitcases, which were filled with snorkeling and scuba gear, quick-dry clothing, and hiking gear. The majority of my clothes were long skirts and pants, which are more acceptable in the culture than shorts.
Q
What activities did you participate in?
A
While diving in the Andaman Islands, we researched the effects of increasing tourism on the indigenous reefs. We also did a lot of plant studies, we looked at how diversity differed in areas affected by the 2005 tsunami as compared to non-tsunami areas, as well as mapped the spread of invasive species in Pt. Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. I took a CA course, Culture Class and Gender, in India, we visited villages and worked with different organizations in an attempt to learn and analyze different strategies to improve the status of low-power individuals, particularly women.
Q
What was the hardest part about being away?
A
Probably always being around the same people. We weren’t studying at one university. We were constantly traveling but always with the same people five people. We attended classes together, ate together, traveled together, and spent virtually all our time together.
Q
Finally, what is one thing you would like to tell everyone?
A
This trip provides a different aspect to science than the typical classroom experience. The India program took a very holistic approach to marine science. We learned how policy affects not only the environment, but also the life of those that depend on the natural resources of the ocean. The whole trip was a very eye-opening experience.
- Christopher Bender '10, Student Reporter