North Central College recently sponsored a group of four undergraduate biology students on a Bahamas-bound study field trip in partnership with Shedd Aquarium and the Associated Colleges of the Chicago area.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park drew Amanda Williams, Hannah
Magiera, Marie Butnariu and Elizabeth Thrun to study marine ecosystems and conservation. Prior to departure, they
each completed a marine and island ecology course at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Spending nine days in the islands aboard a research craft,
the group acquired field research practice working alongside postdoctoral associate
Rebecca Gericke, who works as manager of the Shedd Aquarium’s conservation and
research programs.
Students who opt to major in biology at North Central
College can choose from a diverse lineup of opportunities in the form of fieldwork
options. In addition to the Bahamas, bio students have previously traveled to
Costa Rica and Arizona to perform guided research.
Funded summer research programs are available, as are minor concentrations in environmental studies, neuroscience or bioinformatics; students gain valuable hands-on experience in laboratory work and have the opportunity to study either at the Shedd Aquarium or the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
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