Alongside Harrington and Kline, students Brielle Decarolis '25 from Albrightsville, Pennsylvania; Brandon Edwards '24 from Milford, Ohio; Alyssa Head '24 from Houston, Texas; Sophia Holupka '24 from Hillsboro, Missouri; Katherine Korenge '24 from Lewis Center, Ohio; Ashley Krumlaw '24 from Mansfield, Ohio; Maya Moore '24 from Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania; Gabrielle Plunkett '25 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Zoie Pois '24 from Louisville, Kentucky; Zachary Ristau '25 from Stow, Ohio; and Jasmyn "Jazz" Zimmerman '25 from Vermilion, Ohio, traveled to Ecuador and the Galapagos from May 13-25 to study one of the most significant locations in the history of biology and natural selection.
They were accompanied by OWU faculty members Ramon Carreno, Ph.D., and Danielle Hamill, Ph.D., both professors of Biological Sciences.
Carreno stated that visiting multiple islands in the Galapagos allowed the group to "experience firsthand the biodiversity, volcanic terrain, and geological history that make the islands so captivating." Additionally, the students explored the cloud forests of Ecuador, "one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet."
Why This Experience?
Harrington: "I learned about this Travel-Learning Course during my first tour at OWU in 2020 and had been aware of it since then. Biology students often hear about the significance of the Galapagos Islands, so visiting them was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I was particularly interested in studying the fish, other marine organisms, and the marine ecosystem as a whole."
Kline: "When I first visited Ohio Wesleyan, my tour guide mentioned the Travel-Learning Courses, specifically the Island Biology course. I was thrilled to learn about the chance to join this course and visit such an incredible place. After learning about evolution and Darwin's finches, seeing these concepts firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Favorite Moments
Harrington: "My favorite part of the trip was snorkeling at Pinnacle Rock. The water was stunning, and I saw various species including sea lions, sharks, and eagle rays. I even followed a Galapagos penguin hunting fish along the seafloor."
Kline: "My favorite moment was when we arrived at the port to board our boat. We didn't expect to see so many animals right away, and our class was ecstatic, pointing out and naming all the animals we had studied. People looked at us funny, but it was amazing to see the flora and fauna we learned about come to life."
Lessons Learned
Harrington: "We spent the semester learning about the islands' animals and plants and their evolutionary processes. Seeing them firsthand solidified my understanding. Experiences like these are important because they take students out of the classroom, allowing them to visit new places while still learning in their field of study."
Kline: "I learned so much from this trip. It was fulfilling to learn about the islands' plants and animals and then see them in person. It brought everything full circle. I also learned about the cultures, traditions, and people of Ecuador. Understanding different social norms and expectations was important in this new place.
"Experiences like this are crucial because many students might not have such travel opportunities after leaving OWU. The school helps make this accessible, enriching minds and broadening horizons, which can lead to new ideas and opportunities."
Campus Involvements
Harrington: "I am active in music and Greek life, a member of the OWU Marching Bishops, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Park Avenue Jazz Ensemble. I am also the vice president of the Chi Phi fraternity and a member of the OWU Esports program."
Kline: "I am the president of the OWtsiders A Cappella group on campus."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
Harrington: "I wanted a small school close to home with a good Zoology program, and OWU was perfect. During my first tour, I knew this was the right school for me. The opportunities provided by the OWU Connection, like this trip, were very appealing."
Kline: "OWU seemed like a good fit. I liked the atmosphere and the close-knit community feel. I wanted a small school that felt like a community, and OWU provided that. The scholarships and tuition aid I received were also very helpful."
Plans After Graduation
Harrington: "I plan to work in animal care for a few years. Thanks to resume help from the Career Connection office, I interned in the North American region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last semester. The students and faculty have broadened my horizons, and I'm considering graduate school and research in the future."
Kline: "I plan to use my Biology degree in various ways. I'm hoping to do field sampling, research, or lab work. I want to contribute to the science community and work with passionate individuals. It's a rewarding field, and I'm excited to make an impact after graduation."
