March 16, 2009
Imagine rescuing sea turtles beached on a pink sandy
beach. Or snorkeling in pristine coves while examining coral reefs
and other undersea life. And at the same time working side by side
with experts in the fields of ethics, political science,
socioeconomics and ecology.
That and much more can all be yours this summer, when you Discover
Bermuda: Adaptive Ecosystem Management, Sustainability &
Socioeconomic Issues with Frank R. Cantelmo, Ph.D., Associate
Professor, Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies. Dr.
Cantelmo has created an innovative three-credit course in
conjunction with the Bermuda
Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) that allows students to study
the island’s varied environments—including wetlands, Atlantic Ocean
beaches, limestone caves—and at the same time, examine all the
interdisciplinary approaches required in order to make more
informed environmental decisions.
Highlights include opportunities to explore historic and
ecologically significant sites in Bermuda, excursions to remote
islands and snorkeling and reef mapping.
The two-week course is being offered from May 16-30, 2009, and
students from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The
School of Education, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, the
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions and the College
of Professional Studies are all encouraged to apply.
Program fees include lodging and all meals, transportation
to and from field trips, boat usage and snorkeling equipment
(applicants should know how to swim). Through the generous support
of Joseph Smetana, longtime friend and supporter of St. John’s and
a distinguished member of the University’s Board of Governors, the
program is being offered at a greatly reduced cost to students—just
$950 excluding tuition and airfare.
Bermuda—a self-governing British overseas territory—is grappling
with many of the same issues that are challenging much of our
world: sustainability, water shortages, pollution, power struggles,
social inequality and more. In this one-of-a-kind study-abroad
course which examines Bermuda as a microcosm, you’ll take part in
the Bermuda
Biodiversity Project, and experience “hands-on” activities
assisting current researchers with a variety projects.
Discover Bermuda’s unique interdisciplinary approach will not only
expose you to the ecology of Bermuda, but will allow you to examine
it from the ethical, political, educational aspects. Guided by
lectures by recognized experts in their fields, you will engage in
critical-thinking and problem-solving exercises. Accompanied by
some of those experts, you’ll venture into the field to study
Bermuda’s bays and fisheries, as well as its landfills, power
plants and solid waste facilities.
During the two-week stay, you’ll also participate in academic
service-learning, a core component of a St. John’s education, and
an integral part of the St. John’s study-abroad experience. In
Bermuda, that might include culling invasives in Walsingham and
interacting with the local community on selected afternoon work
activities.
Towards the end of the two-week learning adventure, Associate
Professor Derek Owens, D.A., Director of St. John’s Institute for
Writing Studies, and Associate Professor and Director of Writing
Across the Curriculum Anne E. Geller, Ph.D., will join the group
for a two-day writing course. Dr. Cantelmo has invited local
community college students and their professors to join the
intensive class.
Get on board for this extraordinary study-abroad opportunity! The
Discover Bermuda course will be capped at 20 students so don’t
delay. Information sessions will be held on two Thursdays—March 19
and March 26—in Room 222 in St. Albert Hall from 12:15-1 p.m.
You can also contact the Office of Global Studies at
globalstudies@stjohns.edu or 718-990-6105; or Dr. Cantelmo at
cantelmf@stjohns.edu or 718-990-5941.