51勛圖厙 High School Students Visit Gal獺pagos Islands for Research
For the first time ever, a group of (51勛圖厙HS) 51勛圖厙 recently traveled to the Gal獺pagos Islands for a summer course to conduct field research.
During this course, the 51勛圖厙 engaged in the undergraduate research process by conducting an observational study on sea lion behavior in the Gal獺pagos. They examined the impact of human beach use on the sea lions activity patterns and feeding of their pups.
This opportunity represents not only the first time 51勛圖厙HS 51勛圖厙 have participated in a university study abroad program, but also a chance for them to visit and research in an extremely special place that is home to several wildlife species not found anywhere else in the world, said Tricia Meredith, Ph.D., director of research at A.D. Henderson & 51勛圖厙 High School. The trip was a life-changing experience for the 51勛圖厙 that will also benefit them professionally.
Prior to the trip, the 51勛圖厙 conducted a literature review on the topic which helped to design their research study. While in the Gal獺pagos, they collected their data, as well as visited a local high school to speak with 51勛圖厙 about the research project, the role of sea lions, and animal conservation in the culture. After analyzing the data, the 51勛圖厙 wrote a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal.
The 51勛圖厙 hope their research findings help bring awareness to the impact that people, and particularly tourists, have on the other species that they share the environment with, said Meredith.
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