Flagler College Students Visit, Study In Bermuda
Students from Flagler College in Florida recently visited Bermuda, saying that “Bermuda has such an incredible variety of marine habitats in such a small area, and that makes it a great place to learn about these different ecosystems.”
In 2013, the school launched their Coastal Environmental Science programme, which is designed to give students hands-on research experience, including opportunities overseas.
Over the last two years the school has been able to offer students a study abroad course set in Bermuda, with the assistance of the Atlantic Conservation Partnership [ACP] and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.
Visiting Tyne’s Bay to learn about Bermuda’s Waste to Energy Facility
This year’s students arrived on Saturday, May 16th, and spent a full week in lectures and exploring the island through a number of field experiences, including snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, as well as visits to Nonsuch Island and local waste facilities, including Tyne’s Bay Incinerator and the Material Recovery Facility.
They also enjoyed lectures by some of Bermuda’s top scientists and conservationists, including Dr. Jamie Bacon, Stuart Hayward and Jeremy Madeiros.
This year, they were also joined by a group of students from the Bermuda College, who were able to add their perspective and local knowledge to discussions.
Hunting for frogs and discovering the effects of pollution on Bermuda’s aquatic environments
“We were teaching two courses: ‘An Introduction to Sustainability’ and ‘A Marine Biology Field Experience’,” explained Dr. Jessica Veenstra, who has accompanied this year’s students.
“Bermuda is a fantastic place for us to conduct this curriculum. It is a great place for our students to explore the issues of sustainability, by trying to answer the questions of how to provide water, energy, and food, while managing the wastes of a growing population in a place that is land and resource limited.
“We were also able to explore how that growing population is impacting the surrounding marine resources. Bermuda has such an incredible variety of marine habitats in such a small area, and that makes it a great place to learn about these different ecosystems.”
Snorkeling off of the BZS vessel, The Endurance
“We hope students can visualize the struggles and successes involved with sustainability in both Bermuda and the US,” shared Dr. Ed McGinley, also from Flagler.
“Each place has its unique issues, but there are lessons to be learned from looking at how other communities approach the topic. Both Flagler students, and the Bermuda College students, have a strong connection to the marine environment, and sustainability can help preserve our marine resources.”
“It was wonderful to welcome the students from Flagler to Bermuda,” said local course coordinator, Camilla Stringer. “The weather was perfect for Marine Biology Field Study snorkels and diving trips.
“In addition, the group was able to visit various sites around the island, getting first-hand experience related to their studies on conservation and sustainability.”
- Photos courtesy of Camilla Stringer
Read More About
Category: All, Environment, News
Good to see Blue Halo shirts still being worn……maybe we can get these guys to give further support for a reserve.
The young man in the blue halo shirt is my son…a Bermudian who is attending the Bermuda College., studying for an Associates of Science degree.
Potential, Future PRC’s
Let’s hope so.
Yup that’s the ONLY way U.B.P/oba are gonna get back in.
You use of the apostrophy again Mockugay. Go back to school. PRC’s show possession. The the question would be PRC’s what? Get an education – you make youself look like an ignorant PLP supporter.
Stereotyping again, shame on you.
…and if any of them were to stay 25 years or more, then yes they should become well deserved PRCs (without the apostrophy).
So how many people can populate 21 square miles, would be different if we had PRCs who supported the opposition.
Hmmmmm
And the blame lies squarely with the PLP. Perhaps if the PLP hadn’t done everything possible to prevent PRCs from becoming Bermudian, then some might actually vote PLP. PLP did this to themselves.