Tropical Forest Ecology and Development in Costa Rica
This is a faculty-led program (FLEAP). The program leaders are Dr. Richard Rheingans and Dr. Julia Showalter. Please email them with any program questions!
Program dates: May 24 - June 11, 2026
Optional Practicum: June 10 - 27, 2026
Tropical forests are the home to incredible biodiversity, and their protection and restoration is essential to address the climate crisis. Researchers estimate that over 30 million acres of tropical forest were lost in 2020 and that rate is increasing. Reversing forest loss and its effects on biodiversity and climate change requires an understanding of the dynamic interplay between social and ecological processes. This program is an interdisciplinary experience that examines the social and ecological aspects of forest dynamics, protection, and restoration in the context of two critical tropical forest biomes in Costa Rica - lowland rainforests and cloud forests. Students spend their time in the forest, working with Costa Rican conservation partners, learning from researchers, and living with Costa Rican families. We focus on understanding problems but also learning how communities come together to address them.
African Climate Literacy & Development in Zambia
This is a faculty-led program (FLEAP). The program leaders are Twange Kasoma and Matthew Ogwu. Please email them with any program questions!
Program dates: June 11 - 26, 2026
African Climate Literacy and Development is an Honors seminar, which offers an interdisciplinary, research-driven, and globally relevant exploration of one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. Africa faces disproportionate climate change vulnerabilities due to its high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors, limited adaptive capacity, and historical underdevelopment. Yet, widespread poor climate literacy continues to hamper effective mitigation, adaptation, and policy implementation. This course addresses this gap and transcends traditional environmental science by promoting effective communication, policy, indigenous knowledge, scientific innovation, and sustainable development within the African context.