Laura Sykes ’98 and Leon-C. Malan Field Studies Program
Explore ecological and social topics in class that prepare you for intensive experiences in four distinct locations. Journey to the Colorado River basin, the desert Southwest, the island community of Martha’s Vineyard or the White Mountains of New Hampshire to collaborate in the great outdoors with classmates, faculty and regional experts.
The field studies program was founded in 2002 by Laura Sykes ’98 and Leon-C. Malan, both now faculty emerit, who designed and led the first field studies course, Desert Communities.
River Communities
Study topics on water issues in the West on campus before setting out on an adventure to the open-air classrooms of Colorado and Utah where you’ll learn about water use in the arid American West.
Tidal Communities
Investigate the biology, ecology, geology and culture of Martha’s Vineyard in the classroom before embarking on a three-day island tour to better understand how humans affect — and have been affected by — aquatic communities.
Desert Communities
Learn about desert ecology on campus before heading to the Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson, Arizona, a thirsty city of more than half a million people that receives less than 12 inches of rainfall per year.
Alpine Communities
Study the geology and flora of New Hampshire’s alpine zone in the classroom before setting forth on an expedition to explore the delicate ecosystem of Mount Washington.
Tropical Communities
Explore the importance of the earth’s most diverse ecosystem, coral reefs, and learn about the impact of climate change on the island community of Ambergris Caye, first via classroom discussions and then through hands-on investigation, by traveling to Belize for a 10-day excursion.