Concordia University, Nebraska

A group of Concordia University, Nebraska students traveled north to Canada as part of an artic study tour June 13-25. Led by Dr. Joseph Gubanyi, professor of biology, the group examined northern ecosystems and studied plants and animals of the region. Their studies took them as far north as Hudson Bay, where they cruised the icy waters in Zodiac boats among a school of beluga whales and icebergs. "It was an amazing experience to witness the amount of marine life and dynamic physical characteristics of the Hudson Bay," said John Chatwell, a senior biology major from Lincoln, Neb. Through the course of the trip, students visited ecosystems ranging from boreal forest, tundra, fens (arctic marshes), and arctic coastal marine environments. They also studied tundra biology in northern Manitoba at Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a field station established for research and education of the arctic. "Working out of a facility built specifically for the development of sub-arctic research gave our group the chance to work with other researchers and experience the real-life challenges and skills needed to be an on-site research specialist," said Chatwell.

A team of students and two professors from Concordia University, Nebraska embarked on a study tour of four national parks May 7-18. The group visited Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks in California. "The objective of the trip is to open the eyes of students to the wonderful system of national parks we are blessed to have in this country," said Dr. Joel Helmer, associate professor of geography and leader of the trip. "I always tell them aEUR~it's your land, go see and use it.'" Students were required to select a resource management issue in the parks. They then researched the issues through interviews with park personnel, photographs, journaling and information from visitor centers. Each student also completed a digital journal of photos, writings and observations. "This was a trip of a lifetime," said junior Matt Wingert. "Never again will I go to that many national parks or learn that much in one trip. Dr. Helmer did an outstanding job. I can't wait to go visit those parks again and share with my friends and family the things I learned," he said. The trip included a hike on the sand dunes and a visit to the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, exploring the backcountry in Jeeps, viewing the world's largest tree in Sequoia, and camping and hiking in Yosemite. The following local students participated in the national parks study tour: