Dr. Yang from the Biology Department and Dr. Bryant from the Religion Department are collaborating to create a truly unique summer learning experience! The two departments are taking twelve students to Washington State where they will spend two weeks gaining new scientific and cultural perspectives. Since Mt. St. Helen is covered in snow during the month of May, the trip will take place at the end of July. Throughout the trip, students will be working on their own research projects as well as on an ecological restoration project.

For the first part of the trip, students will be camping with fellow researchers near Mt. St. Helen. This location will give students a great opportunity to do their own research, as well as interact with other researchers in an area that is not accessible to the public. During this time, students will be able to measure the pulse of Mt. St. Helen which only takes place every five years. Students will also be able to go into the crater of the active volcano, which is also an area not accessible to the public.

Students and faculty will then travel to the headquarters of the Cowlitz tribe where they will work with tribe members on an ecological restoration project. Students will be able to interact with this people and will discover the importance of ecological preservation to the tribe. The final destination of the trip is to Olympic National Park, which is frequented by people from all over the world.

This trip will provide students with either Biology 458 or Religion 458 credit. Each student will have the unique opportunity to propose, conduct, and present their own research project while gaining new scientific and cultural experiences. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!