EDUCATION
that leads to some great conversations and debates.”
Days are spent outside, boating and snorkeling in one of the many
reefs surrounding Lizard Island. Students interact with researchers from
around the globe and they explore the natural history and biodiversity
of the area while learning the fi eld methods employed in ecological
research.
The class draws students from across the university, with majors rang-
ing from business to philosophy, engineering to geological sciences.
(Not So) Lost
Their experience with travel varies, too.
“Australia was defi nitely the farthest and most exotic place that I had
ever been,” says Elise Rasmussen, who had just fi nished her fi rst year as
a student in the College of Natural Sciences when she took the class.
on Lizard Island
“The most interesting thing was the level of diversity in the ocean
communities,” Rasmussen says. “I could fl oat in the same place in the
water, look around, and still never see every living organism within my
vicinity.”
Sure, communal living on a distant island might bring to She also says that the trip taught her just how involved scientifi c
mind a certain hit television show. But the 15 students who research is, from the length of time it takes to conduct it to how vari-
stayed on Lizard Island this past summer were satisfi ed to ables are always interacting, making defi nite answers elusive. This kind
fi nd their intrigue in the incredible coral reefs they snor- of understanding is exactly what Poteet is aiming for.
keled through each day. She’s focused her teaching career on helping students understand
For three summers Dr. Mary Poteet, research fellow and lecturer in research and science methods.
integrative biology, has led a group of 15 students to Australia’s Great Bar- “My goal is to give students a hands-on appreciation for evidence-
rier Reef to study coral reef ecosystems and conduct fi eld-based research. based inquiry in a stimulating and exciting environment,” she says.
After a week in Sydney, students spend three weeks at the Lizard Island Lizard Island offers her just that opportunity.
Research Station. They cook, eat, study, research and play together, and “It’s so gratifying to see the students look at the reef for the fi rst time,”
Poteet admits there are many sad faces when it’s time to leave. she says. “They get so excited when they see the incredible diversity and
“At dinner, all of us sit around an open-air dining table as the sun sets abundance of colorful fi shes and coral. It’s almost overwhelming.” vivé
and fl ying foxes start to forage,” she says. “It’s an energized environment griffith
Data
% Women and Men by Major
Textiles and Apparel
Human Ecology
Human Development and Family Sciences
Nutrition
7
Clinical Lab Science
Biology
A
TES SPRING 200
Chemistry
GRADU
Biochemistry
A
T
A: UNDER
D
Mathematics
Astronomy
Physics
Computer Sciences
focus on science 19
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