March 31, 2014

US students to study Australian biodiversity at UOW

A group of undergraduate students from New York State’s Colgate University is spending six months at UOW studying the biodiversity of the modern Australian fauna and flora, with an emphasis on both terrestrial and marine organisms.

The students, who are studying for a Bachelor of Arts at Colgate University, will undertake a semester long program at UOW involving subjects mainly from the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.

Biologist, Professor Krista Ingram, from Colgate University, will discuss how the geologic and environmental history of Australia shaped biodiversity and how human interactions have affected those natural communities. The study group will explore how global environmental issues have contributed to losses of the unique Australian biota and discuss how different cultural perspectives within Australia help shape policy and management decisions.

“We will undertake a number of field excursions to locations of cultural and ecological significance in New South Wales and Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Rainforest, Killalea State Park and Booderee National Park.This will exemplify Australia’s rich and diverse terrestrial and marine environments and cultural heritage and illustrate current challenges in environmental protection and management”, Professor Ingram said. 

The students were welcomed to the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health by Associate Dean (International) Associate Professor Marc in het Panhuis at a lunchtime event on Thursday 26 March.

“The exchange with Colgate University is an important link for UOW and we are excited about hosting the study group in our Faculty. The Colgate-UOW interactions provide vital academic links in teaching/research, and they enhance the international profile of both institutions,” Professor in het Panhuis said.