Miami University

Workshops

Biodiversity of Kenya
BOT 496/596 (5 Credit Hours)
GEO 496/596 (5 Credit Hours)
View Workshop One-Sheet

Dr. Kimberly E. Medly
05/14/08 - 05/29/08
Biodiversity is a widely recognized priority for global conservation and a focus for environmental studies. The proposed workshop is an intensive two-week field study designed for students to learn about: 1) the natural history and ecology of tropical ecosystems in Kenya (e.g., grazing mammals, large predators, tropical vegetation, birds-biological diversity); 2) the indigenous cultures and human relationships with Kenyan environments (e.g. Massai, Kikuyu, Kamba, Taita-cultural diversity); and 3) conservation issues from interdisciplinary perspectives (cooperative actions for local communities and natural ecosystems-complex issues in the conservation of biodiversity). Students will acquire both a basic and applied understanding of biodiversity in Kenya through field observations, conversations with field experts (researchers, guides, and local people), service activities with local communities, group discussions, field research, and outside readings. Contact Dr. Kimberly E. Medly: 219A Shidler Hall, 529-1558, medleyke@muohio.edu. Visit the official site.

Field Workshop in Botany
BOT 499.R (1-12 Credit Hours)
BOT 599.R (1-12 Credit Hours)

David Gorchov
5/12/2008 - 8/22/2008
Mexico/Kenya/Bahamas
The goal of this workshop is to provide advanced students the opportunity to focus on an individually designed and developed research project addressing specific questions/hypotheses related to the field of botany of a specific geographic area.

Great Cat Conservation, Namibia: Field
BOT 499.Y (5 Credit Hours)
IES 499.Y (5 Credit Hours)
GLG 499.Y (5 Credit Hours)
ZOO 499.Y (5 Credit Hours)

Chris Myers
4/4/2008 - 8/18/2008
Location: Namibia, Africa
Field Expedition courses provide direct study experiences at Earth Expeditions research sites in Africa, Asia, and the Americas . Students will join cheetah conservation efforts in Namibia . Students work with each other and Earth Expeditions faculty to address real-world issues through hands-on investigation and action. Students will build relationships with educators around the world.

Health Care in the Gambia
NSG 499.A (4 Credit Hours)

Mel Cohen
05/28/2008 - 06/20/2008 (3 pre-travel meetings in May)
The Gambia, West Africa
Participants will experience and explore cultural, economic, and political factors that impact health and health care in the Gambia. This course includes visits to relevant agencies, field trips, and a health-related field placement. Participation is limited to upper divisions status in a health-related field, or successful completion of 1-2 years toward a nursing degree, or licensure as a registered nurse. Instructor permission is required. Credit hours may be applied toward the BSN degree or professional contact hours for RN licensure renewal as designated by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Maximum enrollment is eight. Contact Mel Cohen: 224 Johnston Hall (Middletown Campus), 727-3366, cohenm1@muohio.edu

Kenya: Wildlife & People in Integrated Landscapes
BOT 699.P (7 Credit Hours)
GLG 699.P (7 Credit Hours)
IES 699.P (7 Credit Hours)
ZOO 699.P (7 Credit Hours)

Chris Myers
3 Sections: 06/16/2008-06/26/2008; 07/01/2008-07/11/2008; 07/15/2008-07/25/2008
Locations: Amboseli National Park, Olkiramatian Research Center, Kenya
Join Kenyan conservationists, educators, community leaders, and youth to study sustainable approaches to human-wildlife coexistance. Possible research projects may focus on high impact species, such as lions or elephants, species groups (such as grazers), the role of the Maasai in the ecosystem; conservation in parks and beyond; and participatory education and local knowledge. Prior to and following the field experience in Namibia, students will complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops' web-based learning community as they apply experiences to their home institutions. Contact Debbie Shelley, 513.523.8576, shelledl@muohio.edu. Visit the official site.

Namibia: Great Cat Conservation
BOT 699.6 (7 Credit Hours)
GLG 699.6 (7 Credit Hours)
IES 699.6 (7 Credit Hours)
ZOO 699.6 (7 Credit Hours)

Chris Myers
07/27/2008 - 08/06/2008
Location: Otilwarongo, Namibia
Travel to Namibia, Africa, with Cincinnati Zoo and Miami University instructors to join the Zoo's long-term partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)--the global center of cheetah conservation worldwide. Ongoing research projects at CCF include radio tracking, cheetah physiology, ecosystem management, and the design of school and community programs in Namibia. Discover the power of inquiry to generate knowledge and inspire conservation. All students will have the chance to conduct an investigation of the local ecosystem, asking their own questions, collecting data, and presenting conclusions. Prior to and following the field experience in Namibia, students will complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops' web-based learning community as they apply experiences to their home institutions. Contact Debbie Shelley, 513.523.8576, shelledl@muohio.edu. Visit the official site.

Namibia: Great Cat Conservation - Wild Research
BOT 699.E (7 Credit Hours)
IES 699.E (7 Credit Hours)
GLG 699.E (7 Credit Hours)
ZOO 699.E (7 Credit Hours)

Chris Myers
4/4/2008 - 12/12/2008
Location: Otjiwarongo, Namibia
These courses will provide direct experiences for Wild research Consortium members at research sites in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Participants will learn firsthand the actual research, strategies, and local stories of field-based conservation.