Posts tagged student
Field-based learning in Costa Rica
Field-based learning in Costa Rica

Learning outside the classroom is something we’re all growing more accustomed to at the moment. The coronavirus crisis has plunged us all into a new world where we are adapting, ready or not. I am inspired by new initiatives for informal education and reflecting on my own non-traditional learning environments. I am also grieving the missed opportunity to return to my favorite field-based classroom, Costa Rica. In June of 2016 I was accepted into the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS) graduate Tropical Plant Systematics Course in Costa Rica, a research-based field program. This summer, I was invited back as a Teaching Assistant, but alas, the course has been cancelled. Since I can’t be there this summer I’m just going to dream of being back there.

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Botany, Biology, Education, Graduate SchoolNichole TiernanBotany, Costa Rica, Research, Education, scientist, student, Systematics, PhD, graduate school, plant exploration, ecosystem
Lightning Talks and an Evening Walk
Lightning Talks and an Evening Walk

After working with the Fairchild Challenge and having had a very non-linear path towards science, I saw a unique opportunity to connect high school students with current graduate students. My experience as someone with a desire to pursue a career in science while not necessarily knowing how to go about it prompted me to create and host the Lightning Talks and Evening Walk student workshop. Last week was Fairchild’s second annual event where 30 high school students had the opportunity to hear from six graduate students from FIU and UM about their path to science.

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Biology, Botany, Education, Graduate School, OutreachNichole Tiernanscientist, student, workshop, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Fairchild Challenge, Education, outreach, broader impacts