Texas A&M University recently marked a historic milestone with its inaugural study abroad venture to Antarctica during the late fall semester. The expedition, titled “Human Impacts On A Fragile Environment,” comprised 36 participants, including students, faculty, and staff from diverse disciplines who spent a transformative two weeks exploring Earth’s southernmost tip.
Education Abroad staff, alongside four Texas A&M faculty members, played a pivotal role in preparing participants for this unprecedented journey. Interdisciplinary courses in atmospheric sciences, oceanography, cruise tourism, and educational psychology were meticulously aligned and tailored for the expedition. The faculty leaders included Dr. Jay Woodward from the educational psychology department in the School of Education and Human Development, Dr. Don Conlee from the atmospheric sciences department, Dr. Chrissy Wiederwohl from the oceanography department in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor Rick Harwell from the hospitality, hotel management, and tourism department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The expedition welcomed graduate and undergraduate students from all fields of study.
Describing the venture as “an experiential and transformational learning opportunity,” Dr. Jay Woodward emphasized its reflection of Texas A&M’s commitment to providing students with more than just tourism. “It’s not mere tourism. It’s transformational work,” he highlighted.
Eight participants shared their experiences at the “Perspectives from Antarctica” event, providing insights into the immersive journey. Mary Chandra, a veterinary graduate student, marveled at the untouched natural beauty of Antarctica, emphasizing the responsibility to address environmental challenges. Chandra’s study focused on the impact of increasing temperatures on Antarctica’s ecosystem, highlighting concerns about declining phytoplankton and threats to the krill population.
Akshaj “Akku” Kumar, a senior aerospace engineering major, explored the role of communication in addressing modern challenges in Antarctica. Kumar stressed the importance of science communication, urging the next generation of scientists to make complex concepts comprehensible to the wider audience.
Texas A&M University Libraries collaborated on the project, providing camera equipment to document the experience. Students engaged in various scientific endeavors, from collecting water samples to understand phytoplankton community changes to conducting weather briefings and collaborating with ham radio enthusiasts for studies on ultraviolet (UV) B sensors.
Dr. Jay Woodward expressed pride in the students who embraced the challenge, commending their commitment to taking learning to the next level. The Antarctic expedition exemplified Texas A&M’s dedication to fostering engaged and passionate student scholars.
