Recent theory-to-practice proposal is for the birds... and some OWU alumni
Diane Bizzarro, Transcript Reporter
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News
The recently approved theory-to-practice proposal of zoology professor Jedd Burtt differs from other proposals because it is the only project that has been designed to include Ohio Wesleyan alumni.
Entitled "Natural History of the New River, Lamani, and Chan Chiche, Belize," the proposal involves traveling to specific sites in Chan Chiche and Lamani, Belize from March 6- 13 to participate in various field studies and lectures about the wildlife and environment in the area.
The group will be comprised of Burtt, two current students and four Ohio Wesleyan alumni.
Burtt said he developed his proposal with the post-graduate OWU community in mind.
"I have conducted a lot of student trips that alumni would come on so I decided to make a whole separate trip geared towards alumni," he said.
Many of the alumni traveling to Belize have been involved with Burtt's previous trips, and some are former zoology majors. Others have remained active members of the science department at OWU. Some have even given speeches in Burtt's classes.
Burtt said it is extremely important for current OWU students and alumni to maintain connections.
"Once you graduate from OWU, you become a part of this amazing group," Burtt said. "The students on the trip will be sitting on the veranda overlooking the tropics chatting with these alumni and learning the point of view that the older generations have towards Ohio Wesleyan. This cross generational experience is a major part of my proposal."
Four current students applied for the space in the trip, and junior Sean Williams and senior Jack Stenger were selected to go. Burtt said both students are experts in the birding field.
"This trip requires a very specific, trained type of student, and I know that both Sean and Jack are the perfect candidates for the trip," he said.
Williams and Stenger will study the many different species of birds and wildlife that live in the area prior to arriving in Chan Chiche.
Entitled "Natural History of the New River, Lamani, and Chan Chiche, Belize," the proposal involves traveling to specific sites in Chan Chiche and Lamani, Belize from March 6- 13 to participate in various field studies and lectures about the wildlife and environment in the area.
The group will be comprised of Burtt, two current students and four Ohio Wesleyan alumni.
Burtt said he developed his proposal with the post-graduate OWU community in mind.
"I have conducted a lot of student trips that alumni would come on so I decided to make a whole separate trip geared towards alumni," he said.
Many of the alumni traveling to Belize have been involved with Burtt's previous trips, and some are former zoology majors. Others have remained active members of the science department at OWU. Some have even given speeches in Burtt's classes.
Burtt said it is extremely important for current OWU students and alumni to maintain connections.
"Once you graduate from OWU, you become a part of this amazing group," Burtt said. "The students on the trip will be sitting on the veranda overlooking the tropics chatting with these alumni and learning the point of view that the older generations have towards Ohio Wesleyan. This cross generational experience is a major part of my proposal."
Four current students applied for the space in the trip, and junior Sean Williams and senior Jack Stenger were selected to go. Burtt said both students are experts in the birding field.
"This trip requires a very specific, trained type of student, and I know that both Sean and Jack are the perfect candidates for the trip," he said.
Williams and Stenger will study the many different species of birds and wildlife that live in the area prior to arriving in Chan Chiche.
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