Academic News

Students at the CRS are into the final furlong. Directed Research projects are in the final stages of completion and today students presented their research work in a series of research seminars to staff and students. Topics included bowerbird ecology, the role of epiphytes in rainforests and visitor surveys at tourist sites in the Wet Tropics. Without exception students put a great deal of effort into their presentations and will shortly be submitting the completed research paper. Some of the projects have added to previous research, others tested new hypotheses and will form the basis of research projects in future CRS programs.  Tomorrow evening several of the students will be presenting the results of their research to the local community in Yungaburra. Several of the research projects examined the economic benefits to the Yungaburra community as well as site management and eco-tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Eco-tourism is a significant income source for this region and therefore of direct relevance to the community in which CRS works.  Similarly, the threatened Mabi forest fragments are an area in which we work alongside the Mabi Working Group examining aspects of species conservation, forest restoration and ecology.  We look forward to an enjoyable community evening, the culmination of a very successful program in the rainforests of Australia. As you can see from the photos, everyone is in the Christmas spirit! Below are some final reflections from a memorable Fall 2005.  Nigel Barton, Ph.D, Center Director

Student Reflections

My favorite experiences during my stay in Australia have been on the field trips.  Russell Island was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.  Three days doing research on our own island was probably the greatest thing I have done in my life so far. Aside from the field trips, simply hanging around the center was really fun.  Here are some things students will always remember:

“Only a few days remain until we leave our home of three months. What I will miss the most is the potential for random animal sightings. Back in the snowy hills of Wisconsin, I'll certainly not have lizards roaming through my bedroom and pademelons watching me walk home.”  Liz Wason, University of Houston

“One night on the way back to Cabin 2 we spotted an echidna, one of the only egg laying mammals.  Walks back to the cabin also included the spotting of snakes, possums and plenty of cane toads.”  Kyle Tilley, University of Redlands

“Late nights and early mornings in the computer lab will always hold a special place in my heart.  I will always remember long access road walks after nights out.” Michaela Swanson, College of St. Catherine

“Oh how I love NRRs and box stands in the kitchen.  I also will never forget laying underneath the stars on Russell Island listening to Kyle sing lullabies.” Anna Will, Vassar College 

“I will always remember late night bonfires and star-gazing on top of the car park. I also will never forget Chillagoe and sleeping outside all night.” Joanna Vance, University of Redlands 

“My favorite part of this semester was getting to meet tons of interesting and engaging people from around the world. Our group was awesome and I will cherish these memories with them forever.” Michelle Kirlin, Davidson College

“I will always have a special fondness for swimming pools in Chillagoe and the friends that accompanied me in an unforgettable evening.” Allison Kueck, Bucknell University

“I will never forget the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the region.  This was a great experience that I will never regret.  Plus, who could forget all those crazy times late at night or when we needed a mental break?” Heidi Webb, Wells College

“When the balmy air enveloped me as I debarked the plane in Cairns, I knew that I had entered a world of great beauty... shaving my legs in the salty South Pacific while camping on the gorgeous Russell Island and swimming in the pristine crater lakes on the Atherton Tablelands reaffirmed my appreciation for the Wet Tropics.  Now, as I prepare to leave for a cold Christmas at my Colorado home, I am taking with me a renewed environmental consciousness as well as many memories.” Mari Elise Ewing, Austin College

“I loved getting to know such a diverse group of people from all over the world. We all brought our own unique ideas and experiences to Australia, and we'll leave with new ideas and experiences that we gained from others.” Rachel Martin, University of North Carolina- Asheville

“On Russell Island, I laid out under the stars just to listen to waves breaking on the beach of broken coral. The warm, salty breeze blew across my face, creating a feeling I can only describe as euphoria. My only care in the world was how many stars to count as I watched the night pass by. It may not have been as nice as the Jersey Shore, but you get the idea.” Ryan Reed, Villanova University

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