TIERA

“It is one thing to discuss climate change in a lecture hall, but to see first-hand in an area incredibly at risk to climate change really puts into perspective how pressing these issues are. From fragmentation to deforestation to gene flow, I saw so many of the terms I have spent the better part of my college experience studying impacting real- life ecosystems; I cannot wait to learn more”

"Having completed the field course, I am struck with how enjoyable and effective it is to do scientific research in a setting like FCAT. Although our days started early and were full of field work, lab work, and other tasks, they never felt overly busy or stressful. It was incredibly fulfilling and inspiring to work hard on our individual projects all day and then meet over lunch and dinner to hear about what everyone else had accomplished. Being in one place with such diverse and interesting research going on was really motivating for me. This type of environment fosters a lot of collaboration and teamwork, ultimately producing better science and more innovative ideas."

"I researched the TIERA experience and its effect on students' environmental perspectives. I used qualitative methods such as interviews to study shifts in environmentalism to write a Senior Honors Thesis that discussed the role of study abroad programs in higher education and how the community-engaged process can promote intercultural learning. At graduation, I was recognized as the Senior Honors Scholar in the Sociology department and as having an Outstanding Honors Thesis in the Environmental Studies Department. Now, I have accepted an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps in Panama as a Community Environmental Conservation Promoter! I am very excited for this next step, and my time in Ecuador and at FCAT taught me so much about conservation, the research process, and collaboration between nonprofit stakeholders. None of these opportunities would have been possible without the support of TIERA!"

"A crucial aspect of the FCAT station is its commitment to working with local communities to produce community-based research. Hiring locals who know the land better than any foreign researchers gives them influence in our work and a sense of pride in where they grew up. Despite the language barrier, the FCATeros were patient and always willing to communicate and help us with our research. They pointed out unique flora and fauna, shared their own life stories with us, and truly became something more than just colleagues; they became friends."

"The TIERA program gave me hands-on experience in community based research. I learned to gather data, collaborate with others, and most importantly: come up with context dependent solutions to social and environmental injustices. After graduating, I started my own construction company called Rellestate Renovations and I use this same community-based research method when engaging with clients. TIERA taught me to center my work on forming respectful and empowering relationships with others. This has made me a better leader and friend, and taught me how to incorporate transformational environmental advocacy into all aspects of my life."

"FCAT will hold a place in my heart forever. The relationships I established there, not only with my peers and faculty but the FCATeros and staff, will be ones I cherish for the rest of my life. It is almost expendable to any other service project I have done. I would say my original intent was to learn about ethnobotany, and now leaving, I have not only been equipped with the rich knowledge and history of ethnobotany in Ecuador but was also leaving with stories, friendships, and a reason to want to continue doing work like this."