A group of five students from Arkansas State University returned this week from a research trip to the Commonwealth of Dominica, an independent country in the Southern Caribbean. The study abroad trip was the first of its kind for students in their study of environmental management.

Research Focus

Dr. Jason Post, assistant research professor of geography, led the students in their research. Student researchers included Jay Rogers, a master’s in sociology student from Benton; Saber Brown, a master’s in history student from Harrisburg; Jessica Harvey, a senior environmental science student from Lawton, Okla.; Mae Whisenhunt, a sophomore plant and soil science student from Foreman, Ark.; and Zhoe Davis, a senior animal science student from Marion.

The students worked on two research projects. For the first, a field mapping and ecology project, students mapped the transition in benthic habitat from coral to algae along a disturbance gradient to explore the effect of coastal development on reefs. The second research project was a qualitative social science project that focused on analyzing social media videos and local museum exhibits using open coding and grounded theory.

Benefits of the Trip

Post said taking part in field research trips allows students to apply the knowledge they have developed at A-State to real-life experiences. Many of the students did not have international travel experience, and this opportunity not only strengthened their research abilities, but also gave them cultural experience.

Students will present their findings in a formal public symposium. Many plan to continue this work in support of peer-reviewed publications. This trip also opens the doors for future endeavors, with hopes to invite students from Dominica to A-State in the future.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.