Academic Studies and Research

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Facilitation of field experiences for 9 Prescott College classes

Increased participation of Center staff as mentors in PC classes at the Center

Contributions of valuable conservation, science and arts projects by Prescott College students

Students rescued a burried green sea turtle in the mud

The 9 Prescott College classes and 7 independent studies and senior projects offered through the Center this year covered an interdisciplinary range of subjects emanating from 5 different academic programs. The switch to the block system at Prescott College facilitated the use of the Center by adding more classes, including some taught by professors who had never previously taught in Kino. The field experiences and opportunities for learning in an applied, real-world context were even more meaningful, unique, and appreciated this year because of the pandemic; students were very respectful of the safety protocols put in place.

We look forward with working with more Prescott College masters students during the years ahead.

Fall 2020 Semester

• Marine Conservation:

Global issues • Marine Conservation:

Gulf of California case studies • Marine Conservation:

Practicum • Independent Studies

Spring 2021 Semester

• Documentary Photography • Spanish Intensive and Cultural

Immersion • Seabird Ecology • Island Biogeography • Biological Field Methods • Independent Studies

Some highlights from this year’s courses

• The Marine Conservation students each contributed to applied conservation projects with Kino Bay Center mentors

• The Path of the Paddle class engaged in a week of practical sea kayaking skills instruction

• The Spanish Intensive and Cultural Immersion class was based at the Center with staff members “adopting” students (as an aternative to living with host families)

• The Seabird Ecology and Island Biogeography classes conducted almost daily field trips to important bird habitats of the islands, estuaries and coasts

• The Biological Field Methods class compared Cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) dispersion patterns on the mainland and Isla San Esteban

The Seabird Ecology class on Las Animas Island

Impact: Classes at the Center inspire and train students to make a difference through advanced study and/or careers in fields related to environmental conservation that is socially just.