HWS News
7 January 2025 Exploring Marine and Urban Ecology
A faculty-led study abroad program brought students to Queensland, Australia, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.
During the Fall semester, 30 students from HWS and Union College participated in a transformative study abroad program in Queensland, Australia. Led by Professor of Biology Sigrid Carle and Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Tom Drennen, the program explored marine biology and urban ecology through coursework, hands-on fieldwork and cultural immersion.
While the University of Queensland served as home base, the program included four major excursions that allowed students to experience Australia's rich biodiversity and practice field techniques for their “Marine Ecology of Australia” and “Terrestrial Ecology of Australia” courses. At Girraween and Lamington National Parks, students camped and embarked on hikes as long as 19 kilometers to study the region’s unique wildlife and flora.
At the Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), students spent a week honing field techniques in diverse ecosystems like reefs and mangrove swamps.
Queensland, Australia
The capstone experience took students to the University of Queensland’s Research Station on Heron Island. Over eight days, students collected data for independent research projects through daily snorkeling excursions on the reef. “Watching sunsets over the harbor and sunrises at Shark Bay made the experience unforgettable,” Drennen says.
"The field trips were powerful, transformative experiences," Carle says. "Spending a week immersed in a particular environment gave all of us a greater appreciation for each ecosystem and a chance to see many more birds and animals than a day trip ever could. Evening and early morning wildlife spotting was truly a highlight. We were able to understand how and why Australia's ecosystems are so unique."
For Dani Krenzer ’27, a biology major and aspiring marine biologist, studying abroad in Queensland was life-changing. “Studying in one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions has been a transformative step in my journey,” she says. On Heron Island, Krenzer completed an independent research project analyzing the relationship between coral complexity and reef fish diversity. Read more about Krenzer’s experience here.
“Whether in the rain forest, mangroves, the bush, or the Great Barrier Reef, our HWS and UQ professors furthered our appreciation for the intricate innerworkings of each ecosystem, also known as the most beautiful classrooms in the world,” Caroline Gannon ’26 says. “I am looking forward to bringing these acquired skills back to Geneva and future opportunities.”
Students also took “Urban Ecology in Brisbane,” which explored the surprising urban ecosystems. Brisbane served as a model for exploring topics ranging from sustainability, human-nature conflicts, waste management, water use and urban planning.
Coursework for “Australian Culture, Society and Contemporary Issues” was enhanced by a homestay, which created an opportunity to deepen their understanding of life in Brisbane. “In final 1-on-1 meetings with the students, they all talked about how much they’d miss their homestay families and how much they appreciated the opportunity to actually get to know and live with Australians,” Drennen says.
Member of the HWS sailing team Owen Carolan ’26 and HWS rowers Kate Abdalla ’26, Linnea Darius ’26 and Ian Selover ’26, continued their love for their sports in Australia – and used them as an opportunity to connect with the locals. Carolan walked on to the sailing race team at the Brisbane Yacht Club and won the club championship. Abdalla, Darius and Selover joined the University of Queensland crew teams.
“Studying abroad in Australia opened up so many educational opportunities that I never would have gotten without the program. The research skills that I gained from each field trip have prepared me for further research back on campus and beyond,” says Carolan. “Additionally, the local culture was super accepting. I am still in contact with several members from the Brisbane club and I probably will be for a long time,” Carolan says.
