| STUDENTS
TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA AS PART OF DISEASE PATHOGENESIS COURSE
In May, five Houghton students will travel to Zambia in Africa
as part of their Disease Pathogenesis course. The Mayterm course,
supervised by Dr. Jacqueline Crisman, pre-med advisor, includes
a two-week practicum experience, shadowing a physician to gain
hands-on experience and knowledge of the medical field. Global
Partners, in conjunction with Houghton, will be overseeing the
Africa trip. Other students enrolled in Disease Pathogenesis will
shadow physicians in the U.S., including Houghton alumni.
NEW MAYTERM BOREAL ECOLOGY
COURSE RANGES FROM THE ADIRONDACKS TO ALASKA
A new Mayterm course entitled Boreal Ecology: Adirondacks to
Alaska will debut this coming spring. Dr. James Wolfe, who has
led seven course trips to Alaska, will start the course at Houghton’s
Star Lake campus before flying with students to Alaska for two
weeks. Study in the Adirondacks is at the southern limit of the
vast boreal (northern) biome which ranges above the Arctic Circle
in northern Alaska. Natural history of characteristic plants and
animals of the boreal ecosystem will include such charismatic
fauna such as moose, caribou, grizzly and brown bears, and wolves.
The itinerary in Alaska includes Denali National Park which encompasses
the 20,320 foot Mount McKinley, the glaciated backcountry of the
Chugach National Forest, as well as cold coastal marine ecosystems
of the Kenai Peninsula where humpback and killer whales, Steller
sea lions, and bald eagles are abundant. Another field biology
course, Ornithology: Birds of the Adirondacks will also be taught
at the Star Lake campus by Instructor Alan Belford who has just
had two articles published in Canoe and Kayak magazine.
EMPHASIS IN FORESTRY FOR
THE BIOLOGY MAJOR AND FORESTRY MINOR APPROVED FOR HOUGHTON STUDENTS
Houghton faculty approved
a new track of a forestry emphasis within the Biology major in
December. This program, in conjunction with the New York State
Ranger School at Wanakena in the Adirondack Park, enables Houghton
biology majors to take a year (fall and spring semesters) at the
Ranger School, complete their biology degree and earn an Associate
of Arts and Sciences in Forest Technology. The forestry technology
program at the Ranger School was the first such program when instituted
in 1912. Graduates from the Ranger School which is part of the
State University of New York – College of Environmental
Science and Forestry, have been successful in pursuing advanced
degrees in forestry and wildlife management, jobs in industry,
and positions in the Peace Corps. Houghton alumna Karen Wilson
(2004) completed the Ranger School curriculum and is currently
serving in Africa in the Peace Corps. This forestry emphasis at
Houghton is unique among the Christian colleges and prepares students
for forestry work overseas where mission organizations increasingly
are working with local organizations to reforest areas degraded
and deforested through poor stewardship. A minor in forest technology
is also available for students who take the fall semester at the
Ranger School. Further information and applications can be obtained
from Dr. James Wolfe
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