Smithsonian-Mason Undergraduate OpportunitiesWild Classroom
Summer ends, the weather turns crisp and clear, and in the usual turn of the seasons, students return to school. For the fourth term, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is host to 20 undergraduates pursuing studies in conservation.
But nothing is “usual” about going back to school at SCBI.
The Smithsonian-Mason Semester for Conservation Studies is part of a unique partnership between George Mason University and the Smithsonian Institution. Much like a semester abroad, the Smithsonian-Mason Semester immerses students in an active research community, where they live among, learn from, and work side-by-side with Smithsonian and Mason scientists and scholars.
On paper, the program enrolls students in five separate courses that range from conservation theory and practice, human dimensions, integrated conservation strategy, and applied conservation. Unlike normal university courses, the content of those five classes are woven seamlessly into a fast-paced and challenging 16 weeks. One day might find students calculating the population densities of local wildlife populations with camera traps, and another assessing fertility and reproductive status of endangered brow-antlered deer in the SCBI collections.
Students learn about local land protection strategies while visiting local farmers, and share ideas with National Park managers to balance increasing visitation with the need to conserve plants and animals. Guest instructors range from Smithsonian climate change scientists, to State wildlife biologists, to eco-friendly developers, to government officials and NGO directors.
Such a varied and diverse learning environment attracts equally diverse students. The 20 students enrolled this fall come from a wide variety of backgrounds and bring an array of passions and interests to the learning community. Many have a focus within the biological sciences, while increasing numbers are focused on social disciplines such as policy, economics, education, psychology and global affairs. All come to the table with a passion for the natural world, and a desire to make a difference.
Our students' passion and commitement can be felt in some of their early reflections on the semester and its opportunities.
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“From the first time I heard about the Smithsonian-Mason Semester, I knew it was something that I wanted to do.” |
“I have never been so excited about school and can’t wait to see where the semester takes me.” |
“I love to learn, and I love to have fun while learning. I anticipate a lot of mosquito-bitten days in the sun, but a day in the wild without might seem less than exciting.” |
“One of the most exciting things about the Smithsonian-Mason Semester is the opportunity not only to be surrounded by critically endangered animals, but also the scientists and conservation professionals who work with them.” |
“Never before have I ever felt so at home, where I can learn the valuable lessons needed to attain my aspirations, while working closely with my companions and mentors.” |
“Coming to study at SCBI feels like one of the best decisions I have made in my college career. I love learning, and SCBI offers so much more than just book knowledge.” |
This unique learning community cultivates students we need to ask the right questions about our changing world, dream of solutions yet unknown, and work together to conserve the diversity of life on our planet.
