Kirsten Chu of Flanders Studies Environmental Sustainability in Costa Rica

2014 Jan 16

Kirsten Chu of Flanders, N.J., a junior communication studies major at Widener University, spent part of the winter break studying abroad in Costa Rica as part of the Special Topics in Sustainability Science course offered through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Chu and nine other students traveled to Alajuela and Ostional during the eleven-day service-learning trip to Costa Rica. The trip was designed to introduce students to unique sustainable development projects that have a significant economic and social impact on villagers and farmers who harness biological resources for a living.

In Alajeula at the Las Lajas farm, students focused on characterizing the physical aspects of a coffee farm that produces organic, shade-grown coffee compared to a farm that produces sun-grown coffee to learn how consumer decisions impact the environment. The farm that produces the shade-grown coffee is the source of the beans for WU Brew, Widener's own brand of coffee. Sales of the coffee helped fund the trip.

In Ostional, one of the world's most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles, students examined the dynamics of how harvesting a fraction of the turtle eggs helps support the local economy. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with community members about all aspects o the operation.

The course is the brainchild of Dr. Stephen Madigosky, a professor of environmental science. He, along with several of his colleagues including Tim Scepansky and Drs. Chad Freed and Itzick Vatnick, use this opportunity to develop within students a sense of inquiry that hones their research skills while addressing real world problems and applications.

Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate's, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve more than 6,300 students. Widener is proud to be a tobacco-free university. Visit the university's website, www.widener.edu.