I spent my spring semester abroad at the University of College Cork in Cork, Ireland. Cork is the southernmost county in Ireland and I experienced a lively culture with traditional music, dancing, and food. I am studying Ecosystem Science and Restoration at UM, and I have a particular love for wildflowers and want to contribute to the conservation projects that aim to restore the native wildflower population in degraded ecosystems. My global theme is resources and sustainability, with the challenge of utilizing modern restoration strategies in tandem with the cultural expectations of different societies to facilitate the regeneration of sustainable ecosystems. I loved being able to learn about the Irish native plant species, as well as the ways in which the Irish traditionally and contemporarily use native plants in everyday life.

In my Ecological Fieldwork and Analysis course, we conducted research for three ongoing studies at UCC located in Clonakilty, Kilbritain, and Killarney National Park, exploring ecological concepts such as rabbit density on sand dunes, snail shell polymorphism, and distribution of lichen communities. I was able to gain valuable experience gathering data, analyzing and graphing statistics, and writing scientific reports. I appreciated having the opportunity to explore these different ecosystems in Ireland and contribute to ongoing research.

In my Nature-Culture: Anthropologies of the More-than-Human course, I learned that the concept of ‘nature’ does not exist universally, and because there are many different ways of seeing the world, there can be no one solution to the environmental crisis. I tend to think very scientifically, often allowing myself to think of the environment I am working in as a closed system, and this class emphasized the importance of the interpersonal relationships individuals form with specific plant species. Our cultures often define the ways we interact with nature, and this is essential to recognize if we want to have global advancements in conservation. I think a lof os issues in creating successful global environmental change comes from the dichotomy of the utilitarian and biocentric perspectives. 

My favorite aspect of studying abroad was making life-long connections with people from across the world, and experiencing an independence that allowed me to explore my interests and travel to new places.