When Research Meets Adventure, the Impact is Profound
Students on a recent environmental research trip to Costa Rica learned as much about themselves as they did about science.
By Camila Zuluaga Rodriguez
Environmental science major Madison Rousseau ’25 knew that when she signed up, there was potential value in the student research excursion planned in Costa Rica. But what she discovered upon her arrival there was beyond anything she could have expected.
“Being immersed in such a biodiverse ecosystem made the learning experience both rewarding and unforgettable. I believe that this experience has not only deepened my understanding of fieldwork but also allowed me to gain experiences that will be valuable to me as I pursue a career in the future,” said Rousseau, who is also a member of Stonehill’s NCAA Division I track and field team.
Professor of environmental science Justin Compton took his class to Costa Rica during winter break to explore various research topics related to tropical ecology.
A Chance to “Feel” What Biology Is
The class, Topics in Environmental Science, went to La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica to “feel what biology is all about” and learn to apply field biology skills and techniques. The class consisted of 10 students who met regularly with Compton during the fall semester to establish their research project, develop their research methods and acquire the necessary field equipment. The field data was collected over the 10-day trip.
“Skills don’t necessarily translate when you try to apply them to the field,” said Compton, referring to intangible skills such as troubleshooting, problem-solving and innovating.
“You know, it is one thing to take a class, but it is another thing to actually apply that skill set in a real-world setting,” he said.
Compton wanted to give this experience to his students — to travel internationally and do fieldwork — since he had never had an opportunity to study abroad or travel internationally as a student.
He volunteered that all the students had been outstanding and had taken ownership of their projects. “They all adapted well to the environment and maximized the opportunity,” he said.
Gaining Knowledge and Executive Skills
Compton’s goal for the trip was to mentor his students and work with them. His favorite part of the experience was seeing the students’ transformations from the first meeting to Costa Rica.
“That transition for them [included] fully owning their project and then [my] learning from them, and now they’re more like experts in a certain thing than I am, and so they are teaching me. [The development of that] kind of reciprocal relationship was the most gratifying,” he said.
Compton chose Costa Rica because it is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. He had gone there previously to do research and already knew the place and staff where they would be working, so it made it more comfortable for him.
“I started looking at different locations and sites, and then went on my own a few times down to Costa Rica to check it out and make sure I could bring students here,” he said.
The research site already had a lot of infrastructure, allowing the group to go and do their research. They had full-time staff researchers and students from other colleges as well, explained Compton.
He said, “The combination — it’s the site, the diversity, the traveling logistics — all those things make Costa Rica a perfect spot.”
“I’ve gone there a number of times at this point, and this was the most rewarding and gratifying experience I’ve ever had,” said Compton.
Meghan Sambrook ’25 couldn’t agree more.
“I was with a smaller group of 10 students, and we had a fantastic time, each doing our research but having fun and exploring,” said Sambrook, who is double majoring in environmental studies and political science. “I recommend that students take advantage of every opportunity Stonehill can offer.”
Camila Zuluaga Rodriguez ’26 is an English major and member of Stonehill’s NCAA Division I women’s tennis team.
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