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WKU Geoscience Students Explore Hawaii's Volcanoes
Bowling Green, Ky. - Two Western Kentucky University geography and geology professors and 15 students recently spent 10 days on the islands of Kauai and Hawaii for a field-based course on the Geology and Culture of Hawaii.
The program, led by Dr. Andrew Wulff and Dr. Richard Deal, explored the relationship between the unique geological environment of the Hawaiian islands and the development and culture of the Hawaiian people. Each student chose a topic of interest for research prior to the trip and will write an experience-based paper upon returning to Bowling Green. The group spent a few days studying Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast, climbed on Mauna Loa volcano, hiked across Kilauea Iki crater, explored Thurston and Kula Kai lava caves, visited coffee, taro and macadamia nut plantations and ancient temples, and examined history, foods and recent development trends on the islands. "Programs such as this provide field-based learning experiences and opportunities for students that take classroom-based theories and concepts and place them in practical settings," said Dr. David Keeling, head of the Geography and Geology Department. "Students realize that a broader and deeper appreciation of the physical and cultural environments around them is necessary if they are to be successful in an increasingly globalized system." Students participating the class included Crystal Bergman, a Bowling Green senior; Jennifer Burns, a Bowling Green senior; Patty Chalmers, a Bowling Green senior; Melinda Coleman, a sophomore from Lewis Center, Ohio; Tyler Corn, a junior from Boonville, Ind.; Daniel Hawkins, a Hanson junior; Cody Holbrook, a senior from Brentwood, Tenn.; Vicki Link, a Bowling Green senior; Brandon Porter, a Bowling Green sophomore; Ryan Sprouse, a Bowling Green junior; Daniel St. Cyr, a Louisville sophomore; Amber Williams, a Manitou sophomore; Ashley Williams, Leitchfield senior; and Heather Williams, a Bowling Green senior. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
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