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Alumni Association aids students research in Peru Carr ventured into Peru with Earthwatch, a scientific research institute aimed at using volunteers to promote sustainable conservation. The three priorities of the Earthwatch Institute are research, conservation, and education. Carr found out about Earthwatch while studying abroad last summer in Costa Rica. Carr studied in Madre de Dios, Peru, a small town not far from the Brazilian border. While there, she focused her research on macaws, which she says are often hunted because of their bold, bright colors, and sold in the U.S. and other parts of North America. Carr also noted that although ecotourism in Peru has slowed the poaching of these birds, it has created its own problem because it disturbs their natural environment. Poaching and other natural threats have caused several species of macaws to be placed on the endangered species list. Carrs trip to Peru was made possible in part through an Alumni Enrichment Award, which are given by the Alumni Association to help students with endeavors that will enrich their college experience. She applied in November and received the full amount to cover her program fee and expenses while in the Amazon. I definitely plan on working with Earthwatch again, Carr said, I hope to either go back to South America or travel to Africa next time. Article by Kevin Tressler, AS 04 To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |