Doing research in Costa Rica is a revelation, say the first members of Central College’s newest research program. Seven students embarked on the five-week trip with faculty members Sara Shuger Fox and Oscar Reynaga this summer, pursuing research in environmental law, nutrition and health, biodiversity, family cultures and disaster response. Shuger Fox, assistant professor of exercise science, and Reynaga, lecturer of Spanish, plan to lead a trip each summer, maintaining partnerships in Costa Rica that offer unique, cross-cultural opportunities for research.
Doing research abroad, students achieve an immersive experience far beyond what they can find in a familiar environment, Shuger Fox says. The experience opens doors for mind-blowing discoveries, brand-new passions and insights on life. “Nobody is the same coming home,” she says.
Sara Shuger Fox and Oscar Reynaga launched a new research program for Central College students in Costa Rica this summer.
Shuger Fox presented her work developing the program at the First Annual World Congress on Undergraduate Research in Doha, Qatar, last November. She and Reynaga now plan to present their experiences leading the program at an international conference in Paris next spring.
Before leaving campus, students spent spring semester learning about Costa Rican culture and the requirements of doing first-class research. Most important, says Shuger Fox, they learned the purpose and process of an institutional review board (IRB).
“This is a crucial research experience,” Shuger Fox says. “None of our students had ever done this before, and to be able to show you’ve designed your own study, start to finish, with all the paperwork, is incredible. I definitely didn’t get to do that as an undergrad.”
There’s no end to the academic research opportunities in Costa Rica, says Shuger Fox. Students can create a unique project in any discipline and research significant topics, all while embracing Pura Vida, or “pure life,” Costa Rica’s catchphrase and philosophy of life.
Huma Liptak (left) joins Sara Shuger Fox en route to Tortuga Island in the Caribbean.
“A Costa Rican philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures, Pura Vida is about slowing things down, celebrating good fortune, refusing to take anything for granted, and living life to its absolute fullest. It is embodied in every aspect of Costa Rica. In the last 12 days, I’ve had more time to write and to simply be than ever before. I’ve taken time to watch the waves, listen to the geckos screech, or watch the rain fall. I’ve been astounded by the beauty and the power that these things hold.”
~ Huma Liptak, senior exercise science major from Fairfield, Iowa
Central’s first Costa Rica cohort spent five weeks pursuing research in environmental law, nutrition and health, biodiversity, family cultures and disaster response (left to right: Brianna Johnston, Macin Harvey, Huma Liptak, Caitlyn Champ, Sara Shuger Fox, Lauren Vahlkamp and Oscar Reynaga).
Caitlyn Champ (above) and Lauren Vahlkamp returned to campus ready for ongoing research — with 582 Costa Rican bees!
“As I sit and reflect on our first week in Costa Rica I am in awe; the challenges we have faced, and the great memories I have already made with the people around me astonishes me. The respect that the locals have for their planet is unrivaled in America, and the beauty of everything so untouched by humans is incredible. It is my hope as we continue to explore this incredible country and its natural beauty that we can take this Pura Vida lifestyle with us.”
~ Caitlyn Champ, junior athletic training major from Kearney, Missouri
Central student researchers go surfing at Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica.
Lauren Vahlkamp (left) and Caitlyn Champ studied Costa Rica’s diverse bee population, with huge carpenter bees, orchid bees, honey bees and many more.
“It’s so surreal to actually go and enjoy the world we live in. There’s nothing that compares to working in an all-natural rainforest environment where the monkeys are swinging around you, sloths are sleeping, bees are busy at work, different types of interesting bugs are flying around, ants are cutting and carrying different leaves, flowers are blooming and so on. It’s the most at peace I’ve ever felt in my life being out there. It’s all about the conservation of the animals, which is humbling to be a part of.”
~ Lauren Vahlkamp, junior biochemistry major from Quincy, Illinois
Ryan Kruse, Lauren Moll and Lauren Vahlkamp learn authentic Tico cooking from a local chef.
Macin Harvey studied pediatric health and Type 2 Diabetes screening in Costa Rica.
“Since I spend most of my time outside, I have gotten to meet lots of locals here. It has been fun getting to interact with the children and all of their families. Most people primarily speak Spanish so I have really improved on my Spanish speaking abilities. Overall, my time here has allowed me to reflect on my own life and the necessities a person needs in their life. Pura Vida!”
~ Macin Harvey, junior biology major from Hartley, Iowa
Lauren Vahlkamp, Caitlyn Champ, Ryan Kruse and Lauren Moll travel to Tortuga Island with their research cohort.
Ryan Kruse used GIS to help local nonprofit Geoporter plan for emergencies.
“My perspective has been turned inside-out and flipped upside-down. The experience has been unlike anything I’ve ever imagined. My project involved working with a local nonprofit to create an emergency response plan for the community using a geographic information system. The plan is meant to minimize damage from disasters such as tsunamis, floods, earthquakes and more. We perfected a survey to standardize emergency response plans for all communities in southwestern Costa Rica.”
~ Ryan Kruse, senior math and computer science major from Saint Clair, Minnesota
Students enjoy a Tico meal prepared with a local chef.
Lauren Moll studied dynamics of local families while sharing family life in Costa Rica.
“I’ve discovered what it takes to build a research project from the ground up, including IRBs and collaborating with international contacts. I recently began conducting my project in the city that I reside in with my host family. It’s absolutely humbling for me to think about how much of their lives they are willing to share with me, such as their household, church and extended family. One of the lessons that really stands out to me is to take care of what you love, so you can have it a long time. I’ve witnessed this idea demonstrated by the family with their loved ones, belongings, beliefs and the earth.”
~ Lauren Moll, sophomore from Faribault, Minnesota
