Exploring Kenya
Ohio Wesleyan Student's Semester in East Africa Provides a 'Lifetime's Worth of Adventure'
Name: Amelia Thrasher '25
Hometown: Delaware, Ohio
Majors: Zoology and Environmental Science
OWU Connection Experience: Spending a semester abroad at the School for Field Studies (SFS) in Kenya
During her time abroad, Thrasher completed courses and fieldwork at the School for Field Studies that focused on endangered species and biodiversity conservation, wildlife and natural resource management, and the impacts of both tourism and climate change on rural communities.
My Research
"I completed a directed research project during my time abroad. Along with some of my (SFS) classmates, I researched the threats of bushmeat (wild meat) hunting against the Masai giraffe population in the Amboseli ecosystem of southeastern Kenya.
"We conducted 300 interviews in rural areas surrounding the national park to learn about the community's knowledge and feelings toward this conservation threat. After we synthesized and analyzed our data, we presented our findings in a scientific paper and presentation. …
"We hosted a community presentation on our campus where we shared our findings with the community members we interviewed. Representatives from local conservation organizations, including the Kenya Wildlife Service, also attended to learn about our results and address questions from the community."
I packed a lifetime's worth of adventure into my short 3.5 months in Kenya and am immensely grateful for the experience!
Endless Adventure
"My cohort was the first to experience the revised Kenya program, which included an exciting expedition to Rwanda. The specialized classes taught by Kenyan educators, the unique excursion opportunities, and the rich local culture were major draws for me. I packed a lifetime's worth of adventure into my short 3.5 months in Kenya and am immensely grateful for the experience!"
My Favorite Moments
"Living in the Amboseli ecosystem just a short drive away from the National Park constantly created 'pinch me' moments. Walking to class with the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, waking up to vervet monkeys playing outside my room, and driving to the National Park in the early morning to observe animals in the sunrise all became constants in my life. I miss it so much!"
Lessons Learned
"My experience abroad helped me discover my love for field research. Investigating a local conservation issue by interviewing community members and then presenting our findings directly to them demonstrated a real-time impact on the subject.
"Being out in the field also enhanced my communication and problem-solving skills, as each day brought unique challenges, such as a massive rainstorm or impassable roads. This directed research project was incredibly enriching, and I look forward to participating in more in the future."
My Campus Involvements
"I'm a member of the ENVS (Environment and Sustainability) Board and the Palmer Global Scholars Program. I am a co-departmental manager for the ENVS Department, as well. I'm also a tour guide for the Admission Office."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose OWU because of the amazing Zoology [major] and all the unique opportunities offered at an undergraduate level."
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan on continuing my academic journey by applying to a graduate program in the Ecology and/or Conservation Biology field."