NOLS/UW/CWC Tanzania Science Research Expedition

 

This 27-day expedition begins with a weeklong hike through Tanzania’s rainforests, savannah, and remote Maasai villages.  During this time, you will hone your outdoor living skills and your leadership skills. You will also interact with and learn about the Maasai people and culture.  After backcountry hiking for a week, you will participate in a daylong game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater where you will see African wildlife in their natural habitat. The final 2+ weeks of the course will be spent on Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Here you will focus on scientific research projects facilitated by two staff from recognized academic institutions - Central Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming. You will earn college credit for your research, and will summarize, and present your results. Return home forever changed - as an international expedition scientist.

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Two Track Options

Track 1: TSR Micro. This research track will involve strong mentorship and a consistency of theme across all projects. Students will work tightly with a mentor in developing research questions and will focus on learning core skills in microbial ecology. The goal of this research arm will be to characterize microbial communities on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and to compare those communities across climate and life zones. Students will use contemporary microbiological soil preservation techniques, will expand their overall biological and microbiological knowledge and will be assisted with all phases of their research. Students will commence reading journal articles, and discussing their research plan with their advisor immediately after applying.

Track 2: TSR Independent Research. This research track is designed primarily for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. Working in collaboration with a faculty member at their home institution, students will design a research project to be carried out on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The proposed research must fit the planned route and timeline on the mountain. The route follows River Kifufu East of Sanya Juu town, to the Shira Plateau area. Reration happens at Simba Cave. Students typically also spend time around Moir Hut, then up to 17000 ft. After they summit, they work their way back to Simba Cave and down to Londorossi gate where they get picked up.

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Requirements & Fees:

Commitment to a one month expedition and between two and four additional months of preparatory reading and planning, and data summary and presentation. A successful applicant will:

• Complete the pre-field prep, training and tasks required to participate in the expedition.
• Complete of a 5 to 7 page scientific research paper and presentation poster
• Participate in a 27 day NOLS Field expedition in December 2019 to January 2020
• Present your research to at least one public audience at the University of Wyoming - Undergraduate Research Day or other conference

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Course Costs

1. $5995 to NOLS covering food, transport, and group equipment from point of arrival in Arusha
2. Airfare to Arusha
3. Vaccinations and antimalarials

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COLLEGE CREDIT (optional for a fee)

Central Wyoming College Credits:

1. ENR 2425 Mountain Environments (4 credits)
   COST:
   IN-STATE tuition and fees: $520.00
   WUE tuition and fees tuition: $708.00
   OUT of STATE tuition and fees: $1272.00
   
   
2. G & R 2031 Combined Expeditions (4 credits)
   COST;
   IN-STATE tuition and fees: $520.00
   WUE tuition and fees: $708.00
   OUT of STATE tuition and fees: $1272.00
   

University of Wyoming credits:

• ENR 4890/5890 Mountain Environments (4 credits)
  UW tuition and fees vary annually. Check current undergraduate and graduate resident and non-resident fees here. 

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Apply Today

This course has a two-part application process. Students must complete:

1. Standard NOLS application
2. University of Wyoming research specific application

*if both applications are not submitted, the student’s application will be incomplete

**course instructors will be contacting applicants for interviews (in-person or via Skype)

Expedition Questions? Contact Sarah Konrad (skonrad@uwyo.edu) for more information.

UW Course Credit Questions? Contact Melanie Matthews (melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu) for more information.

Learn more: Contact Sarah Konrad via email(skonrad@uwyo.edu)! 

 

 

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Photo credits:
Women with giraffes in background: James Kagambi; Students hiking (2 photos) and students sitting in field with tents in background: Will Wamaru