BUFFALO, NY − Twelve Canisius University students had the incredible opportunity to explore the deserts, rainforests and coral reef ecosystems in Hakeakala National Park on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The students study in the Canisius University Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation Program (ABEC). The group traveled from December 13-21 under the guidance of Michael Noonan, PhD, chair of ABEC. The following students traveled to Hawaii:
Heather Desorcie ’16, a junior ABEC major
Elizabeth George ’15, a senior ABEC/biology dual major
Chanel Davis ’17, a sophomore ABEC/environmental studies dual major
Nicole Ratajczak ’15, a senior digital media arts major/ABEC minor
Mallory Martin ’16, a junior ABEC/psychology dual major
Jon-Ellyn Cullen ’18, a freshman ABEC major
Ashley Holmes ’15, a senior ABEC/communication studies major
Alexandra Ferrente ’15, a senior ABEC/biology major
Allison Maynard ’17, a sophomore ABEC/digital media arts dual major
Jacquelyn Sagasta ’17 a sophomore environmental science/ABEC dual major
Kelsey Trumpp ’15, a senior ABEC/biology dual major
Carter Brents ’15, a senior ABEC major
Students investigated four distinct ecosystems: high altitude volcanic mountain regions, the tropical rainforest, the shallow-water coral reef and the inter-island pelagic zone. While in the field, students observed more than 110 species, including two endangered species of endemic Hawaiian birds – the Nene Goose and the beautiful Hawaiian l’iwi bird. View photos from the trip here.
Noonan says his students were both inspired by the beauty of nature and motivated to teach others what they experienced.
“During the trip, the students experienced a mix of emotions inspired by nature – excitement, wonder, euphoria and respect – and those feelings are what can best foster a better relationship between humans and nature,” he says. “They are very committed to leaving the planet a better place and to passing along the lessons they have learned in the field.”
Noonan adds that as the group floated over pristine coral reefs and observed countless numbers of fish—it left them “nearly speechless.”
“We were suddenly surrounded by hundreds of Spinner Dolphins and heard their echolocation and watched their dyads and trios as they flowed into and out of the larger group. It was incredible to witness,” he says.
“We also saw a new born baby humpback rolling around its attentive mother. There is nothing more amazing than that.”
Jacquelyn Sagasta ’17 was overcome with emotion upon hearing the song of the humpback for the first time. “Once we’d dive down and reach a certain depth, the songs of the whales were crystal clear,” says Sagasta. “It brought tears to my eyes. It is an experience that will stay with me the rest of my life, along with many others from this trip.”
She adds that encounters such as hearing the humpback whale’s song inspired her to protect what is important. “These animals were so accepting and unbothered by our presence. I look forward to enlightening others as to what I learned.”
The group ended the day with a sighting of a Hawaiian Monk Seal.
The largest program of its kind in the U.S., The Canisius ABEC Program educates students about the science of animal behavior as well as the ethical and moral considerations involved in these fields. The major offers broad training in the nature of animals, their behavior ecology, and mankind’s relationship to them. It is designed for students who wish to engage in a rigorous course on the behavioral biology of animals, and one in which they critically examine issues pertaining to animal welfare and wildlife conservation. A central theme underlying this program is the use of scientific knowledge about animal behavior for the benefit of animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Find out more about the ABEC Program here.
Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
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