During UW–Madison’s 2023 spring break, a group of students traveled to Costa Rica as part of the Banking Animal Diversity study abroad program. Chair and professor of genetics Francisco Pelegri led the program and accompanied the group.

This program offered students a unique opportunity to apply developmental genetics concepts in projects focusing on the preservation of endangered species at risk of extinction. Lectures and research activities focused on current threats affecting the local ecosystem and biodiversity in three sites throughout Costa Rica, including lowland tropical forest, a cloud forest and a wetland/dry tropical forest. Students gained hands-on experience in biodiversity-rich areas through on-site visits, tours, seminars, demonstrations and ecosystem preservation activities.

The video below highlights the trip, which is an example of the great beyond-the-classroom experiences that CALS is known for. Life sciences communication and genetics undergrad student Emma Roberts filmed and edited the video.

To learn more about CALS study abroad programs, visit https://cals.wisc.edu/academics/undergraduate/current-students/study-abroad/.