2008 Woodie Awards
Professor works to protect wildlife
Alexandria Phillips
Issue date: 8/8/08 Section: News
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"We hope that the publicity [in National Geographic] will convince the government of Equatorial Guinea that these animals are worth saving. If that message is successful, then the National Geographic article will have been worth the effort," Hearn said.
Hearn's motivation and dedication to Bioko Island comes from the desire to make a difference, she said.
"The loss of biodiversity is clearly the greatest catastrophe of our times and of times for the years to come. It seemed important to me, as a biologist, to try to do something," Hearn said.
Hearn balances both her travels to Bioko Island and instruction in the classroom with ease.
The work that Hearn does on Bioko Island crosses over into her classroom, and she splits her time between the two while keeping sight of both efforts.
"I am on Bioko about five times a year, up to three to four weeks per trip, but I spend more than 80 percent of my time here in Philadelphia. … I believe teaching should include lots of real-life information. [The] Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program is a good example of one of the efforts being made worldwide to save biodiversity. I incorporate these examples into my teaching to show that Drexel is doing something about the biodiversity crisis, not just teaching about it," Hearn said.
Even though the program has existed for over a decade, it has taken a long time for the BBPP to be recognized, according to Hearn.
"Most programs like this one never accomplish anything, much less get to the stage where recognition is due. Survival is more the mode. We never expected to get this far," Hearn said.
According to Hearn, the BBPP also offers a study abroad program for students, initially offered through Arcadia University six years ago, to undergraduate students across the country.
"The program allows Drexel students to interact with students from the National University of Equatorial Guinea as they work together to study the biodiversity on Bioko Island. This should result in a true cross-cultural learning experience which is one of the goals of all study abroad experiences," Daniela Ascarelli, director of Drexel's Study Abroad programs and assistant dean of Pennoni Honors College, said.
Abigail Dominy, a Drexel alumna who graduated last March, said, "I think the BBPP is a great program that exposes study abroad students and expedition members to a very unique experience."
Dominy was a part of the January 2008 expedition to Bioko Island.
"As an expedition member I helped Dr. Shaya Honarvar set up her preliminary study season on the Leatherback sea turtles that come ashore on the southern beaches of the island. I then hiked through the rain forest to the caldera where we took census of the primate population," Dominy said.
Starting this fall, students will have an opportunity to travel to Bioko Island twice a year, as part of Drexel's study abroad program. The sessions, available for up to eight students each term, run from September to December and January to March, according to Ascarelli.
"We are aiming for 20 percent Drexel participation, with 80 percent from other universities," Hearn said.
"The study abroad program, coupled with Dr. Hearn's research station and the various other initiatives she has in Equatorial Guinea, will result in a strong relationship between Drexel and the people of Equatorial Guinea," Ascarelli said.
According to Ascarelli, students participating in this program will receive a high level of hands-on experience, where it will prepare students for either graduate school or a career focusing on the environment.
Dominy graduated with a degree in environmental science and biology. Currently, she works with Harold Avery, studying the population ecology of the Diamondback Terrapins.
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