Tropical Rainforest and Reef Ecology: Designed to give students first-hand experience with biodiversity and ecological dynamics in the tropics, this fully field-based course centers on two biotopes, rainforest and coral reef. It runs for 10 days in the two-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago located 10 degrees above the equator on the eastern edge of the Caribbean. Geologically connected to South America and just 12 miles from Venezuela, Trinidad is a tropical gem that harbors Amazonian flora, fauna, and funga while Tobago is part of an island chain (mostly sunken) that formed on the Caribbean plate. Instruction will take place on both islands and will involve guided walks, snorkeling, and group discussions. Participants will observe and learn about plants and animals of the region and their intricate ecological interactions.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago shares maritime boundaries with Barbados to the northeast and Guyana to the southeast. The country covers an area of 1,979 square miles. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main islands; Tobago is much smaller, comprising about 6% of the total area and 4% of the population. Originally settled by Amerindians of South American origin at least 7,000 years ago, Trinidad and Tobago was occupied by Arawakan- and Cariban-speaking peoples at the time of European contact in 1498.

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' economy was built on slave labor associated with the sugar industry until emancipation in 1834. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 became another important export in addition to cocoa. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing.

A history of slavery and indentureship has left the country with a mixture of African, Indian, mixed-race, European, Middle Eastern and Chinese people. All these groups have left an imprint on the national culture. Unlike most of the English-speaking Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is a primarily industrialized country whose economy is based on petroleum and petrochemicals. The capital city is Port of Spain and is famous for its pre-Lenten Carnival and as the birthplace of steelpan, calypso and limbo.

Courses:
BIOL 425-41 - Tropical Rainforest and Reef Ecology
BIOL 625-41 - Tropical Rainforest and Reef Ecology
BIOL 611-41 - Graduate Research

Dates: May 14 – May 23, 2024

Cost: TBD

Deposit: $300

Planning: Passports are required to enter and exit Trinidad & Tobago (the U.S. as well). If you do not have one it is not too early to begin the application process which can take up to two months.

Star of the West International Summer Scholarships may be awarded.
Eligible for the Star of the West International Summer Scholarship are current cadet freshmen, sophomores, and juniors posting a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and conduct proficient. Applicants must submit online: a narrative proposal, detailed budget, and two letters of recommendation both of which must come from a Citadel faculty member. Note: a faculty member cannot write a letter of recommendation if that applicant is going on a program led by that faculty member!

Apply for Star of the West HERE

Queries: For further information direct questions to Dr. John Zardus john.zardus@citadel.edu 843-953-7511