Location:

San German, United States

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Join our research team studying humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico. Space is limited to 4 students in each 7 day session for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 18, 2015- April 25, 2015. This field intensive training program is well suited for students of all skill levels (graduate and undergraduate) seeking field experience in cetacean behavioral ecology and conservation.

Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for Seasonal Occurrence Patterns and Social Behaviors of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore. In each session the students will gain experience in: theodolite tracking of whales and boats from land, boat based behavior and acoustic data collection, analysis of acoustic files and software, photo identification of flukes and fins, and peer reviewed publication discussion

MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in up to 4 undergraduate and graduate university credit hours. Please meet with your adviser in advance and send us an e-mail with your application if you are considering this option and we will be happy to send you information helpful to your adviser. All sessions for the 2015 season will include the 8 hour MCERC personal marketing course, “Is Your Resume Working for you?” free for Humpback Whale Field Intensive program participants.

Setting Description:

We work on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, USA in the Caribbean just 18 degrees from the equator. Participants will live in a field house stationed in San German, Puerto Rico, USA for one week and learn to work as a team. The team will gather data from both the boat and cliffs overlooking on the ocean. Snorkeling the clear waters will be included to learn the ecology of the island.

Cost:

Each week long field intensive session is $1500.00USD. Program fees include a week at the field house in Puerto Rico, USA: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and meals at the project field station in San German, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory health and travel insurance (usually purchas