Panama City, Panama, January 2 – 10, 2010. Five students from the Cayuga College in Auburn, NY and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) participated in an intensive one week field trips and workshop. The experience abroad was based on the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project “The Climate 1-Stop: A Geoportal for Climate Change Science, Analysis, Assessment, and Information for Decision Making" in collaboration with the Institute for the Application of Geospatial Technology (IAGT).
The students learned about initiatives developed by CATHALAC using satellite and geospatial information and remote sensing, based around sustainable development, climate change and biodiversity.
In addition, students received orientation from the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) staff at CATHALAC and at the Soberania National Park, where they learned about the USAID/CBC sponsored Management Information System which was developed and installed by CATHALAC as a model that can be replicated in other national parks.
A trip to a local indigenous community provided the students with a twofold experience- a cultural immersion and how current technology using clean alternate energy is improving their daily activities. The students were able to witness the use of solar powered energy through a photovoltaic system.
Finally, students completed a final project where they used their newfound knowledge and experiences along with the SERVIR database and information system to question, hypothesize, research, and analyze important issues pertinent to this internship.
“The internship was an incredible opportunity to meet new people, gain new knowledge in technology and environmental practice, and have an intensely enjoyable cultural experience!” Joshua Smith, University of Alabama in Huntsville
“The internship met my expectations, and then surpassed it by the end of Monday!!! This is an excellent program. This is the best opportunity I have ever been given and cannot appreciate the fact enough of your organization for having us come”. Aaron O' Connor, Cayuga Community College
“The internship exceeded my expectations. It was work intensive and extremely educational and I enjoyed my time in Panama very much. I learned a great amount about the culture, lifestyle, about CATHALAC and other similar organizations as well. It was amazing to see how much we can do in such a short period of time”. Kara Mariano, Cayuga Community College
IAGT contributed to the SERVIR project by providing extensive GIS and 3D visualization training, developing hardcopy map products, data conversion tools, and custom plugins for SERVIR Viz.
For more information on more projects visit www.cathalac.org/education
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