Plant Sciences undergraduate student Anna Parsons recently took over the Department of Plant Sciences Instagram account (@utk_plantsciences) while on Spring Break in Costa Rica! Parsons took part in the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture study abroad program called “UTK Plants, Parks, and People: From the Smokies to San Jose”. In this course students explore the diverse world of plants and what they mean to us as a global society, to specific cultures in the tropics, and to the policies and programs people have developed to conserve these critical resources.
Parsons says “My study abroad experience in Costa Rica has been unforgettable, broadening my appreciation for ecosystem functioning. This trip allowed me the opportunity to learn about international agriculture production, conservation, and biodiversity. The opportunity to conduct research in such a vibrant environment has deepened my understanding for the complex relationships that sustain these environments. This experience has fueled my passion for plant sciences and broadened my perspective on global conservation efforts. I’m excited to carry these insights forward as I pursue my career in horticulture and the green industry.”
Find out more about the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture here.
Check out some photos from the trip below!
Are you a member of the Department of Plant Sciences and would like to be featured? If so, let us know by emailing Victoria Cavaliere at vcavalie@utk.edu.
By Victoria Cavaliere