Student Experiences

Students at Pitt-Greensburg have many learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.
Discover just a few of our student experiences:

• Ecological Field Study Trip to Colorado
• Study Abroad-South Korea
• Student Stories
  

Ecological Field Study Trip to Colorado

Five Pitt-Greensburg students made the Rocky Mountains their classroom when they traveled to Colorado for an ecological field study this past summer. The trip was part of a summer course, Field Studies in Ecology, taught by Dr. Tim Savisky, assistant professor of biology. During the first two weeks of the course students learned the basics about geology, biology, and environmental science. For the final two weeks the class traveled to Colorado for hands-on research and exploration. This is the eighth year the course and trip have been offered.

The main stops along their travels included: Konza Prairie Long Term Ecological Research Center, a sustainable agriculture tour at the Land Institute, tour of the Colorado School of Mines, fossil hike at Dinosaur Ridge, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge tour, and a visit to Echo Lake, Mount Evans, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The five students each collected data and prepared research projects on various topics. They presented their findings at the end of the trip.

This hands-on learning approach is beneficial to the students and allows for an experience unlike anything in the classroom.

“The best way to learn is to be immersed in the subject matter and be in the environment," Dr. Savisky said. "The world itself becomes your book."

There is no prerequisite for the course and it is open to all students.

Dr. Savisky also taught a Study Abroad course to Costa Rica on tropical ecology which is handled through Pitt-Oakland.

For more information on either course please contact Dr. Tim Savisky at 724-836-9944 or tis1@pitt.edu.