Forget Europe: Why 13 Biology Students Swapped Paris for Sharks, Spiders and Australia’s Coral Reefs

When choosing to study abroad, most college students head to Europe. But 13 Adelphi students, who opted to explore Australia's coral reefs, rainforests and dynamic culture, had the experience of a lifetime.

When most college students plan a study abroad trip, they picture sipping espresso in Italy or riding trains through Europe. But this summer, 13 Adelphi University students chose a slightly different path: wading into the Great Barrier Reef, encountering giant hand-sized spiders and spotting the world's most dangerous bird.

Led by biology and environmental studies and sciences faculty Aaren Freeman, PhD, Matthias Foellmer, PhD, and Elizabeth Buccheri, PhD, the group embarked on a two-week, hands-on expedition across Australia's wild ecosystems-earning 2 course credits while having the trip of a lifetime.

Marine Ecology, Biology Research and Snorkeling

The adventure started long before takeoff. During the spring semester, students prepped by learning about marine ecology, practicing their snorkeling skills (with two students even getting SCUBA certified), and drafting their own research plans.

Then came the real world.

"Some had cogent plans, but when they arrived and put their faces in the water, what we thought would be there just wasn't there," Dr. Freeman recalled. "Adapting to the differences between planning a research project and the reality of conducting that research was an important field experience take-home academic lesson."

Sharks, Giant Spiders and "Indiana Jones" Moments

Base camp for the marine portion of the trip was the Heron Island Research Station, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Students spent up to two hours a day in the water, swimming alongside sharks, stingrays and skates.

They also witnessed firsthand the harsh impact of climate change and coral bleaching on the 1,400-mile-long Great Barrier Reef-a sobering reminder of the planet's fragility.

On this visit, Dr. Freeman, was pleasantly surprised at the corals' resilience. "I remain hopeful," he said. "But I'm not Pollyanna, the reefs aren't really doing fine."

When the group explored the ancient Daintree Rainforest, things were even wilder:

• Students spotted a rare cassowary-the world's most dangerous bird-in the Daintree Rainforest. The cassowary, although normally shy, can stand up to six feet tall and attack with dagger-like claws.

  The Cassowary: Students spotted the notoriously elusive-and notoriously powerful-cassowary, officially ranked by the Library of Congress as the world's most dangerous bird.

• The Spiders: Guided by Dr. Foellmer (a terrestrial biologist and insect expert), the team navigated terrain packed with massive arachnids. "I had many interactions with big hairy spiders about the size of my hand," Dr. Freeman recalled. "One web ended up on my back -with a four-inch spider on it-and made me feel like Indiana Jones. Yet, these spiders were harmless."
• Canopy Views: The crew even hit the hinterlands, riding a gondola high above the canopy of a eucalyptus forest.

  Adelphi student John DelCarpine enjoys a gondola high above a eucalyptus forest.

Beyond the Lab: Deep Diving Into Culture

It wasn't all data collection and dodging wildlife. The group spent half a day in Mossman Gorge led by an Aboriginal guide, learning about sacred forests, traditional medicines and ancient toolmaking. Stops in Cairns and Brisbane introduced students to Australia's vibrant city life and its incredible, Asia-influenced food scene.

For Dr. Buccheri, this kind of trip is full circle. She actually went on Adelphi's 2017 Australia trip as an undergrad, which inspired her to move to Australia, earn her master's and PhD in reef ecology, and eventually return to Adelphi to teach.

Expert Faculty as Australia Guides

Students benefitted not only from their professors' individual scientific expertise, but also from their experience and knowledge of Australia and the climate change challenges facing its ecologically diverse reefs and rainforests, reflecting Adelphi's commitment to sustainability..

"Each of us has our own area of expertise," explained Dr. Freeman, a marine ecologist and chair of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. In 2010, he and Dr. Foellmer, a terrestrial biologist and chair of the Department of Biology, took the first group of Adelphi students to Australia. This year's was their sixth such trip.

According to Dr. Freeman, adjunct biology professor Dr. Buccheri's experience as a student on Adelphi's 2017 Australian alternative break trip was life-changing, as it inspired her to gain expertise in reef ecology and reproductive biology by earning master's and doctoral degrees in Australia. "She's a great success story," he said.

Next Australian Trek: 2028

For these 13 biology students, the trip was a massive eye-opener. As one student put it: "It will leave such an amazing impact on your life. You'll want to go back as soon as you get home."

Dr. Freeman and the department are already planning their next Australian trek for 2028. The Great Barrier Reef, the Milky Way in a clear night sky and a few friendly sharks are waiting.