Globe Trotter

Syrena Johnson knew she wanted to work internationally in the conservation of big-game animals. She took a big step last year in preparing for that goal.

The senior Wildlife and Fisheries Science major from from Burtonsville, Md., was able to arrange two pretty special study-abroad experiences last year. “Both China and Greenland gave me the opportunity to gain international experience and to work in wildlife biology,” she says. “It was a tremendous opportunity to go on both trips in such a short period of time.”

In China, Johnson studied panda conservation, going to breeding centers and learning about the biological characteristics of the animal. She was al-lowed to handle some of the young pandas. During free time, Johnson visited some famous Chinese landmarks, such as Tiananmen Square, Shanghai and the Great Wall.

Johnson encountered a different type of setting in Greenland, where she spent much of her time hiking and camping. “Our project studied climatology and how global warming is affecting plant systems and the atmosphere,” she says. “We spent most of our time outdoors, looking at the effects global warming has on the glaciers and the environment. We watched huge chunks of glaciers plunge into the water, creating this loud ‘boom.’”

There is no substitute for being there, Johnson explains. “While you can read about different cultures in a textbook, nothing replaces seeing it for your-self,” she says. “It was exciting to take some risks and do something out of the ordinary. It was fun and well worth it in the end.”