estern’s top administrator will be packing up his sleeping bag and hiking boots this summer.
President Gary Ransdell and his wife Julie are joining a Western group that is studying abroad in Kenya for 16 days this summer.
The purpose of the trip is to develop a cooperative research agreement with the University of Nairobi and conduct wildlife conservation-related research, said biology associate professor Michael Stokes.
The multidisciplinary team includes students, faculty and staff from the biology, geography, anthropology, sociology, political science and photojournalism departments.
“The students will have a chance to interact with different cultural groups, learn research techniques, help with conservation efforts, and gather data for our research projects,” Stokes said. “They also will learn a lot about how most of the world lives.”
Gary Ransdell said Western has sent research equipment to the University of Nairobi and would like to set up a student and faculty exchange with them.
“We can learn as much from them as they can learn from us,” he said.
Ransdell said the team also will be involved with the political leadership in several small villages struggling to find economic opportunities.
“I believe it’s going to be a rigorous experience,” he said.
The Kenya project is ongoing and data gathered on the trip will be put toward publication of the team’s research efforts, Stokes said.
He said students will be asked to make presentations about their experiences.
The data collected also will improve the chances of Western winning research grants to fund similar projects, Stokes said.
“We welcome involvement of other exceptional students in the future,” he said.
Ransdell said he is joining the group because of his interest in study abroad programs and how Western engages students in the international experience.
Julie Ransdell said she is anxious to meet Kenyans and see how they live.
“In Kenya they buy only what they need,” she said. “I really expect to come back changed.”
She said she will come back with a greater appreciation for what Americans have.
Reach Laura Clark at news@wkuherald.com.
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