Harrisburg, PA – On April 26, 2024, a delegation of learners and leaders from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) departed from the Commonwealth to set out for Iceland – the “Land of Fire and Ice” – for a nine-day field studies trip. The team is comprised of seven undergraduate students from HU’s Biochemistry and Environmental Science and Sustainability programs as part of the Sub-Arctic Geospatial Field Studies (GTSC 360) course. Two faculty members are accompanying them: Albert Sarvis, PMP, DISP, Program Lead of Geospatial Technology; and Michael Meyer, PhD, Assistant Professor of Earth Systems Science.
GSTC 360 immerses students in a unique learning experience that harnesses Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes and environmental phenomena, with a focus on regional and cultural geography, geomorphology, climatology, and field-data collection using global positioning satellite (GPS) and geographic information system (GIS) technology. Exposure to different cultures and environments fosters practical experience, global awareness, and a broader understanding of informational literacy.
The course and the accompanying field studies trip to Iceland offers three main opportunities:
- Explore Iceland’s culture and how it reflects the relationship with the country’s dynamic geology while witnessing the powerful interplay of tectonic plates and its geothermal wonders. Students also gain insights into Iceland’s sustainable energy practices – especially its extensive use of geothermal power.
- Use geospatial technologies, such as GIS and GPS, to document and record spatial information forthe trip and of the trip.
- Engage in hands-on fieldwork to understand the delicate balance of Iceland’s ecosystems, including its glaciers, waterfalls, and distinctive flora and fauna.
This unique educational experience promises to foster a deeper understanding of Earth’s interconnected systems while instilling a sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship among the students.
Some of the cities and towns, historical landmarks, geological features, and national parks on the students’ itinerary include:
- Reykjanes Peninsula (hotspot for geothermal activity, including lava fields and volcanoes)
- Snæfellsnes peninsula (featuring dramatic landscapes and an ice-capped stratovolcano; its name translates to “snow-mountain peninsula”)
- Golden Circle (featuring geysers, waterfalls, volcanic craters, and more)
- Þingvellir National Park (including the largest natural lake in Iceland)
- Dyrhólaey arch and lighthouse (notable for its distinctive stone bridge and “castle-like” lighthouse)
- Reynisfjara black-sand beach (including the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, featured in season seven of Game of Thrones)
- Glacial lagoon and glacier walk at Vatnajökull National Park (covering more than 8% of Iceland, this is the largest glacier in Europe)
- Geothermal exhibition at Hellisheiði ON Power plant (largest single-site geothermal power plant in the world)
- Solheimajokull glacier (harbors the famously explosive volcano, Katla)
- Skógafoss waterfall (one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, featuring a drop of 200 feet (60 meters))
For many GSTC 360 students, this trip will put their sense of global citizenship to the test for the very first time. “I have been to Canada for a few family trips, but this is the first overseas trip I’ve done, and the first one that I’ve done without my family,” said Sabrina Wilder, a fourth-year Environmental Science and Sustainability student. “I’m excited to explore this new place that I’ve been learning about this past semester.”
Kyle Fake, also an Environmental Science student, expressed his excitement about seeing a new part of the world. “This is my first time ever leaving the continent and going to Europe. I really enjoy traveling internationally, having done so only to Canada. However, Iceland is a lot more culturally unique compared to Canada and the US, making for a more impactful trip.” He continued, “I hope to learn about the Icelandic people, culture, and environment while touring the country. I also hope to have a great StoryMap to reflect my learning from this country.”
As part of the field studies experience, each student traveling to Iceland will create their own StoryMap using ArcGIS, an industry standard for digital mapping software. StoryMaps gather maps, photos, videos, data points, 3D scenes, and more, and combine them into a cohesive, interactive, data-driven narrative.
Professor Sarvis previously assisted with drone flights and the creation of a StoryMap, alongside former HU student John Nieves-Jennings, called “Mapping in the Isthmus of Corinth.” The isthmus separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese peninsula and has been the site of considerable migration, development, and invasion over thousands of years; researchers have been working diligently to better understand and visualize its significant place in human history.
According to the students, the high caliber of instructors and degree programs at Harrisburg University prepared them well for this horizon-expanding experience. “Intro to GIS, Humanities, and Anthropology were all super helpful for this trip,” said Kyle Fake. “The GIS course especially helped me understand GIS StoryMap basics. The other two courses taught me a lot about respecting other cultures and people, while also learning how to learn from them.”
Learning how to learn is always a priority for student competition teams or field studies trips like this one. Whether in the classroom or a laboratory, Harrisburg University prides itself on creating learning opportunities that mirror the experiences of the real world.
“This is a very engaged group of students,” said Rachel Fogle, PhD, Program Lead of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability at Harrisburg University. There’s no mistaking the pride in her voice when she talks about her students. “There was no lottery or screening process. We worked hard to eliminate as much of the cost burden as possible, and then each of these students jumped at the chance to go. This infectious enthusiasm is typical of our entire student body, and I’m so proud of their drive to broaden their horizons and see a part of the world they’ve never seen, and maybe don’t know that much about.”
“Many of these folks haven’t been abroad at all,” confirmed Professor Sarvis. “Providing these opportunities opens their minds to the world and helps them become more well-rounded scholars and citizens.”
“I think going to Iceland is a really cool opportunity!” declared Sabrina Wilder, with an eagerness that’s hard to ignore. Harrisburg University thanks Sabrina, Kyle, and the rest of the students representing HU in Iceland. These students are enthusiastic about experiential learning, committed to academic excellence, and well on their way to becoming more thoughtful, worldly, and empathetic citizens of Earth.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
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