In Pictures: Tropical Ecology Extended Study

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Colgate’s Tropical Ecology cohort pose for a group photo

Colgate’s Tropical Ecology cohort pose for a group photo

By: Contributing Writer
March 5, 2026
Department of Biology

Students leapt out of their textbooks and across the hemisphere last winter. After a semester of studying and researching ecological theory, undergraduates in professors Catherine Cardelús and Eddie Watkins’ Tropical Ecology course embarked on a three-week expedition across Peru. 

The course allowed students to live and learn from their surroundings, applying their knowledge of the ecosystems they studied in the fall semester to hands-on fieldwork in environments ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains. Students adapted to varying conditions while balancing active research, precise data analysis, and the creation of presentations.

Experiencing ecological issues firsthand enabled them to connect classroom learning with real-world contexts, exploring the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, cultures, and local communities. The trip fostered independent thinking and curiosity as students faced challenges and bonded while exploring the Peruvian landscape.

Professor Catherine Cardelús speaks with students during fieldwork in Peru’s misty rainforests.
Professor Catherine Cardelús speaks with students during fieldwork in Peru’s misty rainforests.
Professor Eddie Watkins analyzes plant samples with students on-site
Professor Eddie Watkins analyzes plant samples with students on-site.
Students gather around a table to review and document ecological data.
Students gather around a table to review and document ecological data.
Students are transported in an all-terrain vehicle through the muddy landscape.
Students are transported in an all-terrain vehicle through the muddy landscape.
Professor Catherine Cardelús guides students through a walk in the Peruvian rainforest.
Professor Catherine Cardelús takes students on a guided walk in the Peruvian rainforest.
Students descend a forest trail laid with stone slabs
Students descend a forest trail laid with stone slabs.
A student collects soil samples from the rainforest's lush terrain to later analyze.
A student collects soil samples from the rainforest to later analyze.
Students observe and attempt to identify plant specimens with hand-held magnifying lenses.
Students observe and attempt to identify plant specimens with hand-held magnifying lenses.
Student poses with a large tropical leaf.
Student poses with a large tropical leaf.
Students pose for a picture under a vibrant sunset descending upon the Peruvian rainforest.
Students pose for a picture under a vibrant sunset descending upon the Peruvian rainforest.
A rainforest tree towers over a student.
A rainforest tree towers over a student.
Student examines plants during field research.
Student examines plants during field research.
Colgate’s Tropical Ecology cohort pose for a group photo in front of thick bamboo stalks.
Colgate’s Tropical Ecology cohort pose for a group photo in front of thick bamboo stalks.