Study abroad course "Tropical Field Ecology" recognized with Outstanding Program Award from Penn State Global
The Penn State BIOL 499A course, “Tropical Field Ecology,” led by Professor of Biology James Marden, has been recognized with the Outstanding Program Award from Penn State Global. The award recognizes an innovative program at the University that has advanced the vision of a Global Penn State. This award recognizes a Penn State program that is agile and adaptable, and yet robust enough to be innovative and forward thinking. Marden, alongside other recipients of the 2022-23 awards, were honored at an awards ceremony in Robb Hall in the Hintz Alumni Center on April 4.
"It is an absolute pleasure to take a moment each year to stop and recognize the extraordinary global work ongoing at Penn State and celebrate faculty, staff and students who represent multiple colleges and multiple campuses," said Roger Brindley, vice provost for Global. "Our winners were identified through a highly competitive selection process and they represent excellence across the whole institution. Here in Penn State Global, we are grateful for all the inspiring work of all our global champions at this global engaged and world class Land-grant university."
Marden, who is also the assistant director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, has led the annual Tropical Field Ecology program for over 30 years. As part of the course, students travel to Costa Rica over winter break and they complete independent research projects in ecology. According to Penn State Global, Tropical Field Ecology was a trailblazing program of its time, which has set the standard for other faculty-led programs that have come since.