The Magellan Project 2017

When explaining my plans for the summer, people were confused by why and how I had the opportunity to travel to a different country. Well, the Magellan Project is a scholarship awarded to a select group of students for a research project about anything to anywhere. This scholarship is unique to Washington and Jefferson college and one of the many reasons I decided to study here! These students are awarded up to $3,000 to study either a passion or a topic related to their major. The idea of a Magellan is to not only allow the research project to happen, but to create a more independent, confident, and well-rounded individual. The students are encouraged to travel alone to a new country or also to study within the United States. When applying for a Magellan, the student is required to have a certain GPA, a project description, a budget, research, and all travel plans included. The application process starts in the fall and the individuals find out around the middle of March.

Here is a link for more information about The Magellan Project: http://www.washjeff.edu/the-magellan-project

My Magellan Project: "Conserving Biodiversity"

Australia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, particularly when it comes to reptiles and fish. In fact, Australia is considered the 7^th most biodiverse country in the world. Located in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef has an extremely rich biodiversity with over 9,000 species living there. The biodiversity helps to maintain a healthy system within the reef. Unfortunately, the health and biodiversity within the Great Barrier Reef have been declining.

         Conserving biodiversity not only within the Great Barrier Reef, but all throughout Australia and New Zealand is vital. Australia has created a framework for conserving biodiversity over the years, known as “Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030.” New Zealand also has a plan to conserve biodiversity called “New Zealand Biodiversity Action Plan.” Both countries are filled with numerous wildlife sanctuaries, research centers, companies, charities and individuals all working towards this goal. 

         My research will include me visiting the different cities located within the two countries, comparing conservation methods. I will view how each area acts to conserve its crucial biodiversity. This research includes me visiting different animal sanctuaries, working with different research scientists, talking with local citizens, and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef!

         Although my research is focused heavily on marine life and the Great Barrier Reef, I will also be looking at the conservation methods seen throughout the cities for the environment and biodiversity in general. In addition to my focus on marine life, I will also focus on sharks within the Great Barrier Reef when I travel to South Australia. The vulnerable Great White Shark is heavily studied here and it’s one of the only sites where shark cage diving occurs. These apex predators lead to a richer biodiversity found within oceans and are essential members of the marine community because of this.