Anna Mehlhorn 22 delivers a field lecture to her fellow students at a rocky intertidal site. (W&M News)

WILLIAMSBURG Over spring break, a group of students clad in warm rain gear will squat by a tidal pool in the San Juan Islands, observing the diversity of species within the tiny ecosystem.

Two months ago, another cluster of students dressed in shorts and T-shirts leaned over a railing and caught sight of more than 600 manatees including calves in the crystal-clear water of a Florida spring.

These are scenes from two William & Mary (W&M) biology field courses that allow students to apply classroom concepts within natural environments. Course evaluations are decidedly positive, and many students describe their experiences as life-changing, according to a report in W&M News.

Theres an opportunity to put place and discovery together in the field that doesnt happen in the classroom, saidJonathan Allen, associate professor of biology. Even the best lecturers cant replicate that.

The classes serve as an example of the universitys commitment to personal education, research and the opportunity to solve global challenges, according to William & Mary, adding that in line with W&Ms strategic plan, Vision 2026, a common theme throughout both courses is finding innovative solutions towater-related issues.

Field experience also makes students more desirable to future employers, creating pathways to careersin natural sciences.

Allen, who designed the Washington field course, explained to W&M News that an extensive body of research indicates that field study dramatically increases the recruitment and retention of STEM students at universities. He said that field experiences foster scientific enthusiasm and expand students perceptions of practical applications for knowledge gained in the classroom. Confidence in their own ability to pursue scientific careers also increases.

It happens for everyone, especially students who are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, said Allen. Its the first time that many students realize, Oh, I can do this.

Dan Cristol, Chancellor Professor of Biology and designer of the field course in Florida, also sees that spark in students.

If someones going to get hooked by science, its probably going to happen outside, Cristol told W&M News. Ive seen 25 years of student comments on course evaluations, and these have a distinctly different tone to them. Theres a greater level of excitement and enthusiasm that I think is largely due to the intensity of the experience.

Raquel Layton has taken both courses and counts both of them as favorite experiences at W&M, Marine Ecology and Conservation gave us a unique opportunity to observe many of the coastal and marine ecology topics we learn in classes up close in nature as they are actually occurring.

I credit this class with really sparking my love for marine biology/ecology and changing the trajectory of my academic journey throughout college, Layton said.

Read more about these programs in W&M News.

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W&M Experiential Courses Bring Biology to Life and Transform the Student Experience - WYDaily