News
Press coverage about students, faculty, and staff
Dragonfly Course Celebrates Global Partnerships
In summer 2020, Project Dragonfly built on its learning network of extraordinary conservation organizations, students, instructional team members, and global community partners to create a fully web-based course called Earth Expeditions: Connected Conservation. After COVID-19
Dragonfly Supports Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Project Dragonfly in Miami University’s department of biology joins the university…
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
June is #NationalZooandAquariumMonth — a time to reflect on the importance of zoos and aquariums…
The USLGE and the Clydesdale Breeders of the United States of America
Appeared 2020
Published in Clydesdale News
Dragonfly Staff Support Messages
Our Oxford, Ohio, based Dragonfly team at Miami University recently got “together at home” to share some messages via Skype for all our wonderful and resilient students and partners. Check it out and enjoy!
Finding space to focus
As we work through the emotions, thoughts, and difficulties we face today with the near-constant change happening in our lives, we want to share some recommendations we sent to Dragonfly students. The thoughts pertain to
Does Shell Availability Matter?: Marine Protected Areas Impact on Invertebrates
Appeared February 2020
Published in SEVENSEAS Media
AIP Master Institutions help victims of the Australia bushfires
Our hearts are with our friends in Australia as they deal with the aftermath of hundreds of devastating fires. Our AIP Master Institutions are joining efforts to help victims of the bushfires. Click below to
Using Live Species Around Campus to Understand Diets
Appeared Winter 2020
Published in Green Teacher
Conservation is for Everyone: Think Globally, Act Locally
Appeared January/February 2020
Published in The P.E.O. Record
Impact of Low-Intensity Hunting on Game Species in and Around the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, Guyana
Appeared November 2019
Published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Long Island is a challenging habitat for wildlife
Appeared November 2019
Published on Newsday.com
Building a Conservation Community in the Mexican Desert
Appeared October 2019
Published in the Earth Island Journal
Watch Dragonfly’s 2019 info session!
Project Dragonfly‘s Associate Director of Master’s Programs Kevin Matteson and Director of Communications and Research Jamie Anzano provide details and respond to questions about the Global Field Program, the Advanced Inquiry Program, and Earth Expeditions. Check
An International Collaboration to Promote STEAM Experiences
Appeared October 2019
Published on the American Alliance of Museums website
Project-Based Learning in Summer Camps: An Opportunity to Enrich Your Camp
Appeared September 2019
Published in Camping Magazine
Engaging a global Facebook audience with conservation education
Appeared Summer 2019
Published in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences
Palm Oil is in Everything, and it’s Hurting More than the Orangutans
Appeared Summer 2019
Published in Asparagus magazine
Into the Sea! The Plight of Our World’s Sea Turtles
Appeared Summer 2019
Published in SEVENSEAS Media
Effects of Urbanization on the Diversity, Abundance, and Composition of Ant Assemblages in an Arid City
Appeared Summer 2019
Published in Environmental Entomology
Saving Our Oceans Through Coral Restoration
Appeared Summer 2019
Published in SEVENSEAS Media
Opinion: Reduce food waste and help the planet
Appeared August 2019
Published on Cincinnati.com
How WEC Works: Matt Hallett
Appeared August 2019
Published on the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences blog
Missouri Botanical Garden teams with Ohio university on new master’s degree
Appeared October 2018
Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch & Business Journal
The consequences of conflict on Congo’s great apes
Appeared 2019
Published in Current Conservation
Reflect | What can you do about climate change? Start by talking about it.
Appeared June 2019
Published on TheDevilTrip.com
How Eating Locally Can Fight Global Warming
Appeared May 2019
Published in Natural Awakenings
A Student’s Experience with GLT Conservation
Appeared December 2018
Published on Save the Golden Lion Tamarin’s blog
On Thin Ice! Polar Bears in a Warming World: The Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Appeared September 2018
Published on SEVENSEASMedia.org
Miami Professors Study Local Impact of Climate Change
Appeared April 5, 2019
Published in the Oxford Observer
Whose Responsibility is it to Protect the Amazon Rainforest?
Appeared 2019
Published in Middle Level Learning
Using Teacher Training to Create a Sustainability Class
Appeared 2019
Published in Green Teacher
Teaching Sustainability and Stewardship through Service
Appeared 2019
Published in Green Teacher
Missouri Botanical Garden teams with Ohio university on new master’s degree
Appeared October 9, 2018
Published in the St. Louis Business Journal
Want a master’s degree? Try getting one with the Missouri Botanical Garden
Appeared October 8, 2018
Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Incidence of black band disease, brown band disease, and white syndrome in branching corals on the Great Barrier Reef
Appeared 2018
Published in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
Save the bees: Become a zookeeper in your backyard
Appeared 2018
Published on Cincinnati.com
You Can Be My Wingman
Appeared 2018
Published on Center for Humans & Nature’s City Creatures Blog.
Don’t believe everything you read about banning polystyrene
Appeared 2018
Published in the Honolulu Star Advertiser
Human-elephant conflict in western Thailand: Socio-economic drivers and potential mitigation strategies
Appeared 2018
Published in PLOS ONE
Mitigating the Effects of Transport Infrastructure Development on Ecosystems
Appeared 2018
Published by Consilience: The Journal of Sustainable Development
Native Landscaping Along the Front Forty
Appeared 2017
Published by Illinois Forestry Association
Does conservation success depend on the local community? A review of community-based orangutan conservation in Southeast Asia
Appeared 2017
Published in Current Conservation
The Future of Evolution
In “The Future of Evolution” Global Field Program student and architectural foundation education director Christen Lubbers creates a lesson plan that puts the topic of evolution into the hands of fourth through eighth grade students.
Conservation education in schools: Aligning teachers’ perceptions with students’ attitudes
In “Conservation education in schools: Aligning teachers’ perceptions with students’ attitudes” Global Field Program graduate Melany Sutherland explores teachers’ perceptions and students’ attitudes about conservation education
Internship Timeline
2017 Internship Advanced Inquiry Program student Lauren Lee documents her internship with Ryan Fitch, research associate from San Diego Zoo Global’s Institute for Conservation Research. The internship is part of a long-term habitat restoration project designed to
Invasive Species: You’re Not Welcome Here!
In “Invasive Species: You’re Not Welcome Here!” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Amy Paul uses interactive activities to help her third through fifth grade students distinguish between native and invasive species.
Students Take Action Against Invasive Species
Appeared Winter 2017Published in Green Teacher In “Students Take Action Against Invasive Species” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Jennifer Brooks uses hands-on exploration and media as an educational tool in schools.
Ethnobotany and Millennial Volunteers: Connecting a New Generation with Old Knowledge
Appeared 2017Published in Public Garden Magazine In “Ethnobotany and Millennial Volunteers: Connecting a New Generation with Old Knowledge” Global Field Program graduate Lindsey Collinsworth shares ethnobotanical education with millennials. “Millennial volunteers who learned about native plant
Zoo Quests: Public Engagement Success at the Bronx and Central Park Zoos
Appeared November 2016Published in Connect In “Zoo Quests: Public Engagement Success at the Bronx and Central Park Zoos” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Bricken Sparacino reports on the “Zoo Quests” public engagement experience which was implemented at
Wild in the City
Appeared 2017 In “Wild in the City” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Emily Stoeth examines the importance of urban environmental exploration for students and teachers.
Utilization of Zoo Enclosures in Capuchin and Spider Monkeys
Appeared 2016Published in Animal Keepers In “Utilization of Zoo Enclosures in Capuchin and Spider Monkeys” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Laura Danielczyk compares overall movement and time resting of capuchin and spider monkey in zoo enclosures.
Citizenship-building via Marine Debris Surveys
Appeared 2017Published in Green Teacher In “Citizenship-building via Marine Debris Surveys” Global Field Program student Aimee Cleary empowers teens to become environmental stewards through socio-ecological mapping and data collection.
Conservation Animation
Appeared 2017Published in Green Teacher In “Conservation Animation” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Sarah Compton creates animated videos with high school students to encourage local conservation.
Environmental Rewards Points? Examining the Palm Oil Crisis and Brainstorming for Change
Appeared 2016Published in the Animal Keepers’ Forum In Environmental Rewards Points? Examining the Palm Oil Crisis and Brainstorming for Change, GFP graduate Chelsea Weaver examines the palm oil crisis.
Assessing and Overcoming the Barriers Impeding Inquiry Based Education
Appeared 2016Published in the Ohio Journal of Teacher Education In Assessing and Overcoming the Barriers Impeding Inquiry Based Education, GFP student Kaitlin Shurts assesses the relationship between teachers’ conceptions of inquiry and the number of perceived
It’s Not You. It’s Me. Taking Responsibility for Chaperone Engagement During Nature Center Field Trips
Appeared 2016Published in Legacy In It’s Not You. It’s Me, GFP student Melissa Sabo examines chaperone engagement during nature center field trips.
The Nature of Interaction Between Zoo Docents and Visitors and the Use of Inquiry
Appeared 2015Published in the IZE Journal After exploring open- and close-ended questions between docents and visitors at Woodland Park Zoo in the context of inquiry, AIP graduate Kathryn Marcussen shares her findings in The Nature of Interaction Between
Role-Playing, Inquiry and the Food Chain
Appeared 2016Published in Green Teacher In “Role-Playing, Inquiry and the Food Chain” GFP student Autumn Doss integrates drama to encourage elementary students’ engagement in environmental science. Her goal was for students to identify a health food
KALAHARI CONNECTIONS: fostering long-term positive conservation behaviors in Botswana youth
Appeared 2015Published in the IZE Journal In “KALAHARI CONNECTIONS: fostering long-term positive conservation behaviors in Botswana youth” GFP graduate Erin Stotz, Dragonfly facilitator Molly Maloy and others from Denver Zoo’s Conservation Biology Department and the Kalahari
More than marginal interest– Adapting Hedgerows for Modern Landscapes
Appeared Spring/Summer 2016Published in the Planet Drum Pulse After sampling insect and bird populations in hedgerow settings, AIP student Dave Coulter shares his findings in More than marginal interest– Adapting Hedgerows for Modern Landscapes. According to
Deeply moved by it all
Appeared August 2016Published in the Townsville Bulletin Students are deeply moved by it all in this letter to the editor in the Townsville Bulletin, a news publication of Australia’s North Queensland.
The Rise of Educational Tourism
Appeared August 2016Published in DUO Magazine In The Rise of Educational Tourism GFP graduate and past Australia Earth Expeditioner Katie Krafte shares her thoughts on experiential, field-based education in DUO Magazine, Townsville’s monthly lifestyle publication.
Tech park tours offer ‘science in action’
Appeared July 2016Published in Honolulu Star Advertiser GFP graduate Candee Ellsworth is featured in the Honolulu Star Advertiser article — Tech park tours offer ‘science in action’ — for her work with Friends of Natural Energy Laborartory of Hawaii
Master’s Studies Take Broadbent To Belize In Miami University’s Project Dragonfly Global Field Program – Brevard NC
Appeared June 9, 2016Published in The Transylvania Times GFP student Alexa Broadbent is featured in The Transylvania Times article “Master’s Studies Take Broadbent To Belize In Miami University’s Project Dragonfly Global Field Program – Brevard
Black Creek Scout Reservation BioBlitz
Appeared 2015Published in Tipularia In Black Creek Scout Reservation BioBlitz: A Vascular Plant Species Inventory GFP graduate Jed Hewitt joined a team of scientists, naturalists, Boy Scouts and volunteers for a one-day botanical BioBlitz (a study of
Information Sharing and Curbside Recycling: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Value of Door-to-Door Distribution of Informational Literature
Appeared 2015Published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling In Information Sharing and Curbside Recycling AIP Cincinnati Zoo graduate Ken Willman evaluated information sharing and curbside recycling.
A Review of the Current Status of Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) in Ohio
Appeared 2016Published in Ohio Biological Survey Notes In A Review of the Current Status of Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) in Ohio AIP Cincinnati Zoo graduate Sean Leugers investigated the status of running buffalo clover (RBC), a
Coquerel’s Sifaka: Parental Behaviors As Observed in First-Time Parents
Appeared November/December 2015Published in AAZK’s Animal Keepers’ Forum In Coquerel’s Sifaka: Parental Behaviors as Observed in First-Time Parents AIP Cincinnati Zoo graduate Amy Thompson observed parental behaviors of lemurs.
Feeling the Heat: A Student-Centered Approach to Reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect on Campus
Appeared Winter 2016Published in Green Teacher In Feeling the Heat AIP Phoenix Zoo graduate and science teacher Susan Ferguson created a series of mapping activities for her middle school students to explore the issues associated with the
Lights Out Baltimore: Saving Birds One Building at a Time
Appeared September/October 2015Published in The Maryland Yellowthroat In Lights Out Baltimore: Saving Birds One Building at a Time GFP graduate and Maryland Zoo animal keeper Carly Barron shares her experiences with the Maryland-based non-profit, Lights Out Baltimore,
In the News: AIP and GFP Students Earn Master’s Degree & Look Back on Their Journeys
Our December 2015 AIP and GFP graduates are featured in a number of hometown newspapers and alumni news magazines. Advanced Inquiry Program Heather Batts, Colby McElrath, Brittney Weaver, Ali Young, Sharon Garrison and Sara Shanahan,
Planktonic ingress of fiddler crab megalopae to the Newport River Estuary, NC: evidence for semilunar periodicity in Uca pugnax and species-specific sampling bias by hog’s hair larval collectors
Appeared March 2015Published in Marine Ecology Progress Series Global Field Program graduate Kathryn McQueen and others examined the Planktonic ingress of fiddler crab megalopae to the Newport River Estuary, NC: evidence for semilunar periodicity in Uca
Potting Plants
Appeared January 2015Published in Science Scope In Plotting Plants Global Field Program student and teacher Megan Menker involved her middle school students in tracking invasive species in the local community through the use of research, geocaching technology, posters,
Hummingbird Citizen Science
Appeared November 2015Published in The Science Teacher In Hummingbird Citizen Science Global Field Program graduate and teacher Rima Givot helps students make connections in her classroom. Through a citizen science hummingbird project, Givot’s students were able to collaborate and
Wild Cat Conservation Needs: An Examination of Public Perception
Appeared November 2013Published in Animal Keeper’s Forum Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo AIP student Brande Redfield surveyed zoo guests at the Crosley Zoo in Wheaton, Illinois, on the question: Has the zoo-going public been better educated
Teachers honored for environmental work
Appeared Sept. 27, 2015Published in Today’s Pulse | Western Star Cincinnati Zoo AIP student & teacher Julianne Elder was among two “Teachers honored for environmental work” by the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District. Elder,
North Huntingdon woman gets first-hand knowledge in Belize
Appeared Aug. 26, 2015Published in TribLive.com GFP student Amy Owens is featured in Trib Total Media’s TribLive article “North Huntingdon woman gets first-hand knowledge in Belize” for her travels to Belize where she conducted fieldwork in
Where are the Butterflies? Creating a Safe Haven for Urban Lepidoptera
Appeared Summer 2015Published in Pacific Horticulture In Where are the Butterflies? Creating a Safe Haven for Urban Lepidoptera Woodland Park Zoo AIP student Tracey Byrne outlines eight essential elements for attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects. The
Walking With Wildlife: How to be a Proper Guest in an Animal’s Home
Appeared Spring 2015Published in Washington Trails Association magazine After encountering a bear while hiking with a friend, Jennifer Jarstad, AIP student at Woodland Park Zoo, writes about her experience, reminds us that we are the visitors and
Science Comes Alive: Impact of Animal Ambassadors in the Classroom
Appeared Spring 2015Published in Zoological Association of America Animal care technician, long-time Wild Wonders volunteer and GFP student Laura Marx asks: Are we really making a difference in learning, understanding and caring for wildlife and
Earth Expeditions Kenya Students & Cincinnati Zoo Make Good Things Happen
Appeared February 23, 2015 Published by YouTube Watch as our friends at the Cincinnati Zoo share the Earth Expeditions Kenya experience. Earth Expeditions students experience the global community and make good things happen! Watch the
Local Women Earn Biology Degrees through Program at Woodland Park Zoo
Appeared Jan. 14, 2015Published in The Woodinville Weekly Anna Busse and Sarah Crumb are featured in The Woodinville Weekly for earning their biology degrees through the Advanced Inquiry Program at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. Anna
Life in the Margins: The Role of the Post-Modern Hedgerow
Appeared November-December 2014Published in Solutions Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo AIP student Dave Coulter discovers an “old friend” in hedgerows. Well managed hedgerows have great potential to positively affect biodiversity, according to Life in the Margins: The
McNicholas science teacher explores opportunities through Miami University’s Global Field Program
Appeared December 2, 2014Published in The McNicholas Milestone McNicholas High School science teacher Lauren Wulker knew she needed to participate in the Global Field Program when she first became aware of it. For Wulker studying
The Effects of Plastic Pollution on Aquatic Wildlife
Appeared 2014Published in Water Air Soil Pollut Michelle Sigler, graduate of the Advanced Inquiry Program at Chicago Zoological Society–Brookfield Zoo, addresses the effects of plastic pollution on aquatic wildlife and describes several cutting edge technologies that
Tanya Dinova Joins Danau Girang Field Centre
Appeared August 2014Published in The Jungle Times, independent newsletter of Danau Girang Field Centre Global Field Program student Tanya Dinova purchases a one-way ticket to Sabah, Malaysia, to work at Danau Girang Field Centre.
Can I Touch It?: Zoo Program Impacts
Appeared 2014Published in IZE Journal Amanda Stanford, Global Field Program student and program animal staff member, examines the impact physical contact with rats and snakes has on children’s attitudes toward those animals in Can I Touch It?:
Conservation Connections Matter!
Appeared 2014Published in IZE Journal Global Field Program student Martha Parker connects employee-led field conservation projects and institutional conservation messaging in Conservation Connections Matter! in the 2014 IZE Journal.
The Role of Zoo Playgrounds: Beyond Playtime & into Conservation Awareness
Appeared 2014Published in IZE Journal Through her volunteer work at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Advanced Inquiry Program student Sarah Crumb looks at how playgrounds in a zoo setting provide children with an opportunity to explore
Growing Closer by Growing Together
Appeared May-June 2014Published in Natural Life Magazine Mary Whewell, AIP student at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, helps others grow food, save money and share knowledge through community gardening in her article in Growing Closer by Growing Together, published
Green Careers and the Community College: Embrace the Possibility
Appeared May 2014Published in Adult Learning Through her work as an assistant professor at Cuyahoga Community College, Advanced Inquiry Program student Irene Diritsky has been examining the green career paths that exist for students who have
Wetland Warriors
Appeared 2014 Published in Green Teacher Eric Diefenderfer, graduate of the Advanced Inquiry Program at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, presents a real-world scenario for his middle school students–to imagine a sports facility is proposed on the site
Baja Desert Reveals Wonders to Scholarship Winner
Appeared Autumn 2013Published in Audubon Miami Valley Global Field Program student Kathi McQueen discovers the beauty of the rugged Baja peninsula and shares her Baja experiences in Baja Desert Reveals Wonders to Scholarship Winner, published in
Using Theatrical Conventions to Improve Public Education About Local Wildlife Conservation
Appeared September 2013Published in AZA CONNECT Through her work as a Senior Animal Keeper at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Advanced Inquiry Program student Melissa Proffitt has been exploring how educators can utilize theatrical conventions
Making Connections with Nature: Programming for a Larger Community
Appeared September 2013Published in AZA CONNECT Advanced Inquiry program student Mollie O’Neil, who also serves as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, explores connections between senior citizens and nature, and how
Graduate classroom takes educator to ‘global hotspots’
Appeared August 25, 2013Published in the Bonner County Daily Bee Think twice before deleting that next email. It could just be the key that opens the door to a life-changing adventure. That proved to be
The Human Dimensions of Conservation: Global Conservation Leadership Program for Youth-Botswana
Appeared August 2013Published in AZA CONNECT Earth Expeditions instructor Ricardo Stanoss, who also serves as the Director of Education and International Training at our Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) partner institution, the Chicago Zoological Society –
Teacher going to Belize to study
Appeared July 17, 2013Published in the Dayton Daily News Kathrene Mayne, science teacher at Horace Mann PreK-8 School, will be heading to the Central American country of Belize at the end of this month, returning
Teachers head to Borneo for conservation studies
Appeared June 25, 2013Published in the Othello Outlook.com Once the final test is handed in and the last bell has rung, a pair of Othello teachers will finish packing their bags and head to the
Developing Tomorrow’s Conservation Leaders Today
Appeared 2013Published in AZA CEC Newsletter Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Advanced Inquiry Program manager Katie Corr explains the role of an AIP master’s in developing conservation leaders in Developing Tomorrow’s Conservation Leaders Today in the 2013 AZA CEC Newsletter.
Baja Peninsula Calls to Stow Teacher
Appeared June 6, 2013Published in the Stow Patch Alex McMahan takes the trip of a lifetime this month to the Baja Peninsula, where he will spend 10 days studying the unique combination of environments found
Locals to study overseas this summer
Appeared June 3, 2013 Published in the Middletown Journal Two local residents will be studying abroad for nine days this summer to gather research as part of a seven-month Miami University course. Dr. Kenneth Willman,
Science teachers inspired by first-hand look at Barrier Reef
Appeared July 13, 2012Published by ABC News, Australia Teachers from the United States are in the country learning about marine conservation. Though they’ve been teaching from textbooks about the Great Barrier Reef for years, diving
Lufkin Middle School teacher spends summers learning about science in exotic locales
Lufkin Middle School teacher Jennifer Stover is working on her master’s degree. During the fall and spring semesters, she takes online classes after spending her days teaching sixth-grade science. But during the summer, Stover spends
Around the world in 80 days: the traveling Conservation Education Lab
Appeared Spring 2012Published in Conservation Education, the newsletter of the Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Several staff members of the San Diego Zoo’s Conservation Education Division joined Earth Expeditions as instructors for 2012
Travel inspires Mt. Lookout teacher
Appeared March 21, 2012 Published in the Eastern Hills Journal Cynthia Kelly endured 110 degree temperatures, numerous bug bites and plowing through thick jungle undergrowth. And she’d do it again in a second.
Walrus Conservation: Connecting Research and Zoo Keepers
Appeared 2016Published in Animal Keepers’ Forum In “Walrus Conservation: Connecting Research and Zoo Keepers” Advanced Inquiry Program graduate Elizabeth Miller examines the extensive history of walrus populations in human care and successful walrus breeding programs to
Hamilton teacher waited a lifetime to see Australia
Appeared Winter 2012Published in the Audubon Miami Valley Newsletter, Extra Edition Although I was born and raised in landlocked Hamilton [Ohio], I have always loved the ocean. At age 16, I was finally able to
