Finland – Part Two
In our last issue of Tidings, we reported on the establishment of a cooperative educational program between the Sea Lab and Åbo Akademi University in Finland. Created by Dr. Ken Heck, the program was meant to be an opportunity to exchange visits and scientific ideas.
This past fall, the visits occurred and both Finns and US students were happy with the results. DISL graduate students Meg Goecker, Matt Johnson, Jason Stutes, and Cheryl Wapnick spent two weeks in Finland, learning about the native ecosystems of that country, particularly the estuary system (‘Vastly different from our own," commented Jason). Students from both

(L-R)Cheryl Wapnick, Dr. Johanna Matilla and Dr. Ken Heck enjoy a ride to a Finnish estuary (photo by Meg Goecker)
 institutions undertook small research projects based on their findings during field trips.

Their visit, fulfilling as it was, was touched by the September 11 tragedy, as all flights returning to the United States were delayed. The students and Drs. Heck and Valentine spent much of their time in the Stockholm, Sweden airport, anxiously awaiting a flight that would return them to the United States.


Surveying the Finnish coast (photo by Meg Goecker)

 

Several weeks later, Finnish students Axel Alm, Jens Perus, Jonas Heikkila and Eveliina Linden came to spend time at the Sea Lab campus. Aside from field trips and lectures, the Finns enjoyed getting to know about American culture, particularly in the South.

"It was wonderful," said
Cheryl. "It was a great chance to learn about a unique marine system that I otherwise may never have visited. I'm glad I was given the opportunity. I hope they are able to continue the class in the future because it was a valuable educational and cultural experience."

The Field Marine Science Course to Finland is scheduled again for 2003.