Faculty-led field study explores Puerto Rico

For students in JMU’s geology and biology programs, spring break meant trading lecture halls for caves, tropical forests, and Caribbean coastlines in Puerto Rico. Seventeen undergraduate and graduate students participated in Geology and Ecology of the Caribbean, an immersive faculty-led field program.

Led by Ángel Garcia Jr. (Geology and Environmental Science) and Kelsey Reider (Biology), the course gave students the opportunity to apply classroom concepts while exploring the island’s diverse geological formations and ecosystems.

Throughout the week, students visited a variety of field sites, examining karst landscapes, coastal systems, and diverse forest habitats. Puerto Rico’s geology, particularly its limestone formations (karst), offered insight into millions of years of tectonic activity, sea level change, and landscape evolution.

Students also developed practical field skills, including beach profiling, geomorphological mapping, biodiversity observation survey, and bird and wildlife identification.

“This past week, I had the unique privilege of studying abroad with JMU, learning more about Puerto Rico’s geology and ecosystems,” said ecology and environmental biology major Lauren Witmer (‘26). “I gained experience in a variety of field techniques and was reminded that stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth.”

In addition to fieldwork, students engaged with local scientists and experts, gaining perspective on the environmental and cultural significance of the region. Activities included learning about conservation, geohazards, and the relationship between natural systems and human activity.

The course was conducted in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. Professor Ángel A. Acosta-Colón of UPR Arecibo generously shared his time and expertise, guiding students through caves and providing invaluable local insights.

The group also explored different life zones found at El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and a critical area for biodiversity.

Preparation for the trip began prior to spring break, with students meeting regularly to build foundational knowledge and learn field methods. The travel component allowed them to apply those skills in real-world settings.

Garcia said the course is designed to help students connect scientific concepts with lived experience. “Students engaged in hands-on learning through fieldwork, mapping, and observation while also exploring the broader environmental and cultural context of the Caribbean,” he said.