NetNews

The 2004-2005 semester break provided an opportunity for several groups of students to undertake study-related travel with faculty sponsors.

Eight students attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 6 though 17, in a trip organized by Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Jon Rosales as part of his course Climate Change Policy and Advocacy. Among the activities that students participated in at the conference was staffing a booth representing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Earth Council, conducting a survey and distributing educational materials.

Participants were Laura Johnson '06, Hartland, VT; Allison Mitchell '06, Natick, MA; Shannon Fritts-Penniman '05, Trumansburg, NY; Charles Bour '05, Rochester, NY; Robert Schaper '06, Guilford, CT; Dustin Bowman '06, Canton, NY; Patrick King '06, New London, NH; and Michael DeVine '05, Springfield, MA.

Four students conducted research in China in December and January, with Dana Professor of Biology David Hornung. The group explored the interfaces between traditional Chinese medicine and allopathic (Western) medicine, with the goal of integrating the two healing traditions. Hornung and the students have in common some training in the use of the scientific method and an interest in allopathic medicine. All four students involved plan to attend medical school in the United States following graduation from St. Lawrence. Research was conducted at three primary locations in China, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Each participant also conducted independent research on a sub-topic of their own choosing, as follows: Andrew Boyer '05, of Manchester Center, VT, Chinese perspectives of the human body; Christine Granato '05, of Pennellville, NY, women as patients and healers; Douglas Smith '05, of Brookfield, CT, the traditional Chinese medicine approach in the management of acute medical conditions; and Kristen Ross '05, of Altona, NY, the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on battlefield and garrison medicine, considering how the emphasis on preventative medicine affects the way military physicians deal with acute and chronic problems in military personnel.

Six students travelled to Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta in China to conduct a research project in January, working with Professor of Government Alan Draper. The group researched the general topic "Change at Warp Speed: The Political, Economic, and Environmental Transformation of the Pearl River Delta," and each student involved also researched specific topics of their own interest. They were hosted by the American-Hong Kong Center and travelled throughout the region.

Participating students were James Albrittain '06, of Manchester, VT; Stephen Cotton '06, Granby, CT; Ann Dargie '07, Potsdam, NY; Kaia Klockeman '06, Dundas, MN; James Maswick '06, Scotia, NY; and Paul Richardson '06, Queensbury, NY.

Posted: January 14, 2005