This past spring break, department chair Dr. Francisco Pelegri, accompanied by academic advisor Claire Minor, took 19 undergraduate students to Costa Rica for the UW Banking Animal Biodiversity study abroad program. On the trip, they had the opportunity to engage directly with the country’s world-renowned ecosystems and scientific institutions. This program brought the group to several leading research stations across diverse bioregions; each one offering a unique perspective on conservation challenges, developmental genetics concepts, and animal biodiversity. Below, undergraduate Communications Specialist and Genetics & Genomics student Ella Gilhooly shares highlights and reflections from this immersive and academically enriching experience.
“As I look back on our week in Costa Rica, I’m grateful for how much we were able to see, learn, and experience in such a short time. From fieldwork in dense rainforests to conversations with local researchers, every part of the trip deepened our understanding of local culture, conservation efforts, and possibilities for genetic intervention.
We started the trip at the Palo Verde Research Station in the drylands of Costa Rica. Being the most remote location, we were very closely connected with the nature and wildlife surrounding us. We enjoyed many hikes where we learned about the ecosystem of the dry lands and how certain environmental factors affect animals in Palo Verde. These hikes were no joke, with one having an incline of 1,500 feet!
The highlight of our stay in Palo Verde (and arguably the whole trip) was the incredibly rare sighting of a wild ocelot. Ocelots are elusive, nocturnal cats, and even researchers who work in the field for years rarely get the chance to see one in the wild. We were so lucky to see one! That moment perfectly captured what made Palo Verde so special, unexpected encounters, close proximity to wildlife, and the chance to experience the ecosystem in a truly immersive way.
Our next stop was in the cloud forests of Monteverde. This climate was instantly way different from our previous location, going from hot, dry open land to cooler, moist environment. Monteverde Biological Preserve is known for its rich biodiversity and unique cloud forest ecosystem, which we got to see firsthand with tours throughout their land.Here, we got to see the famous Quetzal bird, a species known for its vibrant plumage and cultural significance in Central America. Spotting one in the wild was another rare treat, and
one that excited many of our students! After more nature hikes, we got to hear from scientists working at the preserve about amphibian conservation and how they are protecting various species throughout the region. This emphasized the critical role of protected areas like Monteverde in safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems and species. We also spent an afternoon at the Monteverde Institute, helping with their tree nursery and learning about social based conservation. Hearing from local experts and researchers further enriched our experience. They shared valuable insights into the delicate balance of Monteverde’s ecosystems, the challenges they face in conservation, and how they are working to protect endangered species. Their knowledge and passion for the region’s biodiversity were truly inspiring and highlighted the critical role that scientific research plays in both understanding and preserving these unique environments.
Another amazing part of our time in Monteverde was spent at Selvatura Park, a place dedicated to conservation and education. Here, we got to explore the reptile, amphibian, butterfly, and sloth exhibits, each offering a fascinating look at the species that call the cloud forests home. These exhibits not only gave us a closer look at the region’s wildlife but also reinforced the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these incredible species. Also at the park, we got to explore the natural beauty of Monteverde on the hanging bridges, and then again on a fun ziplining excursion. Our time at Selvatura Park was one to remember, and we even got to be featured on their social media! You can find that collaboration here.
Our last research station we visited was the La Selva Biological Station near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. La Selva covers over 1,500 hectares of lowland tropical rainforest and is one of the most important sites in the world for ecological research. As a hub for scientists from around the globe, it gave us a unique opportunity to observe how large-scale, long-term studies are conducted in the field. We even got to take part in these studies, as we worked on a carbon study one of the days at the station. 
Here, we measured the diameters of trees in the arboretum, calculated their DBH, and saw how much carbon the trees have intake since 2011. It was an eye opening study, and we heard from local biologists about the carbon impact on Costa Rica’s ecosystems. Fun fact: this study abroad program, with support from the Laboratory of Genetics, pays for a carbon offset for all the carbon produced in traveling to/from Costa Rica! In addition, we got to help improve the landscapes of the station, removing several species along thetrails. It was fun to get our hands dirty and volunteer our time to give back to the La Selva environment!
La Selva didn’t just provide academic and hands-on experiences, it also offered us a chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We were able to volunteer at a local daycare, painting their walls a vibrant green and making their day-to-day lives a bit brighter. After our project was done, we got to play with the children at the daycare, learning some fun dances and eating Costa Rican arepas. It was a meaningful reminder that building connections with local communities is just as important as understanding the environments we study.
A major component of the trip was also the educational outcomes from the group. While at La Selva, we were able to give group presentations on a topic of our choosing relating to biodiversity, genetic conservation, or ecology in Costa Rica. These presentations allowed us to dive deeper into areas of interest, apply what we had learned in the field, and engage in thoughtful discussions with our peers. With our projects complete and our time in the field coming to a close, we shifted our focus from research to reflection as we headed into the final few days of the trip.
Following our string of visits to various research stations throughout Costa Rica, it was time to start traveling towards our departure city of San José. Our last day consisted of some more fun excursions to conclude the trip! First, we stopped at Pierella Gardens, a well known butterfly garden and sanctuary. We got to learn how they help support various species of butterflies, and even got to hold them and some other insects as well! After that, we headed to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, Costa Rica’s largest and most comprehensive animal rescue facility. The center is home to hundreds of animals that are being rehabilitated with the goal of reintroduction into the wild whenever possible. It was an inspiring look at the intersection of animal welfare, conservation, and education.
With that, our study abroad program came to an end. As we made our way back home, we carried with us not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and rare wildlife encounters, but also a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between genetics, ecology, and conservation.The UW Banking Animal Biodiversity program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one that allowed us to engage meaningfully with Costa Rica’s environment and culture, while also forming lasting connections with the students on the trip. It was a week of learning, growth, and inspiration that will stay with us for years to come.”
