Eric’s most recent reunion with his cohort may not have been large, but it was filled with heartfelt moments. Due to illness and unforeseen circumstances, only five of his fellow alumni could attend, along with a few children and partners. But despite the smaller turnout, they managed to relive the magic of their time together in Tanzania – sharing stories, playing cards just like they did back in the bandas, and even discovering an authentic East African restaurant that brought a taste of Tanzania to their reunion. While they also held a virtual reunion during the pandemic to celebrate their 5-year anniversary, nothing compares to the joy of being together in person again, laughing and reminiscing about their shared experiences.

The reunion flag, now having traveled to seven states and even Grand Cayman, has become a physical representation of the deep connections formed during Eric’s time in Tanzania. Each time the flag travels to a new location and is signed by another cohort member, it brings Eric a step closer to his ultimate goal. “Driving through the Serengeti gate and waking up early to hike as a group to watch the last sunrise atop Moyo Hill are memories locked in my mind forever,” Eric recalls fondly. “Our group was the first to be entirely located at the Tanzania center [instead of splitting time between Tanzania and Kenya, as previous cohorts had done], and despite being the largest group they’d had, we were incredibly close. It was a special time.”

Eric’s time in Tanzania had a lasting impact not only on his friendships but also on his career. As a Zoology major at the University of Wisconsin, Eric’s Directed Research focused on human-animal relations, particularly the perceptions of human-wildlife conflict surrounding mesopredators, crows, and raptors. His experiences in Tanzania ignited a passion for understanding how people and animals coexist, something that continues to influence his professional life. After graduating, he started Walsh Visual Media, a photography business that drew from the images he captured during his time in Tanzania.

Later, Eric went on to become a marine mammal trainer at the Aquarium of Niagara, working with seals, sea lions, and penguins. After six years in training, Eric transitioned into the ​​Aquarium’s Communications department, where he now oversees the ​​Aquarium’s media channels and shapes content strategy. Through his work, he continues to tell the stories of rescued and non-releasable animals, using storytelling to engage the public in important conversations about conservation and how humans share the world with animals.

But perhaps the most lasting impact of Eric’s time with SFS is the friendships he formed. He has reconnected with more than 15 people from his cohort over the years. Three of them were even part of his wedding, and one is his daughter’s godfather. These deep, lifelong connections speak to the power of shared experiences and the lasting bonds that form when people come together for a meaningful cause.

Eric’s reunion flag continues to travel the world, and as he carries it to each new reunion, it serves as a reminder of the friendships, memories, and lessons that have shaped his life. His dream of returning to Moyo Hill, with his family and the flag in tow, remains a powerful goal. For Eric, the flag represents not just a place and a time, but the enduring connections that continue to influence his journey, both personally and professionally. And one day, when the flag finally reaches its destination, it will complete a circle that has spanned years, states, and continents – a testament to the lasting impact of his SFS experience in Tanzania.

We recognize that environmental challenges are deeply affected by and interwoven with social and political forces. Hence, we foster an inclusive environment where students critically examine these complex issues through the lens of science, ethics, and sustainability. As an independent nonprofit, SFS remains steadfast in its mission despite shifting political landscapes.  We stand resolute in preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the challenges ahead with knowledge, integrity, and purpose.

Governmental administrations come and go, and party policies too often bend to the prevailing political winds at the moment. At SFS we know who we are. Through the turmoil, political convulsions, and the uncertainties of fraught times, we remain true to our mission and the fundamental values and principles upon which it rests. In that commitment, we are unshakable.

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With a 17-year tenure at SFS, Katlyn has served in several key leadership roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Her intimate knowledge of SFS, combined with her extensive experience in international education and her deep commitment to the SFS’ mission and values, uniquely prepares her to lead the organization into its next chapter. 

As Terry Andreas, Board Co-Chair, shared, “Katlyn is an excellent choice for us; she is exceptionally well-positioned to ensure that SFS continues to make a difference in environmental education, the lives of our students, and conservation around the world.” 

Katlyn has been instrumental in shaping and advancing SFS programs across its 12 Centers, located in some of the world’s most biodiverse and extraordinary ecosystems. Through close collaboration with SFS’ dedicated staff and community partners, Katlyn has made a lasting impact, driving the mission of SFS forward with purpose and passion. 

Reflecting on this significant transition, James Cramer, current President of SFS, remarked, “It has been my privilege to work alongside Katlyn for many years. Her insight, unwavering commitment, and thoughtful leadership have strengthened SFS at every level. With her at the helm, I am confident SFS will continue to thrive, inspiring students and driving impactful solutions to global environmental challenges.” 

Katlyn Armstrong expressed her enthusiasm for this new role, stating:  

“I am honored and excited to step into this role and serve SFS in this new capacity. Our programs have long been at the forefront of transformative education, empowering students to engage with environmental and societal challenges while fostering meaningful connections with local communities. I look forward to building on this strong foundation, ensuring SFS remains a leader in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and global citizenship as we embark on the next vibrant chapter of our story.”

Building on SFS’ long-standing commitment to experiential learning, impactful research, and strong community partnerships, Katlyn’s vision and leadership will guide the organization into a new era, advancing SFS’s mission to inspire and equip students to make meaningful, lasting contributions to our planet and its future. 

It is with mixed emotions that the Board of Trustees of the School for Field Studies (SFS) has accepted the intent of our President, Jim Cramer, to retire by no later than August 31, 2025. Over the past twelve years, he has compiled an enviable record — expanding SFS’s presence from four countries to centers in twelve countries across six continents, more than doubling annual revenue, moving us closer to long-term financial sustainability with balanced budgets, expanding our research capacity, leading us prudently through the dark years of COVID, engaging the talents of our more than 20,000 alumni, and imaginatively projecting SFS onto a broad media landscape. While his pending departure is difficult to contemplate, Jim originally promised to serve for five years and has now dedicated twelve years to SFS, making his service deeply appreciated and his retirement well-earned.

Reflecting on his tenure at SFS, Cramer said, “While we have considerably expanded our reach across the globe, I would like to think that it is the quality of our field research, the impact we’ve had on the communities in which we live and work, and the transformative power of our programs on students that define the last dozen years.”

The Board of Trustees has established a Search Committee to oversee the process of finding the next SFS President, and more details will be shared in the coming months.

Never has the mission of SFS resonated so much with a generation, and never has our mission been so critically important. We look forward to continuing to offer challenging experiences to our students as we enter this new chapter of leadership for SFS.

We will continue to update the SFS community as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for announcements on the leadership transition and the exciting future of SFS.

Her Majesty Queen Mother Tseyring Pem Wangchuck delivers her remarks at the awards ceremony

This year, the award was presented to Her Majesty Queen Mother Tseyring Pem Wangchuck on behalf of the Kingdom of Bhutan. In addition to this remarkable accolade, Her Majesty was also bestowed with the Champion of Rising Leaders Award, a testament to her outstanding efforts in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.

The highlight of the evening was Her Majesty’s insightful remarks at the award ceremony.

After the award presentation, Dr. Nawang Norbu, the Center Director of the SFS Bhutan Center for Climate and Sustainable Futures, participated in a compelling panel discussion, sharing the stage with fellow Bhutanese environmental leaders. The panel was expertly moderated by M. Margaret McKeown, a Senior United States Circuit Judge from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Dr. Norbu’s participation was a testament to his expertise and commitment to Bhutan’s agri-food and energy sector, climate justice, and his passionate belief in the importance of every citizen becoming a conservationist to ensure a sustainable future.

The recognition and honor bestowed upon Bhutan and its leaders in the realm of conservation serve as a source of inspiration for all of us. It is a reminder that collective efforts to protect our environment and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards can lead to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Dr. Nawang Norbu (in the middle) engages in a discussion panel with fellow Bhutanese environmental leaders and justice McKeown

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Curious about the SFS Bhutan Center? Click here to read about why we’re based there, our environmental research focus, how we support the local community, and even take a virtual tour of the Center.

We catch bats at night, identify the species, take measurements, and then free the bats. The more people know about the environmental services and the ecology of bats, the more they would protect them.

 
Sometimes we let our feelings influence our perception of reality. Reality cannot change because of what we feel or think, but the facts of nature could change our perception. For example, some people like to take a shower with cold water, while others prefer hot water. It does not matter if the water is hot or cold, water is still water, and we need it not only to keep clean but to live. Likewise, some people like bats, and others do not. It doesn’t matter whether you like them or not. That does not change the fact that bats perform important ecological roles which we also need for our survival.

 

A fruit-eating bat that builds its roost using palm leaves. The striped yellow-eared bat (Vampyriscus nymphaea), caught during an SFS Costa Rica field trip to Manu Reserve in the Caribbean slope (Photo: Ricardo Sánchez-C).

 

I am one of those people who loves bats, but I don’t expect all people to like them. However, I think that more people should know about the things that bats do for us. Here are three of the most important facts about bats.

#1: If you eat cornflakes for breakfast or dress in clothes made of cotton, you have bats to thank. If you just enjoyed a movie with popcorn and then a glass of wine, you should say thanks to bats. This is because bats help farmers improve food production. Most bats feed on insects and some of those insects are agricultural pests. Through their pest control service, bats lower the production costs for farmers–and for you.

That is not all. Some bats also feed on nectar. They feed on specific flowers (e.g., dragon fruit flowers), and through their pollination service, the flowers transform into bigger and tastier fruits! (Bats also pollinate the agave from which tequila is made).

 

A rare and unique species, the Tome´s sword-nosed bat (Lonchorhina aurita) caught during an SFS Costa Rica field trip to Manu Reserve in the Caribbean slope (Photo: Ricardo Sánchez-C).

 

#2: Maybe you’ve heard Dracula´s legend (in which a count from Transylvania transforms into a bat to suck the blood of his victims). Although there are some real vampire bats, not all bats are vampires. There are more than 1,400 different species of bats in the world and only three are true vampires. One of them feeds on mammals´ blood, but you are not on the menu. Believe it or not, vampire bats have made great contributions to medicine. Scientists have obtained a very efficient anticoagulant from the vampire bat’s saliva. This substance is used in antithrombotic therapy. Therefore, vampire bats are important despite not being cute. Meanwhile, other bat species–like the Honduran White Bat–are so cute that they just might surprise you. They look like miniature teddy bears.

One of the cutest bats, a group of Honduran white bats (Ectophylla alba) found in their roost during an SFS Costa Rica field trip to Manu Reserve in the Caribbean slope (Photo: Ricardo Sánchez-C).

 
#3: Bats do not carry or transmit SARS-COV2. This means you cannot get the COVID-19 virus from bats because they do not have it. Scientists have found one bat species with a variant of the virus that is 96% genetically similar to the human virus. Maybe you think this is enough to conclude that bats carry the same virus. However, humans and chimpanzees share 96% of their genes but belong to different species. People keep looking for the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic virus, but we don’t have to look for it on bats or any other animal. High deforestation rates, forest fragmentation, pollution, human overpopulation, and human encroachment in natural areas are the real triggers.

Whether we like it or not, our unsustainable lifestyle is responsible for the current pandemic. We still have the chance to ameliorate and decrease our impacts. It is about time we take nature into account. It is time to give bats a break and let the facts of nature, instead of our feelings, speak for them!

We catch bats at night, identify the species, take measurements, and then free the bats. The more people know about the environmental services and the ecology of bats, the more they would protect them.

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Curious to learn a bit more about the SFS Costa Rica Center? Click here to read about why we’re based there, our environmental research focus, how we connect and support the local community, and even take a tour of the Center.

The intention of the expedition was for the group to have a rainforest experience and to learn a little about how regenerative agriculture is a sustainable way to produce food and conserve the rainforest.

– David, SFS Australia Center Director

 

A panoramic shot of the sight that greets visitors to the SFS Australia Center.
 
We have been missing the usual laughter of our students at the SFS Australia Center for Rainforest Studies, but we have been keeping ourselves busy and finding ways to bring activity to the Center. Promoting environmental literacy is part of the mission of SFS, and we do not need to limit this to undergraduates. And while Australia borders are still closed for international travel, we sought to reach out to local groups.

Recently, we were visited by a group of 24 wonderful people aged 3 to >50 years. The group consisted of members of the Brazilian non-profit environmental organization Novo Encanto (literally translated as “New Enchantment”) who currently reside in Australia, mostly in the southern states. Working closely with the organizers from the Novo Encanto group, we ran what is the first SFS-Novo Encanto expedition (23rd – 27th April). The intention of the expedition was for the group to have a rainforest experience and to learn a little about how regenerative agriculture is a sustainable way to produce food and conserve the rainforest.

Usually, we call our programs “courses” or “fieldtrips”, but we called this event an expedition, and words have latent power. Just by calling the event an expedition invokes the energy of one. Four days before our expeditioners arrive, some 500mm of torrential rain fell in the region, rendering our access road unnavigable for vehicles. It was too late to get the road regravelled before the group arrived. From then on getting into and out of the Center was a little trek through the rainforest for our expeditioners – the event was now truly an expedition.

And then the rain continued. But true expeditioners are not afraid of a little rain. Walks in and out of the Center gave our expeditioners, who are mostly city-dwellers, the opportunity to imbibe the rainforest environment and also interact and build camaraderie.
 

What is an expedition without some walking!
 
As part of the planned activities, we delivered lectures on regenerative agriculture and visited Petals in the Park, a Syntropic farm, where our hosts Neil and Jane Hawes showed everyone why regenerative agriculture is a pathway to a sustainable future for the world’s food needs and for the environment.
 

Dr. Deborah Apgaua gives a talk about regenerative agriculture.
 

Getting the “real deal” of how a regenerative Syntropic farm looks and feels at the Petals in the Park farm in the Atherton Tablelands.
 
We also brought the group to visit some spots in the Atherton Tablelands, and in particular to see the iconic Curtain Fig Tree, a c. 500-year-old giant strangling fig. There we explained some of the fascinating intricacies of fig biology from the way strangling fig trees start their life in the forest canopy, to the way they get pollinated.
 

The iconic Curtain Fig tree of the Atherton Tablelands.
 
A visit to Australia’s Wet Tropics is never complete without a swim. So to top it off, we also brought expeditioners to have a swim and barbeque at the gorgeous Lake Eacham, a volcanic lake with azure waters and surrounded by lush rainforest.
 

It will be hard to swim in a chlorinated pool after this…
 
Three days is a short time to spend in this marvellous part of the world, but we love to think that having the opportunity to spend some quality time in the tropical rainforest and to learn a little about ways we can have a more sustainable and green future is well worth it. We are hoping also to make such expeditions a more regular activity in the repertoire of the SFS Australia Center.

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Curious to learn a bit more about the SFS Australia Center? Click here to read about why we’re based there, our environmental research focus, how we connect and support the local community, and even take a tour of the Center.

The SFS community worldwide wants to make our voice heard that we strongly reject the bigotry and violence directed toward our fellow citizens of Asian heritage, and to the contrary, welcome and value people for the unique gifts and talents they offer.

Yet all these marvelous moments are currently overshadowed by recent statements by the WHO, the State Department and the CDC regarding travel and COVID-19, and we, like all SFS centers, are in the midst of working closely with sending schools about students being recalled to their homes.

It’s been a hard few days for our dear students and many other students studying around the world. No one wants to be sent home from a place they chose and dreamed and worked to come to, and many American students abroad now face that reality.

Human communities are tested in times of stress—sometimes we rise, sometimes we fall. I trust that we at SFS, scattered around the world, will rise.

These are strange and uncertain times, and in such times, I often turn to poetry. This poem by Hafiz, the 14th century Sufi mystic, is resonant and timely in this current global moment:

 
A Great Need
Out
Of a great need
We are all holding hands
And climbing.
Not loving is a letting go.
Listen,
The terrain around here
Is
Far too
Dangerous
For
That.

 
It is time to keep holding on to each other, whatever that looks like for our centers and students and staff. There is evidence that practicing social distancing and ‘flattening the curve’ of the spread of the virus, is a compassionate and responsible practice at this juncture for the sake of our health care providers and the vulnerable among us, wherever we are in the world. Our aim here at the Cambodia Center is to hold onto each other with courage and compassion–even if that looks different than the semester we had planned and hoped for.

 

An elderly homestay family from an island in the Mekong River

 

A student steals a quiet moment during a village homestay last month

 
For the most up-to-date information on SFS’ response to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus and how it is impacting our programming, please visit https://fieldstudies.org/health-safety-covid-19/.

 
→ Conservation and Development Studies in Cambodia