Allison's Indonesia Internship: A Safe Home for Turtles

Allison Sermarini Start Date: Jun 4, 2017 - End Date: Aug 7, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Indonesia

My Travel Story

by: Allison Sermarini Start Date: Jun 4, 2017 - End Date: Aug 7, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Intern Abroad
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Where?
For my last semester at UNCG I will be spending 12 weeks, from the beginning of August to the end of October, in the beautiful island of Sumatra, Indonesia at Bengkulu University. I will be focusing on herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles, under the direction of Dr. Catherine Matthews (UNCG), Professor Ann Berry Somers (UNCG), and Dr. Aceng Ruyani (University of Bengkulu).

What?
While at the University Bengkulu I will be an intern assistant to the conservation project, “UNIB Campus, A Safe Home for Turtles.” Conservation fieldwork is vital to Indonesia because it is one of the 44 countries that collectively holds 90% of the forests in the world. Yet, from 2000-2007 Indonesia had the highest rates of deforestation on the planet creating a loss of animal habitat. “UNIB Campus, A Safe Home for Turtles” is an important project. Its aim is to secure a habitat for animals, increase scientific education at Bengkulu, provide a hands on learning environment, foster a personal connection with nature, and help the area move from increased awareness to action. My role at the university will entail collecting data, setting up aquatic traps, creating educational materials, and documenting my time at the UNIB.

Why?
As an environmental studies major at UNCG, I am passionate about environmental education and informing others about the importance of biodiversity. I believe this trip will provide me with a life changing experience that will not only expand my cultural horizons, but also open up many more opportunities for a career in my field. I hope you will consider helping me fund my trip. Any small amount will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in sending a check instead of an electronic donation please contact me at ahsermar@uncg.edu so I can send you a mailing address. Thank you so much!

Links
During this previous school I headed a pollinator conservation project at UNCG. Here is the link to my short documentary on that project: https://youtu.be/la1QNP06ueQ. I plan to create a video series on my stay in Indonesia.

Here is a link to an article about the conservation project at UNIB: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/PEER/PEERscience/PGA_168049.
  • Indonesia

Updates

1

  • Confirmed Visa!

    I have finalized my Visa process with the Indonesian Consulate in NYC! I will be receiving the official paper work soon.