Shivani Patel conducts research in Guatemala

2017 Aug 24

Shivani Patel of Swan Lake, NY, spent two weeks in Guatemala this summer learning about the country's water resource problems and environmental issues, spending time with local residents, and working toward solutions.

In its fourth year, the field course, called "Water and Environment of Guatemala," brought 16 students to Guatemala for two weeks, where they took water samples and analyzed water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding drainage basin. The course is led by Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences Tracy Allen.

Patel is majoring in Adolescence Ed: Social Studies at SUNY Oneonta.

Based on their observations, interactions with local residents, and data collection, students worked to identify sustainable solutions to the area's water resources problems. Students were also able to learn about agriculture while touring a coffee plantation and, later, take in the area's natural wonders, including the Pacaya volcano, which is active.

The students went into a Guatemalan elementary school to teach fifth and sixth graders about the lake and water quality, and they also installed water filtration systems into some of the area homes. These interactions were particularly meaningful and rewarding, they said, and the trip, overall, was eye-opening.