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For a month this summer, a typical day for biology major Katherine Horigan ’04 (Minot, Mass.) began with a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call from her neighbors, a troop of howler monkeys living in the canopy above her cabin.
Horigan participated in a research-based course at La Suerte Biological Research Station in Costa Rica, where students from around the world learned in a variety of classes while testing their field research skills in three on-site rainforests. In her course, Primate Behavior and Ecology, Horigan studied primates in general, then focused on the three native species at La Suerte for her research — spider monkeys, howlers, and capuchins. She further narrowed her focus to patterns of infant behavior in howler monkeys.
The class went on hikes in a rainforest before its 7 a.m. breakfast, then had one or two sessions of lecture/class time, with another one or two hikes in the forest spread throughout the day.
“The sounds and sights in the rainforest were most impressive, for everywhere you turned there was some aspect of biology waiting to be studied,” Horigan says. “Often times we would hike for hours, without a sight of primates anywhere, but once you heard the roar of the howlers it was easy to track them down. The canopy was extremely high, and often binoculars were necessary to catch a glimpse of the wildlife above.
“While in the forests, we would wear calf-high rubber boots — every step was slippery, and snake sightings were an hourly occurrence — with a mosquito hood around our head, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. The mosquitoes ate you alive, despite the high-percentage DEET we sprayed on multiple times a day.”
Yet, the elements and conditions in which the class operated proved to be not just the most challenging, but also most rewarding part of Horigan’s experience. A deluge could occur at any point in the day, penetrating her “rainproof gear” and soaking her to the bone.
“The humidity was incredible; your clothes were never dry as nevertheless, you would change into clean, damp clothes multiple times a day,” she adds. “We slept in mosquito netting, showered with ‘kamikazi beetles,’ and ate mysterious Costa Rican dishes (even cow tongue). We were covered in mud, an array of insect bites, and peeling skin from sunburns, but it was great! I absolutely loved every minute of it.”
At the beginning of her course, Horigan applied techniques she was learning in class in the field, such as mapping trails, taking a census, and primate observation, as well as creating and conducting individual research projects. She also had to work on nightly homework, readings, presentations, and papers.
“The primate aspect of my work was fascinating to say the least, although there was nothing in the rainforest that didn’t strike some curiosity in me,” she says. “I saw creatures and insects I have never seen before — in and out of my cabin — and I finally heard those sounds that so many of us have only heard on ‘rainforest relaxation’ CDs. The other 12 students in my class and my professor, Roberto Delgado of Duke University, were amazing, as we all got along and lived together through thick and thin for the month stay.”
Horigan says her main interest in taking the La Suerte course was to get a taste of what field/site research entailed.
“I have always dreamed of practicing medicine on-site, but wanted to prove to myself — or find out for myself — that I was up for it,” she says. “The conditions were challenging, especially the first few days, but I found that I thrived on the experience.”
Although Horigan found that observational research wasn’t hands-on enough for her liking, she greatly enjoyed working with primates and conducting independent research.
“There truly is nothing more exciting than finally spotting a troop of primates leaping from tree to tree above you after hours of trekking alone through the rainforest. It was incredible to enter into these towering canopies and just get lost on purpose. I loved the thrill of relying on only a weathered map and compass to get back home. I learned to appreciate things I took for granted back at home: washers and dryers, indoor showers, meals that weren’t arroz y frijoles (rice and beans), and of course, the Internet.”
Horigan is applying to veterinary school, confident that she was meant for the field after her experience at La Suerte, an internship at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and six years at a domestic animal hospital. She hopes eventually to specialize in large animal/exotic medicine and possibly to practice medicine on-site in Africa.
“The professors at Lafayette have been instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals,” she says. “Even though pre-vet students may be few in number here, Lafayette’s small size and friendly atmosphere prove to be more than accommodating. Professors and advisers are always willing to squeeze those spare minutes in their schedules to meet with you and discuss any concerns or questions on your mind.”
Horigan learned about the opportunity at La Suerte Biological Research Station through information posted by the biology department, then investigated more on her own and contacted some of the professors in the program. She sent a simple application, recommendation letters, student statements, and medical information. “I strongly recommend anyone interested in participating in a study-abroad, field research program to visit their or contact me for further information,” she says.
Horigan is head resident adviser for South College, a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and a DJ for WJRH, the campus radio station.