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For five weeks last summer, Marquis Scholar John Williams ’07 (Royersford, Pa.) studied abroad in far northeast Queensland, Australia.
Through the Institute for Study Abroad at Butler University, the A.B. engineering major explored tropical and upland rainforest ecology and rainforest management.
Williams will discuss his experiences at noon Wednesday, Feb. 21 in Acopian Engineering Center 315. He will lecture on the study abroad program; the geography of northeast Queensland; Australian history, geology, and ecology; his research; and environmental preservation.
“Students should attend this event not only for the free lunch, but for a chance to learn about opportunities on campus and abroad,” says Williams. “It will remind them of the importance of natural ecology.”
Williams chose to study abroad in Australia because of the rainforests, distance, and relevance of the program. He plans to pursue a career in landscape architecture and conservation after graduation.
“From this experience, I learned what can be done by speaking on behalf of the environment, working with volunteers and landowners, and all the subtle mechanics that make climate and other ecological changes dangerous. Warming climates reduce habitats at a geometric or exponential level by forcing species to higher latitudes and altitudes, whereas area decreases and isolation increases at higher elevations,” says Williams.
Williams’ study abroad trip was funded by the Jeffrey B. Havens Memorial Award, of which he was a 2006 recipient.
The fund was established as a memorial to Jeff Havens ’78, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1979. It provides nontraditional summer learning experiences with opportunities for education, growth, and personal development other than those provided in normal course work.
Aside from his plans to attend a landscape architecture graduate school, Williams would like to continue to help the world.
“Some experiences change you; some don’t,” he explains. “This one wouldn’t let me turn back.”
Williams is a member of Brothers of Lafayette, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and Martial Arts Club. He is involved with the Landis Community Outreach Center, WJRH radio, and intramural sports.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Williams receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.