Flagler students present research from studies abroad

Historic City News was informed that yesterday; Flagler College students who took part in a “Study Abroad” trip to the Bahamas this summer presented their research at a special event highlighting the Environmental Science program.

The “Study Abroad” trip was partially funded by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. James Babcock, who were also in attendance at the event. The Babcocks have pledged $100,000 to endow the James W. Babcock and B. Teri Ludwick-Babcock Scholarship for study abroad.

“I’m extraordinarily happy at their results,” said James Babcock, owner of The Tasting Room, a St Augustine restaurant. “It’s a great start for the major and it’s wonderful to see what the students have done.”

Babcock said he hopes to be able to continue the Study Abroad course next year in Bermuda.

Emily Thompson was a member of the group that traveled to the islands. This was the last course of her academic career at Flagler — she has since graduated. Her involvement in the program led her to pursue a career in the environmental science field.

“The great thing about this program is that you can really get into so many fields of science through this angle,” said Thompson. “It will help open up so many doors for you to do really great science.”

Thompson recently began working with Anastasia Mosquito Control helping to study the insects and their effects in the state.

Flagler launched the environmental science major last fall in an effort to take advantage of the sprawling marshes and waterways that surround the Northeast Florida coastline. The goal is to let students take advantage of all the research and educational resources throughout the area while getting a broad understanding of diverse environmental issues.