Name: McKenna Downing '26
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, Ohio
High School: Newton High School
Major: Zoology
Minor:
Name: Josie Martin '26
Hometown: Circleville, Ohio
High School: Logan Elm High School
Major: Biology
Minor:
Experience: Travel-Learning Course studying "Biology in East Africa"
Downing and Martin traveled to Tanzania for 11 days in May with students Ashley Bahrey '26 of Bristolville, Ohio; Ariana Brown '26 of New York, New York; Madilynn Dees '26 of Deltona, Florida; Sam Frary '26 of Concord, California; Carsyn Hagans '26 of Archbold, Ohio; Makenna Knisley '26 of Washington Court House, Ohio; Shannon Lang '26 of Medina, Ohio; Lindsey Mayor '27 of Groveland, Florida; Avery Panozzo '25 of Lakewood, Colorado; Owen Smith '25 of Big Run, Pennsylvania; Nick Stockton '26 of Springfield, Ohio; Evelyn Waltz '26 of Rawson, Ohio; and Sarah Youngless '27 of Seven Hills, Ohio.
The course was co-taught by faculty members Amy Downing, Ph.D., and Shala Hankison, Ph.D. "They were absolutely amazing people to work with and to be around," McKenna Downing said. "I would take any class with them 10 times over."
Downing: It provided students with a "balance of understanding and seeing the wildlife and ecosystems and experiencing the different cultures through the peoples who live there. … I decided to apply for this course because it has always been a dream of mine to travel and see animals all over the world. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was incredible to go on the safaris and to see how the locals live."
Martin: "As someone from a small town, it is an important goal of mine to immerse myself and experience as many cultures as possible. This trip allowed me to not only learn about the complex and beautiful biodiversity of Africa but also to meet some of the coolest people and learn about their way of life."
Downing: "My favorite moment from this experience was getting to know the people I was traveling with more. We spent so much time together, and it was so interesting to learn more about them. In addition, seeing all the sights in Tanzania was an absolute bonus. It truly is a beautiful country with so many different landscapes."
Martin: "My favorite moment for this experience was singing and dancing with the Hadza, Bush People. We had spent the morning with them, where they showed us how they hunt, forage, and cook. Then, the tribe allowed us to join them in singing and dancing. It was so surreal. Despite the language barrier, their genuine excitement to share their culture is something I will always hold close to my heart."
I learned so much about Africa and the different cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems, and that is only something you can understand when you see it with your own eyes.
Downing: "I learned that there is so much more to the world than we will ever know. I learned so much about Africa and the different cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems, and that is only something you can understand when you see it with your own eyes. This experience taught me that I should travel more, and possibly even for a job, because there is so much out there that I want to see."
Martin: "During my time in Africa, I gained far more than I ever expected. While I had anticipated learning about the Big Five, species radiation, and the rich biodiversity of the continent, I hadn't anticipated walking away with a completely new perspective on life. Immersing myself in a different culture taught me the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone. It challenged my assumptions, humbled me in my own ignorance, and opened my eyes to the importance of cultural understanding. I discovered the joy of trying new foods, meeting people with entirely different backgrounds, and exploring unfamiliar places. Most importantly, I came to truly appreciate the beauty of life itself. As a college student, it's easy to get caught up in deadlines and future plans, but this experience reminded me of the importance of slowing down, living in the moment, and cherishing each day as it comes."
Downing: "I am on the women's cross country and track teams!"
Martin: "I am a peer career coach at the OWU Career Connection, a member of Delta Gamma, co-chair of the Biology Board, a TA for the Chemistry Department, and the ochem (organic chemistry) tutor."
Downing: "I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan for the Zoology program offered here, for the opportunities for travel through the , and for my coaches. They made me feel at home and wanted here."
Martin: "I chose OWU because of the opportunities abroad, the liberal arts curriculum, as well as the beautiful campus and town."
Downing: "My plans after graduation involve getting a job in wildlife rehabilitation or park management! I'd like to be somewhere where I can travel. The classes offered at OWU are providing me with a wide range of skills that I am able to take with me to the real world."
Martin: "After graduation, I hope to attend PA (physician's assistant) school. At OWU, Thea Smekens and the First-Gen program has been such a great help. Leigh Mascolino, in the Career Connection office, has also helped me find opportunities to prepare me for grad school."