Radford University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

PHYS 325 Geophysics Field Research: Arctic Geophysics 2020 and 2022

This research is a contributor to the methodology of studying the thermal balance of our planet. The goal of this trip is to investigate parts of the thermal balance and properties of the arctic sea ice, and to develop a methodology for such studies.

The students conduct research in innovative ways to measure various characteristics of the sea ice, including microplastics found in the sea ice, bacteria found in the ice, effects of wind and friction on the ice, measurement of air particulate, and the impact of tidal forces on the ice. Each of the excursions to Utqiagvik builds upon each other to continually innovate the student experience and provide the best hands-on education possible.

Students will bring tools and equipment from Radford and assemble their gear after arriving in Utqiagvik, adding additional field experience to their research background.

Tourism Institute
This course provides invaluable information and experience in environmental-based tourism, which has become one of the world’s most popular tourism industries. Specific topics covered during this course include tourism management, sustainable tourism, service industry response to demand, coastal tourism issues, protection of a diversity of experiences, and attraction and provision of tourism settings.

In past years the whole research project has focused on climate change. Students interviewed about 16 different tourism providers in Gatlinburg, TN, Asheville NC, and Kiawah Island, SC, then followed up with a survey on climate change. Researchers received 8 responses - two from each state.  Questions were on topics including beliefs of causes and main impacts of climate change, revenue lost due to climate change, etc.

Prior to this, the study focused specifically on Sustainability in the Bahamas. Lead faculty member, Dr. Josh Carroll, presented the findings with nine students at a national conference and then published a paper on it with an RU undergraduate.

During the last two "COVID Years" (March 2020 - February 2022) travel has been limited by COVID protocols. To work this course within COVID protocols, Dr. Carroll employed a mixed strategy of Zoom meetings, guest speakers, and student self-guided field experiences. Currently, they are using non-overnight travel for field experiences.

https://www.radford.edu/content/cehd/home/rcpt/get-involved/tourism-institute.html
Published Report on Sustainable Tourism in the Bahamas: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/jti/vol8/iss1/2/

Wilderness Institute
https://www.radford.edu/content/cehd/home/rcpt/get-involved/wilderness-institute.html

Wilderness Institute
Wilderness Institute incorporates a broad overview of the field of outdoor recreation. Emphasis is placed on land management agencies and the social and environmental issues that influence management policy as well as different organizations and movements that deal with environmental issues. Students, after being exposed to a variety of examples, are given the opportunity to develop their own environmental philosophy and land ethic.
Radford University's Wilderness Institute is a four-week intensive course, offered in the summer term, that uses the outdoors as its teaching environment. The course is designed to utilize experiential learning to promote the development of an individual's leadership skills and ability to work within a group. The Wilderness Institute also exposes its participants to a variety of adventure activities while developing sound outdoor living skills.