Focus Australia 2001, June 6 to June 23.
The Focus 2001 group at Uluru, NT.
Students
Kristin Einsel, Kathryn Herman, Sarah Kiemle, Emily Cronenwett, Jamie Goodwin, Ashley Weinreich, Kimberly Brunner, Lindsay Thomas, Megan Buckley, Erin Toeneboehn- Some student comments.
Faculty
David S. Richard-Associate Professor of Biology and Head of Biology, Susquehanna University.
M.L.Klotz, Associate Professor of
Psychology and Head of Psychology, Susquehanna University.
Jon N. Havenhand, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of Biology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia. http://www.bio.flinders.edu.au/marine/jnh/mbiojnh.htm
Anyway you look at it, Australia is a very long way away. From the East coast to Sydney takes about 24 hours. Of course, this puts you on the other side of the globe so maybe 24 hours isn't so bad afterall! Transpacific flight is characterized by boredom. There is not much to look at out of the window except ocean, an occasional island if you are lucky but not much else. Movies....lots of movies. Usually there is one movie that is shown on several flights. This year, that movie was "Head over heels", a romantic comedy set in NYC. The first time we saw it, it was quite good, by the fifth, it was getting a bit old!
One of the intents of this program is to expose students to alternate perspectives. This can be achieved in a modern city such as Sydney or in the desert "Red Centre". Success is determined by the examination of long held beliefs resulting in either a reaffirmation or rejection of those beliefs. Either way, examination is the goal. Comments by the students reflect the success of these goals.
While many aspects of life down under seem very familiar to Americans, there are subtle yet significant differences. One obvious difference is the fact that they drive on the left....better learn that one quickly....
This site provides a photographic overview of the trip. With the exception of those pictures credited in the site, all photos were taken by Dr. Dave Richard on Kodak Gold ASA 200 print film with a Canon Elan IIe SLR with a Tamron 28-88mm, a Sigma 18-35 wide angle, or a Canon 70-300mm IS zoom lens. Underwater photos were taken with a Sea and Sea Motormarine II camera,
This site was put together by me, Dr. Dave Richard, and is still under construction. As I complete more sections, I will bring them online so please check back periodically.
Other information on the Focus Australia program can be found here at the original Focus Australia Program study trip site.
If you have any comments about this site or inquiries about future Focus Australia offerings, please address them to Dr. Dave Richard , Biology Department, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870.
The background image on most of these pages is of an aboriginal acrylic
on canvas painting entitled "Women's Ceremony" by May Lewis from
Utopia, North Territories. In recent years, interest in aboriginal art and
culture has begun to increase, and art is now available in many places throughout
the country. Caveat Emptor, buyer beware, the quality of the art is highly
variable. I bought this painting from a gallery in the basement of the Sydney
Opera House.