Article and photo contributor, Dr. Rion Taylor
In August 2024, Dr. Rion Taylor, professor of biology, and students from the Department of Natural, Health and Mathematical Sciences traveled nearly 9,000 miles to southwest Africa for MNU’s new African Field Studies course. The course is offered in collaboration with Olivet Nazarene University (ONU). Partnering with ONU Professor Dr. Nick Troendle, 14 undergraduate students from both universities studied African wildlife and ecology up close.
The group’s expedition began at Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It is also a biodiversity hotspot with many species found nowhere else. The adventure continued with safari-style visits to several diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to savannah to desert. The course ended with a stay at a local game reserve where students learned about conservation and conducted original research projects.
According to Dr. Taylor, learning in this incredible part of the world with an amazing group of students was a highlight of the trip. One especially memorable experience was a once-in-a-lifetime, up-close encounter with a mother elephant and her calf. Taylor said the group will never forget the rhinoceros herd that approached their trucks. Getting to know the incredible local guides who accompanied the team was also a highlight. One guide has served as a guide for the BBC’s “Planet Earth” documentary series.
“One of my best experiences was helping to feed the rhinos,” said Nick Allen, senior kinesiology major. “I was so close that I could have run over and touched one of them if I had the courage. But I got nervous when our guide said, ‘Just keep your eyes on him (the rhino) so you know when you have to run.’”
Senior biology major Hailee Thompson found new relationships. “My favorite part was talking with all the new people,” she said. “People who share the same passion for biology and conservation. That was so cool. We’re immediate friends.”
Interspersed with these experiences, the group enjoyed local food, evening campfires, and a thrilling ride through the desert dunes. Some members of the expedition group even decided to bungee jump or skydive.
The group ended each day by recounting lessons learned, marveling at God’s creation, stargazing, and singing praise songs.
“We would meet in the evenings to share “praises and prayers” which was nice because it showed all of us a different side of each other,” said Katie Sinclair, senior MNU biology major. Dr. Taylor added, “It was especially impactful when the guides joined us for our evening sessions. To see people of all ages and from vastly different places worshiping together was very moving.”
African Field Studies (BIOL 3803) seeks to connect the academic and spiritual aspects of scientific discovery. It is offered during the summer of even years, and groups spend 14 days in Africa. To help sponsor a student for the next offering of this course, please contact Dr. Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.edu.
Enjoy more photos of the African adventure on MNU’s Flickr album.
