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Two Kentucky State University undergraduate students recently traveled to Dominica with Kentucky State faculty and staff to collaborate on research with Dominica State College (DSC).

Agriculture, Food & Environment sophomore Jinniah Ali and Agriculture, Food & Environment senior Daniel Woods went on the trip with Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, Professor of Geospatial Applications, Human Dimensions and Climate Studies, and Tara Maynard, Research Assistant.

“This trip gave me the experience of a lifetime that has given me new drive and outlook on life,” said Woods. “It showed me I can use my communication skills to talk to farmers and the greater community and gather information while also relaying back complex topics and language that is usually used to discriminate against the people who don’t understand the technical terminologies surrounding climate changes.”

Kentucky State and DSC were involved collaboratively in field data collection of geohazards in mud/landslide, flood, and hurricane-devastated areas; they also surveyed local farmers about agricultural produces, marketing, food security, loss of farm labor, and sustainable agriculture issues. Field data will be used for students’ experiential research; for GIS, climate change, and remote sensing courses; and for presentations at conferences and manuscripts for publication in scholarly journals.

Woods, who also works with Dr. Gyawali as a research assistant, assisted Maynard with drone flights to collect data.

“With [Dr. Gyawali and Maynard’s] combined experience, I have been soaking up as much knowledge as I can and gaining flight hours and learning how to read different types of maps that show the change in topography and the effects of climate change,” Woods said.

As well as learning the procedures and regulations for flying drones, Ali documented information from discussions about the environmental effects of the tropical storm in Dominica in December 2022.

“The trip has better prepared me on knowledge in how to handle being in a different setting and how to deal with fieldwork and the responsibilities of that,” Ali said.

“Learning how to listen to people who work and experience the everyday conditions you’re trying to research is important because qualitative data and getting the firsthand account is just as accurate as numerical data and can help expand your mind on the subject matter, which as a professional in communications is super important,” Woods said.

The trip is part of an 1890 Center of Excellence grant entitled, “Enhancing International Competence in Agricultural Science Education and Experiential Research.” This multi-institutional collaborative project aims to enhance the teaching, experiential research and learning capacity of faculty and students for understanding international challenges and opportunities in agriculture, environment, climate change and sustainability.

Kentucky State is one of three domestic institutions and DSC is one of six international institutions working together to provide international experiential learning opportunities for students and develop collaborative research and education partnerships.

“The most rewarding part about this whole experience was that I was able to say that I did it,” Ali said. “I hiked through the mountainous areas, I documented information, I put myself outside of what I was used to or comfortable doing. I think I gained a sense of self-understanding and growth just in those few days there. I tried new foods! I made bonds of friendship with the students and a few faculty members as well! Overall, what an amazing thing to have accomplished.”

Kentucky State met with DSC leadership to discuss continued collaboration for providing experiential learning opportunities for Kentucky State students, including the opportunity for DSC students to visit Kentucky State University. For more information, contact Dr. Buddhi Gyawali. 

Photo - KSU team with DSC president.