Tuber Time

We were all quite inspired by the way the San utilize all forms of vegetation in the bush. We came across one of the tubers next to one of our field plots and decided to dig it up to see how big it would be. This small vine produces a large tuber underground, which is a great example of the power of photosynthesis. We all took turns digging the tuber up and then took it back to camp to weigh it.

Derry digging away.

Emma's turn.

Mariana's turn.

Katie's turn.

Josie digging while everyone else watches closely.

Alex freeing the tuber.

Finally got it!

Weighing the tuber in camp.

An impressive 41 kilograms!

Student Presentations I

Each student will be presenting two scientific articles, one environmental and one on social issues, to the class over the course of the six weeks we are spending together. We started off with 3 articles related to San rights and culture.

Josie presented a paper discussing how we define who should be considered indigenous.

Carolyn presented a paper on San rights.

Farry presented a paper discussing how San have been affected since Botswana became independent in 1966.

San Culture

We left our camp the other day and headed to visit the the Kuru Development Trust's San Cultural Center in D'kar, about 30km outside of Ghanzi. The center includes an artists' workshop, a printing workshop, a San Cultural Museum, and a small shop. The project encourages and helps local San artists with art techniques and marketing in order to provide them with additional income.

We also went on a walk with a San family where we learned more about the San Bushmen traditions and culture, including the medicinal uses of vegetation, fire making, and song and dance.

Produced by consultant videographer, Emree Weaver.

Game Camera Trap Photos

We set up game camera traps with the students a few days ago at the Chris Woolcott Vulture Restaurant here at Thakadu Bush Camp. Vultures play a vital role in the functioning of savanna ecosystems. However, all of the nine vulture species found in Southern Africa are currently either listed as vulnerable, endangered or threatened with extinction. The CL Woolcott vulture restaurant is a local vulture rehabilitation program which is helping converse vulture species. Our motion-activated cameras are also equipped with a flash to capture wildlife at night.

Marabou Stork and White-backed Vultures.

Can you name the species name of the two big vultures in the front?

Brown hyena spotted at night.

Student Introductions IV

"Magnetic" Mary

My name is Mary Hoffman. I am a sophomore geology major from Alvin, Texas. I came on this trip to gain field experience & explore similar subjects to my major. Being here gives me valuable experience that I will use later in life. When I graduate, I plan on joining the Peace Corp and possibly attend seminary. I would like to thank UT Study Abroad and College of Liberal Arts for allowing me to be here.

"Charismatic" Carolyn

Hi! I’m Carolyn. I’m a radiation physics, mathematics, and Plan II major. I’m here in Botswana for three reasons. I wanted to travel to the African continent, I want to learn more about climate change and African geography and ecosystems, and I heard the program was fantastic. This is also my first time camping and my first time doing research. I’m eager to take some great photos as well. Thank you to my parents and Audre Rapoport for helping to fund this once in a lifetime experience.

"Missing" Mustafa

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to go on this Study Abroad Session. I write this not even a week in, and I’m already astounded by the things I’ve seen. Thanks must go to my family for nurturing me and supporting me. My gratitude is not least extended to those that have come before me. Students, Faculty, and Staff paved the way and made this journey a far easier one. I followed their footsteps to this wonderful place and time, and offer my deepest thanks.

"Flying" Farry

Dumela, leina lame ke Farry Seddighzadeh. I am a junior with a double major in Geography and Environmental Science – Biology track. I’m so excited to be a part of this trip because I’ve always wanted to travel to Africa, I knew this would be an amazing experience, and I love learning about new ecosystems. Thank you so much to Audre Rapoport, the International Office at UT, and the Gilman Foundation for the scholarships I received to help me get here, as well as my family for supporting me and making this trip possible.

"Explorer" Emma

My name is Emma Walker and I am a junior geography major with a focus in Geographic Information Systems. I hope to work for an environmental consulting company after I graduate. This would allow me to share my love for the environment by helping landowners manage their properties responsibly. I’m in this program because the field research skills I gather here will better my abilities to assess then solve environmental problems. Also, who wouldn’t want to spend 6 weeks camping in Botswana?! I’d like to thank my parents and extended family members for making this trip possible.

Field Work Video!

Here's a short video of our field work over the last few days!

Produced by consultant videographer, Emree Weaver.

Student Introductions III

"Jedi" Josie

I am an Advertising and Liberal Arts Honors student. I enjoy writing for the Daily Texan and volunteering with Students Expanding Austin Literacy. On weekends I like to hike around the greenbelt and read YA fiction with strong female heroines. This study abroad is one of the most adventurous opportunities I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful for my parents, friends, relatives, and the LAH office for helping me get here".

"Deep-thinking" Derry

My name is Derry Xu and I am a Environmental Science major. I am also pursuing a Computer Science certificate. Some of my interests are reading, archery, video games, and just wandering / exploring. I plan to work in a lab to research soils next semester (area of interest). I want to thank my parents for their support in me making this trip / study abroad, and their support for me in general throughout the years.

"Keen" Katie

Dumelang! My name is Katie Smidt and I’m a junior geography major at UT with a focus on sustainability. I’m from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and I ended up at the University of Texas because I love Austin and all it has to offer! I came to Botswana because I always wanted to come to Africa, I love camping, and the courses are applicable to my major in various ways. I’d like to thank my amazing parents for fully supporting me in everything I do and for providing me with this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Also shoutout Jack, Gracie, Ellie, Luke, and Sofie – y’all rock.

"Magical" McKenna

Dumela, leina lame ke McKenna Delong. I’m going to be a junior majoring in sustainability with a minor in geology. I’m really excited to be here so I can gain more hands on experience in the realm of sustainability. I would like to also thank my parents for supporting me endlessly and for allowing me to go on this trip.