Lianna Lee Shares Earthwatch Experience with Sant Bani School Students

Lianna Lee, Class of 2008, returned to the Sant Bani School in Sanbornton on January 22 to share her experiences with Earthwatch Institute’s Student Challenge Awards Program (SCAP) in Churchill, Manitoba.

Lee was one of six students from all over the United States who spent three weeks last summer collecting baseline data in wetland habitats under the mentorship of Dr. Ben Cash and Dr. Lee Ann Fishback. Lee told her fellow students that the team took a multidisciplinary approach to studying the water quality and ecology of these wetlands in order to assess the capability of various species to adapt to changes in the arctic treeline environment. She learned standard techniques for water sampling and ecological assessment of habitats. The chance to see polar bears, beluga whales and other native species was a high point of the trip. Her travel, room and board were covered by SCAP. This multi-year study is a joint project between Maryville College, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and Earthwatch Institute. Lee is the daughter of Suzanne and Terry Lee of Laconia. She is currently in her first year of study at Mt. Holyoke College.

Earthwatch has worked to protect our planet for nearly 40 years. To face our current environmental challenges, Earthwatch is mobilizing like never before. Earthwatch is leading the search for environmental solutions by creating an inclusive community of scientists, corporate and non-profit partners, teachers, students, and everyday citizens. The Student Challenge Awards Program (SCAP) offers gifted students ages 16-18 an opportunity to spend two to three summer weeks at a scientific field research station. SCAP excites students’ imaginations, expands their potential, and stimulates their curiosity about science and technology. SCAP is a competitive fellowship program for students who excel in the arts and humanities, and has been rewarding creative thinkers and risk takers for more than 15 years. SCAP exposes students to the latest scientific technology and innovative methods, and seeks to place them at research stations engaged in a wide range of projects. SCAP also supports the research and educational efforts of leading scientists by providing grants and the opportunity to mentor talented students. SCAP is funded by the Durfee Foundation and implemented by Earthwatch. More information about SCAP and programs for people of all ages can be found at www.earthwatch.org

Sant Bani School is an independent kindergarten through twelfth grade day school located in Sanbornton, NH. It was founded in 1973 with six students and has grown to 170. Applicants are welcome regardless of family income as help is available for all who need it. Over 70 percent of Sant Bani students receive financial aid. For information call (603) 934-4240 or visit the school’s website at www.santbani.org.