For many students at the University of Minnesota Duluth, studying marine biology might seem out of reach – after all, the nearest ocean is thousands of miles away. But for senior biology major Hope Robey, one study abroad experience changed everything.
“This study abroad experience was, hands down, the best thing I have ever done for my education here at UMD,” Robey said.
Robey was part of the first group of students to travel to South Africa through UMD’s Field Studies in Marine Biology course, led by Professor Allen Mensinger. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest quickly became something more transformative.
“Prior to going on this trip, I was very on the fence about whether a career in marine biology was a realistic choice,” Robey said. “However, after going on this trip, I am confident that marine biology is the career for me.”
