As the academic year begins, members of the University of Chicago community return from a summer spent in diverse global locations. Their experiences ranged from scientific research to cultural immersion and professional development.
Jacob Drucker, a PhD student with the Committee on Evolutionary Biology, conducted fieldwork in Ecuador's Andean forests. His research aims to understand bird biodiversity and adaptation at different elevations. Supported by UChicago Global’s Scholar Research Travel Grant, Drucker collaborated with fellow students Abhimanyu Lele and Majo Arias. “Ecuador is a perfect place for my research because its location at the equator means that the climate is among the most stable in the world,” Drucker explained.
In Turkey, Assoc. Prof. James Osborne and Asst. Prof. Michele Massa led an excavation at Türkmen-Karahöyük, an archaeological site potentially linked to the Hittite Empire. Osborne described their work as both challenging and rewarding: “It’s very fun, it’s very gratifying, but it is tiring.” The team uncovered layers of history dating back to 1700 B.C.E., offering insights into ancient Anatolian civilizations.
Bisola-Mariam, a graduate student in social work, returned to Nigeria to investigate domestic violence court systems through funding from the David Axelrod Reporting Grant. She compared legal processes between Nigeria and the U.S., noting differences in accessibility and speed: “Legal services are more affordable and less complicated in Nigeria, but very slow.”
In China, 28 College students participated in the Wanxiang Ambassador Fellows Program focusing on language learning and sustainability issues. Grace Beckman highlighted collaboration with local institutions such as Tsinghua University and China Wind Energy Association. Alexandria Schmidt reflected on her improved Mandarin skills: “Growth comes from the willingness to make mistakes... something I learned through the Wanxiang Ambassador Fellows Program.”
These global engagements reflect UChicago's commitment to international scholarship and cultural exchange.