Environmental Science students take Spring Break global in the Philippines

Instead of a traditional Spring Break, a group of College of Science students took their learning across the globe with a two-week trip to Bacolod on Negros Island in the Philippines. The experience, organized by Dr. Tom Jones, Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, blended hands-on exploration, field research, and cultural immersion.

Students spent their days diving, observing wildlife, and sharpening their field skills, gaining real-world experience far beyond the classroom. The trip also highlighted birding opportunities, with students contributing to global tracking efforts through eBird and exploring biodiversity in a region rich with unique species.

Biology graduate student Brian Brillhart was among those who embraced the opportunity, participating in hands-on learning through the MU Scuba Club while exploring marine ecosystems and expanding his research perspective.

For Jones, who has led 28 student trips during his 25 years at Marshall, the purpose goes far beyond travel. His goal is to give students opportunities they may never have imagined, challenging them to grow through experience and discovery.

“I don’t want to just entertain students, I want to educate and simultaneously change them,” Jones said. “If we don’t learn and do, it’s just entertainment.”

Jones emphasizes experiential learning as a powerful tool for transformation, encouraging students to push beyond their comfort zones, engage with new environments, and reflect on what they learn. As part of the trip, students were asked to document their experiences and lessons, reinforcing the idea that growth comes from both doing and thinking.

Through opportunities like this, Marshall students are not only exploring the world, but also discovering their potential to make an impact in science, and beyond.