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Learning by doing is part of our DNA as Diplomats. Jaeyun An 鈥�26 dove headfirst into this philosophy, spending a semester in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos researching the island鈥檚 diverse marine life. 

鈥淢y time was spent equal parts in the classroom and in the field,鈥� An said. 鈥淲e would learn about a certain topic in class, such as species identification, and in the field exercises, we would go out to the ocean, and have a quiz identifying creatures we see while snorkeling. I saw sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales!鈥�

An plans to pursue an advanced degree in marine biology after graduating from F&M.

鈥淭his experience gave me the confirmation that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,鈥� he said.

Jaeyun An 鈥�26

Majors: Biology 

Hometown: Daegu, South Korea

Off-Campus Study Experience: School for Field Studies Turks and Caicos Marine Resource Studies

Activities on campus: Men's club soccer, bassist of The Ratskis

What off-campus study program did you choose and why?

I chose the School for Field Studies Turks and Caicos Marine Resource Studies program. I chose this program because I wanted extensive field and research experience in marine biology, which I plan to pursue a career in after graduation.

Tell me about your experience. What was a typical day like?

My time was spent equal parts in the classroom and in the field. We would learn about a certain topic in class, such as species identification, and in the field exercises, we would go out to the ocean, and have a quiz identifying creatures we saw while snorkeling. My work consisted of reading lots of scientific articles, organizing data, designing presentations and posters, and studying for quizzes and exams. Eventually, I moved on to research, where I spent my time reading related journal articles and collecting and analyzing data through SCUBA surveys. We looked at the biodiversity of corals, coral bleaching, fish invasive to Turks and Caicos, and more. As we were on a remote island, each individual was also responsible with keeping the campus running, such as cleaning, washing dishes, and organizing food.

What was the most fascinating aspect of your experience?

It was for sure witnessing the diverse marine life of Turks and Caicos through dives and snorkels. I saw sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales!

How did this experience tie into your F&M journey?

At F&M, I learned skills in the lab and developed a research-oriented mindset. At Turks and Caicos, I applied those skills, and continued to refine my scientific thinking. Now, back at F&M, I applied both the skills I acquired at F&M and Turks and Caicos into an independent study. I鈥檓 working under Professor Joseph Thompson in biology. I am measuring the force outputs of squid suckers on surfaces of varying stiffness and roughness. I am still in the early stages of the study this semester, and I hope to collect more data next semester.

How do you feel your F&M education prepared you for this experience?

F&M provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to interact with experts in the field right away. I could have meaningful conversations about not just sciences, but also about humanities, social sciences, etc. thanks to the liberal arts approach of F&M.

How did this experience support your career goals?

I plan to attend graduate school in marine biology, and eventually pursue a career in it. This experience gave me the confirmation that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It also helped me gain valuable skills, especially in field research. I was also able to make meaningful relationships with people that have similar interests, and I'm sure I will run into them again in the future.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I relish Caribbean food, love taking walks at sunset, and surprisingly, hate going to the beach.

What advice would you give to students hoping to study abroad?

Make sure that you have a support system in your host country and your home country. Living in a foreign country can be overwhelming, and homesickness is normal. I found it best to connect with your peers and support one another throughout your time abroad, and to regularly contact those back home. Another piece of advice I have is to remind yourself that you are visiting a country not as a tourist, but as an F&M student. F&M produces bright minds. We are smart. We are thoughtful. It is your responsibility to make sure your actions abroad reflect F&M in the best way possible.

Biology major Jaeyun An 鈥�26 spent a semester in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos researching the island鈥檚 diverse marine life.

Biology major Jaeyun An 鈥�26 spent a semester in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos researching the island鈥檚 diverse marine life.

鈥淢y time was spent equal parts in the classroom and in the field,鈥� An said. 鈥淲e would learn about a certain topic in class, such as species identification, and in the field exercises, we would go out to the ocean, and have a quiz identifying creatures we see while snorkeling. I saw sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales!鈥�

"Eventually, I moved on to research, where I spent my time reading related journal articles and collecting and analyzing data through SCUBA surveys," An said. "We looked at the biodiversity of corals, coral bleaching, fish invasive to Turks and Caicos, and more."

"I plan to attend graduate school in marine biology, and eventually pursue a career in it," An said. "This experience gave me the confirmation that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."

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