Blog #1 - Soaring in Colombia
Highlighted Scholar: Dr. Bobby Gondola Embarks on Fulbright-Funded Expedition across Colombia
Hey there! This post is all about my killer journey to Bogota, Colombia, as Dr. Bobby Gondola Jr., adjunct professor at John and Wales University's MBA in Nonprofit Management program. As part of the Fulbright-Hays program, I was stoked to represent New England among a group of 12 scholars exploring higher education, sustainability, and energy in this magical country renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
Our month-long adventure will take us to the cities of Bogota, Leticia (Amazonas), Cali, Medellin, and Barranquilla, and I'll be sharing all the action with our students and fellow colleagues through weekly journal entries right here!
Colombia is blessed with an incredible ecosystem made up of the Andes Mountains, the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Amazon Rainforest, earning it the title of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. With over 26,000 distinct plant species (think 2nd in the world for palms and 1st for orchids), 8,000 types of vertebrates (like 1st for hummingbirds, 2nd for amphibians, and 6th for cats), and 19,000 invertebrate species (more types of butterflies than anywhere else), it's clear we're in for an eye-opening experience.
As we kick things off in Bogota, we gathered in a spectacular downtown building to collaborate with natural scientists, geographers, biologists, and marine biologists from Colombia's Universidad del Rosario. Our energy was focused on creating teaching and research agendas for sustainability, putting climate change and biodiversity at the center of our discussions. The goal? Climate change modeling and experiments, an essential step toward intercultural exchange and groundbreaking research.
Natalia Vargas Estupinan, a vibrant biologist and professor at Colombia's Universidad del Rosario, left us in awe as she shared insider knowledge on Colombia's natural wonders. Did you know that once a National Geographic headline proudly proclaimed, "If Earth's biodiversity was a country, it would be called Colombia"? Biodiversity, fascinatingly defined as the extraordinary variety of life on Earth, plays a crucial role in our planet's survival. We're eager to explore and learn from this incredible ecosystem!
Now, it's time to soar higher and venture out to all the incredible cities on our itinerary. Tune in for thelatest updates as I document my adventures through this magical country. Next up: Leticia in the heart of the Amazon!
About Dr. Bobby Gondola, Jr.
Dr. Bobby Gondola Jr. is an experienced adjunct professor at John and Wales University, specializing in MBA programs focusing on Nonprofit Management, Social Entrepreneurship, and Decision-making. He's spent years dedicating himself to student success by promoting an understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences. This latest opportunity to explore Latin America's relationship with higher education, sustainability, and the Blue Economy promises to be a career-defining adventure.
His passion for cultural education and responsible growth extends to workforce development and policies aimed at equipping students with essential skills and opportunities for success. After serving in school administrations, Dr. Bobby brings both practical experience and academic expertise to the table, ensuring that he engages with students through powerful storytelling and creative teaching methods.
As the only participant from New England, Dr. Bobby is eager to learn and share from this Pacific-to-Atlantic exploration with his fellow scholars. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives him a unique platform to develop a deeper understanding of environmental conservation, economic development, and academic innovation in Colombia and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as he delves deeper into this incredible journey!
- Dr. Bobby Gondola Jr., an adjunct professor at John and Wales University, is traveling to Colombia to represent New England as part of the Fulbright-Hays program, focusing on business academia, sustainability, and energy.
- The journey takes Dr. Gondola through various cities, including Bogota, Leticia, Cali, Medellin, and Barranquilla, looking to blend lifestyle and adventure travel with educational and self-development opportunities.
- The exciting fusion of scientific research and cultural travel offers a lifelong learning experience, with Dr. Gondola absorbing insights on environmental-science, climate-change, and biodiversity from Colombian scholars.
- In addition to providing journal entries about his travels, Dr. Gondola will work with foreign experts to develop teaching and research agendas aimed at addressing pressing issues like climate change modeling and experiments.
- Dr. Gondola has an enduring passion for education-and-self-development, social entrepreneurship, and cultural-travel,focusing on creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
- This adventure is expected to significantly impact Dr. Gondola's career and enhance his expertise in environmental conservation, economic development, and academic innovation, shaping the way he educates future nonprofit leaders.
