Studying Agriculture in Southern India

I spent the fall semester of my junior year on the St. Olaf "Biology in South India" abroad program. Nine other Oles and I lived and studied in different parts of Tamil Nadu, the most southeastern state of India. After our initial orientation in Chennai, we each completed two five-week research projects throughout TN. I studied hillside farming and coffee plantations in Kodaikanal and the use of wind- and solar-powered water pumping in Auroville, an intentional spiritual community. The contrast between Indian and U.S. agriculture was stunning and added depth and a global perspective to my CIS major.

Dayna Burtness -- Senior CIS Web Portfolio -- 2007