My name is Nikki Taylor, and I’m a marine biology major with a minor in environmental and sustainable studies. I’m a sophomore (rising junior) studying in a faculty-led trip to Panama. The class we’re taking is General Ecology, so this is a very biology-centered trip. Even though it’s not specific to marine biology, I figured the class would still fit my studies because there is some focus on the ocean and an emphasis on conservation. My goal on this trip is to go outside of my comfort zone and broaden my horizons since I’ve never been on a plane or travelled outside of the US before! I did a lot of research on health and safety precautions before coming here, but I also studied Spanish in order to talk to local Panamanians. I look forward to sharing my experience in such a beautiful country!