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lectures back in Bluefield, they earned four credit hours
toward graduation, but far more than that from their
experiences in the Amazon.
“These students learned so much about the
ecosystems of Brazil and about Brazilian culture and
history,” said Dr. Martin Offield, a professor of biology
who led the students on the study abroad. “We saw
many interesting research projects that are being
conducted at UFPA, both in ecological studies, as well
as other biology research projects.”
And with his background, Dr. Offield is the most fitting
professor to lead the BC students in their biology study.
He holds a doctorate in cell biology from Vanderbilt
University, where he also worked as a research
scientist, studying the many aspects of embryological
development and the creation of new technologies for
studying growth. In fact, his work led to the discovery of
one of the chief genes, PDX-1, that directs the growth
of the pancreas and regulates insulin production. This
work has been continued by others as a possible way to
cure diabetes.
“The study of nature just shouts, ‘glory to God,’” said
Dr. Offield, “especially in the area of biology. The more
we look into it, the more we are struck by awe and
wonder at what God has made.”
While in Belem, Allen and Garland toured biology
labs at UFPA and spoke with researchers on
campus about their work. Garland shadowed
a physician at the university hospital, while
Allen spent time in the school’s herpetology
labs, examining reptiles and amphibians. But,
it was their exploration outside of the UFPA
classrooms and labs that left the most influential
impression on the students. Both ventured into
the jungles of the Amazon Forest with UFPA
faculty to study its unique ecosystem.
“Going to Brazil was a once-in-a-lifetime
experience,” said Garland. “The Amazon
culture has its own identity making it unique.
I would like to go back when I receive my
medical degree to make a difference in their
medical field.”
Both Allen and Garland also explored the Amazon
River and trekked inland to Bragança in northeastern
Brazil for additional environmental studies. They
toured museums and natural parks and even traveled
to Gunma in the southern part of Pará for two days
of study at the Gunma Ecologic Park. In addition to
their biology studies, Allen and Garland took part in
language and culture courses, earning certificates in
those subjects from UFPA.
“This trip helped the students see the world from the
perspective of a different culture and how the scientists
of Brazil are tackling some of the questions addressed
in the field of biology,” said Dr. Offield. “It also gave
them the opportunity to see some of the unique
animals and ecology of the Amazon region.”
The partnership with the Federal University of Pará
was made possible through the assistance of Liaison
America, a Bluefield, Virginia-based company that
provides international education services and facilitates
opportunities for study abroad for high school and
college students. Founded by Sandra Lima Argo, a
native of Brazil, Liaison America has arranged a variety
of camps and visits to Bluefield College for Brazilian
students and organized a number of study trips to Brazil
for BC students — all designed to support the college’s
overall Global Education initiative to promote a greater
understanding of and appreciation for global cultures,
languages, issues, and traditions.
Sandra Lima Argo (left), founder of Liaison America, with biology
student Rutger Allen (second from left), biology professor Dr. Martin
Offield (second from right), and biology student Jarrett Garland.
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