Lewis University students are studying ecology this summer in Costa Rica

ROMEOVILLE – Lewis University students are learning about ecology and conservation this summer in Costa Rica.

Jerry Kavouras, chair and associate professor of biology, led students enrolled in "Introduction to Environmental Science" on a trip to the Central American nation in May as part of the Lewis University Travel Study program.

Homer Glen resident Alexa Mlyniec was one of the Lewis University students on the trip.

Some of the highlights of the nine-day trip include volunteering at the Pacuare Sea Turtle Conservation Project on night patrols, hiking through rain and cloud forests, and visiting active volcanoes.

The trip gave students an opportunity to interact with the local culture, while learning about the biodiversity of this tropical country. Kavouras led a similar trip in May 2013.