My name is Laura Blume. I am originally from Newton, Massachusetts, and I go to college at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. I am a biology major with an environmental studies concentration. I am also interested in education and religion, among other things.

I have wanted to go to Australia for as long as I can remember. I was attracted to the SFS Rainforest Studies Program because of the importance it places on environmental issues. I am a firm believer in the value of education through experience, a principle which is carried out in The School of Field Studies programs.

My time at the Center for Rainforest Studies will accomplish three important things. First of all, I will learn a great deal about ecologically sound and economically viable methods of forest management, which may be very valuable to me later on in my career. Secondly, I will be contributing directly to the management of the forests of the Atherton Plateau. Finally, I will be contributing to the environmental education of many people who are unable to join us in Queensland through the sitesALIVE! website and newsletter. In addition to all this, I’m looking forward to meeting lots of great new people and spending lots of time outdoors.