Empowering Young Scientists: A Panama Wetlands & Waterways Expedition

Hello, friends, family, and generous supporters —

I’m excited to share an opportunity that I believe will be transformational—for me as an educator, and most especially for the incredible students I teach.

In March, I will be leading a group of students on an 8‑day educational tour to Panama, focused on waterways and wetlands. (You can see the itinerary here: EF Tours “Waterways and Wetlands in Panama.”)

EF Tours

Why Panama? Why This Trip?

Panama is uniquely positioned as a “bridge” between North and South America, serving as a biological crossroads. Its ecosystems are among the most diverse in Central America.

On this tour, students will:

Work alongside scientists on wetland conservation projects

Participate in a beach cleanup

Engage in mangrove reforestation and propagule harvesting

Explore coastal and canal ecosystems

Visit historical and cultural sites in Panama City (Casco Viejo, Panamá Viejo)

Snorkel and directly observe marine life

Learn about how massive infrastructure projects like the Panama Canal affect surrounding ecosystems.

This is not just tourism — it is immersive, hands-on science and environmental education.

Why It Matters

As an educator, I’ve seen the power of real-world experience in helping students internalize abstract lessons. Textbooks can teach them about ecology, biodiversity, and human impact — but being in a mangrove, planting propagules, snorkeling for life forms, or seeing the Panama Canal’s engineering with their own eyes — that’s a different level of learning.

I believe this trip will:

Ignite passion and curiosity in students who might never otherwise have had the chance to travel abroad

Build confidence, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding

Turn lessons about ecosystems, climate, and conservation into lived experiences

Help these students see that science, environment, and global citizenship are connected

Some of these students face barriers: financial challenges, limited exposure to international travel, or uncertainty about their own potential. I want to remove those barriers and give them something that changes how they see themselves and their place in the world.

How You Can Help

The cost per student (including airfare, lodging, meals, activities, and transportation) is significant. EF Tours estimates about $4,659 per student for the entire program.

EF Tours

I’m asking for your support—no donation is too small. Here are some ideas:

A one-time gift toward a student’s trip

Sponsorship of a specific activity (e.g. snorkeling, reforestation project)

Help spreading this GoFundMe page through your network

Helping me connect with local businesses or organizations that would be passionate about supporting youth, science, or environmental education

If you contribute, I will keep all donors updated with photos, reflections, and stories from the trip so you see exactly what your gift enabled.

In Closing

This trip is more than just a journey—it’s an investment in young minds, in our planet, and in possibility. I want these students to come home not just with souvenirs, but with ideas, inspiration, and a sense that they can make an impact.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for believing in students, and for considering supporting this expedition.