CCAC Biology Students Gain Valuable Skills On Memorable Trip To Galapagos Islands
Published February 13, 2026
Pictured (from left to right) Top row: Dylan Williamson, Professor Adam Davis; Professor Robert (Bobby) Ficco; Amy Logan; Maxwell Torbenson; Faye Youngkin; Sarah Laus; Maggie McDermott; Kemora Holley; Kapri Fulcomer. Bottom row: Cara Harrington, Professor Heather Klenovich; Cierra Pettus; Sara Bauer; Emily Love; Grey Culley; Katie Anderson.
CCAC Biology Department faculty accompanied students on a journey of discovery in the Galapagos Islands last month. Retracing Charles Darwin’s journey to the islands in 1835, the students visited many of the same islands he visited, studying the same organisms and environments he did, to learn about ecology, environmental science and evolution in one of the world’s most pristine natural laboratories. The group also had an opportunity to expand their global horizons by immersing themselves in Latin American culture in mainland Ecuador.
This is the fifth excursion organized by CCAC’s Biology faculty, which includes Professors Adam Davis, Robert Ficco and Heather Klenovich.
“Galapagos is a truly unique and beautiful environment. Every time we visit, we learn something new, and every student who has traveled with us has told me they came back changed by the experience,” said Professor Davis.
He said the students had a busy schedule exploring a wide range of habitats—wetlands, uplands, coastal deserts and tropical forests. They acquired field study skills in both land and water as they observed native wildlife, such as giant tortoises; marine iguanas; several species of sharks, rays and sea turtles; rare birds like blue-footed boobies and tropical penguins; the famous finches that inspired so many of Darwin’s evolutionary ideas; and more. They climbed an active volcano, waded through mangrove wetlands, visited giant tortoise breeding centers and research stations to see ongoing conservation projects, and snorkeled with sharks and sea turtles. On the mainland, they visited a cloud forest and a hummingbird preserve, and toured colonial-era Spanish churches, Ecuador’s national monuments to independence from Spain, the site of the equator, museums of indigenous life and a chocolate production factory.
“There was even time for some exciting fun, such as an afternoon spent ziplining in the cloud forest,” he adds.