Population Genetics |
Island to Mainland
Culture, History, and Environment in Iceland
Welcome to
UVM-GO Iceland
A learning experience for incoming first-year students to UVM
Next offering: summer 2025 (More information soon!)
Located on a rift between tectonic plates and being one of the geologically youngest lands on the planet, Iceland (both the island and the nation) sits at the crossroads of Europe and North America as well as between the Arctic and temperate realms. While these characteristics have given rise to many economic challenges, it has also provided fertile ground for the emergence of Iceland’s unique culture and people. In this UVM GO experience, Dr. Joaquin Nunez and Allison Hall from UVM’s Department of Biology will partner with Dr. Áki Jarl Láruson, a local expert, to tour the island and explore how Icelanders have built a unique relationship with their ecosystem, balancing the need for sustenance with sustainability.
Meet your guides
UVM Faculty Lead
Joaquin Nunez, PhD
Joaquin is a member of the faculty of biology at UVM. He studies adaptation to fluctuating environments. He works on several study systems including marine organisms living in Nordic intertidal ecosystems.
UVM Student Facilitator
Alison Hall
Alison is a graduate student in the UVM Biology department advised by Melissa Pespeni. Her dissertation research focuses on mechanisms of thermal tolerance in copepods which are fundamental (and she'd argue, charismatic) part of marine ecosystems.
Icelandic Faculty Partner
Áki Jarl Láruson, PhD
Aki is a researcher at the Icelandic Marine & Freshwater Research Institute. Áki is an evolutionary biologist studying adaptation in the sea. His research interests generally relate to molecular evolution, especially in the context of marine ecology.
UVM Student Facilitator
Andrew McCraken
Andrew is a graduate student in the Biology department jointly advised by Melissa Pespeni and Joaquin Nunez. He is passionate about understanding evolutionary adaptation in a changing world.
Explore Iceland (From 2024)
New itinerary for 2025 will be updated in the spring!
Our experience will start in the Reykjanes peninsula where we will visit the many natural vistas near Sandgerði, including Krýsuvík, in southern Iceland. Next, we will travel to Reykjavík, the northernmost capital on Earth. There we will explore several aspects of Icelandic culture and history, including visits to the University of Iceland, the Natural History Museum in Reykjavík, the Hof of the Ásatrúarfélag, and more. After the capital, we will embark north to visit the bucolic town of Hólar, where we will visit historical sites such as Hólar University (established in 1106), and Hólar Cathedral (built in 1050). This day will also allow opportunities for a serene hike around Hjaltadalur. Lastly, we will return to the capital for sightseeing opportunities near the Tjörnin in downtown Reykjavík, before returning to the USA, ready to tackle the academic year.
8/1 2024
Visit Southern Iceland
After landing in Iceland our journey will take us to the southern regions of the country. We plan to explore Sandgerði and its surroundings, including the Krýsuvík National Park and its unique geothermal ecosystems. We will close the day with a visit to the Marine & Freshwater Research Institute in Hafnarfjörður.
8/2 2024
Visit and explore the capital city
Next, we will go to the capital, Reykjavík. There we will explore the Natural History Museum, the National Museum as well as the Hof of the Ásatrúarfélag. In the afternoon we will visit the University of Iceland to meet and socialize with local students.
8/3 2024
Visit Northen Iceland
On this day we will visit the northern town of Hólar. There we will visit Hólar University to meet and socialize with students. We will then visit the Hólar aquaculture facility to continue learning about sustainability. The rest of the day will have opportunities to visit the historic Hólar cathedral as well as to hike the serene vistas of Hjaltadalur.
8/5 2024
Return to the USA
Early Monday, we will return to the USA. Ready to tackle a brand new semester!
8/4 2024
Return to the capital
This day will start with breakfast in Hólar before heading back to the capital. Upon arrival, we will have ample opportunity to explore the city center at our leisure, as well as reflect on our adventures. We will spend our last night in the capital.
