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
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 Andrew McCracken 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.
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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.
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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
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.
Explore Iceland
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.
Example activities:
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
We plan to explore Sandgerði and its surroundings, including the Krýsuvík National Park and its unique geothermal ecosystems. We will also visit the National History Museum of Reyjavik.
Friday, July 31, 2025
We also visit the northern town of Hólar. There we will visit Hólar University to meet and socialize with students to continue learning about sustainability. Here there will be opportunities to visit the historic Hólar cathedral as well as to hike the serene vistas of Hjaltadalur.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
We will return to the USA ready to tackle the academic year!
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
We will travel to the northern town of Blönduós, we will explore the city, and pay a visit to the local Seal Center. Weather permitting, we may be able embark on a seal (and maybe whale) watching expedition.
Friday, August 1, 2025
We will return to the capital for lunch and a visit to the iconic "Perlan," the natural history museum. In the afternoon, we will explore the home of the Asatru Temple. We will have some time before dinner to explore the downtown area and do some good old touristing around.