The Importance and Impact of Experiential Learning Through a Deep Dive of FIS 494: Sea Turtles, Sharks, and Fisheries of Baja California

Dr. Jesse Senko has what he describes as the “secret sauce” with his FIS 494 Sea Turtles, Sharks, & Fisheries of Baja California study abroad class. Students meet with him and assistant instructor Ph.D. candidate Cindy Vargas weekly to learn more about the marine megafauna and the fisheries that impact La Paz, Baja California, Mexico. Then, during spring break, the students travel to La Paz to explore the world they have been studying. After the week-long trip, students resume class and reflect on their experiences. By the time students arrive in La Paz during their spring break, they possess a vast knowledge of the topics they have learned in class and have built a sense of community among their classmates and teachers. While in La Paz, students get once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to swim with sea lions, safely capture and monitor sea turtles, and visit the Isla El Pardito to speak with local fishermen. Dr. Senko is bringing his students to a real-world research opportunity only accessible through this trip, and for a lot of students, their first time abroad. This experience has proven to be life-changing for many students, including myself. Students leave with not only a greater knowledge of La Paz but also genuine fieldwork experience with experts in their field. FIS 494 Sea Turtles, Sharks, & Fisheries of Baja California is the only class of its kind here at Arizona State University.