ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hartwick College sophomore Eric Meader of Rumford, son of Arthur and Sheila Meader, participated in Hartwick’s January Term Off-Campus Program in Costa Rica.

Students enrolled in the off-campus course, “Natural History of Costa Rica,” are introduced to tropical biodiversity and its conservation in Central America. Students live and study at biology field research stations in tropical rain forests, cloud forests and dry forests on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of Costa Rica.

There is an emphasis on vertebrate animals, which includes mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Students also examine invertebrates and visit museums, national parks and historical sites.

Meader is majoring in anthropology. He has participated in Alpha Delta Omega and men’s varsity lacrosse. Meader is a graduate of Mountain Valley High School.