Educational Visit of Georgetown & NKUA Universities to Andros
May 2025 – Highlighting the Marine Ecosystem and Climate Change through Satellite Observation Methods
As part of the international summer program “Sensing Marine Ecosystem Health and Climate Impact from Space”, co-organized by Georgetown University, the Earth Commons Institute, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), a student educational visit was held in Athens and on the island of Andros.
The educational week in Andros, from May 23rd to 31st, was the core of the program, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge, field research, and experiential learning, with a focus on marine ecosystems, environmental monitoring, and the impacts of climate change.
The group consisted of 15 undergraduate students of various nationalities and fields of study from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University in Qatar, and NKUA, two professors (Dr. Raitsos and Dr. Meiller), and one administrative staff member from Georgetown University (Katerina Downward). The main educational activities took place at the Andros Research Center’s office.
During their stay on the island, the students attended lectures and workshops on:
- Satellite monitoring and analysis of marine ecosystems
- Pollution issues (plastics and microplastics) and the effects of climate change
- Microscopic analysis of plankton samples and map production
- Writing and presenting research projects
Additionally, experiential and cultural activities were organized by the Andros Research Center team. The program unfolded as follows:
Saturday, May 24
The day began at the ARC office with a welcome and introduction by Alexandros Mavis, while Katerina Pantazi gave a tour of the office and equipment. Initial computer-based activities introduced global oceanographic data, followed by lectures on marine plastic pollution. The day concluded with an introductory lecture by Prof. Dionysios Raitsos on plankton monitoring via satellite.
Sunday, May 25
Students participated in computational oceanographic data processing and cultural visits. Volunteers Alexandros Vrachnos and Despoina Chatzoglou welcomed the group, and a lunch was served, prepared by a local cook. The group then visited the Olive Museum of the Cyclades in Ano Pitrofos, guided by Dimitris Chelmis, and later the traditional cheese-making facility of Athina Stamou. The evening featured a screening of the documentary Seaspiracy and a group discussion on sustainable fishing and human impact on the oceans.
Monday, May 26
The day began in our office with a case study analysis and data preparation. A field visit to Foros Cave was the activity of the day. The afternoon was devoted to studying and processing collected data, concluding with a shared dinner at a traditional tavern.
Tuesday, May 27
Field collection of marine data took place by boat in two teams. Participants collected water samples for microscopic analysis and recorded temperature and transparency. Later, back at the office, they worked on processing photos, videos, and data visualization. The day closed with a screening of Chasing Corals and a discussion about coral reef degradation.
Wednesday, May 28
The day began with a workshop on presentation and writing skills at the Andros Research Center. This was followed by a hike along Route 1, guided by Route Angel and president of the Cultural Association of Menites, Despoina Chatzoglou. The hike ended at the association’s venue, where a local meal was served. Afterwards, the group visited Livada Natural Farm, where they learned about organic farming and agroecological practices.
Thursday, May 29
Lectures and workshops at the Andros Research Center focused on unsustainable fishing practices and the role of Marine Protected Areas in restoring biodiversity. Students then worked on finalizing their research projects, satellite data analysis, and map creation. In the afternoon, they hiked around the village of Apikia, with stops at points of interest such as Pythara Waterfalls, Bistis Tower, the Lion’s Bridge, and the stone mill of Fabrica. At the arched stone bridge of Apikia, the group enjoyed a picnic with local delicacies. The final stop was the beach and wetland of Gialia, where coastal ecosystem protection was discussed, and participants had the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Friday, May 30
The educational week culminated in the students’ presentation of their research findings to members of the ARC and the local community at a special event held at the office. This was followed by lectures on ocean justice and a final workshop to polish their presentations, after a lunch featuring traditional Andros recipes and ingredients.
The experience in Andros provided participants with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of marine science, practice field data management and satellite observation techniques, and connect with the island’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Sincere thanks go to the students and their professors for the inspiration and energy they brought to our team and our island community. Warm thanks also to the entire Andros Research Center team and volunteers Alexandros Vrachnos and Despoina Chatzoglou, Athina Stamou from Stamou Farm, Alexandros Kostis from Livada Farm, the Cultural Association of Menites, Frosso Kaladami from Foros Cave, Dimitris Chelmis from the Olive Museum of the Cyclades, and everyone who contributed to the successful educational week on our island.
