Dennis Wilson, Ph.D., Mesa Community College Biology faculty, has traveled with MCC Study Abroad students into the wilds of Africa, the piazzas of Italy, and the jungles of Costa Rica, exploring amazing wildlife and breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Growing up in England, Wilson was mesmerized by the wildlife shows about Africa, but he was also troubled by the famines in Ethiopia and the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. "As a kid, I didn't think I'd ever get to actually go to Africa," said Wilson. "That fascination obviously slowly grew inside, culminating in a year-long expedition where I drove from South Africa to the UK."

Fast track to 2001. After moving to the U.S., earning a Ph.D. at the University of Oregon, finishing a postdoctoral at Arizona State University, and spending more than a year as a visiting research fellow at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Wilson began teaching biology courses at MCC.

"In 2009, I went to the Cheetah Conservation Fund to participate and speak at a human-wildlife conflict conference," says Wilson. "It was after that when I decided to put the Namibia Study Abroad program together. I felt others needed to experience and see a world far beyond their own."

Typically, 14 students participate in the four-week summer program, learning about global conservation, biodiversity, and environmental issues, as well as the impact of expanding human populations and climate change.

"I want to take students on an incredible journey outside their comfort zone because that's the learning and growth zone, and that's what they need to experience," Wilson added. "I've designed the program to be as authentic as possible so they can experience and live in Africa, not just visit and observe from within a tourist bubble. The cultural experience at the Himba village is a great example."

MCC Biology student Parker Freeman participated in the 2024 summer program and says he gained an appreciation for the opportunities and blessings he has in America. "Navigating international airports, bargaining with locals, self-navigating, developing relations with peers in my study group, and group discussions all contributed greatly to deepening my self-confidence," Freeman said. "I learned a lot about the environment and sustainability efforts I can put forth in my own life."

On his most recent trip, "We helped build a huge protective stone structure around a water well at a local village," said Wilson. "This stone structure protects the water source from damage by desert elephants who need water to drink. By protecting the water source from damage, the local people can live without conflict with the desert elephants. It was a super proud moment to finish the structure and engrave 'MCC' into the cement. Students actively made a difference to the quality of lives of the local people and were involved at the ground level in conservation biology." The highlight for Wilson was building the structure and seeing the elusive and vulnerable desert elephants.

MCC Study Abroad programs are open to alumni, students and community members aged 18 and over. The programs, led by faculty experts, range in length from one week to four weeks, May through August. Course topics include marine biology, psychology, art history, religion, and more.

For more information about the Namibia program, contact Wilson at dwilson@mesacc.edu. For information about programs in Costa Rica, Ireland, Mexico, Japan, Africa, England, and France, visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad or email studyabroad@mesacc.edu.