PIIP 2025

      This day our team  worked on the finishing touches of our data, then our team finished the poster for presentation. This was an all day process then we had a cultural exchange with the Ngabe-Bugle tribe they showed us their traditional dance, then the Native students demonstrated the round dance. We then had a giveaway ceremony, we gave them gifts and they gave us gifts as well. They were very happy but it was a bittersweet feeling for them because tomorrow is the last day here in Batipa. I also got interviewed about my experience here in Batipa, overall I am glad I came here and I am very thankful for everyone that had a part to play for everyone to come here. I am very thankful for the cooks, they are very amazing and they worked around the clock making sure we were fed and taken care of. 

      On this day we got to have a break from our projects and went to an island to swim in the ocean this was pretty fun and my first time being off the main land. The ocean scares me but after all these days being hot and working hard I didn't mind so much, the tribesman came with us it was cool to see them have fun and enjoy themselves. We then left the island but on the way back we encountered a thunderstorm while in the boats, it was pretty cool to experience that. We then returned to the laboratory to finish doing the test strips for  site three, all of our data has been collected now we are writing our paper to prepare for our poster which is due on Sunday May 25th. I am glad all the hardworking fieldwork is all done as well as the laboratory process but working in the lab is pretty fun. 

      On this day we collected 5 soil samples from the wildlife preserve area because there was no Boton De Oro in this area (non-native plant). We noticed this soil was filled with rocks and the organic matter was consistent with the livestock area, this soil had a lot of clay in it as well. We also had one of the locals guide us and observe us in the field, it was very beneficial because she was very informative and helpful. We then returned to the lab to make more soil samples for the test strips and my college did the test kits for a more accurate reading of pH, N, P, and K. We then had a team meeting/check-in with  everyone this took about 2 hours but it was needed, because we haven't had a team meeting since our arrival. I then was able to finish making the soil samples for the test strips, then we swapped mentors to discuss a paper about modern education and traditional knowledge. 

      On this day we extracted the Baton De Oro in the teak plantation area and just with visual, we noticed the difference in soil type versus in the grazing pasture land. In the teak area we noticed at least 5 inches of organic matter then the rest was a clay like soil, we extracted 5 more plants and passed the top portion to Jake and his team. Upon extracting the plants we can visually see the differences because of the shade and more water uptake in this area versus the grazing area, these plants had significantly more root biomass than site one. We then tested the pH, N, P, K, and electrical conductivity of the soil from site one then prepared the soil samples of site two for test strips. 

      On this day, we collected 5 samples from the high compact area of the Batipa area. A native from this region assisted in the extraction of the Boton De Oro plant and root system. The tops were cut and given to Jake and his team for the plant analysis, we collected the roots and the soil from the main root. This was very intensive labor but very rewarding, after the samples were collected we made our way back to the Lab area for further study. Here we washed the roots, this was done to separate the fine roots and the  thick roots. Then we mixed the soil samples of 235 mL with 235 mL of water, this is done to check soil temperature, conductivity, PH, and elements in the soil. 

      Today we had a mandatory meeting at 6 am with Destry to discuss the laundry and to check on our wellbeing. I am doing well but this  humidity is kicking my butt, this isn't Great Plains weather but it's nice to be in another Indigenous tribes area. We got a tour from Edmundo, he showed us the pasture for grazing  and the cattle here in Panama have shorter hair and saggier skin but this is to keep them cool in this climate. He discussed the soil depending on the percentage of slope of the land, after this he showed us his applied theory of planting trees with diverse vegetation to help make shade for the cattle. This was in the beginning steps of his idea but it was nice to see his vision slowly coming to life. We then were shown the Teca lumber mill and this is mainly used for furniture but is primarily exported to India, China, and Taiwan. He then showed us the Teca plantation and the under crop to help support the Teca trees, He was very informative and ...

    This day we left David to drive to the Batipa University, this place is on the outskirts of David but is very secluded. This consists of gravel roads and this to me looked like a giant farm, very  beautiful land and working environment. We got settled in and have to stay in these mosquito net bunk house and had to use a mosquito net to cover ourselves and our bed. I am used to camping and sleeping outside so it wasn't too hard of an adjustment, this land is next to the Pacific Ocean but is filled with silt and looks eerie. 

      Today we discussed our projects and got paired up with our mentors to discuss the game plan. I will be working with Marcos and our mentor is Juan, we will be studying the various soil types in our designated areas and will be setting up a field lab as well. This will be my first time studying and working in the field, I am very excited to learn and get the field experience. I am willing to do whatever is asked of me by the mentors, I am a hands on learner so once I figure out the process I can't wait to work smoothly. We flew from Panama City to David it was a hour long flight wasn't bad but the whole time we were in the air I couldn't believe I was in a different country. We arrived and it was raining hard the whole time but back in the United States I love thunder storms so it was very cool to experience a storm in a new country as well. 

      During day two I got to explore the area of where our hotel was located. Walking around I noticed the various differences with road rules and even the architecture was interesting. I used to work construction so I was very interested in the local construction as  well. The food is very different but I wasn't sure what was good but one local told me about a Chinese restaurant called "Don Lee", it was very good and the store had a robot that served your food to you. I got to meet the other students who arrived late due to flight delays, my flight was delayed also it was 4 am when I arrived in Panama. I slept the majority of this day because of my late arrival, but didn't want to waste too much time sleeping on this trip because it's my first time being in Panama. I am a boxing fan and the famous boxer Roberto Duran is from Panama so it felt very special to be in his home country. The locals are very nice and I like the music from here as well, I also love how ...

 Currently packing for the PIIP 2025 trip, this is my first time leaving the country. I am very excited to be apart of this trip and grateful for the opportunity, I am a little nervous but overall more excited than anything.