State University of New York, Stony Brook, Oceanography

My Fulbright (U.S. Fulbright Student, 2007-2008) to Greece focused on assessing the effects of fish farms on seagrass ecosystems. One component of this experience, beyond the research, was disseminating this information to students, fishermen, and the public. This aspect, along with the mission of the Fulbright program, greatly influenced my passion for providing experiential learning opportunities for my undergraduate students.

Since joining St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY) in 2016, I have organized and led four study-abroad programs to Greece and Costa Rica. These programs have exposed over 40 students to diverse ecosystems, perspectives, and cultures, fostering a better understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. I am particularly proud of the Greece program, as it not only exposes students to the dynamic ecology and environmental issues in Greece, but also allows them to experience the rich cultural heritage, history, and cuisine. Working directly with a local Greek travel agency, the handcrafted itinerary is designed to not only explore some of the “must see” tourist and archaeological sites, but to have students witness and immerse themselves in authentic Greek life.

To date, this program has run in 2017 and 2022, and has taken ~20 students and two of my colleagues to various parts of Greece, including Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Evia, and Athens. Students visit the world-class research facilities at the University of Crete in Heraklion, where I did my Fulbright research, to meet with faculty, students, and scientists from the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. The bulk of the program, however, consists of explorations of marine, freshwater, and mountain ecosystems in Evia. Students assess the biodiversity of these ecosystems through snorkeling and hiking. Ultimately, students return to the US with a broader understanding and appreciation for Greece and Hellenic culture. This experience has resonated, as multiple students have become interested with the possibility to pursue graduate studies in Greece, while many others have continued to travel and explore new places. This program runs every two years and this summer (2024), I will be bringing another 10 students to Greece.

Konstantine John Rountos is a Fulbright Alumnus of the 2007-2008 Open Study/Research Student Program

2022 Study Abroad trip to Hellas (top photo). Sunset from Castello Rosso overlooking Karystos Bay, Evia


2022 Study Abroad trip to Hellas. Group photo in Athens