A Unique Experience — Grand Canyon Case Study

When I applied to the Student Undergraduate Research Experience with the College of Global Futures, I was not expecting to find all the opportunity that lay before me. After I had interviewed for two other projects, I came to my final interview meeting Dr. Kellner. Mentally, I had already committed to a project with another professor in Sedona, AZ; but still wanted to hear more about how I could be involved in research looking at trade-offs within the country’s National Park system. Come the end of my interview, I found myself at a crossroad. I was drawn to Elke’s work doing research analyzing the governance of our National Parks through the United Nations’ SDGs, but also knew I couldn’t give up my position doing field research in Sedona either. Not knowing how to continue, I expressed with Dr. Kellner my position and how I wasn’t sure I’d be able to commit to two projects. After hearing my situation and realizing that she was a colleague with the other project lead, Elke assured me that splitting my time between the two projects was not only possible, but encouraged.   

After my initial team meeting for my project with Elke, I knew that I had made the right choice. Not only were the fellow student researchers great to work with, but Elke was full of energy and encouragement that flowed through the entire team. I was grateful to have a group of five empowered women to carry me through the semester. Splitting into pairs, my research partner and I explored different trade-off situations across the country’s National Parks, but finally landed on a project initially proposed to us by Dr. Kellner: Traffic in the Grand Canyon. With pictures of dozens of helicopters and boats all in one area of the Canyon, my partner and I were both drawn to learn more about the context surrounding this phenomenon. Applying our focus to helicopter traffic we pondered the questions: Who is flying these aircrafts so closely to one of the most highly protected natural sites in the U.S. and what are the impacts?

We worked diligently for many weeks, learning more about the case and looking to build our narrative around helicopter traffic in the Grand Canyon. In those few months and even now as we continue working with our cases, I always feel empowered and motivated after any encounter with Elke and the team. You can only imagine my excitement when Elke first planted in our minds the idea of taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon. A weekend together in the Grand Canyon to really get hands-on with our research subjects and enjoy the beauty of nature. I can speak for all four of us students in saying we walked out of that meeting elated to go on such a venture with Dr. Kellner. Already knowing her “go-getter” attitude and authenticity, we all knew that our trip would not only push ourselves to think harder and look farther while in the field but that such a trip with Dr. Kellner would be uniquely our own. Elke exemplified what it meant to be a fearless leader while also approaching every situation gently, with intention. That weekend in the Grand Canyon was full of storytelling and curiosity as we learned about everyone’s unique walk of life. Specifically, the four of us students couldn’t seem to satisfy our curiosity enough, learning about Elke’s years of exploration and the seemingly countless lives she’s lived with each adventure. All of the life experience that has led up to this one encounter and brought her research to the State of Arizona. And not just Elke, but each of us students too. Coming from far across the United States yet all crossing paths at Arizona State University.

Our field work in the Grand Canyon was rewarding in more ways than one. We went to the Grand Canyon exploring important sites relevant to our cases, taking notes and gathering inquiries with different stakeholders. Elke prompted us to make surveys for tourists at the Grand Canyon, finding ways to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and find enriching conversations with people all over the world. I look back so fondly on our trip and the connection I shared with a group of passionate and eager researchers. As we wrap up our work together, I know that I have not only built long lasting bonds with people that encourage and inspire me, but gained experience and insight that will carry me on to my next life’s journey.

Kyleigh Brown

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