Reed in Kenya

Program/Course Name: Reed in Kenya/Ecology and Evolution of Cooperation
Location, Country: Nairobi and Mpala Research Centre (+ local field excursions), Kenya
Code: BIOL 100
CNR: TBA
Units: 0.25 (F) + 0.25 (S)
Term: Fall 2026 Orientation and Kenya Program in January 2027
City, Country: Nairobi and Mpala Research Centre (+ local field excursions), Kenya
Program Affiliations: National Museum of Kenya and the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi
Program Directors: Sarah Schaack; Pietro D'Amelio
Academic Discipline/Department: Biology (Behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology)
Application Form: https://www.reed.edu/ipo/reed-in-kenya.php
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Program Dates: January 4-21, 2027

Housing: Housing at the Mpala Research Centre will be dormitory-style, with two large rooms (7 students per room) and shared bathroom facilities. Each student will have their own twin bed, but there will be no private accommodations while at the Centre. During brief hotel stays at the beginning and end of the trip, students will be housed in double or triple rooms.

Program/Course Description

This multidisciplinary course is focused on the Ecology and Evolution of Cooperation and Conflict and will take place in Kenya, beginning in Nairobi, based mainly at Mpala Research Centre, and with three excursions to other areas. The evolution of cooperation and the resolution of biological conflicts present a fascinating puzzle in biology? When does it make sense to work together? When does it make sense to compete? Many different organisms demonstrate cooperative behaviors, including humans, but the conditions that favor cooperative behavior (or cheating behaviors) are an active area of research. Similarly, the conditions that lead to competitive, predatory, or defensive behaviors can be dynamic, with different pros and cons resulting in an array of possible conflict resolutions with contrasting outcomes for different participants. We will explore the spectrum of interactions in biology from mutualist to pathogen. This topic provides an integrative, but coherent, guiding theme around which we can explore a number of learning opportunities in Kenya, ranging from the geopolitical and national climate, interactions among humans and their environments, to behavioral ecology among different species of wildlife.

Learning Outcomes:

Understanding cooperation and conflict in and among multiple organismal systems, including humans
Basics of cultural diversity in Kenya, especially in and around the central region of the country
Learn about the role of Kenyan research institutions in biodiversity research, conservation, and community engagement.
Introduction and discussion of how current politics, historical colonial occupation, and international relations impact Kenyan society, land use, and development
Introduction to East African vertebrate animal diversity, behavior, and community ecology
Explain how behavioral ecology relates to and informs conservation and land-use decisions, including wildlife–livestock coexistence, agricultural practices, and protected-area management
Evaluate the evolutionary trade-offs and specializations of behavioral strategies in mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects in East Africa.
Learning of field behavioral ecology techniques (point counts, transects, playback experiments, ecc) and design and execute small-scale independent research project within the savanna biome
Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, data visualization, and science communication
Synthesize new, empirical field observations with previous data and the scientific literature

Program Fee

Program fee: TBA

Includes the following:

Housing in Kenya
Site entry, excursions, and activities fees
Airport transportation
Local transportation
Meals
Study Abroad administrative fee
International health and travel insurance
International flights

Program fee payment deadline: Fees must be paid in full by TBA.

The program fee does not include:

Personal spending money
New passport fee ($165)
COVID-19 testing related to travel, if applicable (entry or exit requirements)

Program participants who currently receive need-based Reed grant funding and have accepted all components of their aid packages may be eligible for financial assistance.

Health, Safety, and Travel Documentation:

Travel Documentation: UE Passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months after you return home and have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination
International health and travel insurance (included in program fees)

The course does not apply to Group or major requirements.