Green Spaces in Urban Havana

For Camryn Bryan ’23 the perfect school meant somewhere she could explore her passion for science while engaging in a plethora of different course options and experiences. With a wide range of academic interests and a desire for exciting research opportunities, Camryn knew she found her home at Washington College.

 

As an environmental science major and Latin American studies minor, Camryn has a range of experience combining the unexpected, and with numerous short-term faculty-led study abroad trips available, where better to explore the unexpected than Havana, Cuba?  

Offered every January, the Cuba Experience offers Washington College students an opportunity to visit Cuba and conduct real-world research into the culture, music, religion, and foods of Havana, while pursuing academic research and receiving course-credit. Eager to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Camryn decided to take her research abroad with her aptly named project “The Function of Green Spaces in Urban Havana”.  

“I was inspired to pursue this research from my combined interests in Environmental Science and Latin American Studies. My project was on the function of green spaces in urban Havana. I had an internship with the Delaware Center for Horticulture through the Starr Center’s Explore America program in which I worked on and around various green spaces throughout Wilmington, DE. After learning about the functions and impacts of these green spaces in the city of Wilmington, I wanted to explore green spaces in Cuba and their functions and purposes!” 

Armed with her passport and research question, Camryn set off to Cuba ready to explore all Havana has to offer – including many designated green spaces and parks spread throughout the urban area. For her research, Camryn chose five well-known areas: Parque Central, Paseo del Prado, the park at Plaza de Armas, Parque Guayasamín, and the Havana Forest. 

At each of the spaces, Camryn observed the people in the space and how they were utilizing the surrounding area and architecture, while aiming to identify what the green spaces consisted of in terms of monuments/statues, wildlife, vegetation, signage, and fountains or other structures.  

“I observed that the purposes of these sites were largely for human enjoyment, aesthetic value, conducting business, communication, learning, and spirituality. I also observed that these green spaces were utilized by wildlife in addition to people and often held political and/or historical importance. My results, and my time in Cuba in general, translated a high appreciation and significance of the environment and natural elements throughout Cuban life and culture… the overall attitude towards the environment in Cuba seems to consist of a greater awareness and appreciation for the environment than I feel is present in the U.S.” 

Upon her return to WC and the completion of her project, Camryn compiled her research into a developed project which she presented before the Libby & Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows, who helped fund her expedition and project.  

Following her graduation, Camryn aims to explore various seasonal positions in environmental science to best determine her path forward before pursuing her master’s degree. Wherever her career takes her, Camryn’s experiences at Washington College and through her experiential learning expedition have only strengthened her passion for the intersection of culture and environmental awareness both at home and abroad; “I am taking away a plethora of skills, experiences, knowledge, and memories that have taught me more than I could have ever imagined.” 

To further explore The Cuba Experience and other experiential learning offering here at Washington College, check out our Study Abroad program. 

07/02/2023