Photo: Natural Science Club students at Death Valley National Park

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Natural Science Club recently visited Death Valley National Park with Bryan Dutton, Ph.D., and Michael LeMaster, Ph.D., both biology professors who hosted the experience.

Students hiked and explored areas such as Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Ubehebe Crater, and Dantes View and learned about various plant life and native reptiles. 

“This experience helped me feel more welcome at Western because I got to go with a bunch of people in the same biology class as me,” shared Brittany Robles, a current biology student. 

Western students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs to experience unique excursions and learn more about their areas of interest. These opportunities allow students to learn outside the classroom and build peer relationships.

Watch a short video of the Natural Science Club’s trip to Death Valley National Park 

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.