Zoology student thrives with SUNY summer research opportunity in Puerto Rico

This summer zoology major Jonathan Hernandez enjoyed an unforgettable and impactful experience through the 2026 SUNY–Para la Naturaleza (SUNY-PLN) Puerto Rico Sustainability, Conservation and Nature Program.

Announced by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. as part of an expanded partnership with the University of Puerto Rico and the conservation group Para la Naturaleza, the immersive program allowed only nine students from seven selected SUNY campuses to engage in vital field research.

This fully funded summer internship exchange is designed to foster climate action and hands-on experience, and it allowed Hernandez – one of only nine SUNY students to take part – to gain professional skills with an unforgettable experience.

“I received an email about it, and looking at the description sounded like an opportunity you can’t pass up,” Hernandez recalled. “It explained how we would be searching the rainforest for endangered species, checking coastal lagoons for water quality, and a lot of science activities that are part of my major.”

The 10-day experience allowed students to participate in hands-on research experiences that included visiting the El Yunque tropical rainforest to find native species, explore canyons to identify geological formations, examine and monitor water quality and to discuss conservation strategies with local experts and climate activists.

In addition to science, they learned a lot about the culture and people of Puerto Rico.

“The people were amazing. The food was amazing, and the experience altogether created a unique and unforgettable experience that I would choose again and again,” Hernandez said.

“We saw how each side of the island worked together to create this kind of giant machine,” Hernandez said. “How they all worked together to create their crops and their clothing, and how very organized they were in the way they did it.”

Hernandez found it a great way to both apply what he learned in the classroom while gaining new related skills.

“In the field and in the water, we would be checking temperature, nitrogen levels, oxygen levels, all thing I learned in school and apply it into this real-life scenario happening on this island,” Hernandez said. “Hopefully I can take whatever knowledge I have from that to future workplaces.”

Part of that is building teamwork with people he just met. 

“Along with the skills I had to know for this trip, actually doing hands-on work with people I don’t know truly prepared me for my future and what I’ll be doing a couple years from now,” Hernandez said. “To have a group of us go from not knowing each other at all to becoming inseparable in a day or two was incredible.”

Hernandez learned a lot about the history and challenges over the years. Students got to see a former plantation where slaves harvested coffee, the impacts of the more recent Hurricane Maria and some environmental effects that participants are trying to mitigate. They also heard stories from multiple generations working on the same farm that underscored the importance of family and their pride in the island.

“It’s very important not to pass up on opportunities,” Hernandez said. “If you get this kind of chance, just do it.”

Strong SUNY support

Started in summer 2025, the SUNY PLN program is supported by the New York Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development’s Research Excellence Fund and Chancellor King. 

““Hands-on experiences are fundamental to the learning and professional success of our students,” Chancellor King said in announcing the 2006 participants. “This internship program helps build stronger bonds between SUNY institutions and the University of Puerto Rico and helps future leaders conduct important research to improve conservation efforts and address climate change. We are proud to work with Para La Naturaleza to ensure the return of this internship exchange opportunity which help build skills that will last a lifetime.”

“We are incredibly proud that a SUNY Oswego student, Jonathan, was chosen as one of only nine participants system-wide for this program,” said Lizette Alvarado, associate director of international education and programs. 

“This transformative research experience provides him with invaluable tools to advance his academic and career goals,” Alvarado noted. “Just as importantly, it allowed him to build a powerful network of lifelong friends across six other SUNY campuses and establish connections with Puerto Rico’s Para la Naturaleza conservation organization.”

Alvarado also was pleased with the inclusive nature of the program.

“Designed with inclusivity at its core, the program actively prioritizes and supports first-generation students,” Alvarado said. “Those with financial need and lack of access to research experiences were encouraged to apply, ensuring equitable access to high-impact research and cultural experiences.”

Alvarado also applauded the approach for student learning throug fieldwork with cultural immersion, as it “not only allowed the students to conduct hands-on research alongside Puerto Rican environmental researchers, but it also immersed them in Puerto Rico’s rich culture via their communities, history, food and music understanding the island’s unique environmental landscapes and challenges through multiple lenses.”

It also reinforced an important connection, with SUNY Oswego’s long-standing exchange program with the University of Puerto Rico dating to the early 1960s 

“We have consistently sent students to study for a semester or academic year program at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras campus,” Alvarado said.

“SUNY Oswego and SUNY have a standing service relationship with the people of Puerto Rico,” she added. “When Hurricane Maria devastated many parts of the island, the New York State government and SUNY took part in the rebuilding of the island via a government initiative called New York and SUNY Stands with Puerto Rico. SUNY Oswego was one of the campuses that administered and sent groups of students, faculty and staff to Puerto Rico to assist with the rebuilding process.”

Joshua McKeown, associate provost for international education and programs, praised Alvarado as instrumental to the success of the SUNY-wide project, growing out of her role with the SUNY Caribbean Working Group for many years.

"Lizette’s consistent leadership of our programs in the Caribbean, including these special SUNY projects, has helped keep Oswego in the forefront, and shows Oswego’s ongoing dedication to international education including Caribbean partnerships," McKeown said.

This experience, like other opportunities to study on other islands, countries or continents, allows students to step out of their comfort zones to grow, connect and thrive.

“Ultimately, these hands-on, experiential learning opportunities are vital for the students’ development,” Alvarado said. “They equip the next generation of students with practical knowledge they will carry into their future careers and pass down to generations.”

Hernandez would agree and encourage others to explore any such opportunities.

This was truly an amazing experience and if anybody has an opportunity to not only do this internship in the next few years but also to see the island, I would highly recommend it,” Hernandez said. “You could see the love that people give to this island and the happiness they give to this island. It is important that SUNY and Oswego have these opportunities for so many students.”