In a forum on cultural diversity, moderated by Jason Clay, co-founder and director of studies on Cultural Survival, researchers spoke on anthropological studies of disease, health care, and rapid loss of indigenous language, music and tradition.

On Saturday night, a poster session designed to attract volunteers to Earthwatch projects was held in Memorial Hall. Earthwatch-sponsored scientists explained current projects and interests concerning the topics mentioned in the panel discussions.

Brain Trelstad '91, the founder of Harvard's green Cup, presented a poster and said he will continue his efforts in citizenship trainings, focusing on strategies for more effective environmental advocacy at the state and local level.

Other poster presentations included a Study of Earth Religions, Herbal Medicine of Central India, Technology for Development: Sustaining, not Obliterating the Environment, and Empowering Students to Make a Difference.

Early Saturday morning, a teacher exchange was held where EarthCorps teachers and Earthwatch fellows compared notes on the materials they used in the classrooms.

In 1993, Earthwatch plans to sponsor 165 projects ranging form studying geological phenomena to understanding the human impact on ecosystems. To date, the program has trained more than 3,075 students and 2,625 teachers.

The exchange was followed by an education forum in the Science Center.

Many Earthwatch volunteers are teachers who, like Schwarzendruber, wish to use their research this way. Students can also participate, but the cost of the trips may deter many from applying.

Earthwatch staff member Bram de Veer said this may change in the future.

"We have submitted a proposal to try to make Earthwatch more accessible to college students by offering a discount rate and postering on campuses," he said. "Two weeks in the field is worth a semester in the class room."