About Frontiers Abroad
Frontiers Abroad designs and implements field and research focused earth and environmental science programmes for undergraduates. Our name reflects our unique field curriculum and teaching locations in a remote part of the world, New Zealand. Our mission is to provide students with the problem-solving skills and motivation to responsibly manage our Earth’s delicate ecosystems.
Our programmes are designed, developed and implemented by Frontiers Abroad and New Zealand academic staff who are among the best researchers and t eachers in their respective fields. Frontiers Abroad collaborates with the home institutions of attending students to ensure the highest academic standard.
Frontiers Abroad is an approved study abroad programme at the following Universities & Colleges:
Pomona College
Lafayette College
Amherst College
Duke University
Colorado College
In addition, through petition process, we have recieved students from Stanford University, Franklin & Marshall College, and Skidmore College.
General Manager
Jason Watkins
Jason demonstrates a unique mix of commercial acumen and scientific understanding having graduated with a M.Sc (Hons) in Geography, then going on to complete an MBA degree and gain success in the business world. He has worked in banking, medical, sports and the education sectors and is an advocate of organisations exhibiting social and environmental responsibility in their business practises. As custodian of Frontiers Abroad Jason recognises the great value in developing mutually benefitting relationships with all stakeholders and his goal is to offer unique and quality products to the academic community, that are delivered with exceptional professionalism.
Board of Directors
Dr Darren Gravley, Volcanologist, Institute of Earth Science and Engineering (IESE), University of Auckland
Darren is a volcanologist with a PhD from the University of Canterbury. Darren blends his globally-recognised volcano research with undergraduate and graduate education projects in earth systems science. He studies t he largest volcanoes known to man, "supervolcanoes", and his research spans the globe from Japan to the United States to South America and New Zealand. With a New Zealand mother and an American father, Darren has taken advantage of a unique opportunity to blend his Pomona College undergraduate education with his love of the New Zealand outdoors and a concern for its environment.
Dr. Dan Hikuroa, Earth Scientist, School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Auckland
Dan is an expert in environmental science and geology and has a unique ability to blend his scientific knowledge with his Maori heritage. Dan has designed and taught field geology and environmental science courses for Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whakatane and is team leader on several University of Auckland and Frontiers Abroad research initiatives in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand.
Max Borella, Earth System Scientist, Director, TERRA Resource Development International
Max’s expertise combines geology, environmental science, and rural community education and development work. Max was a Peace Corps volunteer in the altiplano of Bolivia and has continued his community water resource and hazard mapping work there as the director of a not-for-profit development organisation (Terra Resource Development International). He has 8 years experience in designing and coordinating field education programmes and has also worked for the United States National Park service as an interpretive geology ranger leading science and tourist groups into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park.
Karyn Convey, Student Welfare Director, Frontiers Abroad
Karyn is an expert in international education and student affairs. She is the former Assistant Dean for International Programs at Franklin & Marshall College, former Director of International Student Services at Long Island University, and former Director of Student Conduct & Community Education. In addition, she has served as an adjunct professor of English at Long Island University. Karyn holds an Undergraduate degree from Florida State University and Master’s Degrees from Boston College and Long Island University. For Frontiers Abroad, Karyn is in charge of student support services, administration, orientation, and health and safety.