About LEARN: Activities & Accomplishments

Soltis Biodiversity Research Center

The Soltis Biodiversity Research Center in Costa Rica was established in January of 2009 to provide an international experience to students at Texas A&M University (TAMU), while protecting the unique ecological setting and enhancing awareness of the need for preservation. Located in the tropical rain forest of Costa Rica, about three hours northwest of San Jose, the technology infrastructure had to be built from the ground up. Telecommunication professionals from TAMU worked with ICE, the local telephone company in Costa Rica, to run 3.5 miles of fiber optic cable to support high speed connectivity to the center.

The objectives of the Soltis Center include; strengthening TAMU's fields of academic studies by developing the institutional capacity to inform the next generation of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers on ecological and other issues in the tropics, establishing links with Costa Rican and Central American institutions to promote collaborative research and learning experiences between the University and colleagues throughout the region; supporting community service projects and promoting the conservation of tropical resources. The LEARN network plays a key role in their meeting these objectives by connecting the Soltis research center to the world.