​​​​​​​​​ Tree: Tropical Research in Ecology & Ethology
A little about the Tree Field Studies story..
Tree Field Studies was started in 2009 to educate undergraduate and graduate students in tropical ecology, conservation and animal behavior. In addition, the Tree Field Studies team has facilitated research opportunities for graduate students and seasoned researchers at various sites in Africa and Central America. We are also committed to helping local people living near these sites by providing employment opportunities, educational funding, and community project work aimed at enhancing people’s lives while protecting wild areas.
Tree Field Studies students experience what most people simply dream about - wild undisturbed rainforest. Our students can observe macaws at close range, collect jaguar scat for Panthera, track monkeys through the trees, monitor poison-dart frog populations and catch glimpses of tapirs. They are awakened by parrots in the early morning hours and observe sea turtles nesting on pristine beaches after dark.
In addition to receiving excellent training to become future scientists, our students also enjoy fun side trips. In the past, students have visited volcanoes, cloud forests, coral reefs, and beaches. They have relaxed in hot springs, gone swimming in lakes of extinct calderas, and zip-lined through the forest canopy.
Students: please feel free to contact one or all of us if you are interested in attending one of our courses. Or if you are ready to apply, fill out the application form found on this website and email it back to us.
Researchers: if you are interested in doing research at one of our locations, please contact us. We will do whatever we can to help facilitate your research with local organizations and government agencies, as we have many contacts in country, enabling you to focus on your work.
Teachers/professors: if you are interested in teaching one of our classes or would like to bring your own class to one of our locations in the tropics – please contact us. We regularly help organize classes by arranging everything in country well ahead of the course start date. In essence we will take care of all of your needs – all you have to do is teach!
Our Team
Israel Mesen Rubi
Growing up in a small town surrounded by tropical rain forest, Israel became very interested in biodiversity and conservation. Starting at 18, he was assisting students and professors who were conducting research in Costa Rica. The thought of having a job where he could spend time in the rainforest and help preserve it at the same time inspired him to study Eco-tourism. Today, Israel is cofounder of TREE, runs his own Eco-tourism company (Tayra Travel S.A), and coordinates logistics for all classes that come to El Zota Field Station. Fortunately for all of us, he continues to assist researchers and professors working in Costa Rica.
Israel received his English degree from Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano in 2009 and his Guia de Turismo General degree (General Tourism Guide) from INA in 2010.
Dr. Lorna Joachim is a co-founder and principle instructor for Tree Field Studies. She received her Ph.D. from The University of Arizona in Tucson in Comparative/Evolutionary Psychology and Physical Anthropology. Lorna's principle interests are in primate cognition and the humane management of captive apes. More specifically, Lorna believes that threats to wild populations of apes make human treatment of captive individuals a moral imperative. As such, she is committed to providing captive individuals with stimulating activities and settings, which will enhance their well-being.
Dr. Joachim teaches a variety of courses at the University of New Mexico whilst researching the well-being of captive gorillas. She has taught many students from the United States and abroad for over 20 years in Costa Rica - preparing them for careers in Primatology.