A Journey of Ecological Enlightenment and Inspiration
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) had the honor of hosting Dr. Erik Lindquist, a representative from the prestigious Fulbright Program, and a distinguished Professor of Biology and Environmental Science from Messiah University, USA.
Dr. Lindquist’s passion for the natural world inspired him to pursue a research career in environmental sciences from an early age. His childhood experiences made him intrigued by the ecosystem which eventually led him to having a career in Environmental Science. His research on biodiversity and ecological conservation is evident in his remarkable work with endangered tropical amphibians, particularly the Panamanian golden frog. His work has earned him many recognitions, including an appearance in an interview with Sir David Attenborough on the BBC documentary series, ‘Life in Cold Blood’.
During his six-week visit to Malaysia, he has shared his knowledge and valuable insights from his 20 years of experience in the field. He was here as a Fulbright Specialist, specifically in biodiversity and conversation biology. He has been teaching, conducting specialized lectures, and conducting training for faculty and staff. Dr. Lindquist is renowned for his innovative teaching methods. He believes that excellence in science instruction must move beyond the passive learning environment into a learning space that is visual, auditory, and kinesthetic that cultivates aspiration in his students to further learn about Environmental Sciences.
Fulbright Scholar Forum
A Fulbright Scholar Forum was held at MCKL on 17 June 2023 and Dr. Lindquist was the key speaker. He addressed a pressing global concern – the alarming decline of amphibians worldwide. Focusing on the critically endangered harlequin toads, he shared insights into the 25-year crisis, shedding light on the potential consequences and the urgency of conservation efforts. His presentation emphasized preserving these important species in order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. This was a great learning session especially for environmentalists, scientists and students that are passionate about making a change to the environment.
Dr. Yong Ding Li, the Asia Advocacy and Policy Manager at Birdlife International (Asia) was also a speaker in this forum. With 15 years of experience, Dr. Yong has extensive knowledge on biodiversity and species conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. He discussed the topics of migratory birds and wetlands in Southeast Asia and the interconnection with the ecological systems. Dr. Yong emphasized the critical significance of these transnational conservation efforts.
Empowering the MCKL Community
With a teaching career for over two decades and mentoring more than 400 students across ten countries, Dr. Lindquist is a seasoned educator with a unique approach to science instruction. Using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques, he prioritizes experiential learning, making science both informative and captivating for students.
Dr. Lindquist was invited to be a guest lecturer on environmental science for interested students at MCKL. The students were keen to gain an understanding of Dr. Lindquist’s expertise and to learn more from his experiences. During this visit to MCKL, Dr. Lindquist collaborated with the team teacher, Mr. Ng Di Lin for a sharing session with the lecturers at Taman Tugu Negara, Kuala Lumpur and the students at Taman Alam, Kuala Selangor. The outdoor experience highlighted how learning in natural environments can enhance students’ understanding of ecological concepts, promoting a greater appreciation for the biodiversity surrounding them. The outdoor experience truly gave Dr. Lindquist the chance to demonstrate his work for the better understanding of the students and lecturers. This experience enhanced the students’ understanding and cultivated a deeper appreciation towards the ecosystem. They got the chance to ask questions and learn further about Dr. Lindquist’s work and his research.
Enlightening the Future Generation
Dr. Lindquist’s Fulbright Specialist Program to MCKL was an unforgettable experience, marked by profound insights, groundbreaking teachings, and an unwavering commitment to ecological conservation. His innovative teaching methods and tireless efforts in amphibian conservation serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Addressing concerns from students about the saturation of scientific knowledge, Dr. Lindquist reminded that endless possibilities lie ahead, especially in tropical places like Malaysia. Emphasizing the importance of staying updated with the latest developments, Dr. Lindquist shared his fascination with the latest technology, particularly the use of drones for data collection in ecosystems, remote sensing, and advances in portable research equipment.
Dr. Lindquist encouraged students to pursue graduate studies with inspiring mentors, setting the stage for their future endeavors. As the MCKL community and beyond continue to draw from his wisdom, they carry with them a renewed sense of responsibility to protect our planet and its precious biodiversity for generations to come.
Explore Your Passion with MCKL
The American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) by MCKL offers flexible credit transfer program that provides a smooth pathway to transition to their U.S. Universities of choice. Students are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of courses from oral communication and writing, quantitative skills, natural sciences, literature and arts, humanities, computer science and engineering.
MCKL offers three intakes per year for ADTP (January, May, and August). MCKL together with its partner universities – Messiah University, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and Virginia Wesleyan University offers exclusive scholarships and financial aid for well-deserving students.
For more information, visit https://mckl.edu.my/programme/american-degree-transfer-program/, or call +603-2274 1851 or +603-2300 0998.