Geography major Joseph Wyckoff took part in the previous India Winterim program. This is three-week field based study abroad program allowing students to explore their interests in a variety of areas.

Undergraduate Joseph Wyckoff

My experience in North India over the Winterim was a priceless journey on many levels.  It was a fantastic opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary group in a project-oriented setting.  It was an eye-opening cultural experience that was both challenging and wonderful.  It was also a chance to grow as an individual by being exposed to situations that were sometimes outside of my comfort zone. 

Our group consisted of nine students from the departments of civil and environmental engineering, environmental science, economics, and geography, as well as Professors Marian Muste and Adam Ward.  Our project is an ongoing collaboration with the NGO IRRAD (Institute of Rural Research and Development) which is based in the city of Gurgaon, just south of Delhi in North India. 

Our study area, Mewat District, is an incredibly rural region where the key economic activity is agriculture.  The main source of water in this region is groundwater, which is too saline to use in most of the 500 or so villages. 

Over the course of the three weeks, we developed a GIS and non-spatial database.  Our group performed data collection and analyses on salinity and conductivity in wells, and developed a numeric hydrologic model showing groundwater transmission.  We also did focus group studies on socioeconomic issues comparing a saline and non-saline village.

We also took weekend trips to visit the “pink city” of Jaipur as well as Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.  We all left India with a great sense of accomplishment, and as friends. 

Thanks to Raj, Marian, Adam, and our amazing hosts from IRRAD for making this life-changing experience possible.