Students Study Physiological Adaptation in the Arizona Desert
Students train at 7,000 feet elevation in Flagstaff, Arizona.Eight students and two professors recently traveled to Arizona for 25 days for the Extreme Physiology intersession course. Olivia Pisarski '22, a physiology major in the course, talks about her experience. The class visited Tucson, Sedona, Grand Canyon and Flagstaff.
Tell us a little about the trip, Olivia!
This unique course exposes the student to the stunning and diverse environments of Arizona while investigating human physiological adaptation to extreme environmental and aerobic challenges. It is a travel course created by University of Scranton Biology Professor Terrence Sweeney. The course is offered every other year by Dr. Sweeney and Scranton faculty member Tara Fay.
What did you learn in this intersession course?
This course taught me how to properly fuel/take care of my body when exercising in diverse environments. However, the most memorable part of the trip was the group. We were so lucky to have eight amazing students and two faculty members who made this trip a course I will never forget!
This was my last college class at The University of Scranton. Once intersession ends, I will be graduated, and I could not have imagined ending my academic career in a better way than studying in the Arizona desert.
See a "Day in the Life" from this trip, here.
In between class, we had time to check out some of Arizona's national landmarks. 
Mount Lemmon, Arizona
Weekends include exploring the west coast slopes at Snowball Ski Resort. 
From left: Seniors Stephanie Patullo and Olivia Pisarski finished the Extreme Physiology course with one last hike through the Arizona desert. 
We were so lucky to call this beautiful place our classroom for this intersession.
Students test their cardiovascular and pulmonary performance by hiking to the top of Finger Rock alongside Dr. Sweeney.
The eight students participating in the Extreme Physiology 2022 course in Tucson, Arizona. 
