Hanlon Scholars Winterim Trip

For the 2025 Research Immersion Trip, we selected Oahu and the Big Island Hawai'i, to align with the academic interests of the Class of 2029 Hanlon Scholars. These students arrived at Dartmouth with passions spanning the biological sciences, environmental engineering, mathematics and artificial intelligence, linguistics, and indigenous language preservation. The trip is organized around three research threads: 1) sustainability and Hawaiian ecology; 2) Hawaiian language and culture, including native language revitalization, literature, and history; and 3) volcanology/geology. In different ways, each of the threads spans multiple days rather than being confined to a single day. Each thread will expose scholars to new research methods, types of questions, and forms of engagement. Along the way, we'll experience Hawaiian culture and spend time getting to know each other better.

Day 1: Sustainability and Hawaiian Ecology

• Visit to Ho'okua'aina, a non-profit kalo (taro) farm
• Lunch at Paia Fish Market
• Unstructured time at Kailua Beach / Lanikai Pillbox hike
• Evening Plankton Tour with the Hawai'i Institute for Marine Biology (Moku o Lo'e)
• Dinner at Oh My Grill

Day 2: Hawaiian History and Geology

• Group surf lesson with Stoke Drift
• Guided docent tour of 'Iolani Palace
• Lunch at Kekaulike Market in Chinatown
• Departure from Honolulu to Hilo
• Evening visit to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for lava viewing

Day 3: Hawaiian Language and Culture

• Visits to Pūnana Leo o Hilo and Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu
• Engagement with K–12 Hawaiian language education
• Visit to the Hawaiian language college
• Meeting with Professor Leanne Day (University of Hilo English department)
• Lunch at Lehua Restaurant
• Visit to 'Imiloa Astronomy Center

Day 4: Volcanology 

• Breakfast at Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
• Group hike in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
• Scenic drive and stop at Mauna Kea

For the inaugural 2024 trip, we selected Reykjavik, Iceland, to align with the academic interests of many of our '28 Scholars, who arrived at Dartmouth with a strong focus on climate studies, engineering, and economics. The trip was designed to immerse scholars in research across three key areas: Icelandic arts and culture, geothermal energy, and volcanology. Through direct engagement with these fields in a setting rich with innovation and natural wonders, the Scholars deepened their understanding of interdisciplinary research while experiencing Iceland's unique cultural landscape.

Day 1: Icelandic Arts & Culture

• Visit the University of Iceland for a seminar and exhibition tour with Professor Emily Lethbridge.
• Explore contemporary Icelandic design and architecture with Dartmouth professor, Chad Elias at the Harpa Concert Hall.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Enjoy an Icelandic jazz performance at the Harpa Concert Hall.

Day 2: Geothermal Energy 

• Visit the Geothermal Exhibition for a Carbfix Tour, including a carbon reinjection borehole.
• Lunch at Friðheimar, a unique Icelandic greenhouse restaurant.
• Seminar on energy economics Professor Ewa Ryszarda Lazarczyk Carlon at Reykjavik University.
• Explore Reykjavik's street food scene with a group outing.
• Take a small group tour to see the Northern Lights.

Day 3: Volcanology & Geology

• Take a guided tour of the lava fields and Fagradalsfjall volcano at Reykjanes Geopark.
• Visit the Hafnarfjordur Christmas market for an evening of shopping and festive treats.