Faculty Learning Grants

Mission Statement

It is our hope that ASPEC Faculty Development Grants, sponsored by SunTrust Banks, provide an experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as students work with faculty and ASPEC members through a process of applying what they are learning to community problems, and, and at the same time, reflecting upon their experience as they seek to achieve real objectives for the community at large and deeper understanding and skills for themselves.

Plant Trail Tour

Former faculty member Dr. Teresa Restom Gaskill proposed the creation of a “Plant Trail” walking tour, so visitors to Eckerd could enjoy walking the campus and appreciating the wide variety of plant life that grows at Eckerd. The guide would also assist in educating school children about our Florida natural environment. In 2010 a pamphlet was produced with the support of a grant from SunTrust.

View the Plant Trail

Melrose School Students Visit the ‘Plant Trail’

Eckerd College recently hosted a visit by Melrose School 4th and 5th graders for a day devoted to botony.

The Students walked Eckerd’s ‘Plant Trail’ with Professor Teresa Restom Gaskill and toured the College’s food garden, with Professor Kip Curtis. The students were excited to see and learn about plant life in a natural setting, and explore the differences between plant and animal cells under a microscope.

The students enjoyed Watermelon snacks, under the new GO Pavilion on the campus, and a good day was had by all! Professor Teresa Restom Gaskill was assisted by Eckerd students Rachel Chamberlin, Stephanie Leeper, and Nicola Zenzola. The visit was captured by Academy member and photographer Eugene Norris.

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