“I’m always looking for ways to blend my passions for travel and ecology. I’m fortunate that Merrimack offers so many opportunities for me to do just that. No question about it: I am adventurous.”

DEVON ROBINSON ‘13
Majors: Biology, Environmental Studies and Sustainability 

At Merrimack, there are many opportunities for exploration—ranging in duration from a few days to an entire semester. Last year, I traveled to Belize with 12 other Merrimack students as part of our global field studies class. For ten days, we explored the rainforests and coral reefs, and learned about tropical ecology and conservation efforts. It was an incredible experience that spurred me to study abroad.

The process to studying overseas was easy. I visited Merrimack’s study abroad office, attended an informational meeting, and completed my application for studying at the land down under—in Australia. A few months later, I was climbing trees with koalas.

During my semester in Melbourne I studied at the Swinburne University of Technology. It was a natural fit for my major in environmental studies when you consider that Australia is one of the world’s leaders in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability, and conservation. Homes there feature solar panels and water tanks and many Australians recycle gray water, which is generated from laundry, dishwashing, and bathing, to water their yards and gardens.

I lived in an apartment in city, took the train to school every day, and interacted with people from all over the world. On the weekends and during breaks, I traveled all over—from Queensland where I went scuba diving, to Darwin where I went on a bush tour and crocodile cruise. I swam in water holes, cruised the spectacular Great Ocean Road, played ultimate Frisbee, and learned about Aboriginal culture.

This experience was nothing short of life changing, and I can’t wait to return. Having opportunities to learn outside the classroom is just one more way that Merrimack helps me be more.

See more photos of Devon’s adventures!

 Be More Driven

“I bring my helmet into work every day. It’s my passion. What could be better?”

CHRIS IGO ‘13
Race Car Driver and Owner/Manager, Igo Racing

Every spring you can catch Merrimack senior Chris Igo looping the track at Seekonk Speedway in his Chevy S-10, as he competes in the prestigious Sport Truck Series. This marketing major from Mattapoisett, Massachusetts is no newbie to the world of racing. Since the age of 12, he’s been competing on tracks of various kinds all around New England. From go-karts to super mini-cups cars to trucks, Chris has worked his way up the racing circuit, even, at one point, earning a spot as captain of a NASCAR development team.

In 2010, a serious accident temporarily derailed Chris’s dream when he totaled his truck during the first race of the season. Disappointed but undeterred, Chris spent more than a year regrouping and getting his vehicle in top racing condition once again. Today, he is ready to go.

From marketing himself to potential sponsors and procuring advertising opportunities to leading his team and raising money for charity, this Merrimack student has already put his education to good use. “I consider myself an entrepreneur and I run my racing operations like a business. No question, majoring in marketing with a concentration in sports management was a great move. But my decision to go to Merrimack has turned out to be an even better decision. I’ve been able to apply my classroom skills to the real world, right away - and I’m already seeing results.”

Learn more about Chris at http://www.igoracing.com/driver.html.