For nearly 20 years, the Scientific Roots in Europe faculty-led study abroad program has delivered a firsthand look at the scientific legacy of some of the continent’s most prominent cities. Professor Amanda Bird, who began co-leading and teaching the program three years ago, continues to provide students with unforgettable experiences through new destinations and an emphasis on building confidence.
“International travel is such an important part of the college experience,” noted Bird. “To really learn about a culture, you have to actually go there and immerse yourself in it.”
On the Scientific Roots program, students are able to explore the scientific histories of London, England and Paris, France, both hotbeds for innovation throughout society.
Through visits to sites such as Charles Darwin’s Down House and Marie Curie’s Lab, students can put themselves in the shoes of some of science’s greatest figures.
“Seeing where these scientists lived and worked and did their research is so valuable,” said Bird. “For students this is certainly not the typical didactic class, we’re learning about history in a real-world setting.”
The skill that Bird most hopes her students get out of the program is confidence. The Scientific Roots program forgoes the typical luxuries of large groups abroad – like charter buses and day-long itineraries – for public transit and independent exploration.
“It is extremely important that students not only have the ability to travel, but have the ability to confidently travel,” noted Bird, who joined Ohio State since 2009 and holds a joint position in the departments of Human Sciences and Molecular Genetics. “If you’re being led by a group you don’t have to think; we make sure everyone is confident enough to travel by themselves at the end of the experience. You don’t typically have the ability to make you own decisions like this in a classroom setting.”
Bird reflected that while travel is never perfect, navigating through problems and seeing the growth in students throughout the experience is why she will continue to lead study abroad programs.
“This is overload teaching for me, but I love it because I always learn new things. It’s very rewarding to see people who have overcome a fear or learned something new.”
In 2026, Bird will return to Europe with a new stop on the program, visiting Louis Pasteur’s home and laboratory in Arbois, France.