For over 30 years, Russia and the United States have cooperated in the area of environmental conservation and protection. In July 2009, the Third Bilateral Conference on Shared Perspectives in Animal Health took place in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and included a special session on coral disease.

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey
Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.
Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.
Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…
