SOCI 361: Sustainable Central America

Our Team

Daniel N McLane

SUNY Faculty

Daniel Newell McLane (pictured above on right with Daniel Holness from CEASPA) received his PhD in Sociology from Colorado State University where his dissertation examined sustainable development in Costa Rica. He also holds a MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from the United Nations’ University for Peace in Costa Rica as well as a MA in International Affairs from American University in Washington DC. His BA in Africana Studies is from Binghamton University. Dr. McLane has been conducting research in Central America since 2004 and leading educational experiences for college students in Latin America since 2010 while he was an instructor at Colorado State University. He continued to developed and lead courses to Panama and Costa Rica while an Assistant Professor at St. Lawrence University where he received the Owen D. Young Excellence in Teaching Award.

Janet Parcell

SUNY Faculty

Janet Parcell (pictured above center with Health and Fitness Promotion students from SUNY Canton) is an Associate Professor teaching courses and advising students in the Health and Fitness Promotion program. Janet has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and her Bachelor’s in Athletic Training. She also has additional credentials of being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Janet has practiced as a physical therapist since 2009 and as an athletic trainer since 2006.

Janet’s passion is working with the young adult and teenage populations. She loves to educate these populations about health, wellness, and exercise. She also loves working with athletes. She has worked as a Medical Provider for Team USA since 2018, specifically with the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. She works domestically with the team during their training and also travels internationally with them for competitions. She also works per diem as an athletic trainer at all four of the local colleges, as well as with the local high school football team.

CEaspa

Panama

La Asociación Centro de Estudios y Acción Social Panameño (CEASPA) is a non profit founded in 1970 by Xavier Gorostiaga (and economist and Jesuit priest, Raul Leis, a sociologist and Charlotte Elton,, also an economist. From its origin CEASPA has been working with, and for, these poor and excluded communities of Panama and the region. Through participatory action research and popular education CEASPA advances the cause of social justice and empowers the citizenry so they can fully particpate in creating a better society.

Biologist Daniel Holness is the President of CEASPA. He has been working with university groups from the US for decades and is an expert at linking CEASPA’s significant community connections to the learning goals of visiting faculty.

Sustainability Education CR

Costa Rica

A family-owned tourism agency founded in 2014 by Maribel and Esteban, a couple with a deep love for Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty. As proud parents of two wonderful children, they understand the importance of creating lasting memories with loved ones. Their journey began with a shared dream: to help people discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich culture that make Costa Rica truly special. Esteban is an avid nature enthusiast, spending countless hours exploring the country’s diverse ecosystems. Maribel expertly manages the administrative tasks, ensuring that operations run smoothly and that clients receive the best possible service.

Jan Breitling

Associate Professor University for Peace

Dr. Breitling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environment and Development at University for Peace and currently coordinates the MA in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. Originally trained as a Forest Engineer in the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, he holds a MSc. in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands, and a PhD from the University for Peace. His research interests include the political ecology of forest cover change, climate change, and conservation.

Asoprola

Rural Development Organization

AsoProLA (Asociación de Productores La Amistad) is a community organization located in Altamira de Biolley, Puntarenas, near the Pacific sector of La Amistad International Park (PILA). Founded in 1997 by local farming families, AsoProLA aims to create sustainable development alternatives for nearby communities while conserving natural resources. Their initiatives include sustainable coffee production, honey and jam making, and community-based rural tourism.

Osa conservation

Conservation Non Profit

In the face of rapid climate change, Osa Conservation works to build resilience throughout southern Costa Rica’s extraordinary landscape. We are on the ground, working hand-in-hand with local communities, government officials, and global leaders to build a climate adaptive mega-corridor so nature and people can thrive into perpetuity.