By: Anthony Westrope, University of Missouri–Kansas City
Figure 1. Coastal landscape on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, where I explored the environmental impacts of hurricanes on coastal ecosystems.
My name is Anthony Westrope, and I am a senior at the University of Missouri–Kansas City majoring in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. While my academic background may seem unusual for environmental research, I have always been fascinated by the relationship between people and the natural world. Understanding how environmental changes affect communities is one of the reasons I am passionate about both psychology and sustainability.
I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether I am landscaping, gardening, skateboarding, or exploring a new destination, I find myself drawn to nature and hands-on experiences. I currently work as a landscaper and hope to eventually expand my work into a conservation-focused business that promotes sustainable land management practices. I am also passionate about languages and communication. In addition to English, I speak Spanish and can communicate using American Sign Language (ASL).
My interest in environmental sustainability led me to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, where I explored the impacts of hurricanes on coastal environments. San Salvador is particularly well suited for this type of research because its small size, low elevation, and location in the eastern Bahamas make it highly vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Scientists have long studied the island as a natural laboratory for understanding coastal storm impacts and environmental change.
My travel plans centered on spending time in San Salvador conducting field research along the island’s coastline and nearshore environments. In addition to collecting data, I was excited to explore the island’s unique ecosystems and learn more about the environmental challenges facing
small island communities. Because this was my first visit to the Bahamas, the opportunity to experience a new culture and environment while conducting meaningful research made the project even more rewarding.
The focus of my project was to investigate the environmental effects of Hurricane Melissa on San Salvador’s coastal landscape and nearshore environments. My primary research question was simple: Are there visible remnants of Hurricane Melissa still present on the island’s coastline and ecosystems?
More specifically, I was interested in determining whether saltwater intrusion from storm surge had affected coastal vegetation. During major hurricanes, seawater can be pushed inland, increasing soil salinity and potentially harming plants that are not adapted to salty conditions. Understanding these effects is important because coastal ecosystems provide critical habitat, protect shorelines from erosion, and support local communities.
To investigate these questions, I used a combination of drone photography and soil analysis. Drone imagery allowed me to capture aerial views of coastal areas and observe patterns that would be difficult to recognize from the ground. These photographs provided valuable information about vegetation health, shoreline changes, and possible signs of storm-related disturbance. I also collected soil samples from nearshore environments and used a refractometer to measure salinity levels. By comparing conditions across different sites, I hoped to gain insight into how hurricane-driven saltwater intrusion may influence long-term ecosystem recovery.
What drew me to this research topic was my passion for sustainability and my fascination with weather. Hurricanes are among the most powerful natural forces on Earth, and their impacts are becoming increasingly important to study as coastal communities face growing environmental
challenges. Research conducted on San Salvador and throughout the Bahamas has shown that hurricanes can reshape coastlines, alter ecosystems, and leave lasting environmental signatures in both coastal landscapes and inland water systems.
Beyond the scientific objectives, conducting research in the Bahamas provided a unique opportunity to learn in an international setting. Working in a foreign environment offered perspectives that would be difficult to gain in a traditional classroom. Every landscape has its own ecological challenges, and studying environmental issues firsthand helps create a deeper understanding of how geography, climate, and culture intersect.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was developing practical research skills. Learning to operate a drone for scientific observation, collecting field data, and analyzing environmental conditions all provided hands-on experience that strengthened my understanding of environmental science. Equally important was the opportunity to work closely with instructors and fellow students who shared similar interests in research and discovery.
While I felt well prepared for the project, I understood that field research often comes with uncertainty. Weather conditions, equipment challenges, and the possibility of not finding clear evidence of hurricane impacts were all factors I considered before beginning the study. However, I viewed these uncertainties as part of the scientific process and an opportunity to develop adaptability and problem-solving skills in the field.
Throughout this experience, I was reminded that scientific research is not just about collecting data. It is also about asking questions, remaining curious, and developing a greater appreciation for the complexity of the natural world. Even small islands like San Salvador can provide valuable insights into larger global issues such as climate change, coastal resilience, and
environmental sustainability. Researchers have documented how hurricanes repeatedly shape the island’s landscapes and ecosystems, making it an ideal location for studying environmental recovery and resilience.
As I continue my academic and professional journey, I hope to build on the skills and experiences connected to this project. Whether I pursue graduate studies in counseling, continue developing my landscaping business, or combine both interests in new ways, I know that sustainability and environmental stewardship will remain central to my goals.
This experience reinforced my belief that understanding our environment is essential for protecting it. By studying the effects of hurricanes on vulnerable coastal systems, we can contribute to a growing body of knowledge that helps communities prepare for future challenges and preserve these important ecosystems for generations to come.
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