FAIRBORN – Learning more about his field – biology – was something Wright State student Ryan Satchell expected while doing research in Africa.

Meeting renowned scientist Jane Goodall was a thrill Satchell, 22, might not have anticipated.

Satchell, who continues in Tanzania working on the project, was interviewed by email about the research and meeting Goodall.

The 2007 Northmont High School graduate is part of a team that is researching the ecosystem connected to Lake Tanganyika in that region.

WSU biology professor Dr. Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, who serves as the principal investigator, is leading the team.

Although the lake’s water is poor in nutrients, it contains nutrient-rich algae and supports diverse forms of life. Satchell said the research is focusing on a better understanding of this unique ecosystem. The research could lead to better preservations methods, not just for the lake, but also for similar ecosystems.

Tippecanoe Middle School science teacher Len Kenyon, who went to Tanzania with the research team, has posted photos and details of the research on a blog.

Kenyon, who returned from Africa at the end of July, will use the data, which is still being collected, to help his students compare Lake Erie to Lake Tanganyika.

The focus will be to allow students to pick up on the data differences in the two lake ecosystems.

A former research scientist and biologist, Kenyon found his first trip to Africa to be enlightening.

“I was totally blown away by the culture, the people, the lack of resources,” Kenyon said. “The culture part of it hit me as much as the research part of it.”

For Satchell, this is also his first trip to Africa. He has found it challenging, particularly the logistics of the experience.

“The experience of this project is much more than I envisioned,” he said. “I must say that Tanzania is full of amazing people and rich in culture.”

The height of his visit has been meeting Goodall, which took place during a 50th anniversary celebration marking the start of her work.

“Of course, I have always dreamed of meeting Jane,” said Satchell. “Ever since my fifth grade teacher Maureen McCormick, who really introduced me to Jane’s work.

“Jane was an amazing woman. She was a very sweet, passionate, strong, and determined woman. She was quite easy to talk to as well, once I calmed my nerves. I didn’t get to talk to her as much as I would have liked, though.”

Challenges also have included doing without items Satchell has come to expect while living here.

“I miss my family and friends a lot, also cheese and good coffee,” he said. “Being able to Skype with a few friends and family members has made it easier though. Also just keeping busy with the work makes time go by pretty quick.

“Climate wise, no challenges, and – it’s cooler here than it is in Dayton.”

Satchell is confident he wants to continue doing similar research, but he has not yet decided which graduate school he will attend. His parents are Brett Satchell of Clayton, and Judy Ehler of Englewood.

“Immediately, I see myself out west backpacking, but as far as career I do plan on going to graduate school,” he said. “I just know that whatever it is I do, I will be outside enjoying myself.”

To see photos of Tanzania and learn about the research project, visit Kenyon’s blog at http://tanzania-lkenyon.blogspot.com/.