Cole Steber spent the summer of 2011 in South Africa and New England exploring various topics. In South Africa, he volunteered at a hospital and township, learned about the local people and culture, and explored the area of Knysna. He also began a research project on the plant Monotropa uniflora by developing microsatellite primers to study genetic variation across populations with the goal of understanding speciation. In New England, he conducted field work and explored beaches and landscapes while gaining exposure to scientific research and the medical field. He is grateful to his funders for making his enriching summer experience possible.