Belize Field Study

This winter, I traveled to Belize for an intensive 1.5 week study abroad program through University of Wisconsin–Stout as part of my master’s degree in conservation biology. We split our time between the coastal village of Hopkins and a field site near the border of Belize and Guatemala, immersing ourselves in both marine and tropical forest ecosystems.

Our days were filled with snorkeling vibrant reef systems, collecting data, and observing wildlife in their natural habitats. I conducted a project focused on marine debris, examining its presence along the coastline and considering its ecological impact on reef and mangrove systems.

The biodiversity we encountered was unforgettable: nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, sea horses, sea stars and jellyfish drifting through the water, and on land, spider monkeys swinging overhead, coatimundis foraging, tapirs and so much more! I logged over 90 species!