Photo Albums

Dr. Eric Wetzel leads seven students in his BIO 322 class on an immersion trip to Belize to study invertebrate biology along the world's second longest coral reef at the IZE Belize research facility.

After three flights, it took a 40-minute boat ride to reach the research facility at South Water Caye, Belize.

A little down time was filled with volleyball.

Several students gather for the first Belizean sunset.

Following dinner, Dr. Wetzel (left) gets the students ready for the week ahead.

Pelicans are prevalent at and around the research center.

South Point at South Water Caye is a long way from everywhere.

Prior to the day's activities, the students get a lecture on what's ahead. On Monday, the group snorkeled along turtle grass beds and a patch reef. Pictured here are Justin To '23 (left) and Mitchell Keeling '23.

Ben Jansen '24 actively takes notes.

Cooper Cochran '25 listens intently.

Dr. Wetzel explains the turtle grass role in reef ecology.

Plenty of notes were taken during the session.

In looking at reefs, Wetzel said, 'Little things run the world.' In terms of biodiversity and ecosystems, it's the small species that provide a foundation for the bigger ones to survive.

Adan Villeda '23 (left) and Takeshi Greiner '24 react to a light moment.

It's always a good idea to preview what you might see in the water.

There was plenty of exploring in the grass beds off South Beach.

Floating above the sights below is an interesting perspective.

Dr. Wetzel dives to point out an interesting feature.

Even on the water, there is time to take questions.

There is marine life aplenty off the coast of Belize.

Following the snorkeling session at a patch reef, there was time for Q&A. Did you know there are four types of coral reefs: patch, barrier, fringing, and atoll?

Before heading back to the research center, there was time to preview the evening's activities.

Dr. Wetzel's BIO 322 class: front row (l to r), Takeshi Greiner, Justin To, Adan Villeda, and Joey Miller '25. Back row, Cooper Cochran, Mitchell Keeling, Ben Jansen, Wetzel, and his wife, Sue.

The sunsets in Belize have proven to be spectacular.