Photo Albums

Led by biology professor Dr. Eric Wetzel (pictured), the BiO 322 students ventured to an area known as the fore reef on Tuesday morning. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

The students snorkeled along the outside of the reef in open water 40-60 feet deep. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

Pictured here are Takeshi Greiner 24 (center), Cooper Cochran '25 (rear), and Mitchell Keeling '23 (right). Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

A total of seven students made the immersion trip to Belize along with Dr. Wetzel. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

Joseph Miller '25 dives down for a closer look. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

A Nurse Shark rests along the sea floor. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

Snorkeling gives the students a chance to directly engage in this ecosystem. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

The corals are plentiful. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

A school of Blue Tang congregate along the reef. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

Consider Ben Jansen '24 fully immersed along the reef. Underwater photo by Justin To '23.

Justin To (left) and Miller enjoy a bit of paddleboarding near the IZE Belize pier.

Wetzel leads a discussion on tidal pools before the group heads to one that afternoon.

Here is a look at some of Wetzel's notes to the class.

Wetzel and the students were hands-on in the tidal pool along the north end of South Water Caye.

There is plenty of dialog as the students and Dr. Wetzel identify species and their characteristics.

Cooper Cochran checks for species under a rock.

To be able to see and hold these tidal species, like this Banded Arm Brittle Star, is one of the impacts of such immersion trips.

Adan Villeda '23 (left) and Ben Johnson search together.

Wetzel takes time to answer questions for the students.

Johnson makes an up-close observation of a Slate Pencil Sea Urchin.

After discovering a number of snails on the rock, Joseph Miller searches the water for additional species of invertebrates.

Wetzel makes a point with Keeling (center) and Villeda.

Villeda (left) and Takeshi Greiner compare thoughts.

Cooper Cochran (second from left) holds a Variegated Sea Urchin while Wetzel talks of the adaptive characteristics with Villeda. At left, Jansen takes notes.