DSU students gain hands-on research experience in Belize

Delaware State University students recently traveled to Belize in March for a study abroad experience that blended hands-on research with cultural exploration across two distinct ecosystems.

Hosted at the Blue Creek Rainforest Reserve in the Toledo District and South Water Caye, the program gave students the opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the field. Throughout the trip, they collected and analyzed data on water quality, air conditions and chlorophyll levels in local plant species, contributing to ongoing research efforts.

Students worked across multiple sites, comparing their findings with data collected in previous years. The experience strengthened their ability to apply scientific methods in real-world settings while building critical thinking and research skills.

Beyond the fieldwork, the trip offered a deeper look into Belize’s environment and culture. At Blue Creek, students explored cave systems and visited ancient Mayan ruins, gaining insight into the region’s history. An ethnobotany tour introduced them to medicinal plants used by local communities, highlighting the connection between traditional knowledge and modern wellness practices.

At South Water Caye, students snorkeled through mangrove and marine ecosystems, observing a wide range of aquatic life and gaining a clearer understanding of how land and sea environments are interconnected.

Kiabi Addison, an undergraduate studying agriculture, reflected on the experience.

“Blue Creek and South Water Caye were an incredible experience,” she said. “My favorite part was the ethnobotany tour, where I engaged in cultural exchange and learned how Belizean herbalism promotes community wellness while preserving ancient Mayan traditions. As my first undergraduate research experience abroad, working with Ph.D. student Lauren Waller and Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay challenged me to analyze scientific data at a higher level.”

Lauren Waller, a student in the Integrative Ph.D. Program in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, said the experience offered a new perspective on her work.

“Studying abroad in Belize has been a meaningful experience that broadened my perspective both academically and personally,” she said. “Working in a new environment helped me approach my research with fresh insight and see familiar concepts in a different way.”

Students who participated in the program presented their findings at Research Day 2026: From Insight to Impact on Wednesday, April 15, sharing the results of their fieldwork with the campus community.

The Belize study abroad experience which has been offered by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Food and Nutrition Sciences program, has been in place for the last 15 years and reflects Delaware State University’s continued commitment to providing students with opportunities that connect research, global learning and real-world application.