Hi guys! My name is Claire Dillon, and I am a rising sophomore from McMurtry college. I am currently studying biosciences, cognitive sciences, and environmental science. I am super excited and very nervous for the trip. I hope I am very prepared after the many taxon groups I researched including bees, trumpetfish and seahorses. I also did a lot of research on coral growth and destruction for my topic presentation.

I am trying to come in with little to no expectations but I am definitely hoping to learn a lot about ecology and marine biology. I especially want to learn a lot about conservation and how we can better treat these habitats. I also think it will be super cool staying in these more remote locations, and I am looking forward to our morning bird-watching in the forest. Honestly to thing I am most nervous about is no air- conditioning, but I think I’ll survive. I am mainly just excited to be snorkeling off the reefs in Belize. I know it will be so beautiful, and I really love marine biology.

I do have some previous experience in the tropics. Specifically Belize even. I was here 2 summers ago, and I can’t wait to go back. As for fieldwork I have done and been a counselor at my high schools ecology trip where me did forest and stream research in Missouri.