Zoe Gupton, 2025, Birds and Soft Corals

Hello! I’m Zoe and I am a junior from Sid. As I prepare for my trip to Belize, I’m excited and a bit nervous. I’m especially looking forward to growing as a person, particularly in overcoming my fear of insects. Fieldwork in the tropics will challenge me to step out of my comfort zone, and I hope to become more comfortable with the critters I’ll encounter. I’m also excited to learn more about soft corals and birds, as both groups fascinate me in different ways.

I’ve been getting ready by researching the species I might encounter and packing essentials like bug repellent, sunscreen, and field guides. While this is my first time doing fieldwork in the tropics, I’m eager to immerse myself in the experience and learn as much as I can. I’m also preparing mentally for the challenges that come with field research in a tropical environment.

Despite feeling nervous, I’m eager to learn about how soft corals contribute to marine ecosystems and observe birds in their natural habitat. I hope to gain new skills in species identification and field research. Most of all, I want to immerse myself in the experience and make the most of the opportunity to learn in a tropical environment.

Although I have no previous fieldwork experience in the tropics, I’m excited to dive in. The idea of studying soft corals and birds up close is incredibly exciting. I’m ready to push through any nerves and embrace this chance for personal and academic growth.