Exploring the world and expanding perspectives: CFANS students travel to Belize and the Bahamas

From rainforest to reef: Wildlife medicine and conservation in Central America

This summer, 23 CFANS students joined Melissa Palmer, Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Belize and Guatemala. Over the span of 22 days, they explored wildlife medicine, conservation, marine biology and environmental science in some of the most biodiverse places in Central America.

Palmer has been leading this program since 2014, and it continues to grow each year. While most students on the trip are preparing for careers in veterinary medicine, there are also students interested in wildlife, environmental sciences and even finance. What ties them all together is a shared curiosity and a willingness to learn far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the trip, students visited different regions to experience everything from marine conservation projects to jungle treks. They learned how to collect environmental DNA in the rainforest, observed endangered turtles, practiced veterinary techniques like surgery and diagnostics and even snorkeled along coral reefs. The program gave them a rare opportunity to learn directly from local experts, researchers and veterinarians. Some days involved lectures, while others included hands-on animal handling and activities as real as they come.

The cultural experience was just as rich. Students immersed themselves in the daily lives of people in Belize, from Mayan farmers to Mennonite dairy producers. At first, many students were surprised by how different things felt, but over time they came to understand and appreciate the diversity that defines Belize. For many, it was eye-opening in the best way.

Palmer said one of the most powerful parts of the trip was seeing how students grew. Most of them didn’t know each other before the trip, but by the end, the bonds were strong. She shared that students were emotional saying goodbye, and even now, alumni from years ago still reach out and reminisce. Watching students face physical challenges, push themselves out of their comfort zones and fully embrace the experience made her feel incredibly proud.

When asked Dr. Palmer to sum it all up in one word, she thought for a second and then said, “Magical.”

Here’s what student Brooke Wiese had to say:
“This trip was one of the most fun and memorable experiences of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to visit Central America, experiencing a new culture, meeting incredible people, and being one with nature. I gained some incredible hands-on experience with exotic animals and learned a lot about the importance of wildlife conservation. I made some truly incredible memories, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone with a love for travel, nature, and animals.”

Into the blue: Shark biology and marine life in the Bahamas 

While one group was hiking through the jungle, another group of CFANS students spent a week in Bimini, Bahamas, led by Ray Newman, Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

This program focused on shark biology and tropical marine ecosystems. Students spent their days working with the world-renowned Bimini Shark Lab, where they encountered six different species of sharks and rays, snorkeled in some of the clearest water on the planet and learned how to identify over 50 types of marine life.

Every morning started with a lecture, and by the afternoon, students were putting their knowledge into practice in the water. It wasn’t just about observing. They were out there, learning how marine conservation really works and seeing the effects of habitat loss and protection efforts firsthand.

Newman said it was a fantastic trip. The group not only learned about sharks and rays but also connected with the local community. One highlight was enjoying a freshly harvested conch meal prepared by locals, which helped students understand sustainable fishing practices in Bimini.

Student Antonio shared his reflections:
“The trip really opened my eyes beyond the animals. I was able to meet people and hear about their culture, practices and traditions while I was on my study abroad. Not to mention, I got to get a live lecture every morning, then for the afternoon used the skills within the field with sharks, rays and all the aquatic life that the island on Bimini had.”

These two trips are just a glimpse into what global learning can do. Through the #CFANSGlobalImpact campaign, we’re celebrating experiences that challenge students to think differently, connect more deeply, and learn in ways that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

Whether they were surrounded by howler monkeys in the jungle or swimming beside a blacknose shark, every student walked away with memories and lessons they’ll carry for life.

As Palmer said, she hopes each student always remembers how special the experience was, and that it helps guide their next steps, whether that’s in veterinary school, a conservation career or simply how they see the world.