Traversing the country from ridge to reef, five Talladega College students found themselves taking the trip of a lifetime. In the heart of Central America lies abundant biodiversity, cultural vibrancy, and endless exploration: Belize.
Tightly nestled between two additional Mesoamerican countries, Guatemala and Mexico, the coastal country boasts eastern Caribbean Sea shorelines and concentrated forests that attract inquisitive scholars and thrill-seeking travelers from all over the world.
The benefits of studying abroad can provide an invaluable experience for all majors, but for biology students, it’s a chance to observe organisms within their natural habitats, which can lead to a more thorough understanding of deeper issues like conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Andrew Coleman, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics department chair and assistant professor of Biology, led several Talladega College Ronald E. McNair scholars and Dr. Michael Windelspecht from Inspire EdVentures, on a research expedition. Inspire EdVentures is an educational travel company specializing in the reciprocal relationship of helping students afford trips abroad for research while identifying and meeting the needs of the local, native communities in different countries.
The opportunity unfolded after conversations with a former professor at Appalachian State University. The dialogue sparked Coleman’s curiosity about potential study-abroad research trips to Belize after the pandemic. “He and his colleagues have been taking students to Belize for years, and we reconnected during the COVID-19 shutdown because I needed some virtual research project options for my McNair Scholar students,” Coleman recalls. During those conversations, he discovered that the ASU professor and his students were placing cameras to document wildlife interactions during their trips. After studying those photos since 2020, the actualization of sending Talladega College students to Belize for experiential learning became a reality. The number of students that went abroad last year doubled in 2024.
The students, Rob’briunia Bennett, Eliza Croom, Michaela Evans, Trinity Lafitte-Pettway, and Enasha Phillips all hail from diverse backgrounds but have similar academic interests. The biology majors embarked on a week-long journey that would take them far beyond the confines of the Talladega College campus. The tapestry of ecosystems in Belize offered the scholars once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to trek the Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich, visit the Belize Zoo, be a part of flight exercises with native Belizan raptors, go bird-watching in wetlands like the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and more.
McNair scholar and traveler, Enasha Phillips feels her exposure abroad helped to foster a deepened understanding of the importance of taking care of the world around her beyond her lifetime. “Overall, my experiences exploring the Mayan ruins, encountering Belize’s wildlife, and
learning about conservation efforts left me with a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world and a newfound sense of responsibility to protect it for future generations,” Phillips reflected.
The abundance of wildlife, lush rainforests, expansive coral reefs, and sprawling savannas served as the ideal laboratory for their studies, providing hands-on experiences in fields such as ecology, marine biology, and sustainable development. Dr. Coleman appreciates the biodiversity that Belize offers as a turtle-biologist. However, as a professor, the chance to expand the experiences of young scholars is just as compelling.
“As a turtle biologist, I loved seeing the different species of turtles during our research that we don’t have here in Alabama, but there is also other wildlife that I loved seeing. As a teacher, I love providing opportunities for my students to experience moments they may not have had before attending Talladega College. Experiencing the students’ excitement in seeing something new is powerful. I hope it ignites a sense of curiosity that will continue to flourish once they leave Talladega College,” he exclaims.
That same sense of curiosity can often lead to the continued pursuit of exposure to different cultures, worldviews, and societal norms. This vigor helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of global issues and challenges. They gain insights into the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and cooperation in addressing complex global problems.
As the students wrapped up their research expedition in Belize, they returned to campus not only with a wealth of data and academic insights but also with a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and cultures. Their experiences testify to the transformative power of experiential learning and cross-cultural exchange, inspiring future generations of ’Degan scholars to venture beyond their classrooms and explore the world with open minds and adventurous spirits.
