The central American country of Belize offers a lush tropical ecosystem teeming with a diversity of life. Within this multitude of organisms dwell microscopic, timeless creatures of the kingdom Protista. While many of the familiar forms have served as model organisms in cell biology, the vast majority have been all but forgotten or remain undiscovered in this age of reductionist molecular biology. With the tropical Caribbean as our backdrop we will step back in time to far less hurried days as we collect samples, peer through microscopes, and document the esoteric world of single celled and colonial organisms. We will travel to the threshold of multicellularity as we initiate a baseline survey of the protists and still find time to explore extant ruins of the Mayan civilization and visit sites of historical interest.

• Tuition
• Room
• Meals
• Cultural Excursions and Activities

• Earn 4 credits toward your URI degree
• Artist (biological illustration) and photo journalist are needed for this expedition. Credit can be given through your academic department and contact Program Director for details.

• Housing in rooms at Cahal Pech Village Resort overlooking San Ignacio, Belize
• Breakfast and dinner
• More detailed information (click here)

• Visits to Sample the cuisine of San Ignacio
• Visits to historical sites