Dr. Zachary Taylor first visited Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico before starting his university studies, and his love for travel and the outdoors has since taken him from the Americas to Nepal, and around many backwoods trails closer to home. Dr. Taylor has studied ecology and evolutionary genetics at Miami University, where his Ph.D. research focused on the effects of habitat and landscape on animal genetics. He is currently an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Thomas More University, where he teaches genetics and emphasizes research methods, practical experience, and real-life applications.
Course:
Conservation & Sustainability in the
Maya Forest of Belize
Program Dates:
May 20, 2020 — June 02, 2021
Honors Credit:
None
WKU Course:
BIOL 485
Discipline(s):
Biology , Ecological Studies
Course Description:
The area that contains modern Belize has been a center of both biodiversity and human civilizations for over three thousand years. Here, the ancient Maya developed what was arguably the most technologically advanced civilization in the Americas, before most cities were abruptly abandoned in the 8th-9th century A.D. Today, Belize is the country with the world's largest percentage of protected national lands and is a leader in ecotourism centered in the rain forests and the Belize Barrier Reef. In this course, we will examine the challenges of sustainable human development, past and present, in the context of this vibrant ecosystem.
Prerequisites:
None
Physical Activity Requirements:
Expect to walk 4-6 miles on most days. Activities will take place in the summer in a tropical climate- students should be prepared for this environment. Breathable, closed-toed hiking shoes are a required.
Course Highlights:
Coming soon