Caribbean Coral Reef Studies
Printable version of this fact sheet

UW-Superior offers the Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program to provide students with opportunities to learn about marine biology and to gain practical experience in conducting and presenting research.

Dr. Ed Burkett, professor of biology, created the Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program more than 12 years ago. Each January he leads a marine biology class and a team of student researchers to Caye Caulker, an island in the Caribbean off the Central American nation of Belize. The experience gives students an intensive look at coral reef ecology on the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world’s longest reef systems.

For students enrolled in the marine biology class, the first half of the trip is spent in the water receiving instruction in recognizing and understanding marine life. They also spend an hour each day in a classroom lecture. During the second week, the students develop methods and collect data for team research projects. They use that data during the Spring Semester to prepare professional-quality presentations on their research findings

Student who successfully complete the marine biology class may apply the following year to become a member of the CCRS research team. Students on the research team study the rate at which the reefs recover from damage caused by hurricanes and by human activities. They monitor sediment levels in the water and determine what species of corals are replacing dead coral. They also study the fish population, which plays an important role in the reef's health. Information gathered by the research team is shared with the Belizean government and biologists at the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. 

Students on the research team gain graduate-level experience in using scientific methods to collect and analyze data. To qualify for the trip, they must undergo four months of extensive training in gathering scientific information and pass quality-control exams. During UW-Superior's spring semester they present their research findings at a university research symposium.

Students who have participated in the Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program have gone on to successful post-graduate study in prestigious marine biology programs. Others have found careers in ecology, education, and with organizations that include the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Getting started:
Once enrolled at UW-Superior, students should contact Dr. Ed Burkett in the Department of Biology and Earth Sciences for more information about the Caribbean Coral Reef Studies program. This is a challenging program, and students must meet certain qualifications to enroll. Students should contact Dr. Burkett early in their UW-Superior career to learn about the program’s requirements.

Program features:

·         A fun and unusual opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine biology and research.

·         Develop the skills necessary to design and conduct scientific research

·         Gain experience preparing and presenting research at professional scientific meetings. This is an important skill needed for graduate school and for science-related careers.

·         Develop the confidence and skills necessary to be marketable and better prepared to enter careers and graduate programs in marine biology. 

·         Students can earn scuba diving certification by enrolling in physical education courses at UW-Superior.

·         Both the class and the research team are supervised by qualified scientists and experienced scuba divers. Safety and professionalism are emphasized.

We invite you to visit:
A campus visit offers an opportunity to tour our campus and meet with an Admissions counselor. We can arrange for you to meet a professor and visit a class in any area you choose.

To get more information:

Call: 715-394-8230

E-mail: admissions@uwsuper.edu