Biology

This winter break a group WKU students traveled the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico to study the interconnectedness of landscape, culture, and history of the region.  While everyone anticipated the adventure of snorkeling barrier reefs, camping out in the jungle, and exploring water-filled caves called cenotes, many were transformed by the authentic cultural and interpersonal exchange they experienced along the Path of the Maya.

The course was developed as an extension of international cooperation in research and education that developed between the WKU Crawford Hydrology Lab and Mexican non-profits, Karst Lab Mexico and Camino del Mayab in 2022. These established partnerships provided an enriching experience for the WKU students who spent two-weeks in Mexico with local guides visiting archaeological sites, learning traditional agricultural practices, enjoying authentic meals, and studying the cenotes and vital groundwater resources.   This immersive educational experience allowed students to directly engage in local culture and gain a global perspective on their academic fields.

“Learning about Mayan communities and how everyone functions in support of one another was beautiful. This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would invite anyone of any major and any background to take the leap and get out of your comfort zone in your own study abroad, "said Gloria Bryant, a WKU psychology major. “Cenotes will forever have a place in my heart and soul.”

One of the highlights of the program was the chance to participate in academic exchange and scientific research with students from across the Yucatan Peninsula. These exchanges allowed U.S. and Mexican students to connect with and learn from their peers, revealing common challenges and similarities in both life and the landscapes in which they live.  While building mutual understanding for a more peaceful world, they were also collecting important scientific data that will inform land management and conservation efforts for the communities visited.

The program also emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability and well-being of people, the planet, and the economy. By traveling to different areas of the Yucatan Peninsula students got wide-angle view on the social and environmental impacts of tourism and how Mexican partners are addressing these challenges.  Cenotes are important windows into the groundwater aquifer that sustains a population of nearly 1 million people that live in Cancun and the 3 million tourists that visit each year.  One way the class decided to lessen their impact was to spend a day volunteering at Cancun’s only remaining nature preserve, Laguna Manati, where they joined the local community in trash pickup, trail maintenance and even warding off illegal fisherman!

“It was rewarding to see students explore new ideas and new places. Many had multiple ‘first-time’ experiences during our two-week adventure,” said Lee Anne Bledsoe, research hydrologist and field instructor who co-led the program. "Students were able to apply their studies and learn from others, fostering both intellectual and personal growth."

For students who want to take a deep dive into the cenotes and culture of Mexico, join us in Winter 2026! Program details and tentative itinerary can be found at: Path of the Maya: Cenotes, Culture, and Sustainability  Or if you are interested in learning more about Crawford Hydrology Lab’s international research exchange programs, please reach out for more information.

Lee Anne Bledsoe, Associate Director
Crawford Hydrology Lab
lee.bledsoe@wku.edu