*Update:  Download our new DNA Barcoding Curriculum

           The Petters Research Institute created The Biodiversity Center of Belize             (PRI-BioBelize) to build scientific capacity through biodiversity research.  

Who we are:

Belize is a biodiversity hotspot and efforts are still needed to inventory and describe the country's biological diversity, monitor invasive species, identify biological consequences of anthropogenic change, and train native students and scientists in the latest techniques in biodiversity informatics.  Through the establishment of laboratories, education and outreach programs, and longterm scientific research, PRI-BioBelize supports training of the next-generation of Belizean scientists to better understand and use the country's biological resources.

Our Goals: 

• Build the first genetic laboratory for scientific research in Belize at the Petters Research Institute
• Catalogue, monitor, and conserve species and ecosystem diversity across Belize 
• Train Belizean junior college and university students in molecular biology techniques including DNA barcoding and its use in studying and preserving biodiversity in Belize 
• Collaborate with institutions across Belize performing scientific research and establish opportunities for students trained at PRI-BioBelize to work and perform research 

PRI-BioBelize Updates:  

• 07/2014 - PRI-BioBelize just completed its busy annual trip filled with Biocubes, DNA barcoding workshops, and wildlife forensics at the zoo.
• 12/2013 - Our Science magazine essay,DNA Barcoding from NYC to Belize was published and it won the Inquiry Based Instruction prize.
  
• 07/2013 - PRI-BioBelize featured on Plus TV
• 07/2013 - PRI-BioBelize DNA Barcoding Workshop commences at Galen University
• 05/2013 - PRI-BioBelize received funding from CUNY - The Graduate Center's NSF GK-12 program to support DNA Barcoding workshops
• 05/2013 - Partnered with Galen University in Belize for DNA Barcoding workshop in July, 2013
• 04/2013 - Presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching annual conference, The impact of an experiential biodiversity curriculum on high school students in Dangriga, Belize
• 02/2013 - Directors, Stephen Harris and Marissa Bellino were invited to NSF to present their DNA barcoding curriculum and PRI-BioBelize
• 11/2012 - PRI-BioBelize received a grant from the European Society for Evolutionary Biology to help run a DNA barcoding workshop in Belize for the 2013 summer
• 11/2012 - The Petters Research Institute officially formed The Biodiversity Center of Belize and named Marissa Bellino Director of Education and Outreach and Stephen Harris Director of Research
• 7/27/2012- PRI-BioBelize featured on channel5belize morning show, Open Your Eyes 
  
• 7/24/2012 - Belize newspaper, Amandala, covers The Petters Research Institute and PRI-BioBelize