When Stephen Levas steps into the turquoise waters of Belize next year, he won’t just be exploring coral reefs, he’ll be diving into a new chapter of global collaboration, discovery and mentorship.

Levas, an associate professor of geology at UW-Whitewater, has been named a 2025–26 Fulbright Scholar, a recognition that will take him and his family to the University of Belize to teach and research coral reef ecology.

“I’ve known about the Fulbright program for most of my academic career,” Levas said. “My PhD advisor was a Fulbright Scholar, and I’ve always admired what the program represents; bridging cultures through education and research.”

That admiration became action when Levas began planning his sabbatical. The opportunity to return to Belize, a place he first visited at 19 during a travel course, felt like fate.

“I loved the reefs, the rainforests and the Maya culture,” Levas said. “When I saw that the University of Belize was accepting Fulbright Scholars to work on environmental science and teach, it just clicked.”

Levas’ work will focus on coral reef biogeochemistry, an area he first explored during his doctorate program at Ohio State University after earning an undergraduate degree in earth sciences from Cornell University. But beyond research, his focus is on mentorship and connection.

“I’m hoping to mentor a few students and guide them toward becoming marine biologists,” Levas said. “Mentoring students is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

For Levas, this journey isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. He’ll be bringing his wife and two sons, ages 14 and 10, along for the experience.

“One of the main reasons I applied was to give my kids that formative experience of living in another country,” Levas said. “We love hiking at night and spotting wildlife, though my wife’s not a fan of snakes.”

Levas expects life in Belize to move at a more relaxed pace than what he’s used to in the U.S., something he’s both prepared for and looking forward to.

“Things happen differently there,” Levas said. “Going in with an open mind will help me adapt my teaching and research schedule and hopefully learn something new about balance.”

He also hopes to build lasting bridges between UW-W and the University of Belize.

“I’d like to establish professional connections between the two universities,” Levas said. “Learning from colleagues abroad will help me bring fresh perspectives and new teaching techniques back home.”

Back on campus, the news of Levas’ Fulbright selection was met with excitement and pride.

“Fulbright Scholars are recognized around the world,” said Chris Lindeke, director of strategic communications. “Faculty like Stephen act as ambassadors for our institution, not just in academia, but wherever their research and teaching take them.”

Lindeke explained that stories like Levas’ reinforce what makes UW-W special.

“Our Fulbright Scholars embody the university’s dedication to student success and hands-on learning,” Lindeke said. “These experiences show our students what’s possible through curiosity, hard work and mentorship.”

University Marketing and Communications, Lindeke added, plays a key role in amplifying these achievements.

“When we share stories like this, through social media, news outlets and campus communications, they resonate deeply with our community,” Lindeke said. “Alumni often comment, remembering the professors who shaped their own journeys.”

Programs like Fulbright, Lindeke believes, enhance the university’s reputation both locally and globally.

“They bring awareness to UW-Whitewater and remind people that our faculty are doing exceptional work,” Lindeke said. “It’s word-of-mouth at its best; our people carry our story around the world.”

For Levas, that global story begins on the shores of Belize. He envisions days filled with teaching, snorkeling over coral reefs and collaborating with students who share his fascination for marine ecosystems.

“The coral reefs are beautiful,” Levas said. “They deserve to be preserved and protected, and I want to share that message with my students back at Whitewater.”

When asked what he hopes to carry with him from the experience, Levas didn’t hesitate.

“Whatever the challenges, I’ll remember doing this with my family by my side,” Levas said. “That’s what will make it unforgettable.”