Wendy’s Lab is one of the most magical places in the world to visit
Our Facilities
Wendy’s deep love for the ocean and its vibrant coral reefs inspired the creation of the Island Outpost, a sanctuary dedicated to marine conservation and science. Her passion for protecting fragile ecosystems led to the founding of Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³ “L-R-Cubed”), a non profit organization focused on protecting Lighthouse Reef Atoll Belize by hosting researchers and collecting data for evidence of change.
What began as Wendy’s Lab—an intimate space for sharing knowledge—has evolved into a fully functional research station that supports rigorous fieldwork and fosters collaboration among scientists, students, and citizen scientists.
Today, the Island Outpost, Wendy’s Lab, offers a rare opportunity for universities, graduate programs, independent researchers, and undergraduate field courses to operate in one of the most biologically rich reef systems in the Western Hemisphere. Our facilities are equipped to support a wide range of scientific, conservation, and educational objectives:
Core Research Infrastructure
Accommodations & Site Expansion
Lr³ currently hosts up to four guests or researchers in private accommodations adjacent to the main Pavilion, which includes a covered dining area, freshwater showers, and dry composting toilets designed for sustainable use in a remote reef environment.
To support growing interest from universities and research partners, we are actively expanding our residential facilities. By January 2026, Lr³ will complete the addition of:
- Six new guest rooms
- A dedicated locker room facility for dive and field gear
- A larger communal kitchen
- An indoor/outdoor recreation and study area to better support longer-term research teams and interdisciplinary collaborations
This next phase of development strengthens our capacity to host rotating field crews, academic groups, and international researchers in comfort—without compromising our ecological footprint or operational independence.
Vessels & Marine Deployment
- “SALVO” (19′ Wing P5.8) –Single 20hp Honda outboard lightweight and agile, ideal for shallow reef access, drone support, and rapid deployments with 6,000 lb capacity. 15 passengers + gear maximum.
- “Overwatch” (30′ vessel) – powered by twin Honda 100 outboards, equipped with hoisting and heavy-lifting gear for offshore missions, mooring installs, and equipment transport. 4,000 lb capacity 6 passengers plus gear maximum.
Laboratory & Field Equipment
- Dedicated dry lab workspace with clean power and water
- Compound and dissecting microscopes
- Drying ovens upon request
- Liquid nitrogen storage upon request
- Lab freezer and refrigeration
- Daily ice supply for field use
- General lab tools and sample processing instruments
Water, Power & Communication
- Desalination system with UV treatment, producing potable, lab-grade water
- 750-gallon desalinated water reserve
- Solar energy system with battery backup
- High-speed internet for remote data transfer and collaboration
- UHF/VHF marine radio communications
- Satellite phone for off-grid and emergency contact
Safety, Medical & Operational Readiness
- Onsite medical staff
- Medical supplies including oxygen kits and trauma response gear
- Staff trained in WEMT dive and boat safety SOPs
- First responder and remote-environment risk mitigation training
- Emergency protocols and communication systems tested regularly
Storage & Logistics
- Dry container storage for long-term or team-specific equipment
- Secure sample and gear storage
- Cold-chain and drying capacity for biological materials and field samples
The Island Outpost was designed to combine access, resilience, and ecological responsibility. Whether you’re leading a university research project, conducting a graduate thesis, or organizing a student field course, we provide the infrastructure, safety systems, and logistical support to make meaningful field science possible.
This is a place where a love for nature inspires scientific discovery—and where research directly contributes to preserving what’s most fragile. We invite inquiries from academic institutions, principal investigators, program directors, and student researchers seeking field access to Lighthouse Reef Atoll.