University of South Florida

USF College of Marine Science

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REU scholars make waves on campus

The Making Waves cohort celebrates after presenting their research posters at the USF St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

The Making Waves cohort celebrates after presenting their research posters at the USF St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

Written by: Jess Van Vaerenbergh, USF CMS graduate student

Whether participating in a research cruise around Tampa Bay or learning how to effectively communicate scientific research, eleven students gained valuable experiences and skills this summer during the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of South Florida.

Ana Arellano, principal investigator of the Making Waves REU program, and Lillani Robinson, an REU scholar, pose for a photo with the keynote speaker Frank Müller-Karger, a Distinguished University Professor at the USF College of Marine Science. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

Ana Arellano, principal investigator of the Making Waves REU program, and Lillani Robinson, an REU scholar, pose for a photo with the keynote speaker Frank Müller-Karger, a Distinguished University Professor at the USF College of Marine Science. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

Over the past 10 weeks, these undergraduate students from around the country spent their summer as scholars in St. Petersburg.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the REU program offers undergraduates hands-on experience in research and the opportunity to develop new skills relevant to their career goals.

The scholars joined Ana Arellano, assistant professor of instruction at the USF College of Marine Science (CMS), and Jennifer Collins, professor at the USF School of Geosciences, as part of the Making Waves REU cohort hosted by CMS.

The students were immersed in various interdisciplinary ocean research and science communication experiences. They had the opportunity to work with experts from around CMS and USF St. Petersburg to develop research projects and collect their own data.

Along with their paired faculty mentor from CMS and the Morsani College of Medicine, the students participated in experiential activities, such as workshops and field trips with USF School of Geosciences and the Department of Journalism and Digital Communication.

Science mentors include:

Science Communication Mentors:

On Wednesday, July 24th, the Making Waves REU scholars presented their research at the USF St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.

REU scholar Xavier Willis discusses his research on changing high water exceedances in the Southeast U.S. with Brad Rosenheim, professor of geological oceanography. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

REU scholar Xavier Willis discusses his research on changing high water exceedances in the Southeast U.S. with Brad Rosenheim, professor of geological oceanography. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

The Making Waves scholars were joined by other REU program participants at USF St. Petersburg and interns from the U.S. Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

After a keynote speech by Frank Müller-Karger, a Distinguished University Professor at CMS, the scholars interacted with the public for a few hours, answering questions and sharing their experiences.

Making Waves REU participants include:

REU scholar Yanori Ferguson educates attendees about her research on microbes in the gut of sea squirts. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

REU scholar Yanori Ferguson educates attendees about her research on microbes in the gut of sea squirts. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

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Our blue planet faces a suite of challenges and opportunities for understanding and innovation. Our mission is to advance understanding of the interconnectivity of ocean systems and human-ocean interactions using a cross-disciplinary approach, to empower the next workforce of the blue economy with a world-class education experience, and to share our passion for a healthy environment and science-informed decision-making with community audiences near and far.