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Undergraduates expand their skills through Making Waves research experience

The 2025 Making Waves cohort celebrates their successful summer with their science mentors at the ±«Óătv St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium held at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Photo Credit: Carlyn Scott

IMAGE ABOVE: The 2025 Making Waves cohort celebrates their successful summer with their science mentors at the ±«Óătv St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium held at the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. Photo Credit: Carlyn Scott

Jess Van Vaerenbergh, College of Marine Science

A talented group of undergraduate students from around the country recently finished the Making Waves Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.  

Funded by the , the Making Waves REU program provides hands-on experience in ocean research and the opportunity to develop new skills in science communication.

Ana Arellano, assistant professor of instruction at the College of Marine Science, and leadership team Natalia LĂłpez Figueroa, Emma Graves, April Ellis, and Britton Deleacaes led the scholars on this incredible academic journey.

Jennifer Collins, professor at the ±«Óătv School of Geosciences, Brad Rosenheim, professor of geological oceanography, and David Naar, associate dean of the College of Marine Science, were crucial in developing the proposal for the three-year project. See a full list of the Making Waves REU projects and mentors on the program’s webpage.

Over the course of the 10-week program, nine undergraduates spent their summers in St. Petersburg, participating in interdisciplinary research and science communication projects. They learned valuable skills while developing their own research projects and collecting data under the guidance of experts from the College of Marine Science and . They participated in research cruises, attended workshops, and took part in local field trips.

The students even produced their own podcast — — to share their experiences throughout the summer.

REU scholar Elise Langer took on the lead role as producer for the podcast. Her background in sports leadership allowed her to merge her skills with her scientific knowledge, while also developing new abilities in science communication. Langer recognized the power of storytelling in research and emphasized that everyone has the potential to contribute in their own way.

"Knowing your science is one thing, but being able to tell a story about it is another," said Langer.

REU scholar Elise Langer shares her experiences and the creation of the Making Waves podcast. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

IMAGE ABOVE: REU scholar Elise Langer shares her experiences and the creation of the Making Waves podcast. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

On Wednesday, July 23, the Making Waves REU scholars presented their research at the ±«Óătv St. Petersburg Undergraduate Research Symposium at the . They joined other undergraduates from ±«Óătv St. Petersburg and interns from .

, an associate professor at the ±«Óătv Morsani College of Medicine, delivered a keynote speech offering advice to younger scientists in the audience. "Stay curious and don't fear failure,” he said. “Uncertainty and failed experiments are still valuable data." Dishaw also encouraged young scientists to seek out mentors who challenge them and believe in their potential.

Larry Dishaw, an associate professor at the ±«Óătv College of Molecular Medicine, presenting the keynote speech at the 2025 One±«Óătv Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

IMAGE ABOVE:  Larry Dishaw, an associate professor at the ±«Óătv College of Molecular Medicine, presenting the keynote speech at the 2025 One±«Óătv Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

2025 Making Waves REU participants include:

REU scholar Tyler Hawkins discussing his summer research on artificial intelligence in ocean traffic monitoring with David Naar, associate dean of the ±«Óătv College of Marine Science and professor of geological oceanography. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

IMAGE ABOVE: REU scholar Tyler Hawkins discussing his summer research on artificial intelligence in ocean traffic monitoring with David Naar, associate dean of the ±«Óătv College of Marine Science and professor of geological oceanography. Photo Credit: Jess Van Vaerenbergh

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