Written by Ella Gerace, 2026 Undergraduate Summer Intern
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with Dr. Marc Hensel at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS) based in Cedar Key, Florida. Throughout the summer I spent time snorkeling in the seagrass, walking around the various salt marshes in the area, and waiting for low tide so we could head out to the oyster reefs. I was able strengthen my skills as a researcher by assisting with various projects as well as leading and developing my own independent projects. My time at NCBS has allowed me to build valuable skills that I will bring with me into graduate school and my future career in the coastal science field.
Across Ecosystems
The Hensel Lab’s research spans a wide variety of coastal ecosystems across the Gulf. Every day as a summer intern brought a new experience and a different ecosystem. Assisting with various projects across a broad scope allowed me to deepen my understanding and admiration for Florida ecosystems. I have built my knowledge of these systems and the challenges they face by asking questions to my mentors and lab mates as well as observing what is happening around me. As someone from South Florida, I was very impressed by the sight of a scallop swimming!
Independent Projects
Throughout the summer, I was given the opportunity to lead some of my own independent projects. I led three main projects throughout the summer: a data analysis project, a field survey, and a field experiment, each of which helped me strengthen the diverse skills necessary to become a successful researcher. The data analysis project analyzed the impacts of recreational visitors on the water clarity and quality in the Three Sisters Springs and helped me strengthen my computational analysis skills. The field survey was aimed at understanding the natural occurrence of bivalves across the Nature Coast seagrass beds and allowed me to learn method selection and strengthen my sediment coring muscles. The field experiment evaluated the impacts light stress has on mangrove seedling growth. This experiment helped me understand the different aspects that go into experimental design. The wide variety of skills and experiences I have built has allowed me to critically think like an ecologist.
Mentorship
One of my favorite parts of the summer was the mentorship and excitement I received from everyone in the lab, but especially from Dr. Hensel. I was given the space to think critically and formulate potential research questions. The Hensel Lab is filled with members who are excited to talk ecology and share their field observations.
Being a Coastal Field Ecologist
The summer field season brought long days in on the boat, mornings in the marsh where you wish the tide could stay down for just a little bit longer, many cuts from oysters, flooded muck boots, and copious amounts of excitement over finally finding a clam. This summer has left me with some odd tan lines and tons of funny stories out in the field. While working outside in Florida summer conditions may scare off some, I know I was meant to be a field ecologist, because I couldn’t wait to get back into my muck boots each day.
Special Thanks
Thank you again to everyone at the Nature Coast Biological Station for the amazing learning opportunities and for being so welcoming and friendly. I also wish to acknowledge all the Hensel Lab members for making this summer so special and full of laughs. Finally, thank you to Dr. Marc Hensel for the guidance and mentorship.
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