By Andrea Knies
High school teams impressed the crowd with their relevant and timely scientific presentations on red tide 鈥 and their ability to pronounce cylindrospermopsin 鈥 during a symposium that concluded the inaugural Suncoast Student Science Experience (SSSE). Over the course of four workshops, students from Southeast High School (SEHS) in Bradenton, Florida conducted research alongside experts from 最新天美传媒, The Roskamp Institute, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Save Our Seabirds.
During the inaugural Suncoast Student Science Experience, students met with marine researchers and conservation professionals for an on鈥憈he鈥憌ater look at red tide impacts and coastal science in action.
The theme for this SSSE session was Investigating Red Tide: exploring impacts on marine ecosystems and public health. Students were divided into five groups, each with a unique research question to explore. The topics included the impacts of Karenia brevis, commonly known as red tide, on marine mammals, humans, sea turtles and birds and an analysis of neurotoxins in Florida.
Focused on experiential, hands-on learning, SSSE explored marine biology, environmental monitoring, laboratory investigations and the ecosystem鈥檚 relationship to public health. Workshops took place on City Island in Sarasota Bay and at Save our Seabirds for sample collection and lab work was completed in the USF teaching labs at The Roskamp Institute.
鈥淭he value of hands-on learning experiences is more important than ever,鈥 said USF Laboratory Manager Victoria Ramirez-Welsch. 鈥淲ith knowledge available at your fingertips, it is the application of that knowledge that gives it value. Learning is more than just memorizing or finding a bunch of facts 鈥 it鈥檚 the critical thinking skills that let you transform that information into action.鈥
Hands-on lab work gave students a close look at how scientists study red tide during the Suncoast Student Science Experience.
Through a shared commitment to developing essential critical thinking, analytical and communication skills in youth, these four prominent Sarasota and Manatee County research and conservation organizations collaborated to create an experience that provided students with access to experts, tools and opportunities that would not usually all be available in one program. Honing these skills in high school helps prepare students for STEM degree programs and high-demand careers.
The 16 participants of this pilot program are students of USF alumna Brittany Devlin. SSSE is just one way that Devlin has elevated STEM opportunities for local high school students. She also created a research program at SEHS which has over 150 enrolled students and spearheaded the growth of the Manatee County Science Fair, taking it from 30 participants to over 350.
SSSE鈥檚 students, scientists, researchers, educators and conservation professionals celebrated the culmination of this program on July 9, 2026 as the participants presented their topics to their families, partner organizations and community supporters.
Emelia Obey, director of communications and development at The Roskamp Institute, said, 鈥淲atching these students present their work was truly inspiring. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and confidence in exploring real-world scientific challenges are exactly what we hope to foster through programs like this.鈥
After the student presentations, they shared what they learned personally throughout this experience. Many students noted a better understanding of STEM careers, increased respect for the scientific process and a deeper value of collaboration.
Students, scientists, educators, and conservation professionals came together on July 9 to celebrate the culmination of the Suncoast Student Science Experience. Participants presented their research to families, partner organizations, and community supporters.
Participants also mentioned the excitement of curiosity that they felt throughout this program. Gabriel Bertolino said, 鈥淵ou get to a point in your research when you find a question that no one has answered, and you realize that it鈥檚 up to you to find that answer.鈥
Due to the success of this pilot, SSSE is set to expand and add additional workshop series to address a variety of scientific disciplines and emerging research topics. Students who participated in this program learned more than how to conduct scientific research; they witnessed the positive impact of collaboration through the example of the organizations who came together for a greater cause.
During her presentation, Brooke Harden said that this experience, 鈥... taught me how important it is to find a passion and stick with it regardless of the difficulties.鈥 The continuation of SSSE will provide even more students with access, skills and experiences to prepare them for a successful future.