Marine Biology Student Gets Inside Look at Culture of a Research Lab

June 24, 2018

By Vanessa Strohm ’19, Marine Biology and Environmental Science
Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Fla.)

My first weeks here at Mote were definitely overwhelming. It is my first time working in a research lab, and a lot of the other interns have worked in other labs either at their colleges or for internships.

One of the interns was very helpful in teaching me the different procedures and processes that go on in the Ecotoxicology Lab. The atmosphere in my lab is definitely more laid back. It is not a sterile lab, so we don’t have to worry about following strict guidelines for washing glassware or handling samples. That being said, it is expected that we are being productive and using our time effectively while in the lab.

One thing that I found unusual was that we are allowed to wear pretty much whatever we want. We don’t have to dress up or wear a uniform. The one thing we have to wear, however, is close-toed shoes. Unlike some other labs, the interns are responsible for setting up and carrying out the experiments, along with also writing the reports. I like this aspect of Mote because it holds the interns responsible, and also gives them a chance to see a project through all of the steps involved in research.

I would say the culture in the lab fits my personality well. I do not like having someone always hovering over my shoulder making sure I am doing something right. Sometimes it is better to be able to experiment and figure things out for yourself.

If I am unsure of something, however I feel comfortable asking another intern or my supervisor for help. From what I have seen so far, the employees at Mote are very dedicated and passionate about the research they are doing. There are so many different research labs and programs at Mote, and each scientist realizes how important their research is.

They are also willing to take on REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) students and work with them to complete a project over the summer on top of doing their own research. Overall, I think Mote would be a place I would like to work at in the future. Many of the employees have worked there for at least 20-30 years, meaning they have been treated well and remain loyal to Mote. The staff is kind, caring, and willing to help with any type of issue or problem.

The Bergami Summer Internship Program is funded through the generosity of Board of Governors member – and former Board Chair – Sam Bergami ’85 EMBA and his wife, Lois, and the Division of Student Affairs. The students are blogging about the experience throughout the summer.