FC Zebrafish Researchers Explore Marine Science at Mote Marine Laboratory
September 28, 2026 | 3 min read
Florida College students took their learning beyond the classroom during a recent visit to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium facilities in Sarasota, Florida.
Led by Dr. Andrew Stafford, members of FC’s zebrafish research group explored several Mote research facilities and gained a firsthand look at marine science, conservation and biomedical research. The visit gave students an opportunity to see familiar scientific concepts and techniques applied in professional research environments.
The opportunity grew from a connection made last spring when Stafford and two students traveled to San Diego for the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. There, they connected with Dr. Sam Vielee, who later hosted the research group for its visit to Mote.
The day began at Mote’s City Island campus in Vielee’s laboratory, where students learned about research exploring the potential therapeutic properties of toxins produced by stingrays and lionfish. His work examines whether components of these toxins could have antitumor properties while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The FC research team also toured Mote’s sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, where sick and injured sea turtles receive care before being released back into the wild. A brief stop at the neighboring Seaside Seabird Sanctuary provided another look at wildlife rehabilitation before the students continued to Mote Marine Aquaculture Research Park.
At the research park, students learned about efforts to protect and restore coral ecosystems. Researchers are working to preserve coral species, breed corals for restoration and identify varieties that may be more resilient to environmental stressors.
Another stop provided a unique look at sea turtle research. Students saw how cells collected from deceased hatchling sea turtles can be maintained and studied in a laboratory, allowing researchers to better understand the animals at a cellular level without collecting samples from living turtles.
The day concluded with a visit to Mote Aquarium, bringing together many of the species, ecosystems and conservation efforts encountered throughout the trip.
Experiences like the Mote visit allow Florida College students to connect classroom learning and undergraduate research with work happening in the field.
“Our trip to Mote opened my eyes to the real-world, practical applications of scientific research,” senior Josh Maxey said. “It was really exciting to see the beneficial implications of this kind of work.”
The experience also highlighted how opportunities beyond campus can continue to build upon one another. A connection made through FC’s participation in a national scientific conference opened the door for students to experience professional research firsthand, broaden their understanding of the field and explore new possibilities for careers in science.
Row 1 Picture 1: Dr. Vielee leading group in tour of his lab | Picture 2: Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility
Row 2 Picture 1 + 2: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
Row 3 Picture 1: Coral growing in tanks | Picture 2: Touring fish and crab hatchery
Row 4 Picture 1: Observing cardiac cells grown from deceased baby sea turtle | Picture 2: Mote Marine Laboratory
Row 5 Picture 1 +2: Exploring the aquarium