Traysea Nycole Malama-Auger, a biological science student at the College of Arts and Sciences, chose to attend Florida State University because of the natural spaces that surround Tallahassee, like the Apalachicola National Forest, the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and a myriad of natural springs. After some time at FSU, she also grew to love the university for its many resources, such as the faculty and staff who helped her follow her passion for wild birds. During her time at FSU, Malama-Auger conducted research, created a new club called the “Spoonbill Society” and made new connections along the way. After graduation, she plans to continue researching birds.

What do you still hope to achieve with the Spoonbill Society?

I’m an avid bird watcher, and I didn’t find a community for me or other young adults like me until I came to FSU. In my first or second semester, I started the Spoonbill Society, which is a pretty active birding club here at FSU. Although I’m graduating shortly, I’m hopeful my club will persist long after I leave. ‘Spoonbills’ (members of the Spoonbill Society) are responsible for collecting data on the avian window strikes across campus, and I’m hopeful that the project continues, and that the data will be used to inform campus building decisions to mitigate anthropogenic effects in the future. We also recently acquired a set of binoculars for club use, and it’s my hope that people who want to bird watch but can’t afford to can come to our outings and appreciate birds with us. I’ve left my club in the most capable of hands (thank you, Kaya Simmons and Lucas Pittman!), and I know they’ll pick up right where I left off.  

What resources at FSU did you find the most useful?

There are almost too many to mention. First and foremost, Dr. Emily DuVal has been foundational to everything I’ve accomplished during my time here. She is not only one of the most intelligent, passionate and creative people I’ve ever met, but she’s also an excellent mentor to her students. In anything I want to pursue, she’s right there with me, guiding me with sage advice and words of encouragement. Dr. Pearl Rivers Key has also been an excellent mentor and collaborator, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time both researchers have poured into my education.   

Asia Duren, the coordinator for Student Organizations & Involvement, was helpful in getting the Spoonbills started and continues to be my point of contact for all my questions related to RSO’s inner workings.   

April Wooten in the Department of Biology graduate student advising has helped me with a lot of logistical stuff related to my degree and club, as well as helping to prepare me for graduate school. In the same vein, the entire undergraduate advising staff has offered me concise, helpful advice on completing my degree on time. As a transfer student, I am massively grateful.  

Finally, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) and the Office of National Fellowships (ONF) have been some of the most important departments on campus for helping me prepare for graduate school. The CRE has financially supported my research and offered many venues for me to present it, and the ONFs have been a goldmine for resources related to graduate school funding and grant writing. ONF also supports alumni in their post-grad pursuits, which is incredibly helpful.  

What was your favorite part about conducting research?

I think most people’s perception of science, including mine in the beginning, is that it is separate from artistic and creative pursuits. My favorite part of the research was realizing that this job combines both — that the best experiments are ingeniously creative and concretely analytical. I’m hopeful that I can contribute to that body of work in a meaningful way.   

Besides that, research has taken me to many places and allowed me to see things I never thought I would! I’ve been lucky enough to see the oldest untouched longleaf pine forest in the Southeast, in museum collections I’ve seen extinct and rare specimens of birds (including THE Lewis Woodpecker collected by Merriweather Lewis himself), and I’ve traveled to a couple of states, too. Plus, I get to see and hold so many birds up close — who else can say something like that?  

Whether through the Spoonbill Society, research or other means, what legacy do you hope to leave at FSU after you graduate?

I’ve never given any thought to legacy, to be frank. My time at FSU has been so short and jam-packed that I’ve never given much thought to what I was leaving behind. I’m lucky enough to have two undergraduates, Kaya Simmons and Lucas Pittman, to continue my most meaningful project, the Spoonbills. If I could come back in a decade and find the club active with a long-term dataset of avian window strikes on campus, I would weep with joy. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I hope to get a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology and continue working with birds as a model species. I also want to ask creative and exciting questions about animal behavior and do exciting field work!

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In a dedicated effort to protect coastal and marine habitats and species, the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF) has awarded a Florida State University student the inaugural Guy Harvey Fellowship. 

Annais Muschett-Bonilla, a doctoral student in the College of Arts and Sciences, received a $5,000 research stipend and certificate personally designed and signed by Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine wildlife artist, conservationist and GHF Founder/Chair Emeritus. 

“Our commitment to funding and helping pave the way for young scholars to become the next wave of ocean conservation stewards is vital to the Guy Harvey Foundation’s mission,” Harvey said. “Highlighting the extraordinary research these students have undertaken and rewarding their hard work highlight the importance of keeping the ecosystem of our oceans healthy and the scientific community motivated.” 

Muschett-Bonilla, originally from Houston, Texas, is studying biological science with a focus on ecology and evolution at FSU.  

Her research focuses on the maternal reproduction of elasmobranch fish, which includes sharks, rays, skates and sawfish.  

“These fish have various ways of nourishing their embryos, and each method has different physiological and energetic demands of the mother,” Muschett-Bonilla said. “My research seeks to quantify the effects of reproductive energetic demands on the performance of pregnant elasmobranchs, particularly in mature female Hypanus sabinus—a type of stingray—and possible influences on maternal survival. ” 

The funding allowed Muschett-Bonilla to purchase a portable ultrasound that will allow for the utilization of non-invasive research techniques when investigating the reproductive patterns of elasmobranchs.

“Elasmobranch reproductive modes are widely diverse, some resembling nourishment strategies in other taxa while others are completely unique,” she said. “I am grateful to receive the Guy Harvey Fellowship, and I hope to largely contribute to our understanding of what physiological elements contribute to maternal survival at such a vulnerable and energetically demanding stage of life.”

GHF collaborates with local, national and international organizations to conduct scientific research and fund affiliated researchers who share their commitment to ocean conservation. One of GHF’s key initiatives involves recognizing graduate students and graduate program candidates across Florida colleges and universities who conduct research that will help support the sustainable management of marine fish. 

“We worked with the Guy Harvey Foundation to establish a fellowship program to create a cohort of student researchers that will not only help to support and enhance the development of their academic research but also strengthen Florida Sea Grant’s connection with the next generation of Florida’s marine and coastal scientists,” said Sherry Larkin, director of Florida Sea Grant. “We’re hoping this fellowship provides the opportunity for recipients to engage and share their research with the greater Sea Grant Network.” 

Established in 2010, the partnership between Florida Sea Grant and the Guy Harvey Foundation has provided scholarships totaling $439,000 to support the research of 90 students at 12 different Florida universities.

Applications for the 2025 Guy Harvey Fellowship will open later this year. For more information, visit flseagrant.org/student-opportunities/ or contact Florida Sea Grant Student Programs Coordinator, Cassandra Sexson, at students@flseagrant.org. 

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Finding a welcoming campus community was a high priority for sophomore Connor Krassel. After touring Florida State University and learning about the campus organizations, Krassel knew it was the right fit for him.

Krassel’s passion for science began as a Boy Scout when he learned about basic first aid training and biology. While at FSU, Krassel has participated in clubs and organizations that allow him to explore his passion, specifically the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and FSU Medical Response Unit (MRU).

Through UROP, Krassel learned about various labs, like the Hickner Laboratory within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, where he gained experience in researching and collaborating with professionals.

“By collaborating with the post-docs, doctoral candidates and my research mentor, I delved into fascinating topics such as investigating how elevated free radical concentrations affect cardiovascular health, and transformed that fascination into tangible, hands-on experimental setups,” Krassel said.

Through his involvement in MRU, Krassel found a community of like-minded people who support him in his endeavors.

“I found a deeper understanding of what a community truly means,” Krassel said. “It’s not just a place where you find like-minded people; it’s a place where you can grow, learn and pursue your dreams. That is precisely what the MRU has done for me.”

Krassel’s involvement in the university goes beyond organizations. As a study group leader for his General Chemistry II class, he learned the importance of working with peers and gaining new perspectives. This opportunity inspired him to become a leader in his professional career.

“This experience was instrumental in shaping my ongoing journey toward becoming a future physician,” he said. “It exposed me to the diverse and unique roles that leadership plays within the structure of a team, underscoring the importance of effective community-based learning and communication in the academic setting.”

Upon graduation, he plans to attend medical school with aspirations to become a cardiologist.

“My passion for human health and helping others propels me to pursue a career as a cardiologist and instills in me the belief that I can make a substantial and meaningful difference in the lives of everyday people,” he said.

What inspired you to get a degree in biological science?

The inspiration for pursuing a degree in biological science traces its roots back to my early years in the Boy Scouts. One of the merit badges offered was the First Aid merit badge where we learned about various medical interventions such as splinting and wound care as well as a basic understanding of human biology. This initial exposure to biology made me seek other ways to learn about the sciences. When the time came to apply to colleges, I knew that pursuing a biological science degree was the perfect fit for my interests. I realized that within this field, I could explore various facets of science and eventually pinpoint where my true passions lay in this expansive discipline. As I continued my academic journey and gained exposure to career options in the field, I discovered my profound passion for medicine. This revelation marked the beginning of my focused path along the medical education track.

How has UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) helped stimulate and grow your passions in the science field?

Participating in UROP has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at FSU. The invaluable guidance I received from my UROP leader during our biweekly class meetings provided me with insights that proved instrumental in gaining practical experience that aligned with my future goals and helped me identify labs that matched my interests. I had the opportunity to apply to several outstanding labs and ultimately secured a position in an exercise physiology lab. That experience empowered me to present on physiological subjects at multiple FSU-based symposiums, including the President’s Undergraduate Research Showcase. My time and exposure in this lab facilitated meaningful connections with faculty and staff on both an academic and personal level. It greatly contributed to my burgeoning interest in the field of clinical research and medicine, solidifying my commitment to this path. 

How have you found your community with FSU Medical Response Unit (MRU) and what have you learned through this organization?

The MRU was not initially on my radar. However, after about a month on campus, I could not help but notice students in cargo pants with medical response packs, and I became increasingly curious about how I could become part of this unique organization. Joining the MRU provided me with the opportunity to make friends with whom I would go on to take many classes and form a close-knit group. We could rely on each other for academic support, whether it was studying for difficult classes or venting about the challenges of school. 

What did you learn about yourself when you became study group leader for your class and how has this inspired leadership in your everyday life?

I discovered a genuine passion for discussing various topics that were not only relevant to me but also resonated with my peers. Engaging in discussions not only allowed me to see fresh perspectives on the subject matter but also deepened my understanding of the material in ways that studying on my own could not provide. It brought me closer to my fellow students, leading to the development of lifelong friendships. Experiencing leadership, even on a small scale within the study groups, revealed to me the mutually beneficial relationships that a leader can establish with those around them. This experience afforded me a great deal of personal growth and is one of the select few experiences I hold as a great motivational tool for my future pursuits.

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