2025 SURF Spotlight on Lorena Martins

Lorena Martins, a medical biology major, is one of just a select handful of talented Florida Atlantic undergraduate students who spent much of the summer on campus. Martins was chosen to participate in the Florida Atlantic Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry’s (OURI) annual Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This 10-week, intensive summer immersion research experience is open to Florida Atlantic undergraduate students and faculty mentors across all colleges and disciplines. In addition, each SURF award allocates $4,000 in support of each chosen project. 

Student fellow:  Lorena Martins  
Faculty mentor: Dean and Professor, Valery Forbes, Ph.D. 
Research project: “Modeling impacts of host specifity and infection strategy on recruitment in freshwater mussels” 

What is the goal of your study?  

The goal of my study is to model how different mussel infection strategies and host preferences affect glochidia attachment success, particularly in environments with varying fish community structure. This helps predict reproductive outcomes in mussel species that lack extensive data. 

Why is this research relevant?  

Freshwater mussels are among the most imperiled animals in North America, and many species are threatened due to habitat loss and limited host availability. By understanding how host traits and infection strategies influence attachment, we can inform conservation priorities for data-poor species. 

How does your mentor help guide you?  

My mentors Dr. Valery Forbes and Dr. Ines Haberle provided feedback on my model design, helped refine research questions and offered insights into ecological material and freshwater mussel biology. Their support has been essential in navigating data interpretation and connecting my work to broader conservation efforts. 

Why is the SURF program a great experience?  

The SURF program offers a focused and immersive environment to develop independent research skills. It also connects students with mentors, peer researchers and professional development opportunities that strengthen both my academic and career goals. 

How has the program supported your research?  

SURF has provided the time, structure and funding necessary for me to dive into my project. It has given me access to valuable resources, mentorship and a community of students who are passionate about research.