Exploring Eelgrass Ecosystems with WLW-ECOS Extern Chrishera Smith in the Pacific Northwest

For eight weeks this summer, junior Chrishera Smith immersed herself in marine research at Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) – a renowned research center within the University of Washington’s College of the Environment. Nestled between Washington State and Vancouver Island, the historic seaport town of Friday Harbor sits in the heart of the San Juan Islands – a picturesque archipelago in the Pacific Northwest. Its unique coastal setting offers an inspiring and exceptional location for scientific study.

Smith’s research project focused on analyzing sediment characteristics in eelgrass meadows along the West Coast, which provide important habitats, stabilize sediment, store carbon and support coastal ecosystems. On a typical day, she processed sediment samples, conducted grain-size and organic matter analyses and organized and interpreted data.

“Understanding the sediment conditions associated with eelgrass can help researchers better understand habitat persistence, decline and the factors that may influence restoration efforts,” explained Smith.

The experience also allowed Smith to explore how geology and marine science intersect, as well as deepen her understanding of how geological principles apply to coastal ecosystems and research.

“Conducting research at Friday Harbor, I was surrounded by an incredible marine environment while gaining hands-on laboratory and field experience. I especially enjoyed seeing the connection between the sediment samples I was analyzing in the laboratory and the actual eelgrass habitats we visited during our boat trip to Shaw Island,” shared Smith. “It was also very rewarding to present my findings at the end of the program to researchers and fellow students.”

Overall, Smith felt that the experience reinforced her interest to pursue marine geology and geophysics. It also showed her how geoscience can contribute to questions involving marine ecosystems, conservation and restoration.

“It really strengthened my interest in combining hands-on fieldwork, technology and marine research in my future career,” noted Smith. “I would highly recommend opportunities like this to other Florida Atlantic students.”

The WLW-ECOS Summer Externship Program provides Schmidt College of Science undergraduate students with immersive summer research experiences at prestigious marine and environmental research institutions across the United States. The fully-funded externship program covers stipends, travel, room and board to enable students to work alongside leading researchers and gain exposure to advanced environmental science.

“I am grateful for WLW-ECOS because its financial support made it much easier for me to pursue this opportunity that directly supports my academic and career goals,” expressed Smith. “Experiences like this allow students to focus on learning, research and professional development without as much concern about the financial costs associated with participating.”

To learn more about WLW-ECOS summer externships, click here.