TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Back in May, ten Emporia State University students traveled to Miami, Florida, for a unique kind of research trip involving sharks.
During their trip, led in part by ESU Associate Professor Erika Martin, students got to study and collect data from various species of sharks.
That data, collected from tagging sharks, goes on to help over a dozen other projects.
For the student participants, the experience was much more impactful than just sitting in a classroom.
“This is definitely an experience that, especially in Kansas, not a lot of people get to do. It’s something I will carry with me and encourage other undergraduates to do,” said participant Ryan Olsen.
“I found myself disappointed at the end of the trip, but not because it was bad, I was disappointed ‘cause I wanted to stay,” said ESU student and participant Bailey Wong.
Dr. Martin says she plans to offer the trip regularly, with the next expedition scheduled for spring of 2028.
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