RESEARCH
EXCURSIONS
IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
EXCURSION
OVERVIEW
Join the Shark Lab for a week of shark research! Over the past 3 decades the Shark Lab has been a leading shark research organization, helping to train hundreds of students and early career scientists. However, we also acknowledge that the general public has a deep interest in learning more about shark research and being involved in science. Therefore, we are offering opportunities for public enrollment to support the Shark Lab as part of a research excursion.
On the excursion, participants will be a part of the research team. Participants will receive introductory training for the research methods as well as an overview of our research findings and current projects. They will assist with all aspects including gear preparation and repair, loading the vessel, in the field data collection, and end of the day sample processing and cleaning. As a part of the team, participants will be assisting in our long-term research projects and data collection.
Activities may include baited remote video surveys (BRUVS), science longline surveys for shark abundance, block rigs, acoustic receiver maintenance and downloads, collection of morphometric and biological samples from sharks, and observing acoustic or satellite tagging.
Scholarships are available for eligible students.
REQUIREMENTS:
GENERAL PUBLIC
This excursion is open to members of the general public who:
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Have an interest in shark research
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Are capable of working in a dynamic team environment for long days in the field
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Are 18 years or older
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Have completed high school, and have a basic understanding of general science
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Are able to travel through the USA (participants must be responsible for knowing the travel requirements and obtaining necessary documentation)
**We aim to make the excursion approachable to the non-scientist; thus, a background in marine biology is not required.**
JOIN US IN 2027
TRIPS FOR THE
GENERAL PUBLIC
April 11 - 17, 2027
Application Open: Oct 15 - Nov 15, 2026
November 7 - 13, 2027
Applications Open: April 1 - 30, 2027
TRIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS
August 2 - 8, 2027
August 10 - 16, 2027
Applications Open: Jan 1 - 31, 2027
These dates are reserved for undergraduate scholarship students only.
EXCURSION
DESCRIPTION
& PROGRAM COST
The 6-night excursion will be based in the Lower Florida Keys. The Shark Lab crew will meet participants at Key West International airport on the afternoon of day 1 and drop them back off on the morning of day 7. During the excursion, participants will be staying with the Shark Lab team in a shared housing accommodation, with likely shared bedrooms and bathrooms. The team eats family style meals, with self-prepared breakfasts, packed lunches on the vessel, and a prepared family dinner.
Please note that activities in the field will be physically taxing. The Florida Keys are a sub-tropical climate, and field activities will be conducted on an open deck research vessel. During the spring and summer there is intense sun, high humidity, and buggy conditions; while the fall and winter conditions can be cold, windy, and wet. Field activities will require several hours on small boats and surrounded by water. Therefore, participants should be in good physical health and prepared for long days in the field. While there is no diving or snorkelling experience necessary, participants need to be comfortable in open water conditions. The research vessel is an open-air boat which is exposed to the elements and does not have an on-board restroom.
Excursions will be led by Dr. Matthew Smukall and the Shark Lab crew. The crew is well experienced with shark research methods and safe vessel operations. The crew will train and guide guests through the procedures and allow for as much inclusion as deemed safe for people and animals. Safety is the top priority on these excursions and therefore field days are dictated by sea and weather conditions. In addition, animal welfare is of paramount concern, and some procedures will only be conducted by experienced staff while the rest of the crew can observe.
The excursion costs $3,000/person which directly supports the research trip and activities. Scholarships are available to individuals who meet criteria.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Through the generous support of a family foundation, we are pleased to offer 8 scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in our Research Excursions during the August trip dates: August 2nd to 8th and 10th to 16th.
These scholarships are designed to support undergraduate students who attend an institution without an existing shark research or field program and who have demonstrated financial need that prevents them from participating in comparable one-week field experiences.
This opportunity provides students with hands-on experience in shark research and conservation while working alongside researchers in the field. The experience is intended to help students develop practical skills, gain exposure to marine science research, and explore career pathways in shark science, conservation, and related fields.
For students selected for the Undergraduate Research Excursion Scholarship, the full $3,000 participation cost will be covered by the scholarship.
Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own transportation costs to and from Key West, Florida. Any personal expenses not included in the Research Excursion are also the responsibility of the participant.
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
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Be 18+ and must reside in either The Bahamas, the United States, or Canada
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Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.
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Attend an institution that does not offer a comparable shark research or field experience.
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Demonstrate financial need that limits their ability to participate in comparable one-week field experiences.
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Be available to participate during either of the two August Research Excursions.
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Be able to explain how this experience will contribute to their academic and career goals.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Students applying for the Undergraduate Research Excursion Scholarship will complete an additional application outlining:
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Their financial need and why financial support is necessary to participate.
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Why they are unable to obtain a similar shark research or field experience through their current institution.
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How participation in the Research Excursion will support their academic interests and career goals.
