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Summer may be here, but several Charles E. Schmidt College of Science undergraduates are hard at work. Brynne Alcorta Ordonez, a neurobiology and behavior major, is one of them. She was selected to participate in the Florida Atlantic Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry’s (OURI) annual Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. SURF projects are 10-week, intensive summer immersion research experiences for Florida Atlantic undergraduate students and faculty mentors and is open to all colleges and disciplines. In addition, each SURF award allocates $4,000 in support of each chosen project. ��

Student fellow: �� Brynne Alcorta Ordonez ��
Faculty mentor: Associate Professor, Marianne Porter, Ph.D. ��
Research project: “The Effects of Schooling on Swimming Kinematics in Blacktip Sharks” ��

What is the goal of your study? ��

The goal of our study is to investigate how schooling behavior influences the swimming kinematics of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) . Using aerial drone footage collected off the coast of Palm Beach County, combined with AI tracking, we aim to determine whether schooling reduces the energetic costs of migration—a hypothesis that has primarily been explored in small laboratory fish. Additionally, we seek to understand how visual cues may contribute to coordination within shark aggregations, or schools. ��

Why is this research relevant? ��

Our research is highly relevant because it bridges the gap between lab studies and real-world marine ecosystems. Using drone footage and AI introduces innovative, non-invasive methods to study large marine animal groups in motion. This approach enhances ecological insights and advance tools for wildlife monitoring and conservation. ��

How does your mentor help guide/support you? ��

I am especially grateful to both Dr. Marianne Porter and Dr. Darien Satterfield for attending my final presentation—their support truly means a lot. Dr. Porter, in particular, inspired me to pursue the SURF program by encouraging me to embrace every opportunity rather than rush through college. Her advice has helped me slow down and make the most of my undergraduate experience. Dr. Satterfield has been incredibly supportive throughout my research experience. Her responsiveness and organization have helped me stay focused and confident in my work, and she went the extra mile to help me strengthen my written assignments for the LEARN program.���� ��

Why is the SURF program a great experience? ��

The SURF program is a great opportunity because it allows students to stay engaged at Florida Atlantic over the summer—and it is paid! In addition to valuable hands-on research experience, SURF also supports our growth as young professionals through workshops that build essential skills for the workforce.�� ��

How has the program supported your research?�� ��

The program promotes meaningful face-to-face interaction among Selena Weathers, Dr. Porter, Dr. Satterfield, and me, helping to create a stronger sense of community. Currently, we are reviewing research articles and learning to use RStudio, which is enhancing our data analysis capabilities. ��