By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
A group of undergraduate students from USF is spending the summer building valuable research and career skills while receiving compensation for their efforts. The Summer Academy for Investigative Learning (SAIL) program gives students an early, hands-on introduction to research techniques and shows them impactful work taking place across Tampa Bay.
The six-week paid program combines educational workshops, field trips to research facilities and the chance to present their own projects at a research symposium held in July. Those who successfully complete the program also receive a $750 stipend in recognition of their work.
During the program, students participate in immersive experiences, including learning about ongoing coral restoration projects, exploring advancements in medicine and touring the 117-foot research vessel Western Flyer, operated by USF’s Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) on the St. Petersburg campus.
The SAIL group toured the U.S. Geological Survey's Coastal and Marine Science Center where they learned about coral restoration efforts in Florida.
"I truly believe that research has the power to change the world," said John Johnson, associate director of the Research Development Institute at USF. "The more students we involve in research, the greater our potential to make a positive impact.”
SAIL is based on the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which brings students from other colleges and universities to higher education sites around the country, including USF, for the opportunity to work alongside faculty conducting National Science Foundation-funded research. While the REU program draws students from across the country, the SAIL initiative is designed specifically for undergraduates at USF.
"For some, that first experience with research is all it takes. They fall in love with it and find their passion." - John Johnson, Research Development Institute at USF
In 2024, Johnson collaborated with USF's Office of Student Engagement in Research and Innovation to secure a $10,000 grant from the Florida High Tech Corridor, a partner of USF and other academic institutions that supports innovation and economic growth. In the program's first year, Johnson successfully launched SAIL with seven student participants.
In 2025, Johnson added two members to the instructional team: Theresa Burress, a university librarian in the Research & Instruction department at USF Libraries and Heather O'Leary, an assistant professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences. The group secured a renewed grant of $15,000, which made it possible to enroll 10 students in the program. Interest in the second year was high, with more than 40 students submitting applications.
With expanded funding and more instructors, the program was able to offer students even more hands-on learning opportunities.
As part of their research experience, the group toured the St. Petersburg Innovation District, including Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, the Maritime Defense Technology Hub, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and FIO.
Students learned about cutting-edge tools used to train medical staff at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
At Johns Hopkins, the students explored cutting-edge medical tools, including 3D-printed replicas of hearts and skulls designed to help medical professionals practice procedures. At USGS, they learned about ongoing restoration projects on Florida's coral reefs. The visit to FIO featured a tour of the 117-foot research vessel Western Flyer and its remotely operated vehicle, Taurus, which supports scientific missions across the Gulf, Caribbean and western North Atlantic.
"It was incredibly rewarding to watch students realize that there is outstanding, world-class research happening right here in St. Pete," said O'Leary. “The moment these students see themselves as part of the research story, they embody the values of anthropology and community-engaged research that the SAIL program helps accelerate."
Students will soon select a research topic and put together a group project to present at the 2025 OneUSF Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. The event will take place in the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library on the USF St. Petersburg campus on Wednesday, July 23. The SAIL team plans to apply for the next round of grant funding in October, with award decisions expected in January 2026.