Siesta Key ecosystem becomes living lab for USF students

University partners with local chapel to study coastal environment

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A highly textured, abstract painting in soft shades of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric shapes and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interconnected systems of a coastal ecosystem.A university-community partnership transforms a local coastal ecosystem into an active learning laboratory, allowing students to study the intricate natural systems that sustain the environment.Siesta Key Today

The University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus has transformed a local ecosystem on Siesta Key into a living field laboratory for its biology students. The project, led by assistant instructor Karen Atwood, allows students to conduct hands-on research and gain practical experience studying the coastal environment.

Why it matters

This partnership between the university and the Siesta Key Chapel provides students with unique access to study a real-world ecosystem, moving beyond the traditional classroom setting. It also allows the university to contribute to the understanding and preservation of the local environment.

The details

The project was initiated after the university received an inquiry from the Siesta Key Chapel about potential collaboration opportunities. Atwood saw it as an ideal chance to transform a nearby coastal ecosystem into an active learning environment for her biology students. The students will conduct research on topics like biodiversity, water quality, and the impact of human activity on the local environment.

  • The project was launched in April 2026 after the initial inquiry from Siesta Key Chapel.

The players

Karen Atwood

An assistant instructor of Biology at the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus who is leading the project to turn a local ecosystem into a living field laboratory for students.

Siesta Key Chapel

A local religious organization that reached out to the University of South Florida about potential collaboration opportunities, leading to the creation of the living field laboratory project.

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What they’re saying

“I'm always looking for ways to move beyond the traditional classroom and give students meaningful, hands-on experiences. This project transforms a local ecosystem into a living field laboratory.”

— Karen Atwood, Assistant Instructor of Biology

What’s next

The university plans to continue the project over the coming years, with students conducting research and monitoring the local ecosystem on an ongoing basis.

The takeaway

This partnership between the university and the local community demonstrates the value of experiential learning and the importance of engaging students in real-world environmental research and conservation efforts.