Note: Details about this event are still in development and are subject to change.
Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:00am-3:00pm in the Hall of Science
Join us for our annual afternoon of fun with sharks! Admission is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend.
Tour the Shark Lab
Learn about the latest Shark Lab Science and Technology
Learn About the Science Behind the "Stingray Shuffle"
Participate in Sharks and Crafts
Learn Beach Safety Tips in Presentation with Q&A
Activity offerings are subject to change.
Parking
Parking in lots on campus requires some form of paid parking. Parking is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What You'll Experience
Here are some of the experiences and activities we will share with you, and the research teams you may have the opportunity to meet. Please note that activity offerings are subject to change, and lab tour experiences have limited availability.
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Meet Dr. Chris Lowe and the É«ÖÐÉ« Shark Lab team of graduate and undergraduate students. The mission of the Shark Lab is to study the physiological and behavioral ecology of marine animals, emphasizing the effect of human activity on the ocean; to utilize and develop innovative technology to answer challenging questions important for the conservation and restoration of depleted populations; and to train the next generation of marine biologists.
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Tour the Shark Lab's facilities, which include a semi-enclosed outdoor tank bay that has a 10,000 gallon recirculating system including chillers, protein skimmers, and cartridge filters. The tank bay has several large polyurethane tanks for holding gamefishes, sharks, skates and rays.
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Learn about shark and beach safety at the Shark Shack. A project of the Shark Lab, the Shark Shack builds appreciation for sharks by reducing fear and informing the public about sharks and other marine life they may encounter at the beach. The Shark Shack has information and activities for all ages.
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Tour the Marine Lab's facilities, which include an 6,000 gallon recirculating seawater system which supplies tanks in both indoor and semi-enclosed outdoor spaces with a constant supply of clean water at local environmental temperatures. Thus it has the ability to keep locally collected live marine animals (algae, invertebrates, and fishes) for classroom and research purposes.
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Explore the Science Learning Center (SLC), a unique learning space located on campus. The SLC seeks to provide exceptional learning experiences for both local K-8 youth as well as the students of É«ÖÐÉ« through exhibits and activities that encourage questioning and hands-on investigation.
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Explore the diversity of round stingray barbs under the microscope. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes to see! Also, check out the different "zombie" feet that we use in the lab to simulate what happens when you accidentally step on a stingray at the beach. We also have some surf booty material that we tested to see if it will keep your feet safe at the beach if stung by a stingray.
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Meet the STABB Lab team, a group of undergraduate students studying animal locomotion. With a current focus on round stingrays, Dr. Ben Perlman and his team use high-speed cameras, engineering equipment, and computer software to describe the animals' behavior. These studies will inform beach goers on how to remain safe and reduce stingray tail strikes when entering the ocean, e.g., the "stingray shuffle!"
