Slug Life: Ecology and Natural History of Sea Slugs

The Honors Program kicked off its first Symposium of the year with “Slug Life: Ecology and Natural History of Sea Slugs,” featuring Michael Middlebrooks and his fascinating research on some of the ocean’s most unusual creatures.

Middlebrooks focuses particularly on photosynthetic, or “solar-powered,” sea slugs. These remarkable animals can steal chloroplasts, the structures responsible for photosynthesis, from the algae they consume and store them inside their own cells. By doing so, the sea slugs can use sunlight to help produce energy, creating an unusual connection between an animal and the food it eats.

Beyond sea slugs, Middlebrooks also researches seagrass restoration and the diverse communities of animals that live in and depend on seagrass beds. His work highlights how interconnected marine ecosystems are and why protecting habitats like seagrass beds is essential for the organisms that rely on them. Through his research, Middlebrooks offers a closer look at some of the ocean’s most unusual creatures while demonstrating the complex relationships that make marine ecosystems so fascinating.

Week of Welcome

WOW Week was a chance to celebrate the accomplishments, experiences, and community of our Honors students. Throughout the week, we highlighted Honors students who have gone above and beyond in their academic and professional experiences, including students who earned grants, presented their work at conferences, studied abroad, and completed theses.

These accomplishments showcase the many ways Honors students take advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. From conducting research and sharing their work to exploring new places and pursuing independent projects, our students continue to make the most of their Honors experience.

WOW Week also gave us an opportunity to celebrate our first-year Honors students with a night dedicated to building community. The celebration featured catered food, a DJ, sand volleyball, and tote-bag making, giving students the chance to relax, get creative, and connect with one another outside of the classroom.