Mote’s popular lecture series offers the opportunity to listen to Mote scientists as they share their latest findings, innovations and fieldwork — from coral reef research and marine animal health to red-tide breakthroughs, sustainable fisheries and so much more.
South County lectures
South County Lectures will take place in person at the Venice Community Center. Attendees are invited to enjoy a pre-lecture reception at 5:00 p.m., lectures begin at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Sea Turtle Research on Florida’s Gulf Coast — Dr. Jake Lasala – Staff Scientist & Program Manager, Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program
- Monday, March 9, 2026 – Stranding Investigations in Action: The Power of Rescue, Partnerships, and Postmortem Science — Gretchen Lovewell – Staff Scientist & Program Manager, Stranding Investigations Program
Thank you to our Venice series sponsor:
Mote SEA lectures
Mote Science Education Aquarium Lectures will take place in person within Exploration Hall at Mote Science Education Aquarium. Attendees are invited to enjoy a pre-lecture reception at 5:00 p.m., and participate in a Q&A with the scientists afterwards. Lectures begin at 6:00 p.m. and are live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
- Monday, January 5, 2026 – PharmaSEA: Marine Natural Products Research at Mote Marine Laboratory— Dr. Kirstie Tandberg Francis – Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Molecular Microbiology
- Monday, January 12, 2026 – Hope in the Rubble: Florida’s Resilient Corals and Banking for Future Reef Recovery — Dr. Erinn Muller – Associate Vice President for Research, Program Manager for Coral Health & Disease, and Senior Scientist
- Monday, January 19, 2026 – Sea Turtle Research on Florida’s Gulf Coast — Dr. Jake Lasala – Staff Scientist & Program Manager, Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program
- Monday, January 26, 2026 – Sustainability through Fisheries Ecology and Stock Enhancement Science — Dr. Ryan Schloesser – Senior Scientist & Program Manager, Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement Program
- Monday, April 6, 2026 – Toxic Tides: Marine Science Research from Contaminant Detection to Health Protection — Dr. Jennifer Toyoda – Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Ecotoxicology Program
- Monday, April 13, 2026 – From Science to Shoreline: Growing Seagrass That Can Handle the Heat — Dr. Dominique Gallery – Seagrass Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Seagrass Ecosystem Research & Restoration
- Monday, April 20, 2026 – Connecting for Conservation: New Discoveries in Pelagic Ray Biology and Ecology while building Global Capacity — Dr. Kim Bassos-Hull – Senior Biologist, Sharks & Rays Conservation Research Program
- Monday, April 27, 2026 – Innovations in Aquaculture Pathways to Resilient Food Systems — Dr. Nicole Rhody – Senior Scientist & Program Manager, Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture Research Program
Virtual Mote SEA Lecture Tickets
Thank you to our Mote SEA series sponsors:
Michael and Karen Nameth
Coffee with a Scientist
Join us in Boca Grande for a special morning lecture featuring engaging, in-person conversations with Mote scientists.
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Sea Turtle Research on Florida’s Gulf Coast — Dr. Jake Lasala – Staff Scientist & Program Manager, Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – Sustainability through Fisheries Ecology and Stock Enhancement Science’ — Dr. Ryan Schloesser – Senior Scientist & Program Manager, Fisheries Ecology & Enhancement Program
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – Stranding Investigations in Action: The Power of Rescue, Partnerships, and Postmortem Science — Gretchen Lovewell – Staff Scientist & Program Manager, Stranding Investigations Program
Coffee with a Scientist Tickets
Thank you to our Coffee with a Scientist sponsor:
