School’s out for the summer — some students might take a vacation, but a select 10 college students have found their summer vocation at Mote: a 10-week independent research experience. Mote’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, has educated and trained more than 150 aspiring scientists since 2003. In this episode, Dr. Cathy Walsh, REU Coordinator and Senior Scientist at Mote, and REU intern Hery Rios-Guzman from Puerto Rico join hosts Joe and Hayley for an inside look at the way top students pursue their research passions with help from a mentoring scientist. What skills does a young scientist need to learn? What advice do Walsh and Rios have for next year’s applicants? And how does Rios’ interest in veterinary medicine relate to his summer study subject, coral reefs? Tune in!