Learning by doing—by seeing and hearing and smelling—does more than just impart knowledge. Experience can be transformational.

That’s part of the reason Lauren Pittenger (BS ’01 ecology, MS ’03 microbiology, PhD ’07 food science, MBA ’08) and her husband, Jim Alley (BBA ’01) decided to fund a Coastal Resilience Scholarship through the Odum School of Ecology.

“We were happy to be able to fund a scholarship,” said Pittenger.

Pittenger earned three graduate degrees, but credits experiential learning during her undergraduate studies at UGA for setting her direction.

“I enjoyed my experience on an ecology-led Costa Rica trip and all the hands-on activities I was able to participate in during school,” she said. “Actually, I wasn’t an ecology student when I did the Costa Rica trip, but it is what made me decide to switch to ecology.

“I want to make sure we help folks that may not have the resources to have those experiences,” she said.

OSE launched Coastal Resilience Scholarships in 2026, establishing an endowment to fund scholarships of up to $2,000 to empower students to explore Georgia’s coastal ecosystems while furthering their understanding of ecology, coastal communities and themselves. Four families sponsored five of the inaugural scholarships; their donations were matched by a $100,000 grant from the UGA Board of Trustees.

On the coast, a student might need $4,500 for 10-12 weeks of room and board while doing field research. Without a Coastal Resilience Scholarship, that expense could place the experience out of reach for many students.

“Coastal Resilience Scholarships help to remove a financial barrier, allowing students a chance to work on research projects along Georgia’s vital 100-mile coastline,” said Odum School Dean Mark Hunter.

“Fieldwork trains students to assess environmental risks and implement restoration practices that benefit both ecosystems and people,” Hunter said. “On-site problem-solving strengthens communication and teamwork skills. By establishing connections with researchers, agencies and organizations, students create networks that lead to internships and jobs.”

“We know that learning-by-doing opens up different neural pathways and makes connections that otherwise don’t become clear with books,” said Nik Heynen, who with his wife Jennifer is funding a scholarship through the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation. The foundation is in memory of their son Birkley Heynen (AB ’24), a beloved Odum School student who died unexpectedly in 2024. 

Nik Heynen, who is a UGA geography professor and director of education for Shell to Shore, works with students in coastal research all the time.

“For me, the thing about this type of research is … it’s fun. The excitement and inspiration from being in beautiful and important places that are oftentimes in peril, it opens people up in ways that they can’t imagine possible,” Heynen said.

“Then, low-key stress—doing work that is new and a little intimidating—challenges a person and changes the aperture of what they can see,” he said. “That makes them want to do more and learn more. It becomes contagious.”

James A. Marsh Jr. (PhD ’68) also found his calling in field research and wants students to have the experience.

Now a professor emeritus of marine biology at the University of Guam, Marsh spent a career in marine research. As a graduate student, he studied coral reefs at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands and later at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology with UGA ecology professor Larry Pomeroy. He went on to the University of Guam, where he continued his work with coral reefs.

“I traveled to Sapelo Island as part of Pomeroy’s graduate class in oceanography and marine biology during my first year at UGA,” Marsh said.

“I think that early research involvement and hands-on experience is an invaluable adjunct to classroom instruction, something I wish I had experienced as an undergraduate.

“Such involvement might lead to research careers for students exploring a career path, or may simply enrich undergraduate education and expand the horizons for those who ultimately pursue other careers,” he said. “In either case, the need for talented researchers and an informed citizenry has never been greater.”

Marsh was pleased to establish a Coastal Resilience Scholarship to support undergraduates assisting UGA faculty doing research on the Georgia coast, he said.

Like the other donors, Carolyn Butler feels a connection to the coast and wants bright students to gain experience that leads to long-term sustainability for the ecosystem there.

“The Georgia coast has been an integral part of our family for many generations, and its natural beauty has no equal. But it is a complicated and fragile ecosystem full of challenges that need to be addressed. To that end, we can’t think of a better investment than supporting students as they discover, experience, research and ultimately help preserve such a special place,” said Butler.

As the first Coastal Resilience Scholars began in summer 2026, dedicated funding for student learning on the coast promised to prepare future ecologists to steward the coastline. In coming years, gifts to Coastal Resilience Scholarships will increase award sizes and expand the number of students who are able to participate in coastal research.