Florida Tech marine biology major Abby Hesterhagen has been named the 2026–2027 recipient of the Dr. Kerry Bruce Clark Endowed Scholarship in Marine Biology.
Hesterhagen, a sophomore with a minor in environmental science, was selected by the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences based on her academic achievement, research experience and campus involvement. The selection committee cited her strong academic performance, undergraduate research experience, active involvement in campus and professional organizations, and clear vision for her academic and career goals.
The merit-based scholarship honors the legacy of Kerry Bruce Clark, a professor of marine biology at Florida Tech from 1971 until his death in 1999. He was named a 1996 Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in honor of his work documenting rare species of sea slugs.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected for this scholarship,” Hesterhagen said. “I plan to use this award to pursue a career that will benefit the ocean and the life it contains. As a recipient, I hope to honor Dr. Kerry Clark through my education, research and future career.”
Hesterhagen works in the research laboratory of renowned shark biologist Toby Daly-Engel, Ph.D., studying shark behavior and population dynamics using genetic tools.
Outside the classroom, she serves as treasurer of the Sailing Club and Tri Beta, public relations officer for both the Marine Biological Society and the Society for Women in Marine Science, and is a member of Florida Tech’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program.
She said her success is driven by motivation and discipline.
“I am motivated by what I am studying and the career I am pursuing, and I use that motivation to push myself academically,” she said. “Figuring out how to structure my time early on has helped me balance all of the components of my life.”
After graduation, Hesterhagen plans to pursue a master’s degree and conduct research focused on shark and ray conservation.
The Kerry Bruce Clark Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a marine biology student who demonstrates academic excellence, research engagement and a commitment to advancing the field.
