You are standing in front of a graphic panel titled “SERC Today.” To your left is a timeline titled “SERC’s Story.” To your right is a doorway leading to section five of the exhibition: From Emancipation to Jim Crow.

The panel in front of you includes text and six images.

The main text reads:

SERC Today

Today, SERC is home to an interdisciplinary team of scientists studying the most urgent issues facing the environment.

SERC’s research focuses on coastal ecosystems— places where the land meets the sea. Coasts are some of the most diverse, life-giving ecosystems on Earth. But they are also under intense pressure from climate change, invasive species, pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

Understanding ecosystems for a sustainable future.

The accompanying photos show SERC staff at work:

Research technician Andrew Peresta walking thigh-deep in the marsh.

Research technician Kimberly Richie holding a hose in a tank containing a cownose ray.

Research technician Max Ruehrmund holding up a long pole in the forest, where he is working on stream restoration.

Two additional photos show SERC staff at work on board a boat and in a forest.