PELLSTON, Mich. —- On one of the first days of the 2026 spring academic term at the University of Michigan Biological Station, the humidity, cloudiness and wind lingered, creating a cold start to the season of adventurous field courses in the Northwoods.

During downtime from classes in late May, the volleyball and basketball courts, trails and beach — normally full of activity and laughter — remained largely vacant due to the weather.

But one sailboat could be spotted zipping across Douglas Lake. It was helmed by Quinn VanZile, taking advantage of a day that, for most, was a literal wash.

“I grew up sailing,” VanZile said. “My family all sailed, but I hadn’t sailed in over four years. When I saw the boat on the shore, I knew exactly how I’d be spending my free time.”

VanZile is a junior double majoring in Program in the Environment (PitE) and chemistry at the University of Michigan. During her month-long stay at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) located about 20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge, she took two courses: General Ecology Lab and General Ecology Lecture.

As a mentor with the Michigan Sustainability Community (MSC) in Ann Arbor, which takes a trip north to UMBS in the fall, it was an easy decision to enroll in the rustic, hands-on experience to not only fulfill requirements but also connect with nature.

Quinn VanZile, left, held a bullfrog on May 30 during fieldwork as part of the General Ecology Lecture course where the UMBS students learned methods to obtain information about a fungus that causes a skin disease in amphibians.

“I loved my courses,” Quinn said. “They were a lot of fun, and they stuck with me more because every lesson was interactive.”

They solidified her plan to pursue a career in sustainable chemistry.

However, the UMBS Sunfish sitting on the campus shore was always on her mind, beckoning her to take advantage of every opportunity to get out on the water and glide around Douglas Lake.

“It’s so much fun picking up speed,” VanZile said. “I love going fast. Every time I go out, I try and see how fast I can get.”

As the weather improved, she started teaching fellow UMBS students how to sail during their free time.

The native of Midland, Mich., used the same methods that helped her learn in sailing camp at Pentwater Lake, lessons which she started taking when she was eight years old. Her grandmother had a house in Pentwater and was a member of the Pentwater Yacht Club. Her family even participated in races.

“It was awesome to be able to use the sailboat at the Biostation with others,” VanZile said. “I want to share the experience with everyone.”

UMBS student Zafir Maker-Agha, a senior majoring in business and business administration and PitE at U-M, was one of VanZile’s sailing students.

“She’s a great teacher,” Maker-Agha said. “Even before we went out, she was drawing wind diagrams in the sand. When we finally went out on the water, it was so cool to feel the energy of the wind against the sail.”

Despite VanZile’s leadership and teaching prowess, Maker-Agha’s first sail didn’t stay afloat.

“You always have to adjust things with the end, and we had a pretty steady wind, and I over-adjusted, and we tipped,” Maker-Agha said.

Despite tipping, VanZile never got wet.

“I was completely in the water in the middle of the lake, glasses still on, and I look up at Quinn and she’s on the other side of the boat, completely dry, and asks, ‘How you doing, dude?’” Maker-Agha said. “After that, I knew we’d be okay. She was really calm, so I was really calm.”

The duo would tip two more times on their first trip, fully committed to the learned skill and challenge.

VanZile ended up taking three UMBS students out on Douglas Lake for their first time sailing, saying, for her, she just enjoyed the company and sharing her passion with others. 

“I love having people to talk to while I’m sailing,” VanZile said. “Usually, it's just me and the water. Having other people makes it so much better. Especially if I’m teaching.” 

The community was one of the things she loved most about her time at UMBS.

“The people,” VanZile said. “Getting to meet so many new amazing people and be a part of a really tight community for four weeks was incredible. The Talent Show was really fun. It was great to see everyone's creativity and how no one was afraid to try and put themselves out there.” 

Out on the open water of Douglas Lake through June, sailing at UMBS was the first time she had sailed in years. It relit a fire within her that had sparked in her childhood summers in Pentwater.

When she left the lakeside campus in Pellston on June 18, VanZile knew two things for certain: She plans to follow her passion to positively impact the planet through sustainable chemistry, and she will never again stop the refreshing, exhilarating practice of sailing.

 

The University of Michigan Biological Station serves as a gathering place to learn from the natural world, advance research and education, and inspire action. We leverage over a century of research and transformative experiences to drive discoveries and solutions to benefit Michigan and beyond.

Our vast campus engages all of the senses. Its remote, natural setting nurtures deep thought and scientific discovery.

Founded in 1909, UMBS supports long-term research and education through immersive, field-based courses and features state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for data collection and analysis to help any field researcher be productive. It is where students and scientists from across the globe live and work as a community to learn from the place.

Subscribe to the UMBS monthly e-newsletter and follow the field station on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).