Dick Zimmerman, a member of the Bio-Optical Research Group (BORG) at Old Dominion University, scuba dives at the Susquehanna Flats in Maryland to assess and research the bio-optics of various seagrass species. His work involves measuring light penetration, spectral reflectance, and water clarity to better understand how these underwater plants interact with their light environment, which is important for the conservation and management of seagrass ecosystems.

Keon, Lyric, and Malazia from Exodus Summer Camp swing on the playground at Oxon Run Park in Southeast D.C. The park hosts various educational events and serves as a gathering spot for the camp, which offers recovery support services for low- to moderate-income families in the Washington metropolitan area. "We bring kids to the park every Wednesday morning during the summer to play, read stories at the amphitheater, and experience nature,' said Pastor Gary Hill, the camp's founder."

Queen Rita Room, a drag queen from Bowling Green, prepares for her role in the comfort of her dressing room. Each Wednesday night, Rita Room takes on the role of host of Drag Bingo at Landon’s Sugar Shack Bar and Restaurant. Her transformation begins at approximately 5 p.m. as she meticulously applies concealer before progressing to using masking tape to precisely apply eyeliner. After completing her makeup routine, Rita Room rounds off her look with a distinctive outfit and wig.

Beachgoers take an evening stroll along Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park in Anne Arundel County, MD. The five-acre waterfront parcel on the Chesapeake Bay is the last remnant of the original 180-acre property purchased by freedman Frederick Carr in 1902. Many beachgoers can access the beach along a quarter-mile interpreted walking path from the Annapolis Maritime Museum Park.

Harbor Splash 2024 participants jump into the Baltimore Harbor at Bond Street Wharf in Fells Point in Baltimore on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The city has drastically reduced sewage reaching the Inner Harbor, enabling its first major swimming event in roughly four decades.

Laura Bratcher, a 45-year-old single mother from Bowling Green, Kentucky, engages in playtime with her daughter Piper Leonard in their backyard on a Sunday evening. Piper, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, finds joy in constant movement, particularly enjoying outdoor play and swinging on her swing set with her mother. Bratcher, a Longhorn Steakhouse server in Bowling Green for 21 years, typically works morning shifts, allowing her afternoons to be dedicated to her daughter.

Creste Jean, the Equine Manager, attempts to unfreeze the drinking water on the fields of the WKU Farm fields Sunday night. "We're lucky to have connections in the industry who donate great horses," says Jean.

Saul Villavicencio-Sanchez, 23, participates in a kickboxing session with coach Josh Biggs at Fuel Fortress Fitness Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Originally from Mexico, Villavicencio-Sanchez now resides in Bowling Green and has been practicing kickboxing for 1.5 years. "I love kickboxing because of the community you get to build and the confidence it gives you not just in the gym but in life; it challenges me to do things that scare me," says Villavicencio-Sanchez.

On Saturday, September 24, the SOKY Fairgrounds in Bowling Green, Kentucky, hosted the Monster Truck Nitro Tour. The event showcased massive 10,000-pound monsters engaged in racing and wheelie contests. Randy Barton, the driver and owner of the Volkswagen Beetle monster truck known as Bugzilla, navigated the outdoor dirt course during the monster truck wheelie contest. Barton, who invested nearly a decade in perfecting his truck, reflected on the challenges, stating, "Probably thought about quitting on it and getting rid of it at least 100 times or more...thankfully I have good friends and family that helped me, pushed me, stood behind me, and continue to help when I need it!"

Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park in Anne Arundel County, Md., has an unobstructed view of the Bay Bridge. On a clear day, you might see ospreys scanning the bay for fish or boats coming in and out of the harbor.

Harbor Splash 2024 participants take big leaps into the harbor after a countdown.

Stephanie Sass, sleds down the snowy hill by Van Meter Hall in Bowling Green, Kentucky Monday morning. Sass recently graduated with a Music Education degree from WKU but still lives in Bowling Green and enjoys the days when she gets to go out and enjoy the snowy weather.

Around 11 pm, Meredith Moser (middle) and Reagan Sosnowski (right) help Morgan Montgomery (left) add the finishing touches to her Saturday night makeup look before heading off-campus to a fraternity event. Running back and forth between different friends’ Minton Hall dorm rooms, the girls enjoy getting ready as a group helping each other by holding up lights and doing each other’s makeup.