Recently, the University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) was featured in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) publication, Trash Free Waters. The article highlighted a week-long student cruise that combines science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and the blue economy. Dr. Jennifer Walker, associate dean for Coastal Operations in the College of Arts and Sciences, leads this annual cruise aboard the R/V Point Sur to prepare students for careers in the blue economy.
The collaboration between EPA and USM offers students an immersive experience that helps them transition to internships and explore potential job opportunities and career paths. Dr. Huy Vu, an EPA researcher, participated in one of Dr. Walker’s student cruises to gain insights into life aboard a research vessel. The experience and research conducted on the cruise offer valuable learning opportunities for students interested in research and coastal sustainability.
Dr. Walker expressed her hope of continuing and fostering this partnership to positively impact students’ lives. The Gulf of Mexico’s proximity provides a myriad of possibilities for participants to engage in life-changing experiences. To learn more about this article featured on page four, visit the USM School of Ocean Science and Engineering website.
The SOSE at USM has been collaborating with EPA to conduct fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico for several years now, providing students with a unique opportunity to apply their STEM knowledge in real-world scenarios while also contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
The student cruise is just one example of how USM is leading the way in preparing future leaders for careers in STEM fields related to coastal sustainability.
Dr. Walker believes that by continuing this partnership with EPA, they can have a significant impact on students’ lives by providing them with valuable learning experiences that will help them achieve their career goals.
Overall, this partnership highlights how universities can play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges through STEM education and research collaboration with government agencies such as EPA.
