The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) recently made headlines in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Trash Free Waters publication. The article highlighted a week-long student cruise that integrates 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 provides students with 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 hopes of continuing and fostering the partnership to positively impact students’ lives. She believes that this collaboration will provide students with life-changing experiences as they engage in fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico’s diverse ecosystems, which offers a myriad of possibilities for participants to learn about marine conservation and environmental protection efforts in action.
To learn more about this exciting article featured on page four, visit the USM School of Ocean Science and Engineering website today!
