The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) has recently been highlighted in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Trash Free Waters publication. The feature discussed a week-long student cruise that integrates science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and the blue economy.
Led by Dr. Jennifer Walker, associate dean for Coastal Operations in the College of Arts and Sciences, this annual cruise aboard the R/V Point Sur prepares students for careers in the blue economy. SOSE collaborates with the EPA to conduct fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico, providing 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. The Gulf of Mexico’s proximity offers a myriad of possibilities for participants to engage in life-changing experiences.
Dr. Walker expressed hopes of continuing and fostering the partnership to positively impact students’ lives. To learn more about this article featured on page four, visit the USM School of Ocean Science and Engineering website.