Opportunities for Collaboration with the Sea Education Association of Woods Hole, MA
The Sea Education Association, based in Woods Hole, MA, offers study abroad programs that provide students unparalleled opportunities to learn about the biology, chemistry, and geology of the oceans, as well as the history and culture of maritimes peoples. Students participate both in land and sea components, sailing for four to six weeks aboard one of their two sailing vessels, the SSV Corwith Cramer, and the SSV Robert Seamans throughout the Atlantic, Carribbean, or Pacific Oceans. These ships have impressive research science capabilities, and provide access to remote areas for unique sampling opportunities. Students complete rigorous research projects while learning to sail and navigate the vessels. By the end of the program, students are leading the deployment of scientific equipment over the side of the ship, and as well as just about every aspect of the ship's operation (under guidance of the extremely well qualified crew, of course!). As an alum of both the SEA high school and college summer programs, I can say that participating in SEA is an exceptional, and possibly life-changing, experience. (Also, no sailing experience is expected or required!)
I would welcome students to contact me if they are interested in participating in one of the many SEA programs and developing a research project in marine microbiology and continuing the research back in my research lab at Amherst. We could consider projects that might involve collecting and culturing isolates of ubiquitous marine Vibrios while at sea, and continuing genomic and genetic characterizations back in the lab at Amherst.
If you are interested in participating a SEA Semester or SEA summer program, please contact me!
Sailing aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer in June, 2013.
Bacterial cultures from a recent SEA cruise. Photo courtesy Erik Zettler, Sea Education Association.