USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Community Day

Tue, 10/10/2023 - 10:00am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

Families can get ready for a fun-filled Community Day at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The celebration is to acknowledge the GCRL’s 75 years of research, education, and service to the State of Mississippi. The event is free and open to the public.

Community Day will feature various exhibits showcasing current research being conducted at the lab, as well as fun kids activities including fish prints, a passport stamp activity, and face painting. Light refreshments will be available. Kelly Darnell, Director of GCRL, is excited for the momentous event.

“This year marks 75 years of research and education at GCRL and we’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone anniversary by opening our doors and inviting the community for a close-up look at what we do,” said Darnell.

Attendees will get a deeper dive into the wonderful research opportunities taking place at GCRL, many focusing on the blue economy. People will have the opportunity to ask ocean engineers and other marine scientists questions about life on the coast.

Jill Hendon, Director of the Center for Fisheries and Research Development, is looking forward to displaying the work done at GCRL to the local communities.

“The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory has been a treasure for scientists and students from around the nation and world,” said Hendon. “For many this location served as a first experience with a marine ecosystem, a sanctuary that allowed them the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For others, this was a conservation station that reliably supported the science of the region. The station has had impacts on all who have had the unique opportunity to spend time here.”

Located in Ocean Springs, Miss, GCRL is home to years of research, programs, summer camps and more. Darnell reflects on the last 75 years and remembers why it’s important to support local communities and coastlines.

“Many fondly remember visiting our J.L. Scott Education Center and Aquarium, and still more people enjoy our public seminars and events,” said Darnell. “We hope people of all ages will visit us on Community Day for hands-on activities and demonstrations to learn about our oceans and why they are important, and what the 200 faculty, staff, and students at GCRL are doing to understand and protect them.”

Learn more about the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.