USM School of Ocean Science and Engineering Student Cruise Featured in EPA Trash Free Waters Publication

Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:56am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) was recently featured in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s publication of Trash Free Waters highlighting a week-long student cruise that combines science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and the blue economy.

Every year, Dr. Jennifer Walker, associate dean for Coastal Operations in the College of Arts and Sciences, takes students aboard the R/V Point Sur on a week-long student cruise that prepares students for work in the blue economy. SOSE continues to partner with the EPA to conduct field work in the Gulf of Mexico.

“The partnership between EPA and USM that has developed to provide this immersive experience has been an invaluable opportunity for our students that has helped some to move to internships and also provides guidance for students to identify potential job opportunities and career pathways,” said Walker.

Dr. Huy Vu, an EPA researcher has taken advantage of the trip, embarking on one of Walker’s student cruises to experience life aboard a research vessel.

The experience, work, and research conducted on the vessel is praised and provides a steppingstone for any student interested in research and coastal sustainability. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico supplies endless possibilities for participants to embark on opportunities of a lifetime.

“We hope to foster this partnership so that we can continue to change students’ lives,” said Walker.

Read more about the article found on page four. Learn more about USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering.