Marine Biology Research 2013 Fall Semester in Review

...after a long day's fieldwork...
…after a long day’s fieldwork…

The 2013 Fall semester at the Marine Biology Research and Harbor SEALs Programs has been full of progress. Starting with the generous support of our scholars, we were able to move our lab to the Marine Science room in 3 days. On October 12 we set off to restore eel grass at Brooklyn Pier’s Park with our team leader, Nicolle. We were excited to see the eel grass we had installed a year ago was still alive. Our water quality data has been updated by the SEALs team and our high school data manager, Violeta. On October 29th, we conducted our Harbor SEALs Citizen Science training workshop with our youngest members. On October 30th, our advanced scholars worked on a Geographic Information Systems project using maps and applying strategy to locate contamination sources in a US river (See previous post below). Our intermediate research students have been putting together research plans for over 10 different projects. 5 of those students have qualified for college credit through S.U.N.Y. Albany’s University in the High School program. Our advanced research scholar, Samiyra, won 1st place for her project on Econcrete at the American Salvage Association.  On October 31st, our research scholars, Kieron and Brendan, teamed up with Rachael of the Rozalia Project to monitor microplastics in the Hudson River Estuary. We’ve been able to ramp up our marine science project analyses using parametric statistics with our advanced research scholar, Pablo. On November 9th, we attended The Nature Conservancy’s Green Careers Fair and exposed our research scholars to Work-Based learning opportunities. On November 11th, we submitted the Marine Biology Research Program’s 223 page Self Study document which is a requirement to apply for the Program’s State Career and Technical Education Certification. On November 14th Averille, Orlando, and Bill successfully installed a water quality sonde PVC enclosure by our Ecodock in collaboration with the Vessel Operations program of study team. On November 25th, our beginner research class was visited by a special guest, Anna, who is biking through all 50 US states to talk to us about not forgetting to follow our passion. And, finally, the Harbor SEALs celebrated our second annual Thanksgiving meal with friends. Thank you to all Marine Research Scholars, Harbor SEALs Citizen Scientists, New York Harbor School staff, Partners, and friends for your hard work, accomplishments, and support. A special thanks goes out to Anita, our invaluable volunteer! For more pictures click here.