Hopefully, this will not be the last of its kind
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is yet another example of a federal program that
may not exist for much longer if Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress
continue their War on Science. – W. Collette
Mystic Aquarium in collaboration with the University
of Connecticut’s Department of Marine Sciences at Avery Point (UConn-DMS), has
been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation. Mystic
Aquarium is the first aquarium in the nation to be selected for such a grant.
Taking advantage of the expertise and
partnership of two leading research and educational establishments focused on
marine sciences, the $283,827 grant will develop and
implement the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at UConn’s and
Mystic Aquarium’s research laboratories, both located at UConn’s Avery Point
campus.
This award is supported by the Division of Biological Infrastructure in the Directorate for Biological Sciences and the Division of Oceanic Sciences in the Directorate for Geosciences.
Led by Mystic Aquarium’s Chief Scientist, Tracy
Romano, Ph.D., and UConn Avery Point faculty member in ecology and evolutionary
biology Michael Finiguerra, students will engage in research projects
investigating the overarching question of: How
do environmental stressors affect the physiology, behavior, and ecology of
phytoplankton and marine animals in relation to the marine ecosystem?
The three-year project will connect undergraduate
students with established research mentors to investigate how global
environmental change affects marine animals and their ecosystems.
"This award is a testimony to the depth and
quality of Mystic Aquarium's marine science research focus,” said Mystic
Aquarium President and CEO, Dr. Stephen M. Coan. “For over 40 years we have
recognized that research is core to our mission."
Students will be offered a broad range of mentored
research topics designed to support their investigation in relation to multiple
trophic levels of the marine ecosystem.
Regular trips to Mystic Aquarium will be a major
component, including educational tours, animal and ecosystem exhibit
observations, job shadowing, group professional development seminars, and
interaction with Aquarium resources as well as the general public.
Mentors include Mystic Aquarium scientists Dr. Tracy
Romano (PI and project leader) and Dr. Paul Anderson, as well as UConn-DMS
scientists Dr. Heidi Dierssen, Dr. Ann Bucklin, Dr. Hans Dam, Dr. George
McManus, Dr. Evan Ward, and Dr. Hannes Baumann. Co-PI, Dr. Michael Finiguerra,
a former REU student, will organize the day-to day operations of the REU.
“UConn Avery Point has a close relationship with
Mystic Aquarium, and that strong foundation positions us to share our regional
resources and expertise nationally with deserving future scientists,” said
Annemarie Seifert, director of UConn Avery Point. “We are very excited to
welcome diverse students from around the country to the University of
Connecticut, the Avery Point campus, and our distinct maritime region.”
A total of 24 students – eight per year – will
participate in the 10-week program that will give students a chance to develop
scientific laboratory and field-based research skills. They will receive a
stipend, housing, and meal and travel allowances.
Students will be selected based on a personal
statement of interest in marine sciences, academic record, letters of
recommendation, and explanation of desired research mentors.
“The base of students for this program will be
recruited from underrepresented minority ethnic groups, particularly American
Indians and Alaskan Natives, as well as academic institutions where research
opportunities in STEM are limited,” said Dr. Tracy Romano, Vice President of
Research and Chief Scientist for Mystic Aquarium.
Programming will take place during the summers of
2017, 2018 and 2019.
“Anthropogenic and environmental stressors such as
pollution and climate change are increasingly more threatening to marine
ecosystems across the globe; further highlighting the critical need for
researchers of today and tomorrow to better understand the impacts of these
stressors on animals and their ecosystems,” added Romano.
The overarching project goal is to provide students
with an immersive research experience that encourages them to pursue
postgraduate studies and/or careers in marine science or other science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The REU will culminate
in student presentations at the Aquarium for both scientific and public
audiences.
“Our objective is that this project will have a
broader impact on the future STEM workforce by increasing its
diversity-promoting scientific literacy in underrepresented communities and
science arenas at large and exposing students with expanded STEM career
opportunities,” added Dr. Coan.
More information about the program including the
application process is available by visiting http://www.mysticaquarium.org/reu
or by email at tromano@mysticaquarium.org
or michael.finiguerra@uconn.edu.
