The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) recently made an appearance in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s publication of Trash Free Waters. The publication highlighted a week-long student cruise that integrates science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and the blue economy.
Each year, Dr. Jennifer Walker, associate dean for Coastal Operations in the College of Arts and Sciences, leads students on a week-long cruise aboard the R/V Point Sur to prepare them for careers in the blue economy. SOSE has been collaborating with the EPA to conduct fieldwork in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to Walker, the partnership between the EPA and USM provides students with valuable opportunities that help some secure internships and explore potential job opportunities and career paths. In fact, Dr. Huy Vu, an EPA researcher, joined one of Walker’s student cruises to gain experience living and working on a research vessel.
The work carried out during the cruise receives high praise and serves as a foundational experience for students interested in research and coastal sustainability. The Gulf of Mexico’s proximity offers countless possibilities for participants to embark on life-changing opportunities.
Walker expressed the hope that this partnership will continue to positively impact students’ lives. For more information about USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering or their collaborations with organizations like EPA, refer to our article on page four or visit their website directly.
