Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

🦉 GCRL Science Café: Owls, Eagles, and Other Neighbors 🦅

Join us next week on August 31 at 6 p.m. for a very special GCRL Science Café featuring Kenneth Groue, Nature Photographer, as he shares photographs and stories highlighting the birds and other wildlife he has captured in the Ocean Springs East Beach area.

💻 Webinar Number: 2489 222 2714
🔑 Webinar Password: MekXmf7vS33
🔗 Join the webinar: https://usm.webex.com/usm/j.php?MTID=ma21fef56aaa9221a511e54aa872cc7a2

☕ Refreshments are provided courtesy of Gunter Library.

Thank you again, Willow Rhimyr, for sharing your unique blend of art and science, including a sneak peek at your new works, during a special reception at the USM Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center.

Willow's collection of paintings inspired by the coastlines of Rhode Island showcases an engaging and interactive exhibit highlighting the environmental challenges facing our coastlines. The exhibit encouraged visitors to discover how these changes impact everything from microscopic organisms to the larger marine life that depends on healthy coastal ecosystems.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening celebrating the connection between art, ocean science, and conservation!

Marine Biology Isn’t Just a Classroom Subject!

At the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) at Southern Miss, Marine Biology students get to take what they learn in the classroom and put it into action in the field. 🔬🦀

From collecting specimens and observing marine life to working with real-world data and exploring coastal environments, our students gain experience that you simply can’t get from a textbook.

Hands-on learning helps students:
🔹 Explore marine ecosystems up close
🔹 Learn field and laboratory techniques
🔹 Collect and analyze real scientific data
🔹 Work with marine organisms and coastal environments
🔹 Build teamwork and problem-solving skills
🔹 Gain experience that prepares them for careers in marine science

🌊 The Gulf Coast is our classroom—and there’s always something new to discover!

If you’re curious about marine life, love science, and want to learn by doing, Marine Biology at Southern Miss could be the perfect fit for you. 🐬💛🖤

👉 Learn more today: usm.edu/ocean



Photo Credit: Sara LeCroy

Congratulations to our Hydrography Graduates 🎓🌊

Last Friday, we celebrated the accomplishments of 10 students at the Graduation (Recognition) Ceremony for the Category “A” Master of Science in Hydrographic Science and Category “B” Bachelor of Science in Marine Science (Hydrography) programs at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Eight students completed the M.S. in Hydrographic Science program, part of the Joint International Hydrographic Applied Science Program—a collaboration between the U.S. Navy, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, and USM. This year’s graduates represented the U.S. Navy, Australian Royal Navy, and international partners, including students supported through the IHO-Republic of Korea Program of Technical Cooperation and faculty research grants.

Two additional students graduated from the B.S. in Marine Science (Hydrography) program.

Congratulations to all of our graduates on this incredible achievement! We are proud to celebrate their hard work and look forward to seeing the impact they make in the field of hydrography.

🌿 Save the Date! 🌊

Join us at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory for our big annual Open House on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come experience one of our favorite events of the year! Whether you’re curious about marine life, coastal research, or just looking for a fun and educational day by the water, there’s something for everyone.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you Willow Rhimyr for sharing your unique blend of art and science during a special reception at the USM Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center.

Willow's collection of paintings inspired by the coastlines of Rhode Island showcases an engaging and interactive exhibit highlighting the environmental challenges facing our coastlines. The exhibit encouraged visitors to discover how these changes impact everything from microscopic organisms to the larger marine life that depends on healthy coastal ecosystems.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening celebrating the connection between art, ocean science, and conservation!

Sea Tech Camp with the USM Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center!

Campers helped collect and examine a variety of marine species, including squid and frogfish, while learning how scientists use trawls to study the incredible diversity of life in the Gulf Coast.

Now Hiring: Seasonal Deckhands!

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Vessel Operations team is hiring Seasonal Deckhands to serve aboard the R/V Tommy Munro, our 98-foot offshore oceanographic research vessel based in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Seasonal deckhands assist with the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the vessel while supporting offshore research missions. Responsibilities include vessel maintenance, operating deck equipment, assisting with scientific gear deployments and retrievals, standing wheel watches, and helping ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Interested in joining the crew? Apply today at https://usm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/5187?c=usm

As another incredible Summer Field Program comes to a close, we wrapped up the season the best way we know how—with ice cream and great company! 🍦☀️

We can't wait to see where your journeys take you next. Have a wonderful rest of your summer! 🌊💙

Photo credit: Chris Cahill, Gunter Library Manager

🌿🌲 The GCRL Summer Field Program's Marine Biology class spent the day exploring the incredible plant communities of Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve!

Students learned about the longleaf pine ecosystem, one of the most biodiverse habitats in North America, and discovered how these forests support countless species. They also got an up-close look at fascinating carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, which thrive in the nutrient-poor wetlands by capturing insects for nutrients.