USM Gulf Coast Research Lab's Marine Education Center

Summer Camps begin NEXT WEEK! There is still time to register your camper; we accept campers up until the first day of the week! Week 1 will see Sharkheads Sharkfest campers and Sea Campers. 🐟🌾⛵️

Summer Camp 2026 registration and scholarship links are officially LIVE! ☀

Is your student is ready for a summer filled with adventure, discovery, and real marine science?

From island hopping and shark tagging to beach sampling and underwater robotics, our camps are built for curious minds who love the ocean and want to explore it firsthand. 🦈🏝🐚

Camps available by grade level:
• Sea Camp - rising 1st–6th graders
• Sharkheads Sharkfest - rising 7th–12th graders
• Angler Camp - rising 7th–12th graders
• Sea Tech - rising 9th–12th graders
• Island Adventure Camp - rising 6th–12th graders

Spots fill quickly every year, register today and make this the summer they’ll never forget!

https://www.usm.edu/marine-education-center/k12-programs.php

Last week marked the end of another season of field trips with Trent Lott Academy and Singing River Academy! ☀🛥🔬

Each year, students visit the Marine Education Center for an exciting day exploring Davis Bayou aboard the Miss Peetsy B and a hands-on dive into the microscopic world of plankton.

On the final trip of the season, students also had the opportunity to see ocean technology in action as the Blue Boat, an autonomous surface vessel, mapped a section of Davis Bayou. Experiences like these help connect classroom learning to the exciting technologies shaping the future of marine science and the Blue Economy.

These opportunities are made possible through the generosity of the Louie and Terry Ehrlich STEM Education Endowment. Their support has impacted hundreds of students this spring, inspiring curiosity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of our coastal environment.

We are grateful for their investment in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, and we look forward to continuing these experiences for years to come!

Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of James “Jim” Franks, Jr.—a dedicated scientist, mentor, and friend whose passion for fisheries and coastal ecosystems left a lasting impact on so many.

We invite colleagues, friends, and community members to come together to share memories, honor his contributions, and reflect on the remarkable life he lived.

📍 Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
📅 Friday, May 8, 2026
⏰ Immediately following the memorial service (4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church)

All are welcome to attend and celebrate a life devoted to discovery, mentorship, and the Gulf Coast we cherish.

The Marine Education Center is HIRING! Applications are now open for our Marine Educator position. If you’re passionate about marine science and love creating engaging, field based learning experiences, this role is for you! 🎣🌞

Key Responsibilities:
• Bring marine science to life by leading hands on programs in the field, lab, and classroom.
• Create meaningful, memorable experiences for students through dynamic camps, field trips, and outreach programs.
• Support program development, track impact, and contribute to real-world coastal education efforts.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or apply today! 🌊💙

Visit the link below for more details and to submit your application.
https://usm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/5284?c=us

Join us for the next GCRL Science Café! 🌊

“Rethinking the Edge: Turning Erosion into a Living Shoreline” explores innovative, nature-based solutions to coastal erosion and how living shorelines can help protect and restore our coast.

📅 Monday, April 27, 2026
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Presenters:
Jason Cantu, Architect & Assistant Director for Campus Projects and Space Utilization &
Dr. Jessica Kastler, Director of Marine Education Center

This Science Café will also include a closer look at the living shoreline project in action!
Come learn, ask questions, and connect with others interested in coastal science and sustainability. This free, public event is perfect for anyone curious about how science is shaping the future of our shorelines.

We hope to see you there!