University of Texas Marine Science Institute

09/01/2026

Institute Insights: Behind the scenes of a successful graduate program

What happens behind the scenes to help graduate students succeed? For more than 20 years, Jamey Pelfrey has supported UTMSI’s graduate program, helping students, faculty and university administration navigate everything from admissions and registration to professional development and graduation.

Discover the work behind a successful graduate program in the latest Institute Insights from the Port Aransas South Jetty: https://www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-graduate-program/

08/31/2026

🌊 Why does some carbon in the ocean remain locked away for thousands of years while other carbon cycles quickly back into the environment? A new study led by UT offers a fresh theory that could reshape how scientists understand long-term carbon storage in the ocean and improve climate predictions. Read more: https://marinescience.utexas.edu/news/research/going-flow-new-theory-why-some-carbon-ocean-sticks-around-millennia

Bonded water in refractory oceanic dissolved organic matter pool as a new theory

08/28/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Anastasia Canu 🌟

Join us in celebrating Anastasia Canu, who has been part of the Ken Dunton Lab at UTMSI since June 2023. Starting as a lab assistant, she has grown into the role of acting lab manager, helping coordinate fieldwork, support boat operations, analyze research data, and assist with projects across the lab.

Anastasia's favorite part of her job is working in Texas' coastal environments and turning field observations into meaningful scientific discoveries. One of her favorite memories is conducting research in the Lower Laguna Madre while watching preparations for a SpaceX launch.

If she could be any marine organism, she'd choose a sea turtle because of its resilience, adaptability, and ability to always find its way home.

Her advice: "Don't lose sight of the reason why you're doing what you're doing. There will be rough days that make you question everything, but there will also be so many days that remind you what it is truly for. Try to keep sight of the bigger picture."

08/26/2026

🪐🌊 What can marine science teach us about other worlds?
That question was front and center at last week's 2026 Texas Area Planetary Science (TAPS) Meeting, where researchers shared their latest research in planetary science and astrobiology. UTMSI scientists Dr. Brett Baker and John Hinkle (pictured) both attended the meeting. Their research on marine sediments contributes to our understanding how life persists in a wide range of environments on Earth, and perhaps elsewhere in the universe. The connections between marine science and planetary science present exciting research opportunities for the future.
📷 E.V. Meitzen, UT Austin

08/25/2026

Claire White

Claire is studying how to optimize the growth of Texas-native Gracilaria, a red seaweed with the potential to support a future seaweed aquaculture industry along the Texas coast.

Gracilaria produces compounds used in medicine, cosmetics, food, and scientific research, and it can also be used as food, livestock and fish feed, and biofertilizer. By testing how light, water movement, and nutrients affect its growth, Claire's research is helping establish the best conditions for cultivating this valuable seaweed.

Her work supports the development of a sustainable seaweed aquaculture industry in Texas by improving cultivation methods and highlighting its potential benefits for coastal communities and ecosystems.
Project supported by: Texas Aquaculture Association; Phycological Society of America

Videos: Carlos Haney (Enlightened Images), Claire White (UTMSI), John Hinkle (UTMSI), Emma Chesley (UTMSI)
Images: Claire White (UTMSI)
Edited by: Amanda Jacoby

08/21/2026

Island Science Day Feature: Keeping it Reel! 🦑

Explore squid anatomy and biology during “Keeping it Reel!” at Island Science Day on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Participants will learn about squid and their role in marine ecosystems before taking part in a hands-on squid dissection and examining their external and internal anatomy. The experience will conclude with a creative activity using squid ink to make unique artwork!

Sessions will be offered at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM, with a limit of 15 participants per session. Registration is required and will be available in person at the Patton Center Auditorium on the day of the event. Space is limited and first-come, first-served.

Learn more about Island Science Day: https://utmsi.utexas.edu/event/island-science-day-port-aransas/

08/20/2026

Microplastics are everywhere, but what do they mean for human health? A new UT News feature explores research seeking answers, including perspectives from UTMSI's Dr. Zhanfei Liu.

🔗 Read the story:

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are partnering to trace the journey of microplastic particles through the human body and their role in cancer development.

08/19/2026

🦪 Join the Future of Oyster Aquaculture in Texas
We're seeking a Shellfish Aquaculture Research Manager to lead the development of a new oyster aquaculture facility at the Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory in Port Aransas. This Ph.D.-level position will help advance research, hatchery development, and industry engagement focused on Gulf Coast oyster aquaculture.

👉 Apply here: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/job/PORT-ARANSAS-TX/Shellfish-Aquaculture-Research-Manager_R_00047314?q=marine%20science

08/18/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Aaron Zavala 🌟

Join us in celebrating Aaron Zavala, one of our Boat Captains at UTMSI! Aaron joined the institute earlier this year and has quickly become an essential part of our marine operations team.

Aaron operates vessels across the institute's fleet and helps keep them maintained and ready to support research and fieldwork. His favorite part of the job is getting to know the people at UTMSI, from professors and graduate students to fellow staff.

For Aaron, there is no better office than the open water. "It's the best office I've ever had," he says. His advice is simple: Don't forget your lunch! After leaving his lunch behind on one of his first field trips, it's a lesson he won't forget.

Thank you, Aaron, for helping keep our research on the water running smoothly. We appreciate everything you do for the UTMSI!

08/17/2026

Like Google Earth, science creates amazing imagery — our grad student Kyra Jean Cipolla is also using 3D photogrammetry to examine coral reef structure and understand how the nooks and crannies in the reef influence the fish that live there.