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$87,521 raised so far! We are less than $13,000 away from our $100,000 milestone, on the way to $250,000.
Remember: at $100,000 we receive a $25,000 matching grant from the Saquish Foundation! |
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Dear Friends of Shoals Marine Laboratory,
I just wrapped up teaching a new SML course: Marine Environmental Science and Conservation. I gained a new perspective on the student and faculty experience at SML. This might be obvious, but SML faculty work very hard! Two weeks of non-stop instruction from breakfast until long after dinner is challenging. I co-taught alongside long-term SML scientist Dr. Jarrett Byrnes from UMass Boston and SML newbie, Dr. Justin McAlister, from the College of the Holy Cross.
With our students we explored tide pools, measured flounder caught on a commercial trawler, hung lights off the SML dock to attract and capture the nighttime shift in plankton communities, searched for whales on Jeffery's Ledge, and dodged terns on Seavey Island... it was simply amazing and we all learned a lot!
The SML students were a joy to teach, their enthusiasm was infectious, and everyone was inspired to dive deep into our learning experience. The course culminated in a research presentation and paper wherein each student presented a conservation management plan for a Gulf of Maine resource of their choice, covering topics from harbor seals to sugar kelp. We all were reluctant to say goodbye on the dock on the last day. I have a strong feeling I will see some of them again as we were all transformed by the experience - we accomplished so much, and there was such a sense of camaraderie. Partners in marine science exploration and learning - it is a nice bond to have!
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Reflecting on 50 Years of SML Science!
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By Dr. Jim Coyer
The 50th celebration of Shoals Marine Laboratory includes the recognition of the amazing array of original marine science research conducted by both Ph.D. level scientists and early undergraduate students. This work has resulted in over 110 publications in peer-reviewed journals, seven Masters theses, and seven Ph.D. dissertations!
A significant part of the SML research program since 1999 has been summer-long internships, in which undergraduate research interns work closely with faculty mentors to design and implement original research. SML hosts an average of 12 of these students every summer. They work alongside world-class scientists from a variety of institutions around the country as well as SML academic staff on-island. This highly successful internship program has produced 24 publications in peer-reviewed journals and counting!
At SML, we are surrounded by scientists who are building a deep understanding of SML ecosystems, such as long-term evaluations of intertidal and subtidal communities, marine mammal health, seabird (gulls and terns) population dynamics, songbird acoustics, and most recently, evaluation of the viruses responsible for sea star wasting disease that has just appeared in waters off Appledore. Some of these long-term studies span decades of data and are incredibly valuable for observing and assessing change over time in the Gulf of Maine, including climate change and invasive species ecology. This ever-expanding knowledge base enhances our understanding of the oceans and improves our ability to educate students in SML courses.
Clearly, the Shoals Marine Laboratory is a leader in not only undergraduate education, but also research. We look forward to the next 50 years of SML Science!
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By SML's 2016 Sustainable Engineering Interns
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Jonathan Brown
University of New Hampshire
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David Xiaohan Chen
University of Pennsylvania
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Anna-Katharina von Krauland
Cornell University
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University of New Hampshire
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The 2016 Sustainable Engineering Interns are working on several different projects simultaneously within the span of a month with the goal of further reducing Appledore Island's carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The focus of these projects include:
- Verifying last year's predictions about how newly installed LED lights would decrease diesel consumption
- Evaluating possibilities to capture excess energy production from solar panels at peak times of the day by load shedding onto large energy-users such as the reverse osmosis machine, SCUBA compressor, or handheld electronics
- Attempting to create a master plan to seamlessly connect the two power grids on the island for productive and convenient use both in the summer and winter seasons
- Using collected rainwater to irrigate Celia Thaxter's garden
- Devising a wash-down system or gull deterrent mechanism to keep solar panels clean and working efficiently
- Testing the grease interceptor and ensuring that its size and frequency of cleaning are preventing grease from entering the septic system
- Working with a local groundwater consulting company, Emery & Garrett Groundwater Investigations, with the aim of locating a new well that could be used to supplement the freshwater supply on Appledore
The projects constitute a holistic analysis of the different systems on this island, in essence a small-scale version of the infrastructure on the mainland, and therefore give the interns the opportunity make a tangible impact on its long-term sustainability while serving as role models for sustainability projects elsewhere.
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The interns will be presenting their weeks of work at the 11th Annual
Sustainable Engineering Internship Symposium, this weekend on Appledore Island!
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Register Now: Public Programs at SML
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Our 50th year is the perfect reason to sign-up for public programs and get back to Appledore! Some of our best outreach programs are held in August and September. We'd love to see you on the island and introduce (or re-introduce) you to the natural history of our beautiful island home.
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Explore your artsy side!
Immerse yourself in the spectacular setting of Appledore Island, August 25 to 29, during Seascapes and Landscapes. Receive daily instruction with a focus on composition, color, and light. You can concentrate on painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, or all of the above! Ample opportunities to learn about marine life and explore Appledore Island will round-out the week's activities.
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Shoals Ecology!
C
ome enjoy t
he best of everything Shoals has to offer! This adult program offered September 2 to 4 is geared towards science-based exploration in three subject areas: ornithology, marine mammals, and oceanography. This fun-filled, hands-on program will offer a relaxed pace for those interested in learning about the wonderful world of marine biology!
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In Closing
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Recently, I was asked why a marine lab cares for a historic flower garden, Celia Thaxter's Garden. What a great question! I think the garden serves a few important roles at SML:
1) History matters.
Many students step onto Appledore Island or dive into Shoals' waters and believe that this is a pristine environment. But we know that humans have been influencing these natural systems for a long time. Our understanding of today's ecosystems is reliant on our understanding of how humans have influenced the environment in the past.
2) Relationship with nature.
The aesthetics of a garden reflect our relationship with nature. The "wild" garden that Celia Thaxter cultivated depicts her love of the natural world. If we care about promoting a conservation ethic, we need to understand the current human relationship with nature.
3) Interdisciplinary research/learning opportunity.
Engineers, horticulturalists, scientists, archeologists, and artists have all worked in the garden. The world is interdisciplinary, and our ability to work across fields will improve our ability to protect and learn about marine systems. At SML we are dedicated to communicating and collaborating across disciplines to understand and address today's environment.
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Honor our past.
Appledore Island has a rich and well-known history. Many fascinating and prestigious deep-thinkers have had a special relationship with this unique island.
I am so grateful that SML is located on an island with a deep and rich past because I think it bodes well for our future. If the saying 'past is prologue' is true... SML has a fine future ahead!
With deep appreciation and warm wishes,
Jennifer Seavey, Ph.D.
Kingsbury Director of the Shoals Marine Laboratory
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