Having served thousands of students in the last five decades at SML, we are consistently impressed by the professionalism, creativity, and passion that our students demonstrate. It is amazing to see how students translate their SML experiences into opportunities on their home campuses and to kickstart their careers!

David Mesta (Northern Essex Community College '17) studied and banded gulls this summer as research intern at SML. David brought his laboratory science skills into the field while collecting blood samples and identifying blood parasites in gulls. His work at SML made headlines in several New England news outlets!

After Anatomy & Function of Maine Vertebrates this past summer, Jess Ohrenberger (UNH '19) continued to work with SML faculty member Dr. Stacy Farina and recently presented at the North-East SICB scientific meeting. Her research on hinged teeth in goosefish includes incredibly detailed illustrations.

Scott Wilson (Cornell '20) enrolled in a Shoals Semester, which allows students to dive more deeply into marine science during a full summer on Appledore Island. Scott concluded his Shoals Semester with an individual research project about the Snakes of Appledore, which he chronicled in his SML blog.

These are just a few recent examples of our outstanding students! We are grateful for the opportunity to work with them as they advance their careers.

Our alumni, whether from the very first SML course or new college graduates, frequently stay in touch with us to share stories of their latest ventures and achievements, or to check-in on island happenings. We'd love to hear from you!

This spring, Wendy Lull (SML '73) retired as President of the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH after 25 years of leadership. (Thank you Wendy for bringing marine education to the Seacoast!) New SSC President, Jim Chase, is himself an SML alum from 1983.

Barbara Scully (SML '85) is pioneering aquaculture and innovation in Midcoast Maine's oyster industry, and credits SML as one of the formative influences on her life and her business in this recent article about her work in the Bangor Daily News.

We are proud of and grateful for our alumni, who collectively represent the positive impacts of the SML experience.

(Photos top to bottom: Wendy Lull and Jim Chase photos by the Seacoast Science Center; Barbara Scully photo by Meandering Maine blog)

SML's dedicated faculty members are the heart and soul of our programs, and their commitment to research and education on Appledore Island truly opens doors for our students.

Dr. Warren Allmon (faculty for Evolution & Marine Diversity) is celebrating 25 years as the Director of the Paleontological Research Institute and its Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, NY.

Dr. Nick Gidmark (faculty for Anatomy & Function of Marine Vertebrates) was instrumental in starting a makerspace for students at Knox College, which provides access to technology and machines, like a 3D printer and laser cutter, for testing and experimentation.

Lindsey Williams (faculty for Sustainable Fisheries) was inspired to action this year and ran a successful campaign for Dover, NH's City Council Member At-Large.

We are grateful to our fantastic faculty for all the passion and knowledge they bring to SML programs!

(Photos top to bottom: Dr. Warren Allmon photo by PRI; Dr. Nick Gidmark photo by Knox College; Lindsey Williams photo by Lindsey Williams)

Of course, we could not continue our important work without the support of the SML community!

You enable SML to play a pivotal role in ocean science and resilience – something important to all of us and future generations.

Since 1966, Shoals Marine Laboratory has served thousands of students, many of whom have become leading scientists and policy makers. We are grateful for all of your support. You make SML possible!