Local Student Completes Marine Science Program at Dauphin Island

Cierra James, a high school student from Stone Mountain, traveled recently to the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory in Alabama to participate in a month-long residential marine science course. While there, James lived on campus and participated in over 150 hours of supervised academic activities.

During the intensive program, students were introduced to the field of marine science through a variety of disciplines. Many aspects of the class were highly academic, including lectures, group and individual projects, and presententations. While in class, the students studied plankton, oceanography, salt marsh ecology, marine botany, and marine vertebrates and invertebrates, among others.

James attended on a full scholarship from PNC Bank. It was need-based and she wrote a short essay on why the experience would be good for her. "I couldn't pick out a favorite part to the marine science course," she said. 

In addition to the classroom coursework, the group used the surrounding ecosystem on the barrier island for hands-on field experiences. Activities included beach profiling, reef fishing, and trawling aboard the DISL’s 65-foot research vessel, the R/V Alabama Discovery, to observe and identify local species. The group also took a trip to the New Orleans Aquarium, and went snorkeling in the seagrass beds of Panama City, Fla., a highlight of the course.

The students gained extensive knowledge from their time at DISL, and solidified their interest in marine science. Said James, "I enjoyed making new friends and getting hands-on experience in the field I want to be in. We did a lot of fun and exciting activities and it was a truly memorable experience!"