In July 2023, 4H students interacted with touch tanks installed by undergraduate students during a tour of the Cooperative Aquaculture Research Center (CCAR). Maine students participating in the new SEABEARS program will create educational materials for youth in Maine Extension’s statewide 4-H program.
New UMaine program strengthens blue economy through education, outreach and tuition assistance
In her first year working full-time at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Leah McCluskey taught young people how to make miniature lava lamps. She led her students through an experiment in which sodium alginate, a compound derived from seaweed, and calcium chloride were mixed together in a test tube to form the familiar funky bubbles. The experiment gave her the opportunity to talk to students about seaweed farming in Maine, sharing why it is important to the state’s economy and how extracts from the plant can be used.
“It’s been really rewarding for me to see young people exploring their spark, taking something they might not have been traditionally interested in and putting a fun spin on it.” said McCluskey.
Through this one effort, she was able to reach over 200 young people who might not have been exposed to the idea of pursuing a career in marine science or water. She also taught 75 teachers how to do this activity in their classrooms in order to reach thousands more across the state.
McCluskey was introduced to UMaine Extension through an internship during her undergraduate studies at the University of Maine’s College of Marine Sciences. Her college-to-career path has helped Maine and Extension use aquaculture to connect young people across the state, increase interest in marine science, and contribute to Maine’s growing blue economy, or economic growth. This is an example of how we would like to introduce them to industrial opportunities that utilize marine resources for their own purposes. while maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The School of Marine Sciences’ new program, Science Education for Blue Economy and Rural Success (SEA BEaRS), aims to do all this and more.
SEA BEaRS is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop the next generation of marine scientists and industry leaders to address pressing environmental challenges and improve Maine’s coastal and marine communities. We aim to provide students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable growth of the world. marine industry.
Scarlett Tudor, Extension’s Research and Outreach Program Coordinator and co-leader of the SEA BEaRS program, said she grew up in rural Ohio and struggled to find mentors during her career. As a first-generation student, she said having access to a network of mentors and gaining hands-on experience helped her succeed in college and see herself as a scientist.
The SEA BEaRS program targets access to education in rural areas and will support up to 25 Pell Grant-eligible undergraduates pursuing degrees in marine science over the next five years, providing tuition assistance, internships, and Provide research opportunities, professional development. In the fall 2024 semester, a select group of first- and second-year students were selected as the first cohort to form the foundation of the program.
“Scholarships and funding for students is critical to equity in education,” Tudor said. “Maine has the third-lowest debt-to-income ratio in the nation, making it an interesting case study in debt. This hesitancy can be a factor in people’s decisions about whether to attend college. there is.”
Students and faculty explore the coast near the Darling Marine Center. The marine ecology training program is part of the new SEA BEaRS program for undergraduate students at the University of Maine.
Tudor said many Maine students take jobs unrelated to their field of study, not only to earn extra pocket money but also to pay for necessities like food and lodging. Ta. SEA Bears offers students the opportunity to earn money while gaining experience in the field in a supportive environment where they can explore new ideas.
The program aims to attract students who have a passion for marine science but have not considered attending university an achievable goal for financial reasons. NSF grants provide students with the financial support they need to pursue a college education. Just as important, SEA BEaRS connects students with a variety of main programs, including Extension, 4-H, the Main Research Center in STEM Education (RiSE Center), the Aquaculture Research Institute, and the Darling Marine Center, providing a rich university experience. It helps create an experience.
“Our goal at SEA BEaRS is not only to support our students financially, but also to empower them to become leaders in ocean science and policy,” said Director of the School of Marine Sciences and co-leader of SEA BEaRS. said Heather Hamlin. “Through research opportunities, industry partnerships, and mentorship from our distinguished faculty, students will gain the experience and networks they need to succeed in the blue economy.”
The purpose of the first year is to build a solid foundation upon which the program can grow. Organizers developed the initial concept to be flexible and responsive to student needs. The first cohort will help shape the details of the program and provide feedback on the types of barriers they are experiencing and areas where they need more support.
SEA BEaRS students participate in specialized training programs covering topics such as marine ecology, oceanography, aquaculture, and environmental policy. You will also have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary research projects that address challenges facing Maine’s coastal communities, including sustainable fisheries management, climate change adaptation, and coastal resilience.
One of the key features of this program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students work closely with their academic advisors on research projects that align with their academic interests and career goals. They also have access to the Darling Marine Center and other state-of-the-art Umain facilities, where they can carry out fieldwork and gain hands-on experience in marine science.
On the outreach side of the program, SEA BEaRS students create materials for youth in UMaine Extension’s statewide 4-H program. They expose young people to science concepts while learning how a college degree can lead to careers that directly support Maine’s future economic growth.
“Our goal in 4-H is to help kids find what they call their ‘spark,’ what they are interested in, and show them a career path within that.” Mr. Tudor said. There are young people in Maine who have never been to the beach, and outreach should be more connected to rural areas outside of the coast, she said.
“In some cases, all it takes is a one-touch chariot race,” Tudor said.
A Maine undergraduate student observes phytoplankton through a microscope in the Darling Marine Center’s laboratory. Similar hands-on research experiences will be available to students enrolled in the new SEABEARS program.
SEA BEaRS also aims to financially support a broader range of touch tank events that allow youth to interact directly with aquatic life.
SEA BEaRS students will also help develop new microcredentials, which are short-term, flexible, and affordable learning opportunities designed to provide the practical skills needed by Maine employers. . This process will help students gain a deeper understanding of aquaculture as we develop micro-qualification curricula on water quality, biology, aquatic animal behavior, and touch tank activities for future learners.
The SEA BEaRS program was built through collaboration with the College of Marine Sciences, UMaine Extension 4-H, and the Cooperative Aquaculture Research Center.
“Collaboration is the key to the success of the SEA BEaRS program,” Hamlin said. “By working closely with our partners, we can ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for the workforce, but also positioned to make meaningful contributions to the sustainable development of Maine’s marine resources. Masu.”
Contact: Melissa Arndt, melissa.arndt@maine.edu
