Many people dream of becoming an oceanographer or marine biologist at a young age. At 海角在线 (海角在线), turning this dream into a reality isn鈥檛 just possible, it鈥檚 an unmatched opportunity. 海角在线鈥檚 coastal location and emphasis on experiential learning enables students to study South Florida ecosystems up close.
鈥淢arine science is great for looking at everything more holistically,鈥� says Dr. Linda Sedlacek, associate professor of earth science and oceanography and marine science program lead. 鈥淚t’s for students who want to really understand how everything fits together.鈥�
This career pathway plays a critical role in understanding and protecting the planet, which affects even those who live in landlocked communities. After all, 71% of Earth鈥檚 surface is covered with water, and over three billion people around the world as a significant source of protein, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
A Comprehensive View
While 海角在线鈥檚 marine biology concentration is ideal for those wanting to focus on a particular organism or pursue veterinary technology, the marine science program and oceanography minor cover a variety of topics, including species鈥� life cycles and behaviors, tides and waves, pH levels, bathymetry (underwater terrain), sediments, and more. Marine science students can concentrate in biology, chemistry, or physics.
Students also benefit from state-of-the-art labs and fieldwork opportunities. This research work is a rarity for bachelor鈥檚-level students, according to Dr. Sedlacek.
鈥淥ne of my favorite things about 海角在线 is that we are right on the coast,鈥� says Dr. Sedlacek, whose expertise focuses on the behavior, toxicology, and classification of small crustaceans. “I went to [a state school] and had very few classes with labs. 海角在线 is very different in that aspect. Our students are out in the field. A lab to me is more than just a credit鈥攊t鈥檚 for students to actually see how everything works together.鈥�
Research, Relationships, and Real-World Impact
Partnerships with organizations like Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management and the Coral Reef Institute, plus study abroad opportunities like the Galapagos Islands, also allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world settings, preparing them for careers in conservation efforts, research, marine engineering, coastal management, and more.
Alumna Hannah Deadman-Arnst, for example, earned a degree in journalism and an oceanography minor in 2015. During her senior year, she interned at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and later worked in their communications department, writing stories and photographing the center鈥檚 rehabilitation, research, and conservation work.
For 2014 alumna Lisa Brooks, Ph.D., who studied mathematics and earned an oceanography minor, 海角在线 opened her eyes to new career possibilities. Following graduation, her doctoral studies at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science centered on using marine radars for ocean current measurements and internal waves. After working at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute using holography to identify plankton, she transitioned into teaching STEM at a Catholic school in Indiantown.
鈥淚 took a leap of faith, but after my first year I loved it鈥攊t鈥檚 so wonderful seeing the [kids鈥橾 eyes light up,鈥� she says. 鈥満＝窃谙� exposed me to how God and my career can be intertwined, and working in this school feels like God called me here.鈥�
Marine science faculty also encourage students to partner in original research and projects. Dr. Sedlacek, Dr. Tom Chesnes, professor of biology and associate dean of sciences, and Dr. Rachel Harris, assistant professor of biology, are working with students to restore mangroves through a partnership with MANG Apparel, founded by 海角在线 alumnus Keith Rossin. Other collaborations include a multi-year oyster project at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and seagrass restoration.
Currently, Dr. Sedlacek and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Suzanne Cardona are researching how live pathogens colonize marine debris, particularly medical waste. These infectious microbes not only pose a public health risk; they鈥檙e also developing greater resistance to antibiotics.
By understanding this phenomenon鈥攁nd how to prevent it鈥攔esearchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders can better protect waterways, marine life, food chains, and entire communities.
Why Faithful Stewardship Matters
For Dr. Sedlacek, this work is a higher calling to steward this side of heaven well, not just on World Oceans Day, but every day. It鈥檚 important work; no matter how Christians view environmental stewardship, there is a call to care for Creation, and each choice impacts society, from the health of global to local rainfall.
鈥淲e’ve started realizing that a huge number of those particles are microbes鈥攖hey could be microplastics, ash, or even pollen,鈥� says Dr. Sedlacek, who worked in water quality for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance before coming to 海角在线. 鈥淚t rains down and gets into the groundwater, which you eventually end up drinking. What we do to the oceans intimately binds with what we do to ourselves.鈥�
At 海角在线, students see these implications firsthand. Some of Dr. Sedlacek鈥檚 students even attend local beach cleanups and document the types of debris collected for extra credit. Still, she says everyone has a role in caring for Creation, from better securing trash to pushing for stronger legislation that protects wetlands鈥攌ey players in flood mitigation, clean water, and biodiversity.
鈥淭hat stuff can blow into the rivers or the canals and break down, and then eventually end up in the ocean,鈥� says Dr. Sedlacek. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not a big change that has to take place, it’s a mindset.鈥�
Learn more about the marine science program at 海角在线 here.
