Ocean Studies

Major Progress

New environmental science program makes strides.

AS THE CORNING SCHOOL of Ocean Studies approaches its 30th anniversary, the department is excited for their new Coastal and Marine Environmental Science (CMES) major. This major will complement the established and outstanding Marine Science and Marine Biology baccalaureate programs.

Twenty-two faculty and staff members from multiple departments across the academy participated in a two-day National Association of Geosciences Teachers (NAGT) Traveling Workshops Program focused on development of the major in May. This workshop, spearheaded by Dr. Lauren Sahl, provided the tools, guidance and structure required to help build the new CMES major. It brought the appropriate stakeholders together and allowed everyone to have a voice in the major’s development. One of the most important outcomes of the workshop was that it demonstrated an interest in the new major from faculty in other departments, and a willingness to help implement it, either by teaching new courses or through other means.

To further facilitate the development of CMES over this coming year, the Ocean Studies department split an endowed Sawyer Visiting Professor position between two experienced marine and environmental science research professors to guide the CMES major forward. The department welcomes the expertise and vision of Drs. Patricia Glibert (University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Sciences) and Sandra E. Shumway (Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut). The Ocean Studies department is enthusiastic these two individuals are building on the collaborative relationships forged during the workshop and are drafting an innovative and successful coastal and marine environmental science major.█

—By Dr. Jessica F. Muhlin, Associate Professor and Chair Elect, Ocean Studies

Photo: Sarah O’Malley

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