The LMRCSC held its 2019 Science Meeting on June 14. The event, which took place at the headquarters office of NOAA, located in Silver Spring Md., was a “meeting of the minds,” where students, faculty and NOAA scientists discussed research, marine life and conducted business on how to ensure the continued success of the LMRCSC.
The event, organized by Distinguished Research Scientist, Dr. Bradley Stevens, began with formal introductions. Key attendants included NOAA Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor and LMRCSC Technical Monitor, Dr. Cisco Werner, as well as Dr. Audrey Trotman, who holds the title of Program Manager for NOAA’s Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program, which provides the funding for the LMRCSC.
LMRCSC Director, Paulinus Chigbu, Ph.D., informed the group of the many accomplishments of the center. Since it’s inception in 2001, the center has graduated over 600 students, mostly from underrepresented communities, funded over 130 research projects and spearheaded many community initiatives supporting fisheries science.
In addition, many students presented their research projects at the science meeting as well. The students spoke on an array of topics ranging from the winter distribution of the Red-throated Loon to the microplastics found in scallops. There was also a presentation dealing with the social aspect of the sciences, where the under-representation of ethnic groups in marine and fisheries professions was addressed.
The 2019 Science Meeting allowed for students, professionals and faculty alike, to showcase their work, detail accomplishments and discuss how the LMRCSC can continue to be beneficial. With strong relationships and collaborative efforts, the center will continue to be a great asset to the fisheries science field!
A job well done to all involved!
