Congrats are in order for NOAA Educational Partnership Program LMRCSC scholar and UMES undergraduate student, Teemer Barry. The graduating senior accepted an offer from Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, N.J. There, he will enroll in the Graduate Program in Oceanography at the prestigious research institution.
Under the advisement of UMES professor, Dr. Ali Ishaque, Barry has spent his undergraduate years studying environmental science. His studies for his bachelor’s degree focused on marine science, which he will continue to concentrate on during his graduate career. While enrolled in Rutgers University’s doctoral program, the budding scientist’s educational track will concentrate on oceanography and ocean observation sciences— a field of study that focuses on implementing monitoring systems, allowing for scientists to access images of ocean waters and assess what is occurring in aquatic environments. The images are used to better understand marine life and aid in implementing conservation efforts. Issues from ocean acidification, high mortality rates in ocean organisms and debris microplastics, plague many bodies of water. Ocean observation science provides the insight scientists need to help mitigate these dire issues.
When asked about his plans after earning a Ph.D., Barry is forthright about his career goals. The Durham, N.C. native aspires to work for NOAA as a marine scientist where he can use his knowledge to solve issues surrounding ocean habitats. It is his hope to use his education, problem-solving capabilities and genuine love for the ocean to resolve harmful environmental issues, and make the oceans better for us all.
