The five recognised oceans of the world are home to about 236,00 species of sea creatures, and at least 50% of the oxygen humans breathe. They cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, equating to about 500 trillion Olympic-sized swimming pools – and they don’t just sustain the water cycle. They account for 97% of the Earth’s water, distribute heat and moisture throughout the world, absorb harmful CO2 emissions caused by humans, and provide protein for over 3 billion people.
If the oceans disappeared, the world would disintegrate in the sun’s heat. A domino effect would ensue as it dries into an empty, crusted earth; animals, to plants, to humans, ceasing to exist. It’s predicted that the Earth will lose its sea water in one billion years, but if CO2 emissions continue to rise as rapidly as they are now, the oceans will lose 95% of their climate by 2100.
It goes without saying – the world’s ecosystems are under threat, largely due to human activity.
Change starts with proper education. At the University of Miami, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric & Earth Science seeks to protect the environment through cutting-edge research on the oceans, atmosphere, geology, biota, and the human dimension, tackling the most pressing issues of today. It offers the Master of Professional Science (MPS) programme, providing advanced training to students while transforming them into in-demand graduates who are business-savvy team players. Based in Virginia Key, Florida as part of a 65-acre marine research and education park, the MPS takes you beyond classroom walls to strengthen community education and citizen outreach.
Learn how you can get involved here:
Rosenstiel’s MPS programme will have you getting involved with the local community too. Source: University of Miami
Dive into meaningful community outreach
The outreach programme at Rosenstiel serves to bridge the university’s knowledge and research to the communities of South Florida. You could help build the community of girls in STEM through the Women and Girls Exploring Earth Science programme, immerse yourself in the Marine Mammal Science Lab to boost conservation efforts towards the species, or grow threatened corals in Rescue a Reef.
One programme seeks to improve opportunities and educational materials in marine science and conservation for K-12 students in Miami-Dade County: the Water Advocates and Visionaries for the Environment and Sea (WAVES). It’s a necessary programme, as studies have shown that elementary kids who don’t have exposure to hands-on STEM educational opportunities aren’t likely to pursue the field.
Dr. Maria Cartolano, WAVES director, emphasises how volunteers receive lots of practice in science communication and community engagement. “Especially at our field trips, where we host about 100 to 200 K-12 students per event, you get the opportunity to really explain what your research is, why it’s important, and how students can get involved in conservation in a short amount of time,” she says.
As an MPS student, you’ll grow transferable skills in an immersive, flexible learning environment. You’ll build connections to K-12 schools, create inclusive learning opportunities for ocean conservation, and lead young minds into a change-making STEM path. Cartolano also holds the Broadening Participation course for MPS students, where they learn the ropes of science communication, marine science education, and how to increase participation in marine conservation through community events.
“Getting that practice – especially if it doesn’t come naturally – to be able to concisely and clearly communicate the importance of your research and conservation to all ages is so important,” she says.
Rosenstiel’s MPS programme offers 14 degree tracks to prepare students for the job market in their respective fields. Source: University of Miami
Feed the world through a fish hatchery
About a mile southeast of downtown Miami, the UM Experimental Hatchery (UMEH) holds one simple yet profound purpose: to feed the world. MPS students pursuing the Aquaculture track – one of 14 degree tracks to choose from – are part of this advanced, fully operational aquaculture facility where they can explore a diverse range of research topics.
“The hatchery is our living laboratory,” says Dr. John Stieglitz, the Research Associate Professor leading the aquaculture track. “We use the hatchery to teach the core principles of marine aquaculture – including biology, physiology, economics, and engineering – while emphasising sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact.”
Here, students work closely with leaders of aquaculture – an industry that provides more than half of the seafood people consume today. They cover a holistic range of topics, from disease prevention and control to feeding management strategies. Through industry partnerships, they take the knowledge they’ve gained beyond the hatchery stores, advocating for sustainable aquaculture development. It becomes their turn to bring the community in through facility tours, open houses, and industry conferences.
As MPS graduates from the aquaculture track, they go on to make waves in the real world. “Some of our former students are now leading sustainability initiatives for major international seafood companies,” says Stieglitz. “Another is working with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to support sustainable aquaculture initiatives throughout the world.”
If you’re eager to make a scientific impact on the community, check out the Master of Professional Science at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric & Earth Science today.
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