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Custom Coastal Outreach

Tag: science

  • 2025 Hurricane Season

    The 2025 Atlantic #HurricaneSeason is here. If you havenā€™t already done so, now is the time to prepare as the season officially began on June 1. The 2024 season had 18 named storms, with #Hurricane Beryl bringing severe weather to #Galveston. While the peak of hurricane activity for the Galveston area typically falls between August and October, the season runs through November 30. Listen to the @aggiesbythesea experts! šŸŒŠ ā›ˆļø šŸ¦ŗ https://news.galveston.tamu.edu/2025-hurricane-season-preparedness/

  • Meet Niki!

    Meet Niki, a native Texan who has loved the saltwater since she was a little kid. A #Texas A&M Galveston #TAMUG alumni with a degree in #MarineBiology and an abundant passion for the Gulf Coast, she is so excited to share her knowledge about #MarineSciences & #MaritimeIndustry with you šŸŒŠšŸ¤ šŸ¬ #CustomCoastal #Galveston #onlinelearning

  • Women’s History Month: Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover

    Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover is indeed an extraordinary figure in the field of deep-sea biology and oceanography. Her groundbreaking research and achievements have expanded our understanding of one of the most mysterious and least explored ecosystems on Earthā€”the deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities. She is a true pioneer who has not only contributed to our scientific knowledge but has also made history as a trailblazer for women in ocean exploration and science.

    Her journey into the depths of the oceans began with that first expedition to the chemosynthetic ecosystems of the East Pacific Rise in 1982, which sparked her passion for the deep sea. Over her career, she has contributed immensely to the discovery and understanding of benthic invertebrates, some of the most resilient and fascinating creatures on Earth. Her expertise in the biodiversity, biogeography, and connectivity of these organisms has reshaped how we think about life in the deep ocean, especially in the extreme conditions found around hydrothermal vents.

    Dr. Van Dover’s work with the submersible ALVIN is particularly remarkable. As the first and only female pilot of this deep-diving vehicle, she has spent a significant portion of her career exploring the ocean floor and studying its unique ecosystems. Her deep familiarity with ALVINā€”so much so that she authored the manual for its operationā€”is a testament to her skill and dedication. The fact that she has conducted 48 dives in ALVIN, many of them to uncharted territories, is an incredible achievement and highlights her courage and expertise.

    Her contributions to science aren’t just confined to research; she has also written the first-ever textbook on hydrothermal vent communities, published extensively in prominent scientific journals, and curated the traveling exhibit Beyond the Edge of the Sea, making deep-sea science accessible to the public. Dr. Van Doverā€™s role in the education and public outreach side of her work has helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and broader public awareness, something crucial for fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the oceanā€™s mysteries.

    At Duke University, her current role as the Harvey Smith Professor of Biological Oceanography and Chair of the Division of Marine Science and Conservation further establishes her as a leader in the academic and scientific community. Her achievements as the first woman to hold the title of Director at the Duke University Marine Laboratory underscore her position as a mentor and role model for aspiring scientists, particularly women, in a field historically dominated by men.

    Dr. Cindy Van Doverā€™s legacy is one of groundbreaking scientific discovery, leadership, and inspiration. She has set the standard for future generations of deep-sea researchers, and her pioneering work continues to inspire those passionate about the ocean and its ecosystems. She is not only advancing the field of biological oceanography but is also showing the world the importance of exploration and conservation of our planetā€™s most remote environments.

    https://alchetron.com/Cindy-Lee-Van-Dover

    https://web.whoi.edu/womens-comm/cindy-van-dover-just-by-asking-i-could-live-my-dream/

  • Women’s History Month: Dr. Sylvia Earle

    Dr. Sylvia Earle is indeed an extraordinary figure in marine science and ocean conservation. Her lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting the ocean has made her one of the most influential environmentalists of our time. As a pioneering marine biologist and oceanographer, her passion for the ocean and its ecosystems has not only advanced scientific research but has also inspired generations of people to care about the health of our planet.

    Dr. Earle graduated high school at 16, college at 19, had a masters degree in botany by the time she was 20, and later went on to receive her PhD in botany as well. She focused a large portion of her studies on different algal species in the Gulf of Mexico and their benefits to the environment. Over her very long and astounding career she has written more than 200 publications, educated in almost 100 countries, and guided hundreds of underwater expeditions totaling over 7,000 hours under the surface. She has even free walked along the sea floor 1,250ft below sea level, a depth that no one else has ever walked at!

    Her work with Mission Blue, particularly in establishing Hope Spots, is a testament to her dedication to safeguarding the oceans. These areas, which she has identified as critical for the protection of marine biodiversity, are aimed at creating a global network of protected areas where ecosystems can thrive, ensuring that marine life can continue to survive in a rapidly changing world. Through this initiative, Dr. Earle is working to combat the devastating impacts of climate change, overfishing, and pollution on the world’s oceans.

    Her achievements, from becoming the first woman to lead NOAA to her remarkable underwater explorations, showcase not only her intellectual and professional prowess but also her determination and perseverance. Dr. Earle’s legacy is a blueprint for future generations of scientists, conservationists, and everyday people who are inspired by her work to take action in protecting the ocean.

    Her nickname, “Her Deepness,” captures the essence of her lifeā€™s workā€”diving into the depths of the ocean, both literally and figuratively, to unlock its secrets, advocate for its preservation, and ultimately, ensure its future.

    https://marine-conservation.org/our-people/sylvia-a-earle/

    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Earle

    https://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/programs/projects/view/dr-sylvia-earle-her-deepness/hero

  • Women’s History Month: Marie Tharp

    Marie Tharp is such an incredible and often overlooked figure in science! Her story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of fighting for recognition, especially when faced with systemic biases. The fact that she was able to piece together the evidence for the theory of continental drift, despite the widespread dismissal of her ideas as ā€œgirl talkā€, is nothing short of groundbreaking. She essentially mapped out the very foundation for our understanding of plate tectonics, which now forms the core of modern geology.

    Itā€™s mind-blowing how her work with sonar data during World War II led to the discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the way her efforts were overshadowed at first due to gender biases makes her achievements all the more impressive. Jacques Cousteauā€™s validation of her findings by filming the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with underwater cameras is a powerful reminder of how science sometimes worksā€”slowly but surely, the truth eventually comes to light.

    Her perseverance in a field that was not only male-dominated but also dismissive of women at the time shows how resilience can break down barriers. It’s inspiring to think about how her work continues to shape our understanding of the Earth’s geology today.

    Do you find Marie Tharp’s story motivating in your own pursuits? Or are there other scientists whose work you find especially inspiring?

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/marie-tharp-map-ocean-floor

    https://web.whoi.edu/womens-comm/marie-tharp-pioneering-mapmaker-of-the-ocean-floor/

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/seeing-believing-how-marie-tharp-changed-geology-forever-180960192

  • Geology Rocks!

    Geology Rocks was one out of eight experiences we had at our Explorations in Earth Sciences event at Sea Star Base last weekend. We showcased a briefcase full of rocks from all over North America, walked you through the geologic history of Texas, witnessed magnetic marvels, and had live volcano explosions!

    Everyone learned about chemical reactions, the Earthā€™s magnetic field, how different rocks are formed and where they are found, and how valuable our planet is!

    This experience was a total success and the feedback we got from this event will help us evolve it even more. Stay tuned to hear about our other amazing activities we presented!