Applications are currently CLOSED. Thank you for applying!

The purpose of the program is to provide folks with a stepping stone into marine science who are otherwise struggling to break into the field. Diversifying Ocean Sciences is a free, year-long hybrid program for people to hone their ocean science skills, build their network, and receive mentorship. Thirty five participants will be accepted into the program. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in one of five concentrations (Tropical Ecology, Science Diving, Biovisualization or Aquarium Science). The experience will include a week long hands-on intensive in-person (on site) workshop and completion of a final group or individual project.

All participant travel is covered and participants will receive a small stipend of $1000. Participants will receive $500 at the end of the week-long intensive in person workshop and $500 upon completion of program deliverables and final presentations.
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​Participant requirements
​18+ BIPOC Gender Minorities (especially those who have experienced or are experiencing a disruption in the educational/professional development looking to fill a gap in experience).

Time commitment
​The program will be online from January to April with 1.5 hour meetings with your concentration once/month. In addition you will be required to participate in at least 6 additional online professional development courses offered during this period. In person workshop dates are as follows: 
Science Diving June 22-28, 2025
Tropical Ecology June 15-21, 2025
Biovisualization July 20-26, 2025
Aquarium ScienceJuly 27-Aug 2, 2025

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Meet the Program Mentors & Their Concentrations

Science Diving

SCUBA diving is a field technique that allows marine scientists direct access to the underwater world, enabling them to collect data and perform experiments directly in the habitat of interest. However, substantial barriers to entry, most notably cost and systemic barriers, exist for researchers interested in obtaining SCUBA certification. The main goal of this program is to give participants an introductory foundation of SCUBA training and to educate them on the potential variety of uses of SCUBA for fieldwork in marine environments. Participants will complete a NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) Open Water SCUBA Diver certification, meet with folks who work in the dive industry and who use diving for their research, and will create a field work proposal, preparing them to consider the nuances of using SCUBA for fieldwork.
Note: This concentration will meet the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5pm Eastern Time January-April

Aquarium Science

Participants in the Aquarium Water Science concentration will spend their hands-on workshop in California working with scientists at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Participants will get hands-on experience with aquarium water quality monitoring techniques and equipment, and gain an understanding of how aquatic animal life support systems are used to maintain water quality in an aquarium. Situated on a National Marine Sanctuary, there will be opportunities to view wildlife and learn about the ecosystems of the Monterey Bay.
Note: This concentration will meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5pm Eastern Time January-April

Tropical Ecology

This concentration will focus on tropical habitats including mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs. Participants will learn about the biology and ecology of bony fish and sharks. The hands-on intensive portion of the program will take place on a research vessel. The R/V Garvin is a 55' custom live-aboard research vessel that serves as an incredibly versatile platform for marine research and education.
Note: This concentration will meet the 2nd Monday of the month at 5pm Eastern Time January-April​

Biovisualization

In this track, you will learn the techniques behind biological visualization such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and contrast-enhanced microCT scanning. We will also cover the basics of dissection, sample preparation, and specimen photography. This track is particularly well suited for those who want to increase their laboratory skills and see what’s going on inside of a shark head. NO PRIOR LABORATORY OR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
Note: This concentration will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm Eastern Time January-April

Thank you to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Schmidt Ocean Coallition for funding our 2025 Diversifying Ocean Science program!