Applications for the 2024 workshops have closed. 2025 applications will open August 2025.

What are the workshops?

We are so excited to be running our 4rd annual set of workshops this year! During this FREE workshop, participants will get hands-on field experience doing shark research. They will learn various field research techniques and stay on a live-aboard research vessel with the MISS co-founders. We will also do a series of personal development conversations as well as other activities to build community. The members of this organization will serve as a continued resource and support system long after the workshop has ended.
Since its start in 2021, 40 individuals have participated in these workshops!

What is included?

Field School donates:
  • Housing for 2 nights aboard RV Garvin located off Key Biscayne, Miami
  • 3 meals a day + snacks
  • Photographer to capture all the great moments!
​MISS will be providing:
  • Travel stipend to attend
  • Professional development discussions
  • A lifelong network of support

Example Schedule

The day-to-day
Day 1 (Friday):​ Participants can arrive at any time Friday between 1 and 5PM. Friday evening we will eat dinner on the boat, then give a series of lectures on boat safety and how to be around a shark and on deck during a workup.
Day 2 (Saturday): We wake up at 7:30AM, have breakfast at 8:00AM, then do a shark workup talk before heading out to fish. This includes learning the order in which tasks are completed during a workup, the correct way to handle our research tools, and how to fill out and read the data sheet. We will either drumline or longline on Saturday all day then head back to dock in the evening. Lunch is served in the middle of the day with dinner after we get back to dock.
Day 3 (Sunday): We wake up bright and early for dawn longlining (around 5AM)!! We do this to get a full day of fishing in before participants head home at the end of the day. We are typically back to dock between 11AM-12PM. 

In Summary
Over the course of the weekend, participants will learn how to drumline and longline, two fishing techniques often used in shark research. They will participate in a series of professional development talks, learn more about shark biology, and participate in shark scientific workups. A shark work-up consists of 4 body measurements, taking muscle and small fin samples, and implanting an ID or NOAA satellite tag into the base of the shark's dorsal fin. At the completion of the workshop, we hope our participants will feel more supported and connected as they continue pursuing a career in shark science, and will feel more comfortable with the fundamentals of shark field research. The boat is back at dock every night with access to a bathroom and shower. There are also marine heads on board RV Garvin.

Previous Workshop Participants

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?
Any gender minority of color who is interested in pursuing a career in shark research is welcome to apply. The opportunity is geared towards those who cannot access shark science where they are currently located and have no previous experience in shark research.

You must be 18 years or older to participate. We welcome undergraduate or graduate students as well as those in between undergrad and graduate school. You must have valid medical insurance in the US (this can be purchased and we will cover it if you require it). It is not required to be a US citizen. 

How many people will be there?
There is space for 9 participants aboard RV Garvin for each workshop. ​In addition the Field School crew, the MISS co-founders, and surprise guests may join as well!

Do I have to pay anything?
No, this program is fully funded.