What is it?

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.

This is a free opportunity for participants as one of our goals at MISS is to eliminate the financial barriers many BIPOC folks experience in trying to pursue shark science as a career.

What is included?

Field School will be donating:
  • 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 workshops
  • A lifelong network of support

Schedule

The day-to-day
Day 1 (Friday):​ Participants can arrive at any time Friday before 6PM. 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 tasks are done in during a workup, the correct way to handle our research tools, and how to read the data sheet. We will either drumline or longline on Saturday all day then head back to dock in the evening.
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.

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.

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?
This year we will be accepting 18 gender minorities of color, 9 for each weekend. Due to COVID-19, the workshops are currently open to those living in the United States and who are vaccinated. 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.

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. It is not required to be a US citizen. 

When do applications open?
Applications open May 1 and close June 1.

How many people will be there?
There is space for 9 participants aboard RV Garvin for each workshop. ​In additional the Field School crew, the MISS co-founders, and surprise guests may join as well!
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*Note: workshop capacity may lower as a result of COVID-19 restrictions