Hands-on Learning Opportunities at the Ocean Technology Foundation

Abstract

The Ocean Technology Foundation (OTF) promotes education and outreach as an important part of its mission, which is to foster excellence in ocean exploration, marine research and education with an emphasis on underwater activities. Among their programs, OTF creates hands on learning opportunities for students and people interested in marine science, technology and education. This paper will describe opportunities and experiences of an undergraduate student, Jenna Carlson, from the University of Connecticut (UConn), who works closely with OTF in education and outreach coordination. These hands-on learning opportunities and internships provide vital experiences to students like Jenna that will influence their career decisions in the future. For example, OTF and UConn in cooperation with Zoomarine, a marine park and education facility in the Algarve of Portugal, have established a study abroad internship program. Students are able to participate as interns and work closely with marine mammal trainers in all aspects of their daily jobs. As an intern, Jenna participated in training, medical procedures, feeding and daily maintenance of seven Bottlenose dolphins at Zoomarine. As another example, OTF sponsors a Science, Education and Marine Archeology Program in Portugal (SEMAPP). In April 2004 a SEMAPP expedition was conducted using the Delta submersible. Jenna assisted OTF with much of the planning and preparation for the expedition and played a critical role in carrying out education and outreach aspects of the program. This included working with Portuguese high school students on the research vessel, planning a daily schedule for the students, and creating hands-on learning activities. The experiences here created an exciting opportunity for Jenna, as she is the first U.S. undergraduate student to make a deep-sea dive in Portugal. In addition to her role with education and outreach coordination, Jenna was exposed to the disciplines of marine archeology, marine technology, fisheries ecology and marine geology, as well as presenting at national conferences and the opportunity to network with educators and scientists working in these disciplines. On a personal level, the opportunity provided guidance in Jenna's decisions about a professional career.