COURTESY OF THE MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
Science immersion at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) begins on day one for students in the Corning School of Ocean Studies. “Ocean Studies sets itself apart from other undergraduate programs with unparalleled access to vessels and research-grade instrumentation—including our dedicated research vessel, RV Friendship—for student use, proximity to nearshore habitats within the Bagaduce watershed and greater Penobscot Bay region, and a faculty dedicated to teaching and learning,” explains Dr. Jessica Muhlin, Department Chair and faculty member in Ocean Studies. “Although Ocean Studies faculty conduct our own research, our focus is on cultivating the next generation of ocean scientists.”
Established in 1990, Ocean Studies offers three programs: Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Coastal and Marine Environmental Science (CMES). Many students choose to enroll in MMA’s dual major with Small Vessel Operations (SVO), a unique five-year pathway that allows them to earn a Bachelor of Science degree while gaining eligibility to test for a U.S. Coast Guard license of up to 200 gross tons for near-coastal operations up to 200 miles offshore. Participating in authentic, independent scientific research is a cornerstone of all three Ocean Studies programs. Faculty nurture each student’s curiosity in ocean sciences, guiding them in developing the skills and techniques needed to complete an independent research project during their junior and senior years. “My experience conducting independent research at MMA has been incredibly eye-opening. It has given me the opportunity to engage in every stage of the research process,” shares Mackenzie Morin, a CMES/SVO fifth-year student.
“From developing my own research question and writing a proposal, to collecting and analyzing data and ultimately sharing my findings through writing and presentations. Many undergraduate students at other institutions do not have this level of independence, which is what makes the Ocean Studies programs at MMA so unique and impactful. I feel well prepared for whatever comes next in my career.”
This spring, MMA, in partnership with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), will receive a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessel, the State of Maine. Known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessel 3 (NSMV 3), it represents a significant step forward in maritime education, with plans to integrate CMES and Oceanography students aboard.
“Ocean Studies is excited about the unmatched potential for CMES and Oceanography students to conduct science at sea while addressing issues of ocean change and sustainability,” says Ocean Studies faculty member Dr. Kerry Whittaker. “This ocean-going platform will allow us to take students and curriculum to the high seas, advancing understanding of global ocean systems using cutting-edge tools. At sea and in port, through community building and engagement with global leaders, students will explore purpose, agency, and sustainability in how we use and care for our blue planet.”
For prospective students considering careers in ocean sciences, MMA offers a distinctive opportunity to prepare for both scientific work and life at sea.
