Gloucester Point, United States of America
Gloucester Point, United States of America
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Ann Arfken is a bioinformatician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her doctoral research at VIMS ... View More
Ann Arfken is a bioinformatician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her doctoral research at VIMS focused on the molecular ecology of marine pathogens. At the CDC, she applies computational tools to investigate outbreaks of brain-eating amoebas, linking environmental data with public health outcomes. Her work exemplifies how marine science expertise can intersect with public health to address complex ecological and epidemiological challenges View Less
Felipe Arzayus transitioned from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading NOAA’s national monitoring and assessment of chem... View More
Felipe Arzayus transitioned from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading NOAA’s national monitoring and assessment of chemical contaminants in coastal areas. His work involves evaluating the impact of pollutants on marine ecosystems and public health, guiding policy decisions and environmental regulations. Arzayus's career reflects the diverse applications of marine science in environmental protection and public safety View Less
Joshua Bearman initially pursued a career in marine science but later shifted to education and nonprofit work. He now fo... View More
Joshua Bearman initially pursued a career in marine science but later shifted to education and nonprofit work. He now focuses on providing environmental education to students through experiential learning, demonstrating the versatility of a marine science background in various sectors View Less
Katherine Bemis is a researcher at NOAA’s Systematics Lab, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of ... View More
Katherine Bemis is a researcher at NOAA’s Systematics Lab, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Her work connects research in systematics and taxonomy with fisheries management, aiding in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Her swift transition from dissertation defense to her role at NOAA highlights the practical applications of her research. View Less
Pamela Braff directs climate programs for the City of Olympia, utilizing her VIMS education to address local climate cha... View More
Pamela Braff directs climate programs for the City of Olympia, utilizing her VIMS education to address local climate challenges. She emphasizes the importance of local government in climate action and encourages more graduates to engage in this critical area. View Less
Kacey Clayton secured a prestigious Knauss Fellowship in the office of the NOAA administrator, focusing on conservation ... View More
Kacey Clayton secured a prestigious Knauss Fellowship in the office of the NOAA administrator, focusing on conservation policy and grants. Her role exemplifies how a marine science degree can lead to impactful positions in federal agencies, influencing national environmental policies View Less
Evan Flynn's doctoral research challenged prevailing thoughts about carbon release in coastal zones, suggesting that sig... View More
Evan Flynn's doctoral research challenged prevailing thoughts about carbon release in coastal zones, suggesting that significant quantities of organic carbon are being buried offshore. His findings have implications for understanding carbon cycling and climate change mitigation strategies View Less
Gail Fricano has built a career in environmental consulting, specializing in habitat restoration, natural resource damag... View More
Gail Fricano has built a career in environmental consulting, specializing in habitat restoration, natural resource damage assessment, site remediation, and oil spill investigations. She credits her VIMS education and alumni network for providing the foundation and connections necessary for her professional success View Less
The below information is required while
completing the university application :
1. Unofficial Transcript
Provide your most recent academic transcript, which may be unofficial at the time of application. Official transcripts will be requested if your application progresses. Ensure that all post-secondary coursework is included.
2. Essay Responses
Complete 4–5 essay questions, each up to 200 words, addressing various aspects of your interest in marine science and your suitability for the program. These essays are a critical component of the holistic review process.
3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submit a current resume or CV detailing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to marine science.
4. Academic Planner
Complete the first page of the Academic Planner, which outlines your intended course schedule and academic goals. While additional pages are optional, they can provide further insight into your academic planning.
5. Interview
Participate in an interview with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of Undergraduate Programs. This interview is an opportunity to discuss your interests, experiences, and aspirations in marine science.
6. Application Fee
Pay a non-refundable application fee of $44 USD. The application is considered incomplete until this fee is paid or waived.
Know moreVIMS has been instrumental in restoring oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. Through research and conservation efforts, VIMS has contributed to the recovery of oyster habitats, enhancing biodiversity and water quality in the region.
In 2024, VIMS received an $8 million grant from NOAA, marking the largest single grant in its 83-year history. This funding supports a four-year program aimed at enhancing coastal resilience through improved water quality monitoring and habitat restoration. The project underscores VIMS's leadership in addressing climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems
In 2024, VIMS received a $100 million donation from philanthropist Jane Batten to study climate change impacts. The funding supports infrastructure improvements and the establishment of new research positions, reinforcing VIMS's commitment to addressing global environmental challenges
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded VIMS nearly $1.5 million to investigate the potential risks to human health and the environment from pollutants found in biosolids from wastewater treatment. This research is crucial for developing safer waste management practices
VIMS received a $292,324 grant from the EPA to examine how climate change impacts wetlands restoration in coastal communities in Virginia. The project aims to enhance strategies for coastal wetland conservation under sea level rise, contributing to long-term sustainability
In 2013, Virginia Sea Grant, in partnership with VIMS, achieved the highest accreditation level of the National Sea Grant Program: College Status. This recognition highlights the program's excellence in marine research, education, and outreach
Since 1987, VIMS has led the Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research project, focusing on the barrier-island/lagoon/mainland landscape of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The research addresses ecological state changes and the impacts of environmental transitions on coastal ecosystems
VIMS has been at the forefront of seagrass restoration, with efforts leading to the restoration of over 6,000 acres of seagrass beds in coastal bays. These restoration projects have been among the most successful globally, highlighting VIMS's commitment to marine habitat conservation
Professor Stan Allen of VIMS was honored with the Inventor of the Year Award by the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2013 for his development of a method to produce spawnless oysters. This innovation has revolutionized aquaculture by creating oysters that do not spawn, thereby extending their marketable lifespan and improving sustainability in oyster farming. The spawnless oyster has become a significant advancement in aquaculture, offering economic and ecological benefits
VIMS developed the NOMAD (Nutrient, Oxygen, and Microbial Activity Detector) real-time data buoy system to monitor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. This system provides continuous, real-time data on various water quality parameters, aiding in the management and preservation of the estuarine ecosystem. The NOMAD buoy system has been instrumental in advancing environmental monitoring and research in coastal waters.Environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional buoys to minimize ocean pollution.
VIMS operates Slocum gliders, autonomous underwater vehicles that collect data on oceanographic conditions. These gliders are part of the Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Ocean Observing System and are used to monitor various marine parameters, including temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll levels. The use of Slocum gliders represents a significant advancement in autonomous marine data collection, contributing to a better understanding of ocean dynamicsTechnologies designed to assess and monitor coastal erosion effectively.
In 1991, Dr. Mark Patterson developed an autonomous underwater vehicle named "Fetch" at VIMS. This AUV was designed to conduct research missions in diverse marine environments, including Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Antarctica. Its primary function was to recognize and count fish, providing valuable data for marine research and fisheries management. "Fetch" represents a significant advancement in marine robotics, enabling researchers to collect data from challenging underwater environments without direct human intervention
In 1975, VIMS scientists utilized remote sensing technologies in three marine science programs. These applications included analyzing tonal variations in imagery of wetlands, using thermal infrared to delineate cooling water discharge at a nuclear power station, and employing aerial photography to determine water storage volumes in marsh-bay complexes. These early uses of remote sensing laid the groundwork for modern environmental monitoring techniques in marine science
In 1973, VIMS established the world's longest-running fishery-independent shark survey. This program has provided valuable data on shark populations, contributing to the conservation and management of these apex predators in marine ecosystems
Starting in 1955, VIMS initiated comprehensive surveys of juvenile fish and blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay. These surveys have provided critical data for fisheries management and have been instrumental in the sustainable management of these important marine species
In the 1950s, VIMS conducted pioneering research on oyster ecology, developing techniques for oyster restoration that have become standard practices in the field. These methods have been instrumental in rebuilding oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, contributing to the restoration of vital marine habitats and the enhancement of local fisheries
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