2018 High School Marine Lab on Catalina Island
Welcome to summer! From June 26 – July 2, 2018, USC Sea Grant, in partnership with the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations and Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, is hosting high school students from across the country at the USC Phillip K. Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island. Over the course of the week, students will work with local researchers, conduct their own research projects, learn about careers in marine science, build their own ROVs, snorkel, kayak, and explore the marine protected areas around the island.
July 2, 2018
“Do we really go home now?” students inquired as we arrived back in San Pedro. We all wish it could have been longer – there is still so much to do together! It was a bittersweet moment of greeting families; everyone was happy to see their loved ones but were sad at having to say goodbye to good friends and a week of adventure.
On our final day of the marine lab students did an excellent job presenting their research projects and testing their ROVs. Many thanks to all of those who have made this week successful! Without question, the students have touched our lives and will spread the word about ocean issues and sciences back into their communities. They provide hope for our future and confidence as they tackle critical issues.
July 1, 2018
Tonight wraps up our final full day! We started off our morning kayaking to Little Fisherman’s Cove for some much needed down time, while others gathered data in the water to finalize their research. We headed back to work the electrical and propulsion systems of our ROVs, as well as finalize the design of the structures. The students had their final dinner with the REU students and were able to exchange information and contacts to further their future careers. They also played one short final volleyball game with the REU students before returning to the lab for work. Xana put together a slideshow of all the photos of the last week and we all had a good time reminiscing on all the adventures we had. We also said goodbye to three of our counselors today, Roxanna, Aria, and Veronica, who had to head back to the mainland.
We want to thank Linda, Xana, and all those who made this program possible. It has been a fantastic opportunity to delve into the fields of marine biology, fluid dynamics and structures, research and design, and so much more. We counselors have had an amazing time getting to know all the students and assisting in their development here on the island and look forward to seeing their successes in the near future!
June 30, 2018
Today was a pretty fun day! We went to Two Harbors and explored tide pools, wetlands and the mud flats. Using a core sampling tool in the mud we were able to see many organisms like ghost shrimp. We went back to the marine lab to keep working on our research projects as well as our ROV’s. We went night snorkeling and it felt like a whole different world at night because of the bioluminescence of different creatures and the different organisms we were able to see. We saw many lobsters that were very large and hundreds of tiny fish that were attracted to the light. Some saw round rays, sea hare, a moray eel, and even a couple of horn sharks.
Bricenda Vega – “The night snorkeling was better than day snorkeling because of the bioluminescence was cool to see. It felt like the stars were in the water.”
Marcella Cid-Rosas – “Today was really fun because I was able to snorkel at night with my friends and see the amazing views.”
KC Contreras – “It was really wonderful to hear how the mudflats help us and hard to hear how people take them for granted, when they are really important. I especially liked looking at life under the surface. The fiddler crabs are adorable. I like how they fix their homes creating and moving mudballs.”
June 29, 2018
When we talk with the REU students and fellows, it is so inspirational. The REU students gave us wonderful advice and cool stories. This morning LeRoya got up at 6:20 am to work with Sam and Eliza to help set up their rig to measure fresh groundwater entering the ocean. “They solve problems with all kinds of solutions they design. They thoroughly explained their process and answered all my questions. Learning by connecting with the real life experience was so powerful. They are very inspirational and provided great advice. Time went by really fast. I learned a lot. Waking up early is worth it,” reflected LeRoya Sanford.
Talking with fellows over dinner was very cool. Bing’s story is so different from others in that she came from China to be a graduate student. So inspirational to adapt and overcome all challenges coming to another country to pursue her education. She had great advice from her college experience for us. She is really friendly, nice and answered everyone’s questions. Donald Chinchilla looks forward to talking more in depth with the graduate and undergraduate students.
As we approached kayaking today, it was daunting because we were in the ocean; different from a small lake. Working with partners we learned how to turn and work together, it was great. Getting to see sea lions on Bird Rock was really cool. Even though we didn’t get to go through the sea cave, it was so cool to see it and be close, so much better than watching on TV. We discovered kelp tastes good. Austin and Deiken were great leaders in setting the pace. Splashing was fun too. Reflections from Hermione Quintos.
June 28, 2018
Today, we started off with the plankton tow and water quality testing, and then we made ROVs in our counselor groups. Next, we learned some interesting things at the Global Environmental Microbiology (GEM) students’ final presentations. After lunch, we started planning our research projects and narrowed down many different ideas into a few. Then we saw bison, foxes, and quail as we hung out at Little Harbor. Finally, we towed for plankton at night, and it was really cool to see the bioluminescence on the net. We also met Dr. Karla Heidelberg, and she really inspired us to look forward to our future in college and beyond.
In their own words:
Syed Wasiuddin – “I liked how strangers three days ago started hanging out and playing soccer.” Neil
Pereira – “Hiking up to Shark Harbor was overwhelmingly peaceful and hanging out at the beach was entertaining.”
Marcela Cid-Rosas – “It was very fun because I was able to be part of different activities with my friends.”
June 27, 2018
We’re on Catalina and snorkeling was the highlight of everyone’s day! Despite our struggles of putting on wetsuits it was worth it because most of the students were able to experience snorkeling for the first time and observe marine life from a new perspective. This is only the first snorkeling trip of the lab and we can’t wait to do it again. Next, we met the undergraduate students conducting summer research at the Wrigley Marine Science Center as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Connie and Tristen, REU students, explained how kelp can serve as a biofuel due to the fact that it can grow up to three feet in a single day. REUs will be important mentors to our students this week. Later, during our Blue Cavern hike, we came across a boat illegally fishing. Shame on them!
In their own words:
Mona Ly – “Putting on the wetsuits, team bonding right there. It took three people to get me in.”
Finn Kelly – “On the way over there was a giant flock of birds resting on the surface of the water.”
Mateo DeLeon – “Knowing when it’s the right time to wear short or pants is quite difficult,”
June 26, 2018
Today, students arrived at USC from near and far to begin the High School Summer Marine Lab. We kicked things off with a tour of research labs at CDEBI, and tours at the California Science Center’s Hall of Ecology, microbes lab, and the Space Shuttle Endeavour’s unique engineering. Students met counselors and got to know each other through a number of activities. Tomorrow, we are off to Catalina!
In their own words:
Gabriel Allen – “Today my favorite thing was making new friends and learning about the heat reducing capabilities of the space shuttle’s special tiles.”
Elijah Hudgins – “Today I got to meet new people and I was able to see the California Science Center Hall of Ecology.”
Lillianna Martinez – “After all of the fun and meeting new people we got into our groups and got to know our counselors and new friends a little better with an ‘icebreaker circle’ before dinner. This was my favorite part because I enjoy getting to know people better.”
