"ocean Discovery": At-Sea Research Opportunities for the Next Generation of Scientists

The Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT) explores and studies the nation's ocean frontiers using innovation and cutting edge technologies. CIOERT is committed to bringing "science at sea" experiences to university students, in the context of a complete research project-from data collection to presentation. Multidisciplinary :Ocean Discovery" cruises, designed to communicate the excitement of research and discovery to university students at a critical stage of their career decision-making have been incorporated into CIOERT's two Florida Shelf Edge Explorations , including use of the Johnson-Sea-Link II submersible (2010) and the University of Connecticut's K2 ROV (2011) CIOERT's "Ocean Discovery. "Ocean Discovery" provides a high-quality research experience for students by engagement in ocean research through shipboard data collections and analyses. Student research questions are created in association with CIOERT research projects and result in a written paper and poster presentation. Through active engagement in the entire process of research, students not only increase their understanding of the scientific process, but they will also observe, study, and characterize ocean conditions and selected benthic and pelagic habitats across the continental shelf. Student presentations impact their peers and younger students who may then also aspire to ocean-related careers. Student experiences and knowledge are transferred to the general public, college students, pre-college teachers, and their students via presentations and web-based resources. There is a high probability the Ocean Discovery students will become tomorrow's marine scientists, educators, and managers, all working, directly or indirectly, in support of NOAA's mission.;