UVI Center for Marine and Environmental Studies

What an incredible first session of Junior Ocean Explorers!

Over the past two weeks, our ocean explorers immersed themselves in the wonders of the marine environment through hands-on investigations, creative projects, and unforgettable field experiences. Learning the fundamentals of water safety, swimming and snorkeling help to build the foundation and create the habitat for a seamless integration of STEAM activities with an ocean focus.

From examining marine life in our touch tanks under the glow of flashlights, to exploring coastal habitats and searching for organisms in the intertidal zone, students learned how scientists observe, question, and better understand the world around them. They also put their creativity to work by designing marine habitat models and discovering the important connections between ocean ecosystems and the animals that call them home.

Beyond the science, participants developed critical thinking, teamwork, observation, and communication skills while building confidence as young environmental stewards.

Programs like Junior Ocean Explorers are only possible because of the incredible support of our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, funders, volunteers, families, and supporters who helped make this session a success. Your investment in these students is helping inspire the next generation of ocean advocates, scientists, educators, and conservation leaders.

As we wrap up Session 1 and get ready for Session 2, we are reminded that some of the most meaningful learning happens when young people have the opportunity to get their hands wet, ask questions, and experience science firsthand. A true testament that learning and FUN can go hand-in-hand.

Thank you to all of our amazing Junior Ocean Explorers for bringing your curiosity, enthusiasm, and sense of adventure each day. We can't wait to see where your ocean journeys take you next! 🌎💙

The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) is excited for DPNR's Science Saturday on Saturday, May 9th, 2026! We look forward to seeing you then.

Ready for an awesome science exploration experience?

Join the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, via Facebook Live at 10 a.m. for DPNR's Science Saturday. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gz1c5Rei4/

VIMAS and DPNR will engage in an awesome, interactive shoreline walk near the UVI Center for Marine and Environmental Studies on St. Thomas, collecting intertidal zone critters, discussing ongoing restoration initiatives, and answering questions from viewers like YOU!

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, nine educators across the St. Thomas/St. John district participated in the Water Heroes Educator Workshop hosted by the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service at UVI's 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center.

The Water Heroes Program, developed in 2018 following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, emphasizes the importance of water quality awareness amongst students in the territory. This workshop aimed to equip educators with the tools to foster the Water Heroes curriculum in their respective lesson plans.

“ The program now empowers educators to deliver water science lessons that reflect best practices in STEM engagement while remaining genuinely fun and accessible...In Lesson 2, for example, students collect a water sample from home and bring it back to school the next day to analyze its quality. While this activity may sound simple on paper, it fosters a strong sense of ownership, as students see firsthand what could be affecting their own water. We all depend on clean water for our everyday needs, and Water Heroes helps make that reality tangible and relatable for students,” said Howard Forbes Jr., Territorial Coordinator of VIMAS.

Want to read more about the workshop? Water💧you waiting for?
https://www.uvi.edu/news/2026/26_034_uvi_hosts_water_heroes_workshop_to_equip_educators.html

Registration is now open for our annual Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program 🤿🐙. Open to youth in grades 3-6 (ages 7-11) interested in learning to swim, snorkel, and explore the exciting field of . Limited spots available; register before April 1 at vimas.uvi.edu.

What an EVENT-full weekend!

On March 13th, high school senior students across the St. Thomas and St. John school district attended the University of the Virgin Islands Open House at the Sports and Fitness Center. Roughly 200 students engaged with groups at Center for Marine and Environmental Science, including VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, Reef Response, and the GRROE lab.

On March 14th, Reef Response participated in Pi Day at The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum. There, Master's student Nicholas Durgadeen gave a 20 minute presentation, discussing ways sargassum can impact our nearshore coral reefs.

Finally, on March 15th, the Center for Marine and Environmental Science participated in the annual UVI Afternoon on the Green. VIMAS, VI-EPSCoR, Reef Response, GRROE, and the MMES Cohort engaged more than 200 attendees, discussing topics in water science, water safety, coral health and awareness, and microscopy.

Interested in the topics at displayed this weekend? Schedule a field trip with us today! The Center for Marine and Environmental Science is dedicated to supporting and advancing STEAM inside-and-outside of the traditional classroom. Contact us at vimas.uvi.edu about our Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC) program.

Registration is now open for our annual Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program 🤿🐙. Open to youth in grades 3-6 (ages 7-11) interested in learning to swim, snorkel, and explore the exciting field of . Limited spots available; register before April 1 at vimas.uvi.edu

On January 30 and February 6, the Center for Marine and Environmental Science hosted 47 8th graders from Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. Students explored the CMES outreach room, where VIMAS and VI-EPSCoR helped students dive deeper into topics such as microscopy, marine debris, and flora and fauna of the VI. Students also visited Range Cay and toured the mangrove nursery with the GRROE lab, and learned about ongoing coral research and coral maintenance with Reef Response.

STEM provides answers to curious youth. Young minds develop tomorrow’s STEM advancements.🔍😁

Interested in scheduling a field trip? The Center for Marine and Environmental Science is dedicated to supporting and advancing STEAM inside-and-outside of the traditional classroom. Contact us about our Environmental Learning Outside the Classroom (ELOC) program at vimas.uvi.edu.