Oceans dominate the Earth. This is not only a geographic fact—71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans—but also a psychological, societal and economic reality. From a psychological perspective, the ocean has a pull on our hearts and minds that is inexplicable, but real. Economically, the boundaries formed where land and oceans meet (coastal zones) are critical to the financial health of the United States, with coastal counties supporting almost one-half of the nation’s GDP. Globally, oceans are Earth's most valuable asset, contributing $70 trillion to the global GDP annually. It’s no surprise that 40% of the world’s population lives in coastal zones. The judicious stewardship of marine and coastal resources requires expanding our knowledge of the processes that influence the ecosystem services and goods that fuel our socioeconomic needs.
The University of South Alabama has a history of investment in marine sciences education and research, supporting a faculty of renowned experts in a range of marine-related disciplines. The School of Marine and Environmental Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to address pressing environmental concerns of the coastal regions. The school trains the next generation of marine and environmental scientists, conducts cutting-edge research, and extends the impact of this training and research through service activities.
Chris Fischer: Great Whites for a Great Future
THURSDAY, APRIL 21 | 6:30 PM (CT)
In-person: MacQueen Alumni Center
Via Zoom: Click here
Please join the University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the USA Foundation for the Wiese Distinguished Lecture Series featuring Chris Fischer, an expedition leader and founding chairman of OCEARCH.
Fischer's expeditions have advanced science surrounding the life history of white sharks and other giants of the ocean. He has facilitated millions of dollars in global ocean research, supporting the work of nearly 200 scientists from 87 international and regional institutions. His OCEARCH team is able to uncover breeding areas, feeding areas, migratory corridors and birthing sites of the vulnerable apex species. This groundbreaking research has been televised and reported in more than 178 countries and 29 languages. Through OCEARCH, Fischer and his team work with Heads of State, lawmakers, policymakers and conservation organizations to ensure a robust future for sharks based on the data collected.
The Wiese Lecture will be held Thursday, April 21 at 6:30 PM (CT) in person at the University of South Alabama MacQueen Alumni Center, 100 Alumni Drive, Mobile, AL 36608. Individuals also have the option to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking here.
The School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure Assistant Professor of Marine Sciences (Teaching) position, starting August 15, 2022. Learn more about the Assistant Professor position. (PDF)
Ph.D. and M.S. in Marine Sciences Opportunities at South and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The University of South Alabama offers a limited number of graduate fellowships for highly competitive students seeking Ph.D.s as well as extramurally supported graduate assistantship and university-based teaching assistantships for M.S. and Ph.D. students. All fellowships and assistantships offer competitive pay ($19,000 – $24,000), student health insurance and tuition remission.
