The ocean plays a critical role for all life on Earth, but faces a fragile future. We urgently need to grow the community of scientists and engineers studying our changing ocean. MBARI is committed to fostering the next generation of ocean explorers. We strive to make ocean science and engineering careers accessible to all.

This summer, Senior Education and Research Specialist George Matsumoto and Research Technician Megan Bassett welcomed students and early-career scientists to our research facilities to hear firsthand from our team about career opportunities in ocean exploration.

On July 13, MBARI hosted students from The Lawrence Hall of Science’s Marine Biology Teen Research Program to experience our work firsthand. This immersive weeklong residential program from The Lawrence Hall of Science public science center and learning lab at the University of California, Berkeley, provides high school students with skills, knowledge, and insight for college and career pathways in marine science. MBARI has hosted students from several Lawrence Hall of Science programs for more than 15 years.

On July 15, students and staff from the Teen Conservation Leaders program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium spent the afternoon at MBARI, touring our research labs and meeting our team. MBARI has a rich history of collaboration with the Aquarium. Together, our organizations provide ocean science and conservation resources for students and educators. The Teen Conservation Leaders service-learning program helps high school students develop career and life skills, build self-confidence, and earn community service hours.

On July 16, MBARI and the Monterey Bay Aquarium welcomed members of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an initiative that aims to provide community and funding for gender minorities of color who wish to enter the field of shark sciences. Participants from the aquarium water science track in MISS’s Diversifying Ocean Sciences program spent the week at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, coming to MBARI to meet our summer interns and learn about our organizations’ collaborations for ocean science. This year-long hybrid program provides an opportunity for people to hone their ocean science skills, build their network, and receive mentorship.

Education and outreach are at the heart of MBARI’s work. There is still so much left to learn about our ocean. We hope that visiting MBARI will spark curiosity and inspire future ocean explorers who will ask bold questions and bring innovative ideas to advance ocean science and engineering.

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