For Triton College student Trinity Barrueta, spending 12 days at sea conducting oceanic research with the STEMSEAS program was “the most exciting thing I’ve ever done.” Barrueta was one of just 15 undergraduate students selected nationwide for the expedition. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), STEMSEAS (STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships) provides ocean excursions for students to conduct real-world research and foster a sense of belonging in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering and math. Dr. Sheldon Turner, chair of Triton College’s Science Department, was one of three faculty members aboard the expedition. According to Dr. Turner, more than 300 students applied for the experience. “Students were selected not only based on GPA, but their interest in science and commitment to scientific research.” Leaving San Diego on June 1 and landing in Dutch Harbor, Alaska on June 12, students used the ship’s onboard science labs to conduct geoscience and oceanography research. Working in teams, the students conducted projects with planktoscopes, fluorometers, multi-beams, virtual machines, and other technologies.  STEMSEAS is also supported by a partnership with the University National Oceanographic Laboratory Systems (UNOLS).

Photo Credit: Triton College