As I move into my second year as Dean, I am proud that the College of Marine Science continues to be a global leader in applying science to society’s needs through research, service, and training of future scientists. Please join me in reflecting on our programs and progress we’ve made in the past academic year.
People
Four new faculty members have joined the College this academic year: We are so pleased to welcome Cameron Ainsworth, Steve Murawski, Amelia Shevenell, and Chris Stallings. They join a strong, talented group of researchers and teachers.
The College would like to thank Dr. Edward Van Vleet, Director of Academic Affairs/professor Chemical Oceanography, and Bob Jolley, Coordinator, for their years of dedication and service at USF. Congratulations to each of you on your retirement!
Though it is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Director of the Graduate Program, David Naar has taken up the challenge. Al Hine has stepped down as Associate Dean to return to the joy of science, passing the baton to Gary Mitchum.
Research
In fiscal year 2011, faculty and researchers at the College brought in more than $12 million in research funding and published more than 95 scientific articles! A full listing of the research highlights are available on the Dean’s Annual Report 2011, which can be found at http://www.marine.usf.edu/about/college-documents.shtml.
New Partnerships
Pierre-Yves Cousteau, the youngest son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will make St. Petersburg the U.S. headquarters for his international organization, Cousteau Divers. Cousteau Divers North America will have access to the leading technology being developed at the College’s COT and at SRI St. Petersburg. The College will house Cousteau Divers North America until long-term office space is established.
Graduate Education
Our enrollment remains strong, and the quality of students applying for admission has been truly impressive. Currently there are 112 highly talented graduate students (64 percent Doctoral and 36 percent Master’s) pursuing degrees and 11 post-doctoral fellows advancing knowledge in the areas of biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography and sensor development. We look forward to growing this number over time.
We are also proud of our efforts to promote training of underrepresented minorities in marine science. In 2010-2011, 19 percent (3 out of 16) of our graduates and 38 percent (3 of 8) of our Ph.D. graduates were under-represented minorities. Since 2007-2008, 100 percent of our under-represented minority students have completed their degrees. This is a higher successful completion rate over this period of time than our overall student population!
Fundraising
In the 2011-2012 academic year gifts from generous donors allowed the College of Marine Science to award more than $300,000 in endowed fellowships to 26 CMS graduate students. While the college currently has many of the basic components in place for achieving global preeminence among oceanographic institutions, it still needs to create critical masses of intellectual capital in specific areas. For more information on how you can support the College of Marine Science and its efforts, visit http://www.marine.usf.edu/giving.
We are proud of these achievements. These milestones mark the College of Marine Science’s growth and development. More importantly, though, we recognize that the effort and the support of our friends is what make it all possible. We look forward to sharing more good news with you in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Dixon
Dean, College of Marine Science
