The R/V Shearwater, Duke Marine Lab’s new research, education, and outreach vessel, received an enthusiastic welcome after arriving in the port of Miami, at a special event honoring its launch.
The state-of-the-art R/V Shearwater made its maiden research voyage, which was led by Zackary Johnson, associate professor of molecular biology in marine science. Johnson was joined by six Nicholas School students, and a crew of three that took a ten-day trip around South Florida, the Dry Tortugas and Gulf of Mexico.
The trip included sailing the open sea and visits to a handful of coastal ports. The students experienced a number of marine science learning opportunities like working in teams, data collection and sampling; tracking nutrients and currents; and measuring bacteria and phytoplankton.
Participating students: Stacy Chen, Brittany Pashkow, Waverly Reibel, Natalie Rodriguez, Audrey White, and Nicholas School Scholar Cameron Adams. All but Chen, an Environmental Science student, are studying Coastal and Environmental Management.
We conducted valuable lab work, and the crew was instrumental in our learning—allowing us to take ownership of the science and giving us hands-on opportunities to deploy CTDs, steer the ship, and map out a route for our final project."
— Stacy Chen T'22
On hand to celebrate the R/V Shearwater, were Duke President Vincent Price, Nicholas School Stanback Dean Toddi Steelman, Marine Lab Director Andy Read, members of the Duke Alumni Association Executive Committee and the Nicholas School Board of Visitors, donors, friends, students, faculty, and staff. Nicholas Board of Visitors members Barbara and Neil Smit were acknowledged for their generous donation to fund the new marine operations dock at the Marine Lab that will berth the Shearwater.
The celebration took place over lunch at American Airlines Arena, with Price, Steelman, and Read speaking about the success of Shearwater’s first research trip and how the vessel greatly enhances experiential learning. President Price praised the achievement and offered a toast by exclaiming, “Long may she sail!”
Other event highlights included:
I was exited to learn about Duke’s new research vessel. My marine lab experience was pivotal to my time at Duke and increased my commitment to preserving our oceans. What better way to inspire future generations of Duke students, than by learning at sea, alongside the dedicated faculty and scientists at the lab on the Shearwater.”
— Joe Vitagliano, Nicholas Board of Visitors
Field oceanographic research and education present unique opportunities to understand our environment. Duke alumni who wish to invest in Shearwater’s contributions to environmental research, education, and outreach can do so through the “Get on Board” campaign. Ways to give include:
Learn more about supporting the R/V Shearwater by contacting Kevin McCarthy at kevin.p.mccarthy@duke.edu.
Tim Lucas
(919) 613-8084
tdlucas@duke.edu
