South Middlesex Times

More than 265 students participated in a virtual event hosted by Rutgers University's Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences (DMCS) to explore ocean-related challenges through STEM. The event, part of the FIRST LEGO League's preparation for this year's robotics competition, featured discussions on ocean exploration, innovative technologies, and marine ecosystem issues.

Students from various states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California engaged with Rutgers researchers. They asked over 20 questions on topics such as wave energy and offshore wind power. A third grader from New Jersey queried about the design of exploration vehicles to withstand deep ocean pressure.

Helena Messihi and Aiden Blanos, undergraduates at DMCS, guided the students through a virtual tour of the department’s underwater glider lab. Graduate students Mya Sharpe and Leah Hopson shared their research on plastic pollution, ocean acidification, overfishing, coastal ocean circulation during hurricanes, and glacial retreat effects on phytoplankton in Antarctica.

Hopson highlighted how her research could inform public policy regarding hurricane preparation. "One message we hoped to convey was the benefit of research-driven action in a changing climate," she said. Sharpe connected Antarctic phenomena to local sea-level rise impacts.

Mike Crowley introduced students to autonomous underwater robots known as gliders used for real-time ocean monitoring at Rutgers' Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL). Participants toured Rutgers’ COOL room where glider missions are tracked.

Janice McDonnell emphasized the shared values between DMCS and FIRST LEGO League: collaboration and using STEM for global betterment. Crowley added that these experiences hone technical skills alongside inquisitive mindsets essential for future sustainability efforts.

The theme of this year’s competition is FIRSTDIVE focusing on ocean ecosystems—aligning closely with Rutgers scientists' work.