High Schoolers Discover Sea of Possibilities at Marine Biology Summer Camp

BRISTOL R.I. – On a Tuesday in July, high school students gathered at Fogland Beach in Tiverton for an unforgettable day of exploration. Armed with large nets, buckets, and curiosity, they worked alongside Roger Williams University faculty and students, engaging in fieldwork to better understand marine biodiversity.

The excursion was part of RWU’s weeklong Marine Biology Summer Camp, which provides high school students from across the country with an introduction to the field. Designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, the camp allows students to participate in hands-on field excursions and laboratory experiments while learning about coastal ecosystems, food webs, plants and animals in the coastal zone, and much more.

"The Marine Biology Camp provides an authentic, first-hand glimpse into college life for students passionate about pursuing Marine Biology," said Brian Wysor, Professor of Biology and Interim Dean of the Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences, who co-leads the camp. "The program combines lab and field experiences that mirror the hands-on learning required of Marine Biology majors at RWU."

Throughout the week, students participate in a range of activities, both in the lab and out in the field. They learn how to use scientific equipment, conduct water quality tests, and observe the behavioral patterns of marine species. For many of the campers, these experiences are their first steps into real-world scientific research.

At Fogland Beach, two groups of students waded into waist-deep water, stretching out a large net between them. As they walked toward shore, the net drew tighter, capturing a diverse array of fish, plants, and other marine life. Once on land, the students spread the net on the sand, sifted through their findings, and placed the specimens – including a pufferfish – into buckets of water. The groups compared the samples they collected, discussing which species are more abundant and which are less common in the area. This exercise highlighted the importance of monitoring marine biodiversity and understanding the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Also at the beach, students snorkeled in the shallow waters. Armed with masks and fins, they swam along the seafloor, observing the local marine life in its natural habitat. The chance to get up close with various species of fish, crabs, and sea plants brought the underwater world to life, providing a deeper connection to the ecosystems they had studied on land.

“For RWU students and faculty involved in the camp, it is a powerful reminder of our own fascination with the ocean’s wonders,” Wysor said. “The chance to explore and study the diverse environments and organisms of the Ocean State alongside fellow enthusiasts remains a highlight of my summer every year.”