Delaware Valley students explore marine science in Bermuda

Through the ASU BIOS Educational Expeditions program, biology and marine chemistry students gained hands-on field experience in Bermuda’s marine environments, applying classroom concepts through field research, laboratory investigations and environmental monitoring.

Earlier this month, we welcomed Delaware Valley University as part of our Educational Expeditions program. Designed to provide immersive field-based learning experiences in Bermuda, Educational Expeditions connect students with researchers, educators and diverse marine environments through hands-on scientific investigation.

The visit brought together students from two Delaware Valley University courses with distinct areas of study through a shared interest in marine science. Led by Melissa Langston, professor of chemistry, and Emily Basile, professor of biology, the program encouraged students to learn together through collaborative learning experiences while also pursuing discipline-specific activities throughout their time in Bermuda.

Joined by ASU BIOS Science Education Officer Claire Fox at Mary Prince Emancipation Park, the biology group conducted rocky tidal quadrat sampling and investigated the organisms living within Bermuda’s intertidal environments. Fox said, “I love getting to take students here. Devonshire Bay was like my backyard growing up. It was great to have students conducting their own surveys on the beach I know so well.” 

Meanwhile, Langston’s cohort visited Tudor Hill Marine-Atmospheric Observatory to learn more about the atmospheric sampling and monitoring being conducted by Andrew Peters, associate research professor at ASU BIOS. 

Peters said, “It’s really good to have the opportunity to show students an operational research facility and what we are doing out there. There is a huge value to the Tudor Hill facility. What we do there is mainly chemistry and physics of the atmosphere but regardless of what students study, it relates to all fields of science. While we are there, I reinforce how important the connection is to the atmosphere and the ocean.” 

For the marine chemistry students, the week focused heavily on laboratory and field techniques. Students worked through titration laboratories and practiced their own sampling techniques at Whalebone Bay, connecting the chemistry they learn in the classroom with the chemical processes and measurements found in Bermuda’s marine environment.  

Both courses traveled to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, where students conducted microplastic sampling and explored the impacts of plastic pollution on marine environments, seeing first-hand how scientific research can contribute to conservation and environmental stewardship. One marine chemistry student said, “The microplastic sampling at the two sample sites stood out to me because there was such a difference between the two. Both sites being on the same island but on opposing sides of each other made a huge difference that I was not expecting. This experience makes me want to do more fieldwork. Initially I just wanted to work with freshwater, but it opened my eyes to the marine side of things.” 

Langston and Basile’s recent collaboration allowed more Delaware Valley University students to participate in field-based learning and created an experience that brought multiple scientific disciplines together. While the two groups followed different academic paths throughout the week, their shared experiences demonstrated the interconnected nature of marine science. 

One student noted, “The campus was beautiful. The staff members were incredible. The island had some of the nicest beaches I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I really enjoyed listening and learning about the different research projects happening at ASU BIOS. I was extremely influenced and have a new goal to work here. Incredible experience that I plan to repeat!” 

Through Educational Expeditions, we welcome international universities, community colleges, and high/middle school groups from around the world to engage directly with Bermuda’s natural environment and the institute’s globally recognized research community. Programs are customized to meet educational goals while inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists and environmental leaders. 

Interested in bringing your students to Bermuda? Learn more about ASU BIOS Educational Expeditions.