Outside many homes on Bermuda, curious-looking bottles hang from porches. These are shark oil barometers, homemade devices that for nearly 300 years have been used by islanders who swear that the oil can predict the severity of approaching storms and hurricanes.

Chloe Emerson initially came to BIOS in the fall of 2014 for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) internship program funded by the National Science Foundation.  As a Wellesley College senior working to complete her major in Biology and minor in Philosophy, Emerson already found developmental biology and stem cell research fascinating. At BIOS, these interests crystalized as she began to study sea urchins in Andrea Bodnar’s Molecular Discovery Laboratory, leading her down a path in regenerative biology that she hardly could have imagined two years ago.

Every summer, an international group of educators spend six days at BIOS experiencing life at a dynamic marine research station and exploring new ways to share science with their own students. The interdisciplinary workshop topics range from cutting-edge underwater robotics, to scientific exploration past and present, to how we can protect rare and threatened species and habitats.  All workshop activities are keyed to and supported by Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core objectives. And yes, there is also coral reef snorkeling, cave swimming, and time to experience the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of neighboring St. George’s.

Like to snorkel? Interested in supporting emerging marine engineers? Volunteers from BIOS and the Bermuda community are needed to assist on Saturday, April 30th as 33 teams of middle school students test their mission-tasked Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) during an island-wide robotics challenge.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic cancelled many in-person education experiences worldwide in 2020, but last fall the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at BIOS proceeded with strict quarantine measures and social distancing procedures in place, in accordance with Bermuda Government guidelines.

In 1989, BIOS was still known as the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and its logo was an angelfish surrounded by a concentric ring of nautical rope. Back then, the Institute’s research vessel was Weatherbird II, acquired that year to support the increased use associated with the open-ocean research and equipment testing for which BIOS became known. And when biologist and educator Dr. Edward F. MacNichol, Jr. made a generous gift in memory of his parents, the MacNichol Fund was established, allowing the Institute to recruit talented young scientists to establish their own independent research programs. The first hire was Fred Lipschultz, then a postdoctoral student and biological oceanographer from Harvard University, who arrived in September 1989.

The latest Scientist Selfie video, promoted by the National Science Foundation (NSF), features BIOS Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) intern Jerry Goss and his studies of plankton with BIOS ecologist Leocadio Blanco-Bercial.

Every time science researchers conduct an experiment at sea or make measurements in a lab, they gather tens of thousands of data points. Collectively, these tell a story of the places, organisms, and communities scientists study and the research questions they are addressing.

When the ongoing pandemic scuttled Maya Leighton’s plans this fall to attend a university overseas, she instead enrolled for a year at Bermuda College. There, a professor noted Leighton’s commitment to marine sciences and suggested a unique opportunity. How about spending Saturdays at BIOS, learning about coral reefs, marine microplastics, plankton, and mangrove restoration on island?

This summer, BIOS will offer courses in Modern Observational Oceanography, Coral Reef Ecology and a new course: Coral Reef Optics. Each course offers a unique opportunity for students to study abroad and conduct fieldwork in Bermuda’s marine ecosystems. Applications are due April 14. For more information, including how to apply, see the course flyer or visit /education/summer-courses