The Island View
Monthly Newsletter
November 2021
Dear SML Community, 

November is here and the snow…well, we have barely had a frost here on the seacoast, never mind a snowflake. While I have been enjoying wearing short-sleeved shirts on my November walks, it is not good. Climate change is upon us, and we can all clearly feel its effects.

I have been following the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP26) and I feel frustrated by the lack of real meaty commitments. Moreover, I feel that the protection of the oceans is not getting enough attention and not enough of the right attention. For good reason, there has been a lot of talk about rising ocean levels and that is a very serious concern that negatively impacts millions of people, especially island nations.

The oceans provide the largest long-term carbon storage – shielding us from rising temperatures and taking it on the chin. One-third of the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere dissolves in the ocean. Billions of tons of carbon are buried at the bottom of our oceans – that is a huge benefit and ecosystem service to us all. And of course, you know this was coming….this carbon storage is under threat from warming waters which reduces carbon storage and any human activities that dredge up the ocean floor – think fishing and channel digging.

The ocean is responsible for life on earth as it regulates our climate, provides 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and 97% of the earth’s water. Understanding and protecting our oceans is critical to our collective future. SML is helping to educate the next generation of ocean protectors and climate advocates, which gives me so much hope.
Thank you all for your support of SML,  
Jennifer Seavey, Ph.D.
Kingsbury Executive Director
Shoals Marine Laboratory
Integrating SML Research Into High School Curriculum
Through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Chapman University gave two science teachers a unique research learning opportunity this summer.

Christian Quinteros (top right) a physics teacher at Portola High School in Irvine, CA, and Peter Ly (top left), a chemistry teacher at Santa Ana Unified School Districts Círculos, CA, joined SML faculty Dr. Douglas Fudge and Noah Bressman to co-teach Investigative Marine Biology Lab.

During their two weeks on Appledore, Quinteros and Ly were elbow deep collecting hagfish, conducting research, and acquiring new teaching methods.

In addition to their summer research responsibilities, Quinteros and Ly will participate in monthly collaboration meetings with Chapman University faculty Dr. Doug Fudge and Dr. Tara Barnhart throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. The goal is to translate their summer research experience into lesson plans they can integrate into their high school courses.

“Christian and Peter’s lessons will feature both how science is actually done in the real world and illustrate the fascinating questions that can be pursued just by paying attention to the world around us. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between theoretical science teaching practice taught in universities and the practical implementation of practice in K-12 classrooms.”

– Dr. Tara Barnhart, Investigative Marine Biology Lab Faculty

To learn more about this Summer Teacher Research Experience Program, click here.
Art Fundraiser Encore!
We are humbled by the support our community has shown for our second SML Art Fundraiser! Nearly three-quarters of the paintings have sold.

Building on the success of this event, we are excited to share that Alastair Dacey, past SML Artist in Residence, has added four new original paintings and extended the event until Saturday, November 20th at 11:59 PM. Be sure to check out these beautiful Isles of Shoals masterpieces!
Please note: Art buyers are making a non-tax-deductible purchase from the artist. 50% of sale proceeds will be generously donated to SML by Alastair. Paintings are unframed and shipping will be calculated at checkout. If you have questions regarding a painting, payment, shipping, or any other topics related to the purchasing process, please contact Alastair.
SML is Hiring a Director of Community Relations!
We are looking for a new member to join our dynamic and passionate team as the Director of Community Relations. This position cultivates and advances meaningful relationships with our donors and community. Applicants should be motivated to develop and implement plans to increase awareness, engagement, and support for the Shoals Marine Laboratory’s (SML) mission and programs. The DCR reports directly to and works closely with the Executive Director (ED) to perform duties. The role is a varied one that combines elements of relationship building, stakeholder management, fundraising, and supervising the communication coordinator. If you know a qualified candidate, please help us spread the word by sharing the posting linked to the button below!
Bring Home SML Swag for the Holidays!
Need a holiday gift for a Shoaler in your life? Visit the new SML Web Store! Hats, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, and more!

Please be aware that items purchased through the storefront ship directly from Blue Dolphin and may take upwards of 3 weeks to arrive. If you are thinking of buying some new SML gear for the holidays, be sure to plan appropriately!
Shoals Marine Laboratory is a joint partnership between
Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire.