Mote scientists awarded SBEP grants to promote student involvement in environmental education

Two Mote Marine Laboratory scientists were recently awarded Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Bay Partners grants to promote environmental education, awareness, community involvement and stewardship to improve the overall quality of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries.

Mote scientists received two of the nine total awards given in 2016.

Dr. Emily Hall, Mote staff scientist and adjunct professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, received $1,500 to build upon an existing partnership with Ringling College to create new outreach materials about impacts of climate change and the related issue of ocean acidification on Sarasota Bay. Mote and Ringling College have established a program named "The Art of Marine Science” utilizing the creativity of Ringling students in the translation of Mote research to the public.

Dr. Jordon Beckler, Mote staff scientist, received $1,500 to contribute to Mote’s new Ocean Technology Club – a program that will allow Sarasota- and Manatee-county high school students and teachers to learn and apply science and technology skills through the mentorship of marine researchers at Mote.