Coastal Critters the Focus of Spring Break Study

If your idea of a perfect Spring Break at the beach includes sun, sand, boat-tailed grackle and Yabby shrimp, you’re probably one of 14 students and three faculty members taking part in VHCC’s 2014 Coastal Ecology Course.

Jessica Cox described the experience nicely.

“I came on this trip expecting to learn about the marine environment, however it has become much more than that,” she said. “It has opened my eyes to how many different opportunities you have in life and the many different paths you can take. Seeing the dolphins following us on the boat and playing was amazing. Also catching frogs to identify them was out of this world. This has truly been the opportunity and trip of a lifetime.”

While others are taking a well-deserved break from class, this group of ambitious science enthusiasts is spending the week at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory for a week filled with hands-on exploration. They’re combing the beaches and woods, searching for sea creatures, coastal bird species, and plants that can’t be observed in the woods and mountains close to home.

“Just within the past few days I have learned and experienced more on this trip about different factors that shape an environment than I have ever learned in any classroom,” said student Austin Compton. “I will take what I learn on this trip everywhere I go. I am so glad I had the opportunity to be with critters over spring break!”

Coastal Ecology is offered at VHCC every other year and has been led for many years by Assistant Professor of Biology Kevin Hamed and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Sandy Davis. Dr. Hara Charlier, vice president of Instruction and Student Services, is also participating this year.

If you’d like to learn more, check out this cool video including more quotes and photos from participating student.