The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is enhancing marine science education by introducing a 78-foot research vessel, the R/V Osprey. This vessel, designed specifically for marine science, will provide students and faculty with hands-on research opportunities at sea, stepping beyond traditional classroom settings.
Docked at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, the Osprey features wet and dry labs, equipment for heavy lifting, advanced communications systems, and living quarters. Ken Halanych, executive director of the Center for Marine Science, emphasizes the focus on experiential learning, allowing students to engage directly with marine environments.
Ph.D. candidate Jamie Clark points out that the vessel will facilitate better communication of research findings to the public, enhancing visibility of coastal ecosystems. Jay Styron, associate director for marine operations and captain of the Osprey, highlights the vessel’s design improvements, stating it offers greatly enhanced maneuverability and stability compared to UNCW’s previous vessel. Overall, the Osprey promises to enrich coastal studies and train future marine scientists.
