Marine Science - Hawai'i
Application for Summer 2025 coming soon!
Please apply as soon as possible to receive consideration for a spot in your desired program. For inquiries, please email UCSD Pre-College Programs (precollege@ucsd.edu).
The following program is designed to empower high school students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. The goal of this program is to develop problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that will support future career goals and aspirations.
The Research Scholars Marine Science - Hawaii Program offers a transformative educational experience on the island of Oahu, where students engage deeply with place-based knowledge and environmental education. This immersive program seeks to bridge traditional Hawaiian knowledge systems with contemporary scientific practices, fostering a holistic understanding of ecological stewardship and cultural heritage.
Marine Science - Hawai'i
Marine Science - Hawai'i - Application Coming Soon!
Dates: July 30, 2025 - August 8, 2025
Tuition: $3,675 includes course materials, room, all meals, ground transportation and activities. (Does not include airfare)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen & Sonya Timko
Schedule: Coming Soon!
During the first half of the program, students will participate in a series of hands-on activities focused on the restoration and rehabilitation of vital ecosystems, including stewardship activities that promote environmental responsibility. Key experiences in the program will involve working with local organizations to restore traditional Hawaiian fishponds, where students will learn sustainable aquaculture practices rooted in traditional knowledge. This foundational understanding will complement their engagement in contemporary scientific initiatives, such as coral reef restoration and monitoring projects. Through these efforts, students will contribute to local conservation initiatives while gaining valuable insights into marine ecology.
In the second half of the program, students will collaborate with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography for a multidisciplinary research experience. Working in small groups, they will design and conduct field research projects, applying knowledge gained earlier in the program. This phase emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving as participants gather and analyze data using various scientific methods. At the program's conclusion, students will present their findings to peers enhancing their communication skills and fostering discussions on the implications of their work for local ecosystems. Ultimately, the Research Scholars - Hawaii Program combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry, empowering participants to become advocates for environmental sustainability and cultural preservation in their communities.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Cultural Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of traditional Hawaiian ecological practices and their cultural significance, particularly in relation to fishpond restoration.
- Sustainable Practices: Apply sustainable aquaculture techniques and principles in hands-on restoration projects.
- Marine Ecology Knowledge: Gain insights into marine ecosystems through participation in coral reef restoration, monitoring, and fish survey activities.
- Research Skills: Design and conduct a field research experiment, utilizing appropriate scientific methods and tools.
- Critical Thinking: Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze data and interpret research findings.
- Collaboration: Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating collaboration and communication skills with peers and local partners.
- Presentation Skills: Present research findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, fostering dialogue about environmental and cultural issues.
- Environmental Stewardship: Develop a sense of responsibility and advocacy for ecological sustainability and cultural preservation in local and global contexts.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Integrate knowledge from traditional practices and contemporary science to address complex environmental challenges.
- Personal Reflection: Reflect on personal growth and learning throughout the program, considering how experiences in Hawaii will inform future actions and perspectives.
This course is available for 7 pre-college units.
Topics Include
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health - Investigate the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, with a focus on local marine environments.
- Field Research Methods - Develop skills in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis relevant to ecological research.
- Cultural Heritage and Environmental Stewardship - Discuss the intersection of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of preserving both.
- Collaborative Research Practices - Explore best practices for collaboration in multidisciplinary research, including effective communication and teamwork.
Other Program Information
Marine Science - Hawai'i Application
Students can access the application from the "Apply Now" tab.
Marine Science - Hawai'i Acceptance
Students will be notified of acceptance within 10-14 days of submitting their application until the program is full.
Marine Science - Hawai'i Cancellation/Refund Policies
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason 2 weeks prior to the course start date.
Refunds for cancellation or withdrawal after the 2 weeks deadline be issued for serious illness (doctor's certificate is required) or extenuating circumstances only. Tuition is not refunded for students who are dismissed from the program.
HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND
All refund requests must be made in writing to Maysoon Dong, Associate Director for the Education & Community Outreach Department
COVID Policies
- Masking is optional. For latest updates on our policies, please follow this link to COVID policy page.
- If you are experiencing or have had COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days, please stay at home.
- If you believe that you have been in recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay at home.