Program terms: Maymester
Restrictions: Vanderbilt/External applicants accepted
Type of Program: Faculty-led
Costs: Budget Sheets
Academic Calendar: Summer
Key Dates:

Term	Application Deadline	Program Dates

Information and Costs

This course is offered by the Vanderbilt School of Engineering.

This course offers a unique and immersive experience for students interested in marine conservation and environmental science. Set against the backdrop of Andros Island in the Bahamas, known for having the world's largest concentration of blue holes, the course provides a rare opportunity to study microplastics in both fresh and saltwater environments. Over the course of a week, students will engage in hands-on fieldwork, collecting samples from the ocean surface, various blue holes, and beach areas. This direct engagement with diverse aquatic environments not only enhances their understanding of marine ecosystems but also highlights the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution. The fieldwork is designed to be comprehensive, encompassing different water bodies to understand the distribution and impact of microplastics across varying aquatic environments.

Upon returning to Vanderbilt University, the course shifts its focus to the analytical phase, utilizing the state-of- the-art facilities at the Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering. Students will have the opportunity to characterize their collected samples using advanced analytical instruments, gaining practical experience in scientific methods and data analysis. This part of the course emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary skills, blending fieldwork with laboratory techniques. Students will learn how to interpret their findings in the context of broader environmental and ecological implications, contributing to their overall understanding of global environmental challenges. This course not only equips students with valuable practical skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance of natural ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.

Information about the program can be found on the ES 3890 Program Sheet.
For any questions, please reach out to Professor Kostoulas at yiorgos.kostoulas@vanderbilt.edu.

Application

Use the Apply Now button above to open an application (use the Log In link in the upper right corner of the page to return to your application if you've already opened one). If there is no Apply Now button visible, applications for this program have not yet been opened for the upcoming Maymester term. Maymesters are generally announced, and applications generally open, in November of the preceding fall.
 

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: N/A
Minimum GPA: N/A
Language of Instruction: English
Language prerequisite: N/A
Additional prerequisites: N/A
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Courtesy of Ben Woods