Stennis Space Center Community Transforms Campus Space into Courtyard
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 09:17am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Students, faculty and staff at 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) Division of Marine Science located within the Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Hancock County came together this year to transform an unused and forgotten section of the campus into a vibrant courtyard for members of the Marine Science community.
The project came together after Kristina Mojica, assistant professor in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE), facilitated several student town halls to learn more about students91吃瓜网� needs on campus. Through these discussions, the topic of utilization of student fees was discussed, leading to a student consensus for the creation of a gathering space.
91吃瓜网淲e sent out a vision board so that students could contribute their vision for this space,91吃瓜网� said Mojica.
The campus provides limited options for constructing additions or making modifications to buildings and space is limited, so the challenge was figuring out how utilize existing space. Nestled in the middle of one of the buildings was an outdoor area with trees and other vegetation. The idea of renovating the area and creating an atrium as a student gathering place moved forward.
From the vision board, Mojica in collaboration with other faculty and staff ordered supplies and equipment. Landscapers were brought in to professionally remove bushes and cut back trees. The area was then pressure washed and ready for USM community to take over the project.
USM faculty, staff and students built new garden beds, assembled courtyard furniture, and helped move 10,000 pounds of landscape rock. Through this group effort, the atrium was completed in six months.
Luis Altamirano Perez, a Ph.D. student in the Marine Science (Hydrography) program, was involved in a few roles to help complete the atrium and is excited to tell others about its availability.
91吃瓜网淐reating spaces where students can hang out is very valuable and very important,91吃瓜网� Perez said.
91吃瓜网淢any students also used the space to pray during the day.91吃瓜网� Perez also said.
Ardian Rizal, a second year Marine Science graduate student, also helped with logistics of the atrium. He91吃瓜网 grateful to have a place to relax in as well as spend time with other classmates, faculty and staff throughout the day.
91吃瓜网淲hen I go to Stennis, I use the space to have lunch,91吃瓜网� said Rizal.
The atrium had its grand opening Dec. 8, with many attendees on hand to admire its completion and participate in the first planting of the community garden. Which included many edible winter hardy plants and herbs, as well as black and gold decorative flowers.
91吃瓜网淚t really is a community project,91吃瓜网� Mojica said. 91吃瓜网淚t took an unused and forgotten space and turned it into something really beautiful, while bringing together our community.91吃瓜网�