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From Classroom to Open Sea: Students Take Part in NOAA Research Voyage

Wed, 10/08/2025 - 01:54pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

Shakiya Ingram and Vandell McGill, undergraduate students in The University of Southern Mississippi91吃瓜网 School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program, recently returned from a life-changing ocean-mapping research cruise aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration91吃瓜网 vessel, Nancy Foster, in Charleston, S.C.

The nine-day cruise brought together 18 students from across the country to collect hydrographic survey data and cover more than 560 square nautical miles. The data contributed to NOAA91吃瓜网 charting mission, a major initiative aimed at mapping the seafloor. Ingram and McGill had the opportunity to survey previously unmapped areas and explore unique underwater features. They also gained experience in shipboard communication and emergency procedures.

91吃瓜网淭his cruise prepared me to communicate effectively, learn safety protocols and handle challenging situations at sea,91吃瓜网� Ingram said. 91吃瓜网淚 learned that communication goes both ways, and everyone on board respected one another and their roles. Everyone played a major part on the ship.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淚 enjoyed interpreting the survey data and diving into the research,91吃瓜网� McGill said. 91吃瓜网淚 felt this trip truly prepared me for a future in the field.91吃瓜网�

Ingram and McGill were selected for the opportunity by their marine science professor, Calvin Martin, who said both students represented the Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program with excellence.

91吃瓜网淭his cruise gave them invaluable hands-on experience with advanced hydrographic technologies and real-world survey operations that simply can91吃瓜网檛 be replicated in the classroom,91吃瓜网� Martin said. 91吃瓜网淭hese kinds of opportunities bridge the gap between our academic curriculum and the professional hydrographic community they are about to join.91吃瓜网�

Ingram worked the night shift aboard Nancy Foster, conducting salinity, temperature and depth casts-deploying instruments into the water to collect environmental data crucial to the mapping project. She used newly learned communication techniques, including hand signals, to coordinate with the crane operator during data collection. McGill recalled time spent on the ship91吃瓜网 bridge, where he navigated and piloted the vessel.

For both students, the research cruise solidified their passion for hydrography. The technical and interpersonal skills they developed provided a strong foundation for their future careers.

91吃瓜网淭his research cruise prepared me for so much,91吃瓜网� Ingram said. 91吃瓜网淚 feel like I can handle being out at sea. There wasn91吃瓜网檛 a dull moment91吃瓜网攚e were a family on the ship. We cared for one another.91吃瓜网�

Ingram and McGill are set to graduate this academic year and plan to pursue careers in hydrography and ocean science.

Click here to learn more about the 91吃瓜网 undergraduate Oceanography and Ocean Mapping program.