Setting Sail for STEM: Empowering Future Oceanographers
In the heart of Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest open-water estuary, an initiative is unfolding that aims to bridge the persistent gender gap in STEM careers. For 34 years, the Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls (OCG), hosted by the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, has helped to guide young women in Pinellas County towards too often uncharted waters of scientific exploration. This year, the ANGARI Foundation, in its eighth consecutive year of support for this pivotal research cruise, once again collaborated with USF to take a group of female Pinellas County 9th graders aboard their research vessel, R/V ANGARI.
This immersive, three-week ocean science exploration program for young women entering high school reached a milestone in June, as the R/V ANGARI embarked on a journey to three distinct sites within Tampa Bay. Under the direct guidance of Chief Scientist Dr. Teresa Greely, USF research scientists, and seasoned science mentors, campers delved into the practicalities of oceanographic field methods. They gathered critical environmental data from both the atmosphere and the water, wielding an array of sophisticated scientific tools – an invaluable, tangible experience designed to demystify the often-abstract world of research.
The underrepresentation of women in STEM remains a significant challenge. As recently as 2023, women constituted only 24% of the STEM workforce in the United States, a statistic highlighted by research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The OCG, with its decades-long legacy, directly addresses this disparity. Its mission is not just to inspire but to motivate young women to consider the career opportunities within the sciences, particularly within disciplines where women and minorities have historically been most underrepresented: chemistry, geology, physics, engineering, and mathematics.
OCG’s strength lies in its commitment to providing hands-on, real-world experiences, both in laboratory settings and in dynamic field environments. Professors, research scientists, and graduate students from USF serve as scientific mentors, imparting not just knowledge but also the ethos of scientific inquiry. Alumnae campers return to serve as peer mentors, enhancing their own communication and leadership skills while guiding the new cohort.
The ANGARI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation established in 2016 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, embodies a similar dedication. Its president and captain, Angela Rosenberg, explains that the foundation’s core mission is “to support marine scientists in the field, educate students in the classroom, and engage members of the community in open dialogue to advance ocean science and education and promote sustainability for the benefit of our planet and our society.” This philosophy resonates deeply with their involvement in programs like OCG.
The partnership between ANGARI and OCG itself is a testament to shared vision. “ANGARI Foundation was established in 2016 to support marine science research and education, and OCG’s mission has always been well-aligned with our own,” Rosenberg says.
The collaboration formally began in 2017 when OCG sought a vessel capable of hosting minors, a unique capability of the ANGARI. “ANGARI Foundation gladly offered to provide the research vessel for the camp and has been doing so every year since,” she noted, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic.
The direct, at-sea experience aboard the ANGARI is more than just a field trip; it’s a laboratory for budding scientists. Rosenberg emphasized the profound impact: “We strongly believe in providing hands-on marine science experiences to youth where they get to learn and use STEM skills firsthand.” Beyond academics, the onboard environment helps develop essential life skills. “Participants build confidence, communication, and teamwork skills while working onboard, which they can use in life and whatever career path they may decide to pursue,” she added, highlighting the holistic impact that such immersive opportunities can offer.
Looking ahead, the commitment shows no signs of waning. With OCG celebrating over three decades and ANGARI nearing its 10th year of operation, Rosenberg affirmed, “ANGARI plans to continue to support the OCG field days into the foreseeable future.” While the established depth of OCG is cherished, conversations have even explored the possibility of running a similar program on the east coast, where ANGARI is based, “one day, if funding allows.” The importance of staying abreast of evolving oceanographic methods, emerging careers, and the needs of incoming generations of campers is always “top of mind,” says Rosenberg.
Beyond the critical vessel support for OCG, ANGARI Foundation fosters dialogue between scientists and the public through a diverse array of programs. Rosenberg detailed initiatives like their “Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks” program with Florida International University, where middle and high school students work alongside scientists in Palm Beach County to study sharks.
“The students participate in all aspects of the research, like fishing for, tagging, and measuring caught sharks,” she noted. Similarly, the “Lagoon Drift” citizen science study engages local communities in examining marine debris and pollutants. The very presence of ANGARI’s “majority female crew, including myself as captain,” said Rosenberg, “also sets a great example for younger women who come onboard.”
Recognizing that firsthand involvement isn’t always possible, ANGARI leverages technology and media to extend its reach to students. “We publish webpages detailing our research expeditions and interview some of the scientists we work with onboard,” Rosenberg explained. Their “Ocean Expert Exchange” webinar series further connects marine scientists globally with the public, offering an invaluable “inside look into various marine research and career paths,” often featuring women already thriving in ocean science. This innovative approach to sharing science enhances the OCG campers’ experience by documenting their journey, providing them with lasting memories, and effectively promoting the program’s success to a wider audience, inspiring future oceanographers.
For more information on the partnership between USF and the ANGARI Foundation, visit angari.org/expedition-46
